Aulani - split stay where?

[dotfurio]

We'd like to visit Aulani, hopefully next summer, but also really want to do some sightseeing around Oahu. Everyone says Aulani is so much fun you don't want to leave, so we were thinking of doing a split stay at somewhere not so amazing while we explore the area, then finish up by relaxing at Aulani a few days.

We know for sure we'd like to visit the North Shore and Pearl Harbor. We're wondering if our first hotel should closer to one of those? It doesn't seem like drive time is too bad to get across the island, though, so would we be better off just staying in the Kapolei area even if we're not at Aulani?

 

[BillPA]

We'd like to visit Aulani, hopefully next summer, but also really want to do some sightseeing around Oahu. Everyone says Aulani is so much fun you don't want to leave, so we were thinking of doing a split stay at somewhere not so amazing while we explore the area, then finish up by relaxing at Aulani a few days.

We know for sure we'd like to visit the North Shore and Pearl Harbor. We're wondering if our first hotel should closer to one of those? It doesn't seem like drive time is too bad to get across the island, though, so would we be better off just staying in the Kapolei area even if we're not at Aulani?

According to USA Today Honolulu has the 2nd worst traffic in the USA.
I have been there and I agree. So you may want to factor that into where you stay.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/cars/2013/05/04/worst-traffic-cities/2127661/

 

[wanderlust7]

The traffic from Aulani to the North Shore is not that bad. It's anything in the direction of Waikiki that you can get bad traffic.

We've stayed at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki complex and really enjoyed it. Nice pools (DS loved the Paradise Pool water slides), long stretch of beach, many restaurants nearby, and fireworks on Friday nights. Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head, and Hanauma Bay will be closer from Waikiki than Aulani. It's a city vibe though, so if you don't like the hustle and bustle type energy, it wouldn't be a good choice.

 

[lgpav1]

We have split our stay at the Hilton Hawaiian Village and Aulani. We did the Hilton part first and did a good part of our running around during that time. Then did a little running at Aulani and relaxed! It worked out great!! I would do it again!!

 

[jekjones1558]

I recommend doing Waikiki/Pearl Harbor/Flea Market touring on the weekend when traffic is a lot better. We actually plan our dates so that is possible. We did Pearl Harbor/Flea Market on Saturday and Diamond Head/Waikiki on Sunday.

 

[testingthewaters]

We're splitting our stay for this exact reason. Before checking into Aulani, we're staying at a VERY affordable vacation home in Ewa Beach which we found on Airbnb.