Aulani - Oahu--things we want to do

[DizDragonfly]

Dole Plantation is the one thing I would definitely recommend skipping. It is the definition of tourist trap.

I'd recommed taking a drive to the North Shore instead.

I agree it's a tourist trap. However, it's a nice place to stop for a Dole Whip on your way to the North Shore shrimp trucks!

only issue could be Pearl Harbour. First I want to say that I totally agree that it is a must do. Problem is you can't just go up to it in the morning and tour it as you want. Very limited number of tickets sold at entrance for the day so almost have to go through a tour company.

That wasn't our experience at all. We went in October of 2010. We went (on our own) in the morning, but not right at opening. We had a wait of about half an hour and then we were able to board the shuttle boat. Also, the new building was under construction and they weren't showing the movie while we were there. I don't know if the new building is finished yet.

Have you considered the Polynesian Culture Center?

We enjoyed the PCC. We did a VIP tour and it was well worth the money. The luau was ok, but I think I'd try a different one next time.

Make sure you stop at the shrimp trucks on the North side of the island.

I agree. This was a highlight of our trip. The shrimp was amazing. I don't recall the name of the truck, but it was the one with the writing all over it.

I also recommend Hanauma Bay, but you do need to get there right at opening. They only allow in a limited number of visitors.

 

[dgaston]

I would also recommend getting an Entertainment book for Hawaii before you go. If it's before November, you could get some of the half price ones. You'll find discounts for the PCC, Paradise Cove Luau, and other things too that will make it worth the cost.

OK I know these are both tourist traps, but I loved the ABC stores for souvenirs, and Hilo Hatties for our matching shirt and dress!

We drove the North Shore, stopping at both Dole and the shrimp trucks and had a great time. We also spent a day at PCC and went early to the Arizona Memorial, waited until our tickets were called and later toured the Missouri.

HTH

 

[lilpooh108]

I've done Pearl Harbor 3 times now...never needed to go with a tour...always had tickets available. Just arrive early.

Same with Diamondhead--the parking lot is tiny. Arrive early, or you will be forced to either turn around and leave or park on the side of the road, waiting for a spot. The park ranger will not let cars in when the lot is full. Waiting on the side of a road on a hot day is

Dole Plantation is a tourist trap, but they sell Dole Whips and the bathrooms there are super clean so it's a nice stop after North Shore. The kids will like it since it has a cute train and a hedge maze.

If you google Paradise Cove Luau, there are some online operators that sell Luau tickets cheaper than Paradise Cove does on its own website (approx $55 (no transportation) v. $82 on PC website).

Have fun!

 

[dianeschlicht]

Skip the plantation, but try to do Polynesian Cultural Center or the Bishop museum. The palace is a nice tour too. BTW, the Pearl Harbor thing will encompass a LOT of little tours, and it will take you the better part of a day to do them.

Frankly, I would NEVER do Hawaii for that short of a trip. I'm not sure where you live, but unless it is the west coast of the continental US, you should plan a longer stay. Bear in mind that Aulani is in an area that is quite a drive from those activities you want to do. Hiking Diamond Head is a must for us, and that is the better part of a day as well. It can easily be done in combination with Hanauma Bay for snorkeling and looking at the reef though.

We are planning on Hawaii again in 2013, and we are still trying to figure out which islands we will do. Our favorite is the Big Island of Hawaii, but this trip we do need to spend a few days on our least favorite, Oahu and the Honolulu area. To get that true Hawaii feeling, you need to do either Kauai or Hawaii. Oahu is really more of a big City than a nice island vacation. I'm not so sure a helicopter tour of Oahu would be so much to look at either. We love the helicopter tours on Hawaii and Kauai though. Maui has a lot to offer too for scenery, but it is more costly than the others.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Okay, I just checked, and it looks like you live in Nebraska. That's not far from us, and I would encourage you to go when the kids are not in school and stay for a minimum of 2 weeks. It just doesn't seem worth it to spend that much money and time on the flights from the midwest if you are going to stay only 5 days.

