Aulani - to plan or not to plan?

[TreesyB]

I just booked my flight to go to Hawaii in November for my stay at Aulani. I am only going for a week (7 days Sat-Sat). But I'm wondering what people think about a trip to Hawaii? Is it one of those things that if you don't plan, you'll miss out? Or can one just wing it?

This is for my 40th b-day and I am going with girlfriends. As I plan to go back in the near future with my son, the family tours can wait. I plan to do a number of just lying around on the beach days. I'm also hoping to do a Lost tour, but other than that what are some must does when you are child-free for 7 days?

 

[ChiSoxKeith]

September is our first trip to Hawaii and we are going to kind of wing it.

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

But I'm wondering what people think about a trip to Hawaii? Is it one of those things that if you don't plan, you'll miss out? Or can one just wing it?

One thing on Oahu that tends to sell out weeks or months ahead of time is the tour of Shangri La, the Honolulu home of philanthropist Doris Duke:
http://www.shangrilahawaii.org/

If you think you would enjoy the tour, I would recommend signing up soon. Just keep in mind that you would have to start your day with a long drive to the Honolulu Academy of Arts.

Also, consider making dinner reservations, even though you can probably wait until you get there. Keep in mind that if you're flying from the U.S. mainland to Hawaii, you will will tend to wake up early and get tired early because of the time difference, especially the first few days. You may want to plan on dinner earlier than usual.

First, there are the restaurants at Aulani: http://resorts.disney.go.com/aulani-hawaii-resort/dining/

Roy's, in walking distance at the Ko Olina Golf Course, is excellent. http://www.roysrestaurant.com/

The JW Marriott Ihilani next door has three table service restaurants in walking distance: http://www.ihilani.com/Oahu-Hawaii-Restaurants/Ihilani-Resort-5.html

 

[UConnJack]

If you are staying on Oahu at Aulani the whole time, you could probably just wing it (although I wouldn't since I don't wing anything....) I would generally check on hours and whatnot for some things or activities you may want to do (e.g., Pearl Harbor), Dole, etc.) before you go just so you have a sense of it, but you probably don't have to plan much.

If you were planning on taking any day+ trips to other islands, however, winging it would not be advised.

 

[Leitadala]

I'm going for the first time in October! I'm "winging it" right now, mostly because I don't have much information regarding the resort's excursions and food. This is our "relaxing" vacation this year and we're going to read books and sit on the beach (and visit the spa if we are lucky). I keep telling myself that if I "miss out" on something then I can just make sure we go back with a better planned Hawaii trip Have fun!

 

[RayRing]

A child free vacation !!!

Take at least one nap, just because you can.

 

[ShuisFan584]

I know nothing about Hawaii, so I'd probably at least do some research and figure out some places of interest. I'm sure you can also ask some of the CM's at the resort when you get there of some interesting places to visit.

 

[ACDSNY]

I go somewhere between winging it and planning. I've never signed up for tours before getting to Hawaii, but I usually have some idea of what we might want to do. Then once we get there we can decide. The rest of the days we just wing it!

I can't wait for January!

 

[Dizny Dad]

If you can make it, go have a Dole Whip on the veranda of the Dole Plantation.

Some say it is a tourist trap. Of course! Who lives in Hawaii and visits any of the highlight sites more than once. The Dole plantation is no Disney by far, but I enjoyed the garden walk, the train ride, and of course, the Dole Whip in the mother land!

BY the way, you will fall in love with Ko Olina.