Aulani questions

[Hessie628]

Hi! We are going to Aulani in a few weeks for 9 days. We were thinking of getting the Go Oahu card as we want to tour the island and go to Pearl Harbor. We were also thinking of going to Diamond Head, Waimea Valley, Dole Plantation, and Kualoa Ranch. Is the Go Oahu card worth it? We are trying not to spend too much money.

What are must sees/dos on the island and at Aulani?

Thanks for any help!

 

[abdgeek]

The only charge for Diamond Head is to park and that was about $5. The Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor is free, but they have timed entry. If you want to see the USS Bowfin, USS MIssouri or Pacific Aviation Museum you have to pay.

There really isn't much to do at the Dole Plantation. I booked the PCC excursion through Aulani and we stopped there for about 30 minutes. I was glad I hadn't set aside a separate time to see it. We also went past the north shore on our way to the Polynesian Cultural Center(PCC), so I didn't feel like I had missed anything by not making a special trip to see it.

If you like museums, the Bishop Museum and Honolulu Academy of Arts give you a great overview( especially the Bishop Museum).

There are a lot of things to do at the resort: crafts, tours, kayaking, etc. I believe there is a copy of the daily Iwa somewhere online which is the daily Aulani activity guide. There is also the Paradise Cove Luau which is next door at another resort.

Happy planning!

 

[Psychodisney]

I'd say price those things out individulally and go from there.

The Dole Plantation has things that little kids might like...the maze and the train. Otherwise not so much.

See how much your ranch tour options would be if you do them seperately.

We opted against the Go Oahu card and found other things to do. The hike to Maunawilli falls....free. Hanauma bay was very inexpensive. You can browse the Dole Plantation store and get a Dole Whip. Go to Waimea Bay beach...free. We booked our Pearl Harbor tour directly with the National Park service, you can get the addons there if you like. We did the Paradise cove luau and wouldn't recommend it for the money spent!

We did buy the entertainment book and used a coupon in there for a catamaran/snorkel trip, pricey but a wonderful day!

 

[HeyMoe]

We just got back from a 9 night stay at Aulani and we purchased the 5 Day Go Oahu card. We used the card for Germaine's Luau, the Polynesian Cultural Center, Pearl Harbor, Dole Plantation, Waimea Falls, Kualoa Ranch, and Wet N Wild. We also had a catamaran ride booked using the card but it was cancelled because of rough surf. It more than paid for itself even with the catamaran ride being cancelled. I would recommend getting it.

 

[SINK]

Have not used the go hawaii card. You can get the Entertainment book (which is now $6 with free shipping). In the book, there is a 25% coupon for both Paradise Cove (good for any package), Germaine Luau, and Polynesian Culture Center (day time only; HA is not included).

 

[dianeschlicht]

The only charge for Diamond Head is to park and that was about $5. The Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor is free, but they have timed entry. If you want to see the USS Bowfin, USS MIssouri or Pacific Aviation Museum you have to pay.

There really isn't much to do at the Dole Plantation. I booked the PCC excursion through Aulani and we stopped there for about 30 minutes. I was glad I hadn't set aside a separate time to see it. We also went past the north shore on our way to the Polynesian Cultural Center(PCC), so I didn't feel like I had missed anything by not making a special trip to see it.

If you like museums, the Bishop Museum and Honolulu Academy of Arts give you a great overview( especially the Bishop Museum).

There are a lot of things to do at the resort: crafts, tours, kayaking, etc. I believe there is a copy of the daily Iwa somewhere online which is the daily Aulani activity guide. There is also the Paradise Cove Luau which is next door at another resort.

Happy planning!

I totally concur with all of this! I would add that the Polynesian Cultural Center is fun to do once. We did it twice. Wont be doing it again. Most of what we do on Oahu is free except for the parking and the shopping. The Bishop museum is wonderful, and while not free, we did get a HUGE discount by presenting either our Minnesota History Center or Science Museum of Minn. card. I can't remember which one worked.

Another thing to look into is the Iolani palace. We really enjoyed that.

FYI, get to Pearl Harbor early if you don't pre-arrange your time. While the National park is free, you do have to pay extra if you want to see the Bowfin and the Missouri.

I too thought the Dole Plantation was a dive. Very Hawaiian "schtick" and nothing of interest at all for us.

We do like going up to the north shore to watch the surfers though.

 

[DVCismyhappyplace]

4 trips to Oahu and we haven't once used the Go Oahu or the Entertainment book. As previous posters noted, Pearl Harbor is free although they do ask for a donation. Entrance to the Missouri or Bowfin is minimal. Hiking Diamond Head is free - you do have to pay a small parking fee though (I think it's $5). Haunama Bay is very inexpensive - unless you need to rent snorkel gear from them directly.

I've never been to the Poly Cultural Center - nor have I done any of the Oahu luaus.

 

[Hessie628]

Thank you all for the advice!