First of all, it will take you at least 24-48 hours to adjust to the time difference. We found that to almost be as big a deal as going to Europe. Then, by the time you get off that 8-10 hour flight, you are extra tired too. We made the mistake of going for just a week our first time, and we knew immediately that we had made a HUGE mistake. We have done several trips since then with the longest being almost 3 weeks. I would probably not do a trip of that length with kids the age of yours, but 5 days would not be worth the cost of airfare or the time getting there from where you are.

 

[dianeschlicht]

We've never booked a tour when we toured Pearl Harbor/Arizona Memorial - we just caught a city bus (early in the morning) and had no problems getting in. Tickets are free and on a first come, first served basis. I've been four times to Pearl Harbor and never had a problem getting in if I arrived early in the morning. Here's the info on the gov site:

http://www.nps.gov/valr/planyourvisit/index.htm

If you want to tour the battleship Missouri (Mighty Mo) or the Bowfin submarine at Pearl Harbor, you can buy tickets for that once you arrive at Pearl Harbor.

http://www.ussmissouri.com/
http://www.bowfin.org/

I just wanted to add that both the Missouri and Bowfin are well worth it. There is so much to see at the Pearl Harbor museum, and you WILL want to take the boat out to the Arizona Memorial, since that is really what it is all about. That is why I think it takes the better part of a day just to do that area. For your boys, the hike up Diamond Head will be a real highlight! Just be sure to take a flashlight for the dark tunnels and wear good hiking shoes. There are MANY steps!

 

[min0aka]

I also suggest Polynesian Cultural Center. Your kids will have tons of fun learning about all of the different Polynesian islands and cultures! Plus, if you want to make it a day, they have a great evening Luau show. And in October, they have something called The Haunted Lagoon which is basically just a Haunted House except you ride through the Lagoon on the boats. The line for HL can be pretty long, but you do have the opportunity to buy a "fast pass" type thing. But it's really worth going! I've lived on Oahu all my life and have only gone to HL once (last year for the first time) but I loved it!

Of course Iolani Palace is a good landmark stop. Very informative. Bishop Museum is a great stop if you want to see Hawaiian and pacific island artifacts.

Like others suggested, I would also recommend skipping Dole Plantation and doing PCC instead. You can always stop at Dole on your way to the North Shore to get some tasty treats but PCC will definitely offer a better bang for your buck!

 

[wink13]

First "WELCOME " to the disboards and might I add what a great first post. Thanks for your input. Sounds like the PCC is a must visit.

I also suggest Polynesian Cultural Center. Your kids will have tons of fun learning about all of the different Polynesian islands and cultures! Plus, if you want to make it a day, they have a great evening Luau show. And in October, they have something called The Haunted Lagoon which is basically just a Haunted House except you ride through the Lagoon on the boats. The line for HL can be pretty long, but you do have the opportunity to buy a "fast pass" type thing. But it's really worth going! I've lived on Oahu all my life and have only gone to HL once (last year for the first time) but I loved it!

Of course Iolani Palace is a good landmark stop. Very informative. Bishop Museum is a great stop if you want to see Hawaiian and pacific island artifacts.

Like others suggested, I would also recommend skipping Dole Plantation and doing PCC instead. You can always stop at Dole on your way to the North Shore to get some tasty treats but PCC will definitely offer a better bang for your buck!

 

[spleen]

Speaking as an another Oahu local, PCC is a definite authentic experience but it really is a whole day experience and I agree with some of the other posters that it may not be the best thing during a short stay on Hawaii - I'd probably say 4 days of activities would be a minimum (so you're right at the borderline). If cultural activities are your family's thing, I'd definitely say go. If beach, sand, and hanging out is your thing, then I'd say skip and spend the day on the beach instead. The Ko Olina lagoons where Aulani is located are some of the nicest beach lagoons on Oahu (albeit manmade).

Diamond Head hike is great but it's HOT so I do recommend doing that first thing in the AM before the sun starts really coming down. Pearl Harbor shouldn't be an issue either if you get there right before they open.

And run down on the North Shore shrimp trucks:
http://www.hawaiiforvisitors.com/oahu/dining/kahuku-shrimp-trucks.htm