Big Family Vacation Aulani June 2015

[JonLouisB]

Between my family, my wife's family and my cousins family, we are going to have about 20 people staying at Aulani June 16-23. We got pretty lucky with reservations, my wife and I own at Aulani, so we booked a 2 bdrm villa standard view 11 months out. My mom and cousin own at Saratoga Springs and we had to piece together two reservations in a 2 bdrm ocean view for my cousins family and a Deluxe studio Island view for 3 nights and a 1 bdrm ocean view for the last 3 nights for my mom, sister and sister's bf.

This is our 2nd trip to Aulani, last trip was in 2012 with just my wife's family and my mom, sister and aunt. We are not planning any activities for the whole group because logistically and personality wise, it would be a headache trying to get everyone on the same schedule. My family and my wife's family are doing the Go Oahu Card 3 day pass and planning at least 6 or 7 activities on those 3 days.

I've been to Oahu about 15 times and know the Island very well. My wife has been a few times with me and my mom and sister have been a couple times as well. My cousin's family hasn't been with their two teenage kids yet and I'm not sure what they will plan or want to do on their own.

Anybody have any suggestions or must dos for the newcomers? or any ideas for a Haole who knows the island?

 

[MissDaisyofTexas]

We were there a few weeks ago...I recommend the Diamond Head hike and Kualoa Ranch. How old are the teens? If they are 16 or older they can do the ATV ride at Kualoa.

 

[Amw1064]

Will be watching what people suggest. We are first timers to Aulani and will be there June 10-20. We have a daughter who is 12. We own at Animal Kingdom.

 

[Reppstir]

Oahu has much more to offer than people realize. Of course there is Waikiki, arguably the most famous beach on earth, which is worth at least a look. Agree that the Diamond Head hike is excellent. The views from the top unforgettable.
Off the beaten path, consider Doris Duke's Shangri La. Google it. Quite frankly, it was stunning and unexpected. Amazing how some people live(d).
North Shore, snorkeling at Sharks' Cove is wonderful and un-crowded. Lots of funky shops and restaurants/bars on the north shore, too.
Drive over to Kailua, and stop at the Pali Lookout. All I will say is wow.
The beach at Kailua is so long it you won't believe it. Calm, beautiful swimming.

Definitely get out and see the island. There is a LOT to see and do.

 

[JonLouisB]

Costco has the Go Oahu card for $169 for a 4 day pass, which is usually the price of a 3 day.

So far we've got Wet n Wild, Kualoa Ranch Movie Tour, Waikiki Ocean Club, Waimea Valley, Dole Plantation and Snorkel North Shore scheduled for 3 of the days. The 4th day we'll probably do something early and get back to the resort for some activities there. I've read in the Disney Insider magazine that they have a meet, greet and demonstration with an Aulani Chef for a $15 fee which includes a treat after the show, so we may look into that. Our little one was barely 4 when we went to Aulani last time and she didn't want to visit Aunty's by herself so hopefully this time she'll try out a couple things on her own like Stitch's Space Goo, etc.

My wife and I did Manoa Falls hike on our honeymoon, which was fun but very muddy right after a rain. I've done kayaking in Kaneohe Bay out to Chinaman's hat and a LOST tour of the island to some pretty remote locations. There is definitely a lot to see on Oahu. My family party is so big I'm not sure if we could manage trekking 10+ people around the island without someone getting bored or tired or hangry lol