Hawaii trip

[ffchadbo]

Looking to go to Hawaii in March.
Thinking about Oahu for 5 days and maybe Kona for 5 days.
Want to take the wife out in some small waves. She paddles but not much into the surfing. She wants to try in some mellow waves.
Also looking for any recommendations hotels, sup shops, anything cool you can think of.
Not looking for 5 star places.
Any other ideas or places that would be better to go.
Thanks in advance

[PonoBill]

Contact Blue Planet in Oahu, Robert Stehlick is a very good guy and he can answer your questions and probably recommend some places to stay. He's on the zone though he doesn't post often. PM him.

[ffchadbo]

Thanks Bill I sent a PM to Robert
Anyone else got any good info?
Anyone thanks
 

[blueplanetsurf]

I got your message, thanks, I'll answer it here so others can find the information as well.

On Oahu, Waikiki is probably your best bet for convenient accommodations (hotels).  A low budget hotel near Queens beach with free board storage is the Royal Grove Hotel.  I have not stayed there but had some customers who said it was a great deal compared to more expensive options.  Here are some reviews on tripadvisor:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g60982-d87097-Reviews-Royal_Grove_Hotel-Honolulu_Oahu_Hawaii.html

You can also check vrbo.com (vacation rentals by owner).  I would stick to the south side, north shore, or west side.  The east side usually has onshore winds and is usually not the best for SUP (although it can get very good if the conditions line up, which only happens a few times a year).

At our shop, Blue Planet we have over 40 demo/ rental boards available.  5 days will cost you $120 which includes paddle, leash, and pads/ straps for car if needed.  We can help you load and strap the boards to your car if you have a rental.  If you don't have transportation, we offer delivery and pickup service in Honolulu for $20 flat rate each way.  High performance carbon paddles are available for an additional $10 per day.  Follow the link to find the spreadsheet of all available boards, you can reserve the boards you want for your trip on our website.  The most stable board we have is an 11'5 x 37" Starboard.

For details visit:
http://blueplanetsurf.com/pages/suprentals

We also offer private SUP lessons, coaching, surf guide service and coached downwinders:
http://blueplanetsurf.com/pages/lessons

You are also welcome to join our weekly training group.  For details:
http://zenwaterman.blogspot.com/2012/10/weekly-time-trials-in-hawaii-kai-video.html

For some reviews of our rentals and lessons check out tripadvisor:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g60982-d3706508-Reviews-Private_SUP_lessons_coaching_with_Blue_Planet-Honolulu_Oahu_Hawaii.html

I hope that helps, let me know if you have any other questions.

Aloha,
Robert

[Rail_Banger]

You can also check vrbo.com (vacation rentals by owner).  I would stick to the south side, north shore, or west side.  The east side usually has onshore winds and is usually not the best for SUP (although it can get very good if the conditions line up, which only happens a few times a year).

Robert, it surprises me to hear you say stay away from the east side. Castles in Kailua has perfect beginner waves more than a few times a year.  March in particular is one of our windy/rainy months on the island and the east side is the windward side so maybe that is what you were referring to. Shoot, March 2012 we had water spouts and biggest hail I have ever seen.

 The east side is beautiful and not to miss even if you don't stay here. Really fun to paddle from Lanikai to the Mokulua Islands about 3/4 mile off shore. Fun wrap to surf on the left island if the waves are cooperating. A beautiful beach awaits you even if the waves do not

Robert at blueplanetsurf is a great guy and good resource too BTW. 

Vrbo and airbnb are the best for non hotel type rentals

[blueplanetsurf]

Railbanger,
you are right, there are great spots on the east side and it can be amazingly good.  If you only have 5 days though and hope to be close to where you can paddle and are just hoping for small/ medium sized waves, your best bet is probably Waikiki.