Aulani Split Stay

[sunnybunnies]

We are currently planning a split stay. We'll need about three or four days in Honolulu/Waikiki first to complete our bucket list, but we may also want to add a few days on the north shore. It's just easier to be sleeping closer to where you want to see things. Is there anything specific you'd like to see or do in/near Honolulu?

Our Honolulu Bucket List
Pearl Harbor WWII Memorials and museums (we have a WWII buff in the family and this will take all day)
Bishop Museum and Iolani Palace
hiking Diamond Head
surfing lessons and a catamaran sail
poi donuts at Kamehameha Bakery
malasadas (donuts) with Hawaiian fruit fillings at Leonard's Bakery
Wednesday night Honolulu Farmer's Market at Neil Blaisdell Center
snorkeling Hanauma Bay (west of Honolulu)
Kailua and Lanikai beaches (north west of Honolulu) and a kayak tour to Moku Nui island
Kualoa Ranch tours (northwest of Honolulu) -- Jurassic Park and other movies filmed here (they have a movie sites tour). The kids are fawning over the horseback, ATV, and ziplines tours. I don't know how we'll choose!

Our North Shore Bucket List
Polynesian Cultural Center
Waimea Valley to swim in the waterfall
stop at Laniakea "turtle" beach
tour and eating at Kahuku Farms
tour at Dole Plantation
could also visit Kualoa Ranch from a "home base" on the North Shore

 

[monsterkitty]

We are currently planning a split stay. We'll need about three or four days in Honolulu/Waikiki first to complete our bucket list, but we may also want to add a few days on the north shore. It's just easier to be sleeping closer to where you want to see things. Is there anything specific you'd like to see or do in/near Honolulu?

Our Honolulu Bucket List
Pearl Harbor WWII Memorials and museums (we have a WWII buff in the family and this will take all day)
Bishop Museum and Iolani Palace
hiking Diamond Head
surfing lessons and a catamaran sail
poi donuts at Kamehameha Bakery
malasadas (donuts) with Hawaiian fruit fillings at Leonard's Bakery
Wednesday night Honolulu Farmer's Market at Neil Blaisdell Center
snorkeling Hanauma Bay (west of Honolulu)
Kailua and Lanikai beaches (north west of Honolulu) and a kayak tour to Moku Nui island
Kualoa Ranch tours (northwest of Honolulu) -- Jurassic Park and other movies filmed here (they have a movie sites tour). The kids are fawning over the horseback, ATV, and ziplines tours. I don't know how we'll choose!

Our North Shore Bucket List
Polynesian Cultural Center
Waimea Valley to swim in the waterfall
stop at Laniakea "turtle" beach
tour and eating at Kahuku Farms
tour at Dole Plantation
could also visit Kualoa Ranch from a "home base" on the North Shore

The WWII buff in your family needs to see Punchbowl National Cemetery as well. It's not that far from the Bishop Museum and Iolani Palace. You will want at least an hour.

 

[sunnybunnies]

The WWII buff in your family needs to see Punchbowl National Cemetery as well. It's not that far from the Bishop Museum and Iolani Palace. You will want at least an hour.

I'll add that to the list. Thanks!

 

[jimmymc]

Lots of people will do split stays between Aulani and other areas on Oahu. Some will also split time with other islands. Most of them will stay someplace cheaper so they can go do things around the island first, then transfer to Aulani for the second half and spend most of the time at the resort. I'm personally not a big fan of Waikiki, but they do have some amazing restaurants and shopping, and you don't get crazy waves in winter. There are also hotels in the smaller towns around the island.

 

[BayGirl22]

I am with others here, I'm a city person and although I don't love Waikiki I do like to spend a little time there. On our first trip we spent the first 2 nights in Waikiki. We rented a car for the day from a hotel location downtown and used that day to drive around the island and do the touristy things. An evening at a nice restaurant we could walk home from, and a sunset cruise to watch the Friday fireworks (if that's still happening.) Then we didn't need to worry about parking costs.
The last 5 nights of our trip were at Aulani and we didn't have a car, just relaxed at the resort. We walked across the street for food. I know many would argue for a car at Aulani but if budget is an issue I think the split stay is a good compromise.

 

[DizKids2]

We have only visited Aulani once. We did 2 nights there, 3 on Waikiki and then hopped Islands for 5 more nights.

I would not do a split stay based on it being too “Disney”. The resort is amazing and does not scream Disney. You can go off property to eat, etc.

if you are splitting due to budget, this makes sense. I highly recommend doing Aulani at the end of your trip. I felt like the arrival day was not worth the $ because we were all so tired. Also, then next hotels were a bit of a let down after Aulani.

we did not love Waikiki either, but if you want beachfront and access to a number of sights, it may be a good home base.
On our upcoming April trip, in order to meet budget, we are going to do our first few nights at a basic hotel (likely Embassy Suites) and spend that time adventuring and touring, then end with a few nights at Aulani.

 

[WAstateDVCDaddy]

Personally, I think a stay in Waikiki can be a great split. Yes, it is pretty much a big city with a beach attached, but that doesn’t make it a bad thing. Lots of great restaurant choices, fun window shopping, and fantastic views. Makes a much better base for exploring the eastern side of the island (Haunauma Bay, Diamond Head, Sandy Beach and Sea Life Park, Ala Moana shopping center, etc.)

Driving back and forth across H1 can get really old, really fast, so it’s nice to stay on both sides of the island.

For an Oahu bucket list, I’d definitely add Shave Ice at Waiola Shave Ice (with ice cream!) - avoid Matsumoto’s. And definitely get at least 1 plain malasada from Leaonards bakery (not filled).

I grew up on Oahu, and (pre-COVID) get back every year to visit. I still enjoy going back as much as visiting any other beach resort in the world. (Disclaimer - I still haven’t gotten to Tahiti yet).