Aulani - Helicopter? Or Snorkle?

[kidcoos3]

Heading to Aulani in 3 weeks. Some of the family is interested in taking a helicopter ride and some are interested in an all day snorkle activity (not certified yet). Has anyone had any experience with either? Any and all suggestions and input would be great.

Thanks!

 

[hjgaus]

Is it SCUBA that you should be certified for? I thought anyone can snorkel? If the waters are clear & shallow enough it should be fine. My husband & 2 teenage boys love to do this on their own & we are bringing our own snorkeling gear so they don't have to rent. (will be @ Aulani in 1 week) Should be lots of great places to go all over the island.

 

[kidcoos3]

Yes - I meant SCUBA - we have snorkel gear and have done that before - need to learn to proofread before I hit send! What are your plans?

 

[standardgirl]

I would highly recommend SNUBA. I've been a snorkeler for a long time, but never SCUBA, nor am I certified for SCUBA. We did a SNUBA trip while we were in Hawaii last month and it was absolutely amazing! Instead of carrying oxygen tank in a typical SCUBA dive, the oxygen tanks are placed on a floating raft. Then there's a 26ft long tube which connects the oxygen tank to you, so you are underwater and can breath from your month. The device that you bite on for SNUBA in your month to breath is virtually the same as what you use for snorkeling. Having oxygen underwater made a huge difference and SNUBA was just great! SNUBA also works if you have children who otherwise can't SCUBA. However, we did this while we went to Maui though, so I can't recommend one from Aulani. But I'm very sure you can find one in Oahu.

 

[hjgaus]

Yes - I meant SCUBA - we have snorkel gear and have done that before - need to learn to proofread before I hit send! What are your plans?

My sons are interested in paddle boarding so they will probably do that. Besides the snorkeling that's the only physical activities plan. My husband just really wants to kick it on the beach most of the time for this trip. (stressed out from work) Although we are planning to check out Pearl Harbor and the beaches at the North Shores. We've already done the big luau dinner in Maui a few years ago but I am curious to see THEIR show as well. You should check into SNUBA as the other person suggested - sounds like fun!! I think the next time we come back we might island hop - my boys want to check out the volcano!

 

[kidcoos3]

Have a great trip - we'll be right behind you. We do want to spend quite a bit of time just beaching it too. Although we will also go to Pearl Harbor and check out the island. SNUBA sounds like a good option too.