Aulani help (we are back and need help with island hopping) page 5

[SevenWonkas]

Very close! I did a Google map from Aulani to the Marriott to give an exact time. The driving distance is less than a mile, walking is about 10 minutes if you walk on the street. But there is a lovely path that goes along all the lagoons in Ko Olina, and that is another way to get from one resort to the other. (You can see the grey line, marking the path along the lagoons on the map).

If your family is unable to walk that distance, there is a shuttle that goes around Ko Olina and will take you to various stops. I don't know the hours, but it just drives in a big loop around the Ko Olina area. It's run by Ko Olina, not Marriott/Disney/etc.

I attached a photo. Hopefully it worked!

 

[patches4me]

Very close! I did a Google map from Aulani to the Marriott to give an exact time. The driving distance is less than a mile, walking is about 10 minutes if you walk on the street. But there is a lovely path that goes along all the lagoons in Ko Olina, and that is another way to get from one resort to the other. (You can see the grey line, marking the path along the lagoons on the map).

If your family is unable to walk that distance, there is a shuttle that goes around Ko Olina and will take you to various stops. I don't know the hours, but it just drives in a big loop around the Ko Olina area. It's run by Ko Olina, not Marriott/Disney/etc.

I attached a photo. Hopefully it worked!

Thanks you so much! This is very helpful.

 

[Amw1064]

Does anyone know if the activities before the luau at Paradise Cove would be similar to what is done during the day at the Poynesian Cultural Center? Can't decide if we need to do both.

Also if we leave early and do the Dole plantation, then North Shore, can we fit in the PCC all in one day? Also wanted to do one easy hike to see a waterfall. Suggestions?

 

[JonLouisB]

The easiest hike/walk to see a waterfall is Waimea Valley, up near North Shore. Manoa Falls hike is pretty easy too but it can get very wet/muddy if it rains or has rained recently. Manoa Falls is up in the hills above Honolulu.

Not sure about PCC activities, I've heard it's an all day thing, no alcohol is served and it can be seen as a bit religious since the Center is sponsored by the mormon church. Paradise Cove is fun, if you have a coupon, I wouldn't pay full price since the food is just ok, but the activities are cool.

Btw, I think we will be at Aulani in June around the same time as you, June 16-23, 2015.

 

[Amw1064]

Thankyou JonLouisB, I think our trip will overlap with you. We are June 10-20. I will check into the waterfalls.

 

[sdKT]

the turtle beach is right by Aulani, Paradise cove. same place as luau. (facing ocean, go Right). u can see it on google maps.

hikes i was looking at this one, its easy, thru flower gardens and plumerias. Koko crater botanical park, 2mi loop.
http://www.yelp.com/biz/koko-crater-botanical-garden-honolulu

 

[sandyam76]

How close is the Marriott's Ko Olina Beach Club to Aulani? My SIL may want to book there as we are hopefully in Aulani and we were wondering are they really near each other? Thanks!

Marriott Ko'Olina & Aulani are super close...within walking distance...enjoy!

 

[sandyam76]

Unless there are 2 turtle beaches...the Turtle Beach is in Haleiwa...so it's not very close. Its on the North Shore...you would have to drive there. I know that you can snorkel in the cove and there can be turtles there also.

 

[JonLouisB]

There is a Turtle Bay on the North Shore and the beach adjacent to the Aulani is not called turtle beach, it's just a small hike/walk to the right of resort where turtles have been known to hang out.

 

[BeachClub2014]

Also if we leave early and do the Dole plantation, then North Shore, can we fit in the PCC all in one day? Also wanted to do one easy hike to see a waterfall. Suggestions?

Aloha from Oahu. Yes, you can do the Dole Plantation, North Shore and PCC if that is your goal. There really isn't a whole lot to actually do at the Dole Plantation. When I have visitors here we are usually there about an hour, tops. All depend on what you do while at the Plantation. The town you will go thru at the North Shore is Haleiwa. Cool place, shopping, people watching. Great local restaurant on the edge of town called Jameson's by the Sea. The drive from Haleiwa along the North Shore to Waimea Valley to see a waterfall is a nice drive and won't take long at all.

If you keep driving past Waimea Valley you will reach Turtle Bay Resort. It is open to the public, with free parking, for swimming and has decent snorkeling. Last two times I was there there was actually an Hawaiian Monk seal on the beach sunning itself. Pretty cool. The resort also has a restaurant/bar on the beach that you can eat and get drinks at.

