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

[Amw1064]

We leave for Aulani in 7 weeks for a 10 day visit. We will be flying in from Florida so I am presuming we are going to have a hard time adjusting to the time change. We have never been to Hawaii before. I had originally planned on pretty much just hanging out at Aulani for most of our visit but everyone is telling me to do this or see that. So for anyone who has gone, what do you suggest? We are traveling with our 12 year old daughter.

I have already bought the tickets for Pearl Harbor but realized after I got them that we still had to go 1 hour in advance? Anyway, while we are over there thought we would do the Aloha swap meet. We are going on a Sunday.

My daughter has surfed a little and would like to try a surf lesson while there. I want something close to Aulani. Any suggestions?

We are doing the character breakfast one morning because we still do that even though we go to Disney at least monthly. My daughter wants to get her hair braided with the flowers in the spa and they told me just to call a few days ahead. Thought I would coordinate that for a luau/starlit night.

My daughter would like to go to a luau? Any suggestions? Again, want something close to Aulani or would the starlit hui (spelling?) be like a luau minus the food? Everytime I read a good review about one, the next review is awful.

Maybe an easy hike to a waterfall. I am not the most in shape person. We are going to stop at the Dole Whip plantation and most likely the Poynesian Culteral Center one day. Any suggestions with that?

Anything else you could recommend? Thanks so much!

 

[keaster]

The Paradise Cove luau is just down the street from Aulani, very easy to get to. For the waterfall you could do the hike to the Wiamea Falls (we had a rental vehicle and went to Wiamea Bay beach for an afternoon, but didn't do the falls so not sure how far/hard a hike that is).

We spent 10 days in Aulani last month (with our almost 11 year DD and another family of 4!) We did a day to the north shore, a day to Pearl Harbor, and the rest of the time was at the resort. Honestly, the kids loved the beach, the pools, the lazy river, and exploring the different lagoons that you can walk to from the resort. We figure we can always to back some day and do some island hopping then. We fell in love with this place!

The time change is hard (we flew from Toronto, so same time zone as you), but by the 2nd day we were on track.

 

[Linda67]

Just got back from Aulani last week and visited the waterfall at Wiamea. It's a very easy hike, it's only around a mile round trip
People were swimming below the falls, you have to wear a life vest and there is a little stand that provides them, not sure of the cost as I didn't swim
The Starlit Hui is worth doing as 1. It's free and 2. you are right there!
It certainly does not replace a proper Luau though
I spotted a couple of little girls that had visited the teen spa for a hairstyle and flowers and they looked beautiful. The staff really do a great job!
Don't worry about having to be a Pearl Harbor an hour in advance, there are 2 exceptionally interesting museums that you can visit before your scheduled boat time - don't forget, you can't take any bags with you at all

 

[Amw1064]

Thankyou Keaster and Linda67. I am looking at either Paradise Cove or Germaines for a luau. Any suggestions? We will have a car.

 

[deedisneydream97]

Here is a link to state parks, hikes and other things.....click on the different tabs for the islands. We did Kaena Point...which is futher up the coast from the resort, but it is not an easy hike to get to the point....but even the area where the parking lot is mesmerizing with the waves and the rocks.

http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/oahu/

We did Germaines Luau our first trip and none the second (you have to do it once, but once was enough). If I had to do another one, I would probably opt for Paradise Cove because you can walk to it. One of the Marriots used to have one, but I have read conflicting reports about whether it is still open....also heard Marriot is closed because it was bought by another resort....not sure about that. We did like Germaines, but I'm sure Paradise Cove is just as good.

We did enjoy the Starlight at the resort. A good show...you are correct, no food or drink but you can bring your own. Maybe you will get lucky and have a balcony that overlooks the area.

It was just the two of us, but we still loved being at the resort. We planned to alternate...one day at the resort, one day exploring. We also enjoyed getting steaks and burgers at Target and using the gas grills at the resort.

There is a lot to see and do, but you really don't want to wear yourself out running around. We did the Diamond Head Hike....I have to say it was a nice view, but the walk up all those stairs was really rough on a hot day. We had lunch at Nico's Pier at the docks in Honolulu afterwards, but that hike really wore me out.

If you plan on going to the Dole Plantation, you should also plan on visiting the North Shore and the shrimp trucks....you will pass Dole on the way up and back.

Have fun....you will love the resort.

