9 day trip plan questions

[Lorbs717]

Calling the trip planning experts. Going in late June till July. Here's the skinny coming from the east coast (non stop flight - wish us luck). Two kids 11 & 9. We will have a car the whole time (got a great deal $300 for the whole 9 days)

Day 1- get there
Day 2 - resort time
Day 3 Pearl Harbor / resort in afternoon
Day 4 dole plantation / resort
Day 5 zip lining park and north shore
Day 6 Waikiki and Zoo
Day 7 diamond head park / moana waterfall trail
Day 8 resort most likely
Day 9 resort flight home at 3:00

 

[PattiPB]

You're going around my dates and around the same amount of time. Big difference is we are adults only.

Anxious to see what recommendations you get!

 

[MeeskaMooska13]

I'm debating whether or not to rent a car for our 9 night stay. My package comes with transport from the airport (but not back to airport) plus a one-day rental car. If I forgo these package items, renting a car (including the $37/day parking fee- not DVC) will be $750+. It will be about $110/day to rent a car from the resort if we wanted to explore the island beyond the one-day rental we were already getting. Decisions. Clearly, it's cheaper but I'm not sure how I feel about not having the freedom of a car for the week whenever I want it.

 

[happymommy]

I'm going the same time as you, Lorbs717! But we'll be at the Marriott next door (June 17 to July 17, yes a month). We have a rental car booked for the whole time for about $900 (it's the July 4th week that's jacking it up). Since we're owners at the Marriott, we don't pay parking (plus, even if we weren't they don't charge to park if you have a handicapped placard).

I wouldn't want to not have a car ever there. Seems we're always running out to Target, Costco, Walmart, or to pick up carry out food or grab food in Kapolei.

 

[nkereina]

You might consider doing the Dole Plantation the morning of the North Shore. It's literally right on the way. If you get there at opening, you likely won't spend much longer than the morning at Dole. I guess it just depends on what you want to do at the North Shore. We got there around noon after Dole and we walked around, got lunch, had a drink, got Matsumotos, and went to Waimea Valley. We were back at Aulani by 6pm. We stopped at a beach to see sea turtles but we didn't lounge or swim at all.

Also, as far as the Honolulu Zoo, we didn't go to it but one of our tour guides said it was nothing to write home about. Her opinion was that it was not worth a visit. She said the aquarium is time better spent. Just something to look into!

Otherwise, I think you have a good mix of activities and resort time. We had a similar schedule as yours except we did Kualoa Ranch as well. We were happy with doing something every other day.

 

[MeeskaMooska13]

Would love more info on the zip lining park!

 

[Loveallthingsmouse]

Looks like a good time! I would also recommend Dole on the way to the North Shore. We went in July and did the maze...it was miserable, very hot. My DH was determined to find everything so we had to play along, about 1/2 thru he even gave up and this was mid morning. We could spend days on the North Shore looking at all the little shops along the way. I suggest getting an app, it is a circle island tour, very informative while you drive along to tell you what you're seeing. I also suggest Kualoa Ranch, it was beautiful!

 

[Loveallthingsmouse]

Would love more info on the zip lining park!

There is a zip lining park on the North Shore, Climbworks, heard great things about it! Kualoa Ranch also has zip lining along with other tours.

 

[MeeskaMooska13]

There is a zip lining park on the North Shore, Climbworks, heard great things about it! Kualoa Ranch also has zip lining along with other tours.

Thanks!

 

[Lorbs717]

It is climbworks. We showed our daughters last night (11,9) and they are super excited for it. Although my family may be more adventurous then others (we rock climb, bike, hike etc.)

Thanks for the tips so far. We are enjoying this first world problem of planning our trip to Aulani.

 

[alohamom]

LOL-I was going to say you might want to add some time snorkelling at Sharks Cove to your Dole morning. It is about another 20 mins north from that area and it sounds daunting but it is actually a protected area that is very shallow and warm with lots of great fish to see. However with kids your childrens age they actually might want to spend time doing the train ride and maze at Dole so for sure go there first before it gets too hot.

 

[Amw1064]

I was going to suggest doing Dole on your way to the North Shore. We have done that both times as we never spend more than an hour or so there and it is right on the way. We also love having a car. Our first visit was 10 nights and we only left Aulani 3 days. We loved being at the resort. Last summer we stayed 11 nights and we did more of a resort day/explore/resort day/explore. This summer we are going back for 10 night at Aulani and 3 in Maui. Don't forget to walk next door to Paradise Cove lagoon and the see the sea turtles. We have awesome pictures of them swimming all around you and right between your legs. I also suggest if you are looking for souvenirs and want to kill an hour after Pearl Harbor to do the Aloha Swap meet. My daughter loves that. (open Sat/Sun/Wed)

I need to read more about this zip lining.