I have never toured the PCC, although all my local friends say it has the best, most authentic luau. Never done it myself, but that's what they tell me.

Have fun!

 

[sdKT]

Unless there are 2 turtle beaches...the Turtle Beach is in Haleiwa...so it's not very close. Its on the North Shore...you would have to drive there. I know that you can snorkel in the cove and there can be turtles there also.

its not its official title. its in paradise cove next to aulani.

 

[Amw1064]

Thankyou Beachclub2014.

Tomorrow we are 1 month out from our trip. I have decided what excursions we want to do, which waterfall, which luau, which surfing company, etc but I didn't know if I should actually book these things or wait until we get there. We are not leaving Aulani our first 3 day but will venture out on day 4. (will be there for 10) I wish I knew the Starlit Hui schedule. My luck is I would book the luau and then that would be the same night.

So our for sure outings are:
Pearl Harbor/Aloha Swap meet
Dole Plantation/Waimea Falls/Northshore with Turtle Beach
surf lessons one afternoon (Girls who surf)
luau one evening (Paradise Cove)

Character breakfast at Aulani & Keike Washine hair braiding at Aulani

Possible things are to see Manoa Falls & Polynesian Cultural Center

Any other suggestions?

 

[JonLouisB]

The East side of the island has a lot to offer as well. Look into Kualoa Ranch, Lanikai Beach, Hanauma Bay, Sea Life Park.

People watching in Waikiki is also fun, there are many street performers at night on the main street, Kalakaua Ave.

 

[BeachClub2014]

Possible things are to see Manoa Falls & Polynesian Cultural Center

Any other suggestions?

Manoa Falls is a nice excursion (I actually live just down the road from it) but can be a little challenging for some people as it isn't really an "improved" trail....it can be a muddy, dirty, and in places, slippery walk. Not trying to discourage you but just be aware that it is a very different hike then the falls at Waimea Valley.

Another suggestion is the shoreline drive along the East side of the island. The drive along Kalanianaole Hwy is beautiful. There are many beach parks along the way you can stop at for photo ops. There are also several scenic turn-outs that are pretty cool. This route, which basically connects the North Shore to the South Shore (Waikiki/Honolulu) will also take you through some of the rural communities.

If your tastes run to museums, the Bishop Museum is a really great one to visit.

I hope you enjoy your visit to Oahu!

 

[PlutoFan10]

FYI Starlit Hui was running Monday and Thursday nights this past week (May 3-9).

 

[Amw1064]

Thanks everyone for the help. Getting so excited. We live in Florida and have beautiful beaches within 10 minutes. We live an hour and a half from Disney, so it is like a weekend home for us. We love the Disney cruises and my most favorite place in the world, Castaway Cay. But Aulani, I am just so excited to see. I would never even think of it before since it is such a long flight and "who needs to go to Hawaii" with everything I have right here. I am so glad I started reading the disboards and finally decided to make the splurge. My husband has wanted to go since it opened. So for everyone who has posted their trip reports or answered many questions we all have, THANKYOU!

I have one more question. Should I start booking things now, or wait until we get there? (luau, kids spa thing, surf lesson) I do have our PH tickets.

 

[PlutoFan10]

I would start booking.

 

[kelly3kids]

We went last year to Aulani and it was the best vacation we have had together. We have three boys and they were 8, 7 and 4 at the time. We didn't want to leave the resort because there is so much to do. We did leave two times. One to hike Wiamea Falls and at that time there were signs saying no swimming. We didn't swim but there were people in the water. We also left to go to North Shore. We stopped and did Dole first because we love Dole. We stop there every time we visit. Some people don't think it is worth it but I guess that is up to the person. We spent 2 1/2 hours there and that was plenty. Then we drove on up to the North Shore. It was a great day. I have been to both Paradise Cove and Germaine's Luau on other trips to the island and we prefer Paradise Cove. This last trip we just did the Starlit Hui and it was perfect. We did go snorkeling on the beach in front of Paradise Cove and there were a lot of turtles there. It was great. We did not do Rainbow Reef because it wasn't worth the money when we found other places free to snorkel. Aulani is amazing and we planning our trip back next year already. Have fun!

 

[Amw1064]

Thanks kelly3kids, sounds like you all love Aulani. I will start booking things now Plutofan10.

 

[Amw1064]

I bought our luau tickets today, booked my daughter's surf lesson and booked her spa experience. This is really happening. 3 1/2 weeks to go.