Excursion/tours/confusion!

[jujubiee4]

@jujubiee4 there are lots of great beaches up there however I am not sure when you are going. If it is winter months the surf can be crazy up there making lots of beaches unswimmable. Kuilima coves at Turtle Bay (which is just up and around the tip from the Marriott) are pretty good year round and there is lots of parking in the lots that are part of the resort community. Otherwise, you have many choices including up the road about 5 minutes is Malaekahana http://www.to-hawaii.com/oahu/beaches/malaekahana-bay.php and there is Laie Beach Park even closer but there are nicer beaches in other areas of Oahu.

And what about whale watching? Can we do that in the area? I am really TRYING TO AVOID
Waikiki.

 

[jujubiee4]

A whole day for PCC? My 14 yr, 17, and 21 yr old wants zip lining, snorkeling, swimming, mountain biking, and surfing. Is the PCC a little low key? We plan on doing most high energy stuff the first few days at Marriot, then getting to aulani and chilling most of the time. It seems like a beautiful place but a whole day-what is there to do there besides walk the gardens. We do enjoy the outdoors and have some amazing places here (not tropical I am near NYC) but I was thinking half day maybe-after the ranch? Thanks again!!

It's great your going to be doing those things with them. My high energy days/activities are over or at least put
on hold (for a long while). I'm bringing my Kindle and will be an observer

 

[alohamom]

And what about whale watching? Can we do that in the area? I am really TRYING TO AVOID
Waikiki.

The whales migrate seasonally so you are only going have a chance of seeing whales from approx Dec to late April/early May. I know that people do the hike to the Makapuu Lighthouse to whale watch and it allow a very good vantage point but that is half way between the North Shore and Waikiki, about 20-30 mins from where you are staying. Great beaches along there too. There are lots of places they get spotted off Oahu and there are a few excursions that take you out to open water to see them too. Best whale viewing we have ever had was in the Kaanapali area off Maui. We watched a mother and her baby breeching while we ate breakfast, it was amazing.

 

[glencoe]

It's great your going to be doing those things with them. My high energy days/activities are over or at least put
on hold (for a long while). I'm bringing my Kindle and will be an observer

Who me? Nope sitting out for the crazy stuff as my DH isn't that adventurous! I do want to snorkel alot, hiking and horsebackriding (any recommendations for where to go? I used to ride/show about 22 years ago...not looking for crazy, my daughter has never been on a horse (shame on me)
but want to see the sights on a horse. I heard the Ranch's trails are not very worthy of seeing the sites! Any thoughts?

 

[alohamom]

but want to see the sights on a horse. I heard the Ranch's trails are not very worthy of seeing the sites! Any thoughts?

I have never done this but I have read within other trip reports that the stables near Turtle Bay are great http://www.turtlebayresort.com/Things-To-Do/Sports-Recreation/Horse-Riding and I know Diser Dugette chose Gunstock Ranch because of the age of her daughter who was too young for Kualoa http://gunstockranch.com/

 

[glencoe]

I have never done this but I have read within other trip reports that the stables near Turtle Bay are great http://www.turtlebayresort.com/Things-To-Do/Sports-Recreation/Horse-Riding and I know Diser Dugette chose Gunstock Ranch because of the age of her daughter who was too young for Kualoa http://gunstockranch.com/

Thanks!! Will check those out!

How far ahead do I have to book restaurants at Aulani? I figured I would book the main ones the first day or so...then if we like I would like to add them as we go...will I be able to? (mid-July trip). I am thinking Ama Ama and since we have a rental, going off property not a problem if needed.