 

[marx]

Calling the trip planning experts. Going in late June till July. Here's the skinny coming from the east coast (non stop flight - wish us luck). Two kids 11 & 9. We will have a car the whole time (got a great deal $300 for the whole 9 days)

Day 1- get there
Day 2 - resort time
Day 3 Pearl Harbor / resort in afternoon
Day 4 dole plantation / resort
Day 5 zip lining park and north shore
Day 6 Waikiki and Zoo
Day 7 diamond head park / moana waterfall trail
Day 8 resort most likely
Day 9 resort flight home at 3:00

I would actually add more resort time to this if possible. My family (kids aged similar to yours when we visited) did not enjoy the Dole Plantation and thought the zoo was just okay. One place they really enjoyed that isn't on your list is Hanauma Bay - though when we went it wasn't crowded (as it probably will be when you are there) and is far from Aulani.

 

[happymommy]

I would actually add more resort time to this if possible. My family (kids aged similar to yours when we visited) did not enjoy the Dole Plantation and thought the zoo was just okay. One place they really enjoyed that isn't on your list is Hanauma Bay - though when we went it wasn't crowded (as it probably will be when you are there) and is far from Aulani.

I have to agree.

I lived on Oahu, and still never went to the zoo. It isn't really much, coming from someone who lived in St. Louis, which has one of the top, or the top, zoos in the country, and it's free.

I took, rather, dragged my family finally a few years ago to the aquarium. My daughter, the scientist, enjoyed it. Son and Husband, couldn't wait to get out.

Hanauma Bay we used to take out of town guests to, but it gets so crowded now that it is not good for the bay. Honestly, if you get up and out early, go snorkel in the lagoons and you will see all kinds of fish!

Dole to me is touristy, so I don't go anymore. Do NOT buy any crap there; you can get it cheaper at the flea market likely!

On the subject, I DO recommend an early morning at the flea market at the stadium. Go early, bring water (it gets hot). Souvenirs like homemade soaps, bath salts (use as air fresheners, I don't use them in the bath), tee shirts for $3, pareos, beach towels, dried fruits and cuttlefish (yum), nuts, etc.....

If you really want to see Waikiki (and after you get to Ko Olina, trust me you won't go back), I'd suggest a couple nights there at the beginning of your trip. We did that a couple of times (and we've been back about 10 times so far since moving away from Oahu). Just to go to Waikiki for a short trip (anything other than 14 days to me is too short, coming from the East Coast now), and the zoo, don't bother.

Also, don't bother to just go to the Dole Plantation. Stop for an hour on the way to the North Shore. Have a Dole Whip and yeah, you've seen it. It is no big deal and if you don't go, you missed pretty much nothing!

Are you hiking Diamond Head? In all my time living there and trips back from MD, never did it. You need to plan on going before traffic, which is BAD. I'd do that if you stay in Waikiki for a couple days at the start of your trip, many folks do it that way.

 

[Midoria]

The only thing I would add is that the zoo, Diamond Head Park, and Waikiki are all the in same area, so you'll be going all the way out there twice in the span of two days. I'd cut the zoo and just do Waikiki and Diamond Head on the same day. I also 100% agree with the idea of doing Dole and North Shore back to back. As previously stated, it's literally on the way there.

 

[CaliAdventurer]

It looks fun but I think it's light on resort time. Your kids are the perfect age to enjoy Aulani and you'll get to relax. If you're using it more as a hotel, then there are far cheaper options. Be sure to stop by leonards, the kids will love them.

 

[Lorbs717]

Great news. My wife pointed out how dumb I am. We actually have 10 days and 9 nights. We our moving our plans around a bit because Of an extra day we didn't realize. I will post our new tentative plans tomorrow. Also we are Dvc so our parking is free. I don't know how I got such a good rental car rate for a full size but I will take it! Thanks for all the advice everyone we made changes based on your input.

 

[Lorbs717]

Here is our new plans:
Day 1 Tuesday - get there
Day 2 Wednesday - Pearl Harbor and Swap Meet (we figure it will be less crowded on a Wed than a Sat)
Day 3 Thursday Resort
Day 4 Friday dole plantation / north shore
Day 5 Sat Resort
Day 6 Sun Waikiki
Day 7 Mon Climbworks Keanu Farm
Day 8 Tues site seeing
Day 9 Wed Resort
Day 10 Thursday resort flight home at 3:00

 

[MeeskaMooska13]

Here is our new plans:
Day 1 Tuesday - get there
Day 2 Wednesday - Pearl Harbor and Swap Meet (we figure it will be less crowded on a Wed than a Sat)
Day 3 Thursday Resort
Day 4 Friday dole plantation / north shore
Day 5 Sat Resort
Day 6 Sun Waikiki
Day 7 Mon Climbworks Keanu Farm
Day 8 Tues site seeing
Day 9 Wed Resort
Day 10 Thursday resort flight home at 3:00

In researching for my own trip, i've read many times that Saturdays at the resort are very busy (lots of locals come and stay for the weekend). It has been suggested that Saturday is a good day to go to Waikiki/Pearl Harbor (less traffic getting there, as well as getting away from a more crowded resort). Just a thought!

 

[Lorbs717]

In researching for my own trip, i've read many times that Saturdays at the resort are very busy (lots of locals come and stay for the weekend). It has been suggested that Saturday is a good day to go to Waikiki/Pearl Harbor (less traffic getting there, as well as getting away from a more crowded resort). Just a thought!

Done. Taking that advice