 

[silvaohana808]

Aloha! I am a cast member at Aulani and look forward to seeing you in 7 weeks! Great suggestions by all of you! Germaine's Luau and Paradise Cove Luau are pretty similar. If you want something near Aulani then definitely go with Paradise Cove! As far as touring the island...I've met so many 'ohana that have plans to tour the island before they arrive at the resort and end up cancelling all of them because they just don't want to leave the resort! LOL! You can definitely wait until you arrive to really see how you feel and if you decide you do want to do some tours, we do have our Holoholo tour desk in our Maka'ala Lobby and they would be happy to assist you in booking tours, surfing lessons, and much much more! Again, definitely looking forward to seeing you in 7 weeks! Mahalo for your time!

 

[SingingMom]

The only problem with excursions is the lack of transportation. Only a few include it. if you have a car, you will be fine to probably wait and book things directly with the Aulani tour desk. They are extremely helpful. Pearl Harbor an hour early isn't bad at all. The museum displays are very interesting and even just walking around the outdoor memorials and reading the plaques could take an hour. I really enjoyed that morning.


The swap meet is a big flea market. I personally wouldn't waste gorgeous Hawaii beach time in a parking lot looking at stuff. Lol.

DD21 & DH did the surfing lesson with "Girls Who Surf" booked at the Aulani desk. I went along to watch. It was wonderful. Much nicer "beach" with waves as opposed to Aulani's man made cove. They really enjoyed the experience!

 

[southerngirl528]

Aloha AMW1064!

We also live in FL so I know what you're talking about for the long flight! We go to Hawaii every other year and absolutely adore Hawaii.

We've stayed at Aulani twice, most recently just a few weeks ago. I think you are right to plan just a few outings and really enjoy Aulani most of the time. Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial are something I believe everyone should do at least once. To say it is moving is an understatement. It is true that you can take NO bags with you. No purse. You are allowed your phone only if it is on silent and to be used only as a camera. There is a little booth that you can check your purse for a small fee, which I did.

Do not miss the Starlit Hue at Aulani. It's awesome and only done twice per week. Go early to grab a great spot on the lawn! As for luau, I recommend you do Paradise Cove as it is right next door to Aulani. Super convenient.

For your daughter's hair appointment, to avoid disappointment I would definitely book it well ahead if possible. I certainly book my spa appointments there in advance. The spa is crazy wonderful! Pricey but truly one of the best I have ever been in and I'm a spa junkie!

Fabulous live Hawaiian music every evening at the 2 lounges, Off the Hook and Olelo Room. Many of the performers are Na Hoku award winners. Truly superb.

Be sure to enjoy some shave ice right at the resort. Yummy. Do the Menehune Scavenger hunt. Oh, and a fun fact few know about, but be sure to look across from Kalepa Store in a quiet area off of the lobby (it's kind of like a glassy, open "room" across and slightly to the right as you are leaving Kalepa Store) for a small piece of furniture that looks like a very small chest of drawers. It will have a keyhole at the top of the drawers. Make sure your daughter (and you too!) get down and take a good look into that keyhole and see who is in there! So fun!!

 

[Amw1064]

Thank you so much everyone for your suggestions. I wish I could for sure find out the Starlit Hui nights so I do not book the luau on the same evening.
Silvaohana808 do you happen to know how far in advance they would know which evenings it is going to be? Sounds like everyone recommends Paradise Cove for the luau and it being so close makes it super convenient.

Southerngirl528, how long does it usually take you to adjust? We fly in on a Wednesday. Should we be on Hawaii time by the weekend? We will look into the keyhole and do the scavenger hunt for sure!!!

On one day, (my only full day I am leaving Aulani) we would like to go to the Dole Whip, North Shore area and see the turtles and possibly Polynesian cultural center. Is this all in the upper east side of the island and possible to do in a day?

 

[Amw1064]

Singingmom, how far away was the surf lesson and did you ride in the shuttle with your family. I think only my daughter would try to surf and we will have a car but not sure I want her riding without us.

 

[SingingMom]

Singingmom, how far away was the surf lesson and did you ride in the shuttle with your family. I think only my daughter would try to surf and we will have a car but not sure I want her riding without us.

Yes - I paid an transportation only fee. The surf company picks you up in a van and drives you to a beach about 20 minutes away. They were terrific.

 

[wanderlust7]

On one day, (my only full day I am leaving Aulani) we would like to go to the Dole Whip, North Shore area and see the turtles and possibly Polynesian cultural center. Is this all in the upper east side of the island and possible to do in a day?

