Paul Stupin
New DVC Member
- Joined
- May 8, 2016
Got here on Thursday, staying until 1/16. Not really planning on doing a daily update of the entire trip, but thought it might be fun to chime in somewhat randomly with thoughts that might be either helpful or interesting.
1. Hawaiian Airlines testing in LA went flawlessly. The test was drive thru and self administered while they watched. We got our results 6 hours later and had zero problems getting our QR codes from Hawaii’s website.
2. We’re in an ocean view studio with a pool view as well, it’s beautiful!
3. Room could use a little updating. The only USB ports are built into the clock radio. The particular studio we’re in does not have enough room for a nightstand on my wife’s side of the bed. She misses it. Not a deal breaker, just a minor annoyance. The incredible view and nice balcony overshadow any small inconvenience.
4. The dinners we’ve had at Olelo Room and Makahiki were delicious. So was Monkeypod.
5. Plenty of seating available at pool. We love the lounge chairs facing the ocean in front of Ama Ama, which sadly is still closed.
6. Odd detail alert! One of the bridges we pass under in the lazy river has a concrete plaque labeled “1923.” I wonder what that means.
7. Yesterday we drove up to the north shore, and did a taste test of the Garlic Shrimp from both Giovanni’s and Zane’s food trucks in Haleiwa. Both great but Zane’s was fresher and less greasy. Also Zane’s shrimp is already peeled so it’s possible to eat them without making a complete mess! Afterwards, we continued driving to Waimea Valley and Waimea Falls. Admission is $20 each but it’s a somewhat long, beautiful nature walk and worth it. After that, we continued driving on Kamehameha Highway, which took us to the other side of the island. It’s less developed, and super green and lush, though more cloudy with rain. The dramatic green mountains, very Jurassic Park-esque, are spectacular. Then we cut across the island to get back to Aulani, on a highway that took us up into the mountains. I’d say it’s a 3-4 hour drive with no traffic. It took us longer because there was North Shore traffic, but we didn’t really care because we were having so much fun.
8. Today is a pool/beach day. Tomorrow we’re going to hike up Diamond Head and wander around Waikiki for a bit. It’s nice to have a rental car.
I think that’s it for now. Later!
1. Hawaiian Airlines testing in LA went flawlessly. The test was drive thru and self administered while they watched. We got our results 6 hours later and had zero problems getting our QR codes from Hawaii’s website.
2. We’re in an ocean view studio with a pool view as well, it’s beautiful!
3. Room could use a little updating. The only USB ports are built into the clock radio. The particular studio we’re in does not have enough room for a nightstand on my wife’s side of the bed. She misses it. Not a deal breaker, just a minor annoyance. The incredible view and nice balcony overshadow any small inconvenience.
4. The dinners we’ve had at Olelo Room and Makahiki were delicious. So was Monkeypod.
5. Plenty of seating available at pool. We love the lounge chairs facing the ocean in front of Ama Ama, which sadly is still closed.
6. Odd detail alert! One of the bridges we pass under in the lazy river has a concrete plaque labeled “1923.” I wonder what that means.
7. Yesterday we drove up to the north shore, and did a taste test of the Garlic Shrimp from both Giovanni’s and Zane’s food trucks in Haleiwa. Both great but Zane’s was fresher and less greasy. Also Zane’s shrimp is already peeled so it’s possible to eat them without making a complete mess! Afterwards, we continued driving to Waimea Valley and Waimea Falls. Admission is $20 each but it’s a somewhat long, beautiful nature walk and worth it. After that, we continued driving on Kamehameha Highway, which took us to the other side of the island. It’s less developed, and super green and lush, though more cloudy with rain. The dramatic green mountains, very Jurassic Park-esque, are spectacular. Then we cut across the island to get back to Aulani, on a highway that took us up into the mountains. I’d say it’s a 3-4 hour drive with no traffic. It took us longer because there was North Shore traffic, but we didn’t really care because we were having so much fun.
8. Today is a pool/beach day. Tomorrow we’re going to hike up Diamond Head and wander around Waikiki for a bit. It’s nice to have a rental car.
I think that’s it for now. Later!
Definitely worth checking out a tour at Kualoa Ranch if you have the time.
