Aulani excursion help

[nkereina]

We'll be staying a few days in Waikiki, traveling to Maui for a few days, and then coming back to stay at Aulani for a week. Trying to decide where I should fit in Diamond Head and Kualoa Ranch/movie set tours. Anyone do an excursion from Aulani for one of these destinations that can speak to it?

We're doing a Pearl Harbor tour on day one so that will definitely be done while we're in Waikiki. I believe Diamond Head is south of Waikiki so it makes sense to do that while we're there, but the movie set tour picks up at Waikiki hotels only from everything I've read. Trying to eliminate driving for us as much as possible. No qualms about coughing up the money for a tour, as long as its a good experience. Thanks all!

 

[jekjones1558]

The traffic between Aulani and Diamond Head is pretty awful during the week. I would do Diamond Head while you are at Waikiki. If that isn't possible then plan on Diamond Head on a Saturday or Sunday. The walk up Diamond Head can be HOT, so earlier in the day is better. And plan to bring bottles of water or buy some from a vendor at the base.

 

[thedogatemyhomework]

when your trip happens will have a fairly significant impact on traffic/driving.

if your trip happens when the university of hawaii is in session (summer doesn't count) or when the majority of highschools are in session, traffic is really bad during rush hours depending on where you drive from/to rush hour could be 5-7am and 2-6pm on weekdays. if you can avoid those times then even when schools are in session its not too bad. waking up late and staying out till sunset can also be a decent way to avoid the worst of the traffic.

should also look up and pay attention to road closures.

during the summer traffic is generally not too bad, but road closures can still cause some issues. grab a gps unit with voice directions and you can also find some amusement at how it pronounces some street names...some are pretty close...but unless garmin fixed their software any street that starts with "ala " is pronounced "alabama"

 

[Girimama33]

Aulani does offer a Kualoa Ranch Horseback riding excursion which would include transportation. You could always opt to rent a car at the Alamo desk at the resort for the day, and do your own excursion there.

 

[nkereina]

Thanks all!

@Girimama33 do you know off-hand if that excursion from Aulani to Kualoa Ranch includes movie set sightseeing? I'm perplexed on Kualoa Ranch - they offer movie site tours, but I believe the place is a destination itself as well. Am I correct on that? We're interested in the Jurassic Park/World stuff mostly.

 

[Girimama33]

Here is what it states under the excursion on Aulani's website:
Join fellow Aulani Guests for an exclusive, customized visit to one of the most breathtakingly beautiful pieces of land and coastline on O‘ahu. Your adventure begins with a private beach and catamaran experience. You will then cross the ranch’s legendary Hawaiian Fish Pond, said to have been constructed by Menehune, en route to a private beach where you will be treated to an exclusive beach BBQ and a sea-turtle spotting expedition on a private catamaran. Later, you will embark on a horseback ride through the ranch’s northern lush valley where you will see various movie and television locations. While there, you will hear stories about O‘ahu’s ahupua‘a, (traditional Hawaiian land division that extends from the mountain to the shore).

Note: This excursion is also part of our Adventures by Disney Explorer Package Schedule: Thursdays 11 am - 6:30 pm including travel time Ages: Minimum age for horseback riding is 10 years - younger children may go on pony rides as an alternative activity Weight: Maximum weight for horseback riding is 230 lbs Height: Minimum height for horseback riding is 4‘6" Activity Level: High

Inclusions:

• Hosting by an Adventure Guide
• Transportation
• Snacks & water
• Private beach BBQ
• Use of private beach for swimming, relaxing, and beach games
• Use of an Aulani beach towel
• 2-hr guided horseback trail ride
• Gratuities for horseback riding wranglers

 

[mrsmacsparky]

We did the catamaran tour (Aug 2013) and my family really enjoyed it. It was was pretty chill and we saw lots of dolphins. They went swimming with sea turtles, too. The company picked us up at the Aulani and brought us back...that was part of the price. The Pleasant Activities desk is pretty helpful and can answer your questions. Another option is to look through Trip Advisor as they will have reviews and sometimes you can get another booking deal through there. We're going next week and looking through the Kualoa Ranch tours, I see that many are already booked through the end of the month.

 

[Girimama33]

If you want to do Horseback riding or the ATV...you need to book months out. They usually fill up.