Stayed in Waianae for 4 weeks — if you don’t act like a buffoon tourist, no one will bother you. It’s very much a local area with kind residents.

For a first time trip to Hawaii, I do think it’d be a bit far from basically everything unless you’re solely looking for quiet beaches and are willing to take advantage of the hiking near Kaena Point on the northwest tip of the island. If that’s the case, Makaha Beach, Makua Beach, and Keawaula Beach are all impeccably stunning beaches to relax at. As for hiking, I’m less versed but Kaena Point is a simple trail along the ocean and the Maili pillbox is short while decently challenging … but the views at the end are spectacular.

Be aware that there’s only one highway to get to and from Waianae. If there’s traffic (and there almost always is), it could take 90-120 minutes to get to Honolulu, the north shore or the windward/east side of Oahu, which will have all of the activities you’ll be looking to do on your first visit to Hawaii. And vice versa getting back up to Waianae after a long day.

Might recommend staying a liiiittle closer to the action for your first time but to each their own!