Go Oahu Card

[TagsMissy]

I know this isn't specifically DVC related but since Aulani is DVC this subject may be of interest to DVCers... has anybody purchased the Go Oahu Card and did you feel it was worth it?

We are teetering back and forth as to whether to get one or not.

Thoughts and Comments appreciated!

 

[DVCismyhappyplace]

We took our first trip to Oahu in 2007. We looked into the Go Oahu card at that time but didn't buy it. We kept track of what we spent and the discounts we would have received and it wasn't worth it to us. We've taken several trips back to Hawaii since then and honestly, we've never done it. We found Oahu to actually be the most reasonably priced island. Do your research online - a lot of times, you will get discounts just for booking excursions or things to do online.

 

[DiznyDi]

We also chose not to purchase the Go Oahu card for our trip last year. I purchased the Hawaii/Oahu (not sure which) Entertainment Book at a fraction of the cost of the card.

 

[SuperRob]

We also chose not to purchase the Go Oahu card for our trip last year. I purchased the Hawaii/Oahu (not sure which) Entertainment Book at a fraction of the cost of the card.

Can you purchase that Entertainment book off-island? If not, I may have a friend grab one for us.

 

[aymekae]

Very interested as well to see what others have to say. We were thinking of getting a 3 day card (through Costco, it would be $145) on our 9 day stay in November. My reasoning was take all 3 days and do lots of touring with the card as our guide, do any "free" things on a different day, and the other 5 days would be spent at the resort doing absolutely nothing. I have not yet taken a good look at the list of everything it includes versus what we will actually be able to accomplish within that time.

 

[TagsMissy]

We also chose not to purchase the Go Oahu card for our trip last year. I purchased the Hawaii/Oahu (not sure which) Entertainment Book at a fraction of the cost of the card.

I never thought of that!

I added Honolulu to my groupon mailings.

 

[Psychodisney]

Can you purchase that Entertainment book off-island? If not, I may have a friend grab one for us.

Yes! You can order it right form the Entertainment web site. I bought one a couple of weeks ago. Has Paradise Cove Luau, Poly cultural center, something for Dole Plantation, and many others. You can preview it on the website. Well worth it in my opinion.

 

[Rest&Relax]

Entertainment book on sale this week only on their web site for $20, regular price $35. Don't know how much longer it will be on sale.

 

[aymekae]

Thanks for the heads up! I made sure to go ahead and buy the Entertainment Book now for our November trip. Esp. for the car rental, tours, and all that food, since I know we will be eating outside of Aulani (plus we're in a studio). Again... thank you!

 

[CrazyDuck]

Just a FYI, if you want to save money when you come to Hawaii and you plan on doing some of those activities like water activities or sightseeing tours etc.. You don't need a entertainment book or some other super special saver card... you can usually get a better deal by calling the tour operator directly and simply asking. See most tour operators have to kick back 30%-35% of the cost of the tour to the concierge or activity desk that booked your tour. If you call the company directly and ask them if you can get a discount. Most tour companies will be glad to give you a 20% discount rather than having to kick back 35% to the activity desk. Just call them direct and say something like "Hey I'm just checking out prices for such and such tour. Can I get a discount if I book directly with you or should I just book through the concierge downstairs?". They'll jump at the opportunity to save "you" money!

 

[Psychodisney]

Thanks for the heads up! I made sure to go ahead and buy the Entertainment Book now for our November trip. Esp. for the car rental, tours, and all that food, since I know we will be eating outside of Aulani (plus we're in a studio). Again... thank you!

If your trip is in November, you might need to buy next year's book. The Entertainment books run Nov-Nov. The current book's car rental coupons would work, but not the other coupons. One suggestion is to watch for a deal to get this year's book cheap if you sign up for next year's book.

 

[mdsd8700]

Just a FYI, if you want to save money when you come to Hawaii and you plan on doing some of those activities like water activities or sightseeing tours etc.. You don't need a entertainment book or some other super special saver card... you can usually get a better deal by calling the tour operator directly and simply asking. See most tour operators have to kick back 30%-35% of the cost of the tour to the concierge or activity desk that booked your tour. If you call the company directly and ask them if you can get a discount. Most tour companies will be glad to give you a 20% discount rather than having to kick back 35% to the activity desk. Just call them direct and say something like "Hey I'm just checking out prices for such and such tour. Can I get a discount if I book directly with you or should I just book through the concierge downstairs?". They'll jump at the opportunity to save "you" money!

Thanks so much for that advice Crazy Duck! I am planning our trip now and looking at all options this is something I wouldn't have thought of!! Thanks again.

 

[SuperRob]

Entertainment book on sale this week only on their web site for $20, regular price $35. Don't know how much longer it will be on sale.

I wish I could hug you through the Internet. But this will have to do.

 

[mouseaider]

I never thought of that!

I added Honolulu to my groupon mailings.

Find us some goods deals Sweetie!

 

[TagsMissy]

Find us some goods deals Sweetie!

baahaa... I've enough appeasing my hubby and one man's enough!

You're on your own!

but if I see any good deals on Groupon I'll let you know.

 

[mouseaider]

That works for me.

 

[aymekae]

I saw that it was Nov-Nov, but I assumed that meant through end of November. If not... I guess that's my own fault for making the assumption.

As for calling tour operators myself... well, let's just say that I'm happy enough not to have to negotiate everything myself. I hate doing things like that. So to each their own, I guess.

 

[cad8689]

Good money saving ideas from all of you. I am planning a trip in September. I will look into the entertainent book and also Groupon.

 

[podsnel]

Thank-you! Just ordered my book! Fingers crossed I get that villa at Aulani so I can use it!

 

[GrammieMame]

Do you have to get a separate entertainment book for each person in your party?