Stinasmom
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Oct 18, 2004
- Messages
- 1,425
Wow Guys!
Excellent podcast from Aulani!
You all are a great travel team that obviously work together quite well.
Loved the video vignettes (both around Aulani and the following Art of Animation show) - again great job!
As a West Coaster who has been to Hawaii a lot, as well as Orlando for the Theme Parks and the Caribbean from DCL cruises, I wanted to add some reasons to consider Hawaii as a vacation destination, even if you are traveling from the East Coast.
#1) Hawaii is part of the USA!
You don't have the language barrier you might experience in the Caribbean.
You don't have the currency exchange to consider.
And you will not find the kind of desperate poverty that leads to aggressive "tour guides" and trinket sales people (like the "chicklet" children at Mexican ports ---sorry if that sounded strange, I am referring to the little kids who come up trying to sell chicklet gum or many other items, making you feel sad that they are having to do this instead of going to school, and that their parents are encouraging or even PUSHing them.)
You can drink the water.
You can be assured that the food, even at the smallest food stand, had to follow all USDA regulations.
Need I go on? We all know about the comforts and expectations we have for resorts, restaurants, and even the gas station bathroom here in the USA or Canada (or any "western" country.)
#2) What an amazing culture that is being preserved and taught!
I know the guest on the show talked about this, but if you go to the Island of Oahu (where Honolulu and Aulani are), definitely spend a day at the Polynesian Cultural Center. It's like World Showcase for 7 different Polynesian cultures. Did you know there are 7 different Polynesian Cultures?
They each have a different area to visit with people from these cultures there to show you crafts, tell stories about their traditions, etc.
They all participate in a water pagent during the day. There is a traditional Luau for dinner, and the most amazing show in a stadium area in the evening. So worth it!
**just a note here: the Hawaii campus of BYU owns and operates this, therefore there is no rum in your MaiTai.
#3) I don't think they mentioned the Wet & Wild water park nearby. Now, granted it's no Typhoon Lagoon, but is pretty darn fun anyway!
#4) Pearl Harbor
I know Pete mentioned this on his last trip report, but it's a must, especially for adults.
#5) Hanauma Bay
Snorkeling!! I have snorkeled in Grand Cayman, St.Thomas/St. John, and parts of Mexico, but the fish here are awesome. It's a nature preserve so there is a little "class" you attend on your way from parking to the actual beach... mostly telling you not to stand on the coral. It's perfect for famlies since the bay is sheltered on 3 sides from the big waves.
#6) Waikiki Beach
Well, one afternoon here or maybe one night before you fly home may be enough, but the atmosphere here is great! The variety of Asian food and mix of cultures here can't be duplicated.
The biggest difference I find in Hawaii, on anyof the islands (I actually have been to Kaua'i the most), is that I feel safe!
I don't think I am going to be ripped off at every turn. I am not pestered to buy jewerly on the beach, and no one wants to braid my hair!!
Go, learn some of the Hawaiian language, or at least how to pronounce the town names. Enjoy the "Aloha spirit!"
Ask question if you have any!
Marcy
Excellent podcast from Aulani!
You all are a great travel team that obviously work together quite well.
Loved the video vignettes (both around Aulani and the following Art of Animation show) - again great job!
As a West Coaster who has been to Hawaii a lot, as well as Orlando for the Theme Parks and the Caribbean from DCL cruises, I wanted to add some reasons to consider Hawaii as a vacation destination, even if you are traveling from the East Coast.
#1) Hawaii is part of the USA!
You don't have the language barrier you might experience in the Caribbean.
You don't have the currency exchange to consider.
And you will not find the kind of desperate poverty that leads to aggressive "tour guides" and trinket sales people (like the "chicklet" children at Mexican ports ---sorry if that sounded strange, I am referring to the little kids who come up trying to sell chicklet gum or many other items, making you feel sad that they are having to do this instead of going to school, and that their parents are encouraging or even PUSHing them.)
You can drink the water.
You can be assured that the food, even at the smallest food stand, had to follow all USDA regulations.
Need I go on? We all know about the comforts and expectations we have for resorts, restaurants, and even the gas station bathroom here in the USA or Canada (or any "western" country.)
#2) What an amazing culture that is being preserved and taught!
I know the guest on the show talked about this, but if you go to the Island of Oahu (where Honolulu and Aulani are), definitely spend a day at the Polynesian Cultural Center. It's like World Showcase for 7 different Polynesian cultures. Did you know there are 7 different Polynesian Cultures?
They each have a different area to visit with people from these cultures there to show you crafts, tell stories about their traditions, etc.
They all participate in a water pagent during the day. There is a traditional Luau for dinner, and the most amazing show in a stadium area in the evening. So worth it!
**just a note here: the Hawaii campus of BYU owns and operates this, therefore there is no rum in your MaiTai.
#3) I don't think they mentioned the Wet & Wild water park nearby. Now, granted it's no Typhoon Lagoon, but is pretty darn fun anyway!
#4) Pearl Harbor
I know Pete mentioned this on his last trip report, but it's a must, especially for adults.
#5) Hanauma Bay
Snorkeling!! I have snorkeled in Grand Cayman, St.Thomas/St. John, and parts of Mexico, but the fish here are awesome. It's a nature preserve so there is a little "class" you attend on your way from parking to the actual beach... mostly telling you not to stand on the coral. It's perfect for famlies since the bay is sheltered on 3 sides from the big waves.
#6) Waikiki Beach
Well, one afternoon here or maybe one night before you fly home may be enough, but the atmosphere here is great! The variety of Asian food and mix of cultures here can't be duplicated.
The biggest difference I find in Hawaii, on anyof the islands (I actually have been to Kaua'i the most), is that I feel safe!
I don't think I am going to be ripped off at every turn. I am not pestered to buy jewerly on the beach, and no one wants to braid my hair!!
Go, learn some of the Hawaiian language, or at least how to pronounce the town names. Enjoy the "Aloha spirit!"
Ask question if you have any!
Marcy
