Winter Beach rental on Oahu--

We will be staying post-cruise on Oahu during the 2nd week of December.

What area, generally or exactly, have calmer water that will be safe to swim?

I understand not the North Shore, and the west side is wilder on beaches?

Any insight would be really appreciated.

Thanks :)

Just in case you don't get an answer here, suggest asking on the Oahu Tripadvisor forum.

We stayed in Kailua in Nov., 2011 and loved the area. Beautiful beach, 20 minutes from Honolulu, easy drive to the north shore. Planning to stay there again this year in Oct. There are no hotels, so you have to search to find rentals.

I second Kailua for this time of year. VRBO has rental listings. Cherie

I second Kailua for this time of year. VRBO has rental listings. Cherie

Yes. That's where we found the place in 2011. Staying at the same place this year.

A couple of other recommendations are Kahala and the Gold Coast of Waikiki. I like the Gold Coast because it is close to everything but not right in the middle. Kahala is beautiful but the VRBO rentals are very expensive. On North Shore, which is our personal favorite, you are right that December is usually bigger surf, but there are days when the surf competitions are cancelled because there is little to no surf. An option on North Shore is the Turtle Bay Resort. In addition to the hotel it offers many condo options and has a protected lagoon for swimming. Cherie

Thank you all for your responses!

So glad to have a few options to look at now :)