Yes, this is definitely doable if you don't plan on staying too long at the Dole Plantation (i.e. Dole Whip and train, but not maze as well - that takes a while). Feeding the koi is fun too - there is A LOT of them. The Polynesian Cultural Center doesn't open until noon (do try to get there around then since there is a lot to see). I think the Dole Plantation opens at 9:30, so you would want to leave Aulani 8:30-9ish. The night show "HA" at the PCC is very good, like a cross between a luau show and a Broadway show.

 

[nabi]

Which nights are the Starlit hui running now?

 

[StormalongKay]

My daughter did a surfing lesson when we were at Aulani three years ago, she was 12 at the time so the same age as yours. We used Girls Who Surf and arranged it the day before we went. Like you, we had a rental car so drove directly to the beach where the lesson took place. It was an easy drive, about 15 minutes from the resort and if memory serves me correctly there was a campsite or cabins nearby. My husband and I sat and watched her - bring a few water bottles and snacks for when she is done. The company took video of the girls as they learned (and there were a few adults in addition to girls) which we bought at the end - mediocre qualtiy video but a great memory! My daughter still talks about learning to surf in Hawaii!

 

[southerngirl528]

Hi Again, Amw1064,

It really only takes a couple of days to be well on your way to adjusting, though longer to not be waking up super early! LOL I find that drinking lots of water and little to no alcohol on the flights, and making certain to get outside and grab whatever sunlight is left upon arrival is very helpful. Try to make yourself stay up until a reasonable bedtime for Hawaii. It helps if you start to "live" on the your destination's tine zone as quickly as possible. I do reset my watch as soon as our 2nd and last flight takes off. I set it to Hawaii time to help me start shifting my brain.

 

[SevenWonkas]

We are leaving on 5/2 for Hawaii! We are staying at the Marriott Vacation Club (Marriott's Ko Olina Beach Club), but also have two days booked at Aulani. So we get to experience both! This is our third time staying at the Marriott property.

In terms of a luau - Marriott does have their own luau, on Tuesday nights. It is walkable from Aulani. It is the same luau as Chief's Luau at Sea Life Park. We've seen it twice, and really enjoy it! You are able to book tickets, even if you are not staying at the resort. Just call the hotel. I believe you can only book tickets a week or so in advance, but don't worry. On our first time there we got tickets just a few days in advance with no issues.

(There was a JW Marriott next door to Aulani that also had a luau. The JW is now closed and is being converted to a Four Seasons, I believe. The luau at the Vacation Club property stopped for a bit last year, but is back up an running)

 

[silvaohana808]

We USUALLY get the Starlit Hui schedule the beginning of the month for the month...but it really depends. And it is also weather permitting. I believe they cancelled one last week because it was pouring! This week the starlit hui is running Tuesday and Thursday but being that next week is a new month, it may be different!

 

[sandyam76]

I have also been to both Germaines and Paradise Cove...and would recommend the Paradise Cove over Germaines for 2 reasons....1 you can walk from Aulani...2 when you pull up to Germaines you almost forget you are in Hawaii because it is in the industrial section of the city...it was very odd. Once you parked and went into the Luau it was the same...but driving up to it and parking just threw me for a loop. Aulani is amazing and I can not wait to go back....19 more days for me!!! We are also from the East Coast and it took me a few days to adjust to the time...my husband is a night owl so he was totally fine. It was much worse when I came home!

 

[Amw1064]

Thank you so much everyone for the replies. i think we will do Pearl Harbor/swap meet one morning. Wait a few days and then do Dole Plantation/Polynesian Cultural Center another and maybe another day with different beaches and waterfall. We really want to see the beach where the turtles are and/or seals. Is this Turtle Beach or something else? Is the waterfall/hike mentioned above near Nothshore or closer to Aulani.

Our remaining days will be spent near Aulani. We will try Paradise Cove luau and an afternoon with the surfing since they are all close. Any days which are less crowded for the luau? Week day versus weekend?

 

[patches4me]

We are leaving on 5/2 for Hawaii! We are staying at the Marriott Vacation Club (Marriott's Ko Olina Beach Club), but also have two days booked at Aulani. So we get to experience both! This is our third time staying at the Marriott property.

In terms of a luau - Marriott does have their own luau, on Tuesday nights. It is walkable from Aulani. It is the same luau as Chief's Luau at Sea Life Park. We've seen it twice, and really enjoy it! You are able to book tickets, even if you are not staying at the resort. Just call the hotel. I believe you can only book tickets a week or so in advance, but don't worry. On our first time there we got tickets just a few days in advance with no issues.

(There was a JW Marriott next door to Aulani that also had a luau. The JW is now closed and is being converted to a Four Seasons, I believe. The luau at the Vacation Club property stopped for a bit last year, but is back up an running)

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!