Oahu is the most visited island in Hawaii and home to the famous Waikiki beach. Most tourists tend to visit this island before the other islands of Hawaii, however every island has its own "personality" and I wouldn't count the others out! If you are looking for a fun filled and busy vacation of shopping, dining, site seeing, etc. this is the island to hit. Of course there are also gorgeous beaches and resort pools for lounging but if you want to avoid the crowds, sip Mai Tai's all day, or do something a little more adventurous take a look at the Big Island, Maui, or Kauai.
My last visit to Oahu was in the first week of May. It had to have been the best month to visit, kids are still in school, no holidays near.. it definitely wasn't
as crowded as it could have been. I laid out on the beach, visited Hanauma Bay to snorkel, hiked Diamond Head, saw a luau, and roamed the shops.
What is great about staying in Waikiki is that there is no need to rent a car. You can take a shuttle from and to the airport and your hotel (which is very reasonable) and walk to almost everything else! I stayed at the 3 star Sheraton Princess Kaiulani, located right in the center of everything and across the street from the beach (and still one of the most cost effective, value properties on the island). I visited the International Market Place on my first day there, where they sell jewelery, leis, shot glasses, magnets.. anything that a tourist might collect. Hint: once you've visited one booth or shop in this market place, you've seen them all. Another great note: the people that run the booths will negotiate with you on pricing.
One must see is the common snorkeling tour of Hanauma Bay. Your hotel can arrange pick up and the drive is maybe twenty minutes. Once you arrive you'll watch a short video on snorkeling safety and environment protection (don't step on the coral!). Then take a short walk down to the water and hop in! There are different zones for level of difficulty which are easy to navigate and plenty of life guards on site. You can also bring your own snacks or purchase food there. There is really no limit to how long you can hang out, your shuttle driver will give you a couple of options when they will be back for pick up.
While your in Hawaii you must see a luau! A traditional Hawaiian meal and show, dancing, Mai Tai's, fire throwers, pork, rice, coconut and plenty of other tourists to mingle with from around the world. I recommend Jermaine's Luau. You'll be picked up by a large shuttle bus near your hotel, you'll have a "tour guide" along the bus ride telling jokes, singing songs, and giving you history of their luau. Once you arrive, you'll be greeted by a shell lei and they take your picture. Then see two men take a pig out of the underground oven, grab a cocktail with your drink coupons, chow down on the all-you-can-eat buffet, and watch the performers. It is a truly memberable night.
Other great dining options: Duke's - one of the most famous Waikiki restaurants and right on the sand at the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Hotel. LuLu's - overlooking the ocean and the strip, they have the best spam and eggs and macadamia nut pancakes! Live music too on most evenings.
