Eeeeee! Just booked my Aulani vacation - so excited, tips appreciated!

[jpessa]

Just booked my DVC stay through David's for a Studio - Poolside (wanted Oceanview but wasn't available) October 15-22. I'm so excited! Now I have to look into everything! It's going to be me and DD who will be 6 years old. She wants to spend as much time as possible at Aunty's (yay for me!).

Things I want to do:
Luau
Snorkellng
Beach
Pool/Waterslides
Take a drive around the island to see the beautiful stuff - any advice on what to see/do?

Note: I've already been to Pearl Harbor and Waikiki (I think Pearl Harbor may be lost on DD, and I don't care much for Waikiki).

Now to dive into all the posts on here!

Thanks in advance to all who have posted questions or answers to help us newbies out!

 

[ihearthawaii]

We are going the same time with our 5yo son! We've been to Oahu many times but first time to Aulani (renting as well).

 

[wfgamble]

We are going in November and renting DVC as well. I've never been to hawaii but have found that the trip reports posted here have given me so many great ideas. We've decided on Climbworks (zip lining (your DD may be young yet)), Pearl Harbor and a surf lesson for DD11. From what I've read you and DD may enjoy the Dole Plantation, visiting one of the quiet and beautiful beaches outside of Aulani or possibly a surf lesson. At/nearby Aulani we hope to enjoy the beach area and rent a paddle board, snorkle and use the free boogie boards and to walk over to Paradise Cove and see the sea turtles. It all looks wonderful. Definitely read the trip reports. They are great! I know you'll have a blast.

 

[wfgamble]

Also I found this great map--it's hard to tell the scale but from what I've read Paradise cove is an easy 10 minute or so walk

 

[cedricandsophie]

We are going for our fourth time in may. We love it. We rent a car to pick up groceries and visit friends but out of 10 days there we may leave for a few hours. We don't have little kids but have a disabled adult daughter and her friend.

Go to the character breakfast. It's great. Get reservations ahead of time. I think you can also reserve at auntys ahead of time. Apparently there are long lines in the am for it so try to as much as possible beforehand.

Watch for character sightings throughout the day. Aulani is a terrific place for pictures with Minnie. She is around a lot! And there is a pool party with goofy a couple times a week. Every day there is a newsletter which lists all activities. We get it the night before

Get spa reservations ahead of time.

The twilight hui at Aulani is fun for kids but not a true luau. Paradise cove is just down the street. I've heard it's fine.

The slides are great. And the tube slide that goes into the lazy River is our favorite thing

There is a fitness class on the beach almost every morning. It's very good and the gym is well equipped.

There are many food options across the street.

The four seasons next door is opening in May. I'm looking forward to their entertainment and food options.

You could drive to north shore, Waimea falls, etc. We have done it all and that's why we never leave any more.

Waikiki is basically a big city on the ocean. For us it holds no charm

There is an artificial pool that you can snorkel in for a small fee. But you can also look into it so the kids love just standing and watching the fish.

You can get a refillable mug which is good for coffee and soda.

There is a mile long walkway that goes past all the hotels and lagoons. It is a great place to walk in the morning.

 

[jpessa]

Thanks everyone, all great advice!