Hale Koa or Aulani first?

[matheke]

We will be travelling to Hawaii for the first time. We are looking to stay at both resorts during our week in June. Hale Koa is on Waikiki beach and an Armed Forces Recreation hotel. We plan to rent a car. We are doing 4 days at Aulani and 3 days at Hale Koa.

The only thing I must to do/see is Pearl Harbor. We will have our Niece who is graduating from High School and will attending college next fall majoring in Marine Sciences. Any tips on side trips/excursions?

Thanks everybody.

 

[alohamom]

I would strongly suggest doing Hale Koa first and use it as a base for your excursions, then do Aulani. Many people (our family included) find that Aulani has so much to offer that you may not want to leave the resort and just experience everything it has, especially if you have 4 days there. Not that Hale Koa wont be great, I am sure it is but I think it is kind of like any other upscale hotel in Waikiki, where as Aulani is pretty darn special.

 

[Girimama33]

End the trip with Aulani....and I also agree that you should try and do your excursions while staying in Waikiki.
Definitely take a trip to the North Shore or Electric Beach (just north of Aulani) for snorkeling. You may also consider Hanauma Bay...it is a great ecological site.

 

[southerngirl528]

Agree with both Alohamom and Girimama33. Do Hale Koa first and all the points of interest more convenient to that location. Then finish at Aulani and just chill out in one of the most amazing resorts ever! I have heard nothing but good things from friends and acquaintances that have stayed at Hale Koa as well. Sounds like a wonderful trip!!