aulani questions

[kvichi]

We will be going to Aulani in March. I have a couple of questions. If we want to snorkel elsewhere on the island, can we take the aulani snorkel equipment with us? If not, what have others done for snorkeling elsewhere? Are there other beaches you would recommend or is the beach at Aulani all we will need?
Also, we're considering horseback riding. Has anyone done this on Oahu?
We plan on spending most of our time at the resort but also want to see other parts of the island (if it's worth it!)

Also, do we need to bring coffee filters for the coffee maker in the room? We are staying in a studio.

I appreciate any and all advice and suggestions!

thanks in advance.

 

[adamak]

I'm not sure about Aulani, but other resorts will not let you leave the equipment off the snorkel/pool area. You may be able to get away with it, but you probably have to return before the desk closes.

I just bought our own set of snorkel off Amazon. It's more hygienic, and it's not that much more than renting one.

I'd suggest leaving the resort and see Oahu. North shore is beautiful. Waikiki is one of the best beach in the world. You can walk all the way out there and water will still be waist deep. And snorkeling is great too. I literally put my head in the water and can see groups of fish. I once got bumped by a turtle while swimming there.

Coffee machine comes with filters.

 

[dizneekrazee]

I would suggest Hanauma Bay for snorkeling. Not sure about the snorkel equipment either, but I would guess no.

 

[JenLyn1620]

We are planning to visit Aulani in December. I plan on snorkeling at Aulani, as well as other spots on Ohau, so I purchased a set of snorkel gear (mask, snorkel, and flippers) on Amazon. It was about $60. I figured by the time I would pay $15-$20 per day to rent at Aulani, it was a much better deal to purchase my own. I'm not sure if you could take Aulani's rental gear elsewhere.

 

[Cruise04]

There are coffee packets in the room - you start with 2 of each and can ask for more. If you prefer your own or want to buy ground coffee, you have to either buy or bring your own filters. They DO NOT sell them down in the store. And from experience last week, you need 10-12 cup filters. The 8-10 cup filters (which I had) fit but are almost too small, you have to watch your brewing as it will overflow and get grounds in your coffee. I had to shut it off about half way through the brewing and let it drain down into the pot and then finish it.

 

[lilpooh108]

They sell snorkel gear everywhere, Target, Walmart, Kmart. Just buy a set. It costs about the same to rent for a week, the only difference is you pay either the same as rental and you don't get a dry valve snorkel, or you pay more for a dry valve snorkel. If you don't get dry valve, just blow the water out while you're snorkeling.

I personally have a hard time snorkeling in deeper waters without fins, but those are pricey (we ended up buying them on a trip 10 years ago).

If you do rent, Snorkel Bob's is everywhere and one of their packages allows you to keep the valve piece (which is more hygenic since they give you a new one). Snorkel Bobs also lets you drop off the equipment at any store location (even on a different island, I believe).

 

[donkthemagicllama]

You can not take the snorkel gear from rainbow reef anywhere else... I'm not sure makihiki joes rents snorkel gear at the beach (certainly there's not much to see snorkeling in the lagoon).

If you do bring your own snorkel gear, you can use it at rainbow reef, but the cost is the same.

 

[DVCismyhappyplace]

I've always rented from either Snorkel Bob's or Boss Frogs while in Hawaii. Hanauma Bay has gear rental available on-site.

 

[lulubelle]

We have our own snorkel gear but do not bring it due to the cost airlines charge for luggage. It takes up valuable suitcase space. Plus it's wet and smelly after usage! We just rent now.

 

[donkthemagicllama]

Also, as discussed, I'd definitely check out some other beaches. The Aulani beach, while nice, isn't very "natural", and waves are non-existent. Here are my suggestions:

Lanikai - beautiful
Waikiki - busy, but famous for a reason
Hanauma Bay - great snorkelling for beginners (not free), saw a turtle within 5 minutes of getting in the water
A north shore beach (there's lots) - huge waves, if you go in winter, you probably won't want to swim here yourself (in our case, the beach access was restricted because of the 30ft waves)
The beach just past the sheraton near Aulani - really pretty, and it's only a 2 minute walk. We saw a Hawaiian Monk seal sleeping here

Check out http://www.hawaiigaga.com/oahu-beaches.aspx for a list beaches with descriptions and photos. Very helpful!

 

[kvichi]

Thanks for all the tips! I am getting excited about seeing all the other beachers but worried I won't want to leave Aualani!

Is there only one Snorkel Bob's location on the island? And if so is it near the airport? It would make most sense to pick up the snorkel equipment when we first arrive in order to get the most use out of it.

So much to do, so little time!!!