Baltrum - Where are the less urban areas of Oahu?

Where are the less urban areas of Oahu?

We just came into Waikiki from Maui--- Maui was beautiful! We went from private, ocean front condo to URBAN America! While it's really cool here, I miss that tropical island getaway feel that Maui offered. Where are the areas where we can get away (for the day) from the city and back to the vacation paradise landscape?

Public Comments

ther are places in the north end of the island that are not inhabitated.
Kailua is very nice & has beautiful beaches. I would recommend that area most of all. Ko Olina is also very nice, but a longer drive.
I LOVE Makaha and Waianae. They are out on the west side of Oahu and both are beautiful. Pretty rural for the most part and not many tourists because the main highway doesn't go out that direction. If you go to the end of the road in Makaha, the beach is stunningly beautiful and mostly empty. There are some great places to eat and shop in Waianae that aren't touristy. That's a residential area so the shops and restaurants (for the most part) are the ones the locals use.
If i was you i would go to Turtle Bay (see pics here http://www.to-hawaii.com/blog/2008/05/06/turtle-bay-resort-photos/). It is on the North side of the island and it will for sure remind you for your stay on Maui, coz it is not urban like Waikiki. Also near the Turtle Bay is Kawela Bay (see pics here http://www.to-hawaii.com/oahu/beaches/kawela-bay.php) which is very selcuded as well. You may want to check out also Malaekahana Bay which is also in the area (see pics http://www.to-hawaii.com/oahu/beaches/malaekahana-bay.php). All these locations are not like Waikiki and it is worthy checking them out.
Honolulu is like any other major city, it's dense and crowded, but once you exit the city limits it becomes much more calm. Just head anywhere out of town and you'll find some peace. If you want a 'tropical' feeling, you'll need to head to the windward side of the island as that's where you'll find more visual delight. The leeward side isn't too spectacular, but will have much more sunny days out there.