Happy in Hawaii –- Aulani & Oahu with a Toddler ~ Updated 7/20: Final Update and link to new TR!

[AZMermaid]

Pali lookout was on my list and it got crossed off. Bummer it looks awesome. I agree, that jacket is adorable! We saw chickens all over too. I guess they were wild? Odd!

 

[purplelover88]

I am really late to the party but I'm here now. Hawaii looks amazing. That airfare deal was fantastic. Thanks to you recommendation I have also signed up for airfare alerts hoping for a miracle.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

ugh, always frustrating when you want to do the right thing (park in the right spot) but can't because of something out of your control and then do the best you can but get chastised for it. Though things worked out as best as could be I guess with being able to move it after the tow truck moved

Must say, your clothes in the picture are not what I would expect to see on Hawaii - so goes to show you that it can get cold there and to be prepared!

I must say, when you showed that sign the first thought I had was some sort of Bee-nado event/trashy movie. Though then I also thought of the quote from the Simpsons (as it always goes back to the Simpsons) "Oh yeah, what are you gonna do? Release the dogs? Or the bees? Or the dogs with bees in their mouth and when they bark they shoot bees at you?"

Definitely some nice pictures though

 

[alohamom]

OMG-she is just so cute! I LOVE the mouse ears hoodie...

 

[Leshaface]

Since the tow truck was now gone, I went and moved the car to a normal spot, but all the other cars were still in the bus spots (not sure if they paid?)

I wonder if those parking 'illegally' in the bus parking got tickets?? Maybe you should be glad you got stopped??

Well, the bad news is that it was indeed really windy. The good news, however, is that there were no bees. Whew! But can you imagine?!

Nope! No thank you! I don't do bees or wasps or anything that flies and stings They legitimately scare me and will start to do the back up dance if I see one

DH hates when DS does this drops his legs so he's not able to stand on his own

Pretty view!

But, as ridiculous as they seem, Dug just won a free one at a conference the other day, so I guess we can do things like this now too (but not in the Disney parks – I know they just got banned).

I bought one days before our WDW trip and it came in while we were on the trip so wasn't able to use it. Now i'll never be able to use it! I just hate imposing on people to get a family shot of us when I can do it myself with an 'arm extension'

 

[schmass]

Wow, those are some beautiful views! How long would you say you spent there?

Izzy's jacket is super cute! I'm glad that she had more fun once she relented to putting it on!

 

[Denovagirl]

Loving this! Wow!! First class!! Living it up! Hope I get to travel like that one day!

So far Aluni seems a little disappointing! Hope you have some good stuff for us there soon!

But I am loving all the sites! That conveyor belt restaurant is sooo cool! I don't care for sushi, but I like the idea of food just rolling by me! lol... Was that a one price per person eat all you want? Or pay per item you chose?

Can't wait to see more!!

And congrats on book HAwaii again!!! Any updTes on that?

 

[Dugette]

Pali lookout was on my list and it got crossed off. Bummer it looks awesome.

It was a really nice stop. Of course, there are a ton of amazing and scenic views on the island, so there are other opportunities for a similar experience.

I agree, that jacket is adorable!

Thanks!

We saw chickens all over too. I guess they were wild? Odd!

I guess so. Seems so odd, but probably pretty normal there.

I am really late to the party but I'm here now. Hawaii looks amazing. That airfare deal was fantastic. Thanks to you recommendation I have also signed up for airfare alerts hoping for a miracle.

Eh, you're not all that late, there is a LOT of this trip left to write about. Glad you're here! I hope you find an amazing airfare deal sometime too!

ugh, always frustrating when you want to do the right thing (park in the right spot) but can't because of something out of your control and then do the best you can but get chastised for it. Though things worked out as best as could be I guess with being able to move it after the tow truck moved

I hate when that happens.

Must say, your clothes in the picture are not what I would expect to see on Hawaii - so goes to show you that it can get cold there and to be prepared!

Yes, the wind can really make it chilly at the higher elevations. Just wait till you see me on the beach in jeans. SIL made fun of me when she saw those pics, but it wasn't like we were having a beach day, it was just a stop (coming up!) on this touring day.

I must say, when you showed that sign the first thought I had was some sort of Bee-nado event/trashy movie. Though then I also thought of the quote from the Simpsons (as it always goes back to the Simpsons) "Oh yeah, what are you gonna do? Release the dogs? Or the bees? Or the dogs with bees in their mouth and when they bark they shoot bees at you?"

Love that!

Definitely some nice pictures though

Thanks!

OMG-she is just so cute! I LOVE the mouse ears hoodie...

Aw, thanks!

I wonder if those parking 'illegally' in the bus parking got tickets?? Maybe you should be glad you got stopped??

I doubt it. I don't think the parking attendant was authorized to ticket and I doubt the police came by. But who knows.

I know!

Nope! No thank you! I don't do bees or wasps or anything that flies and stings They legitimately scare me and will start to do the back up dance if I see one

I normally don't like them, but the idea of them blowing right at me whether they like it or not?!

DH hates when DS does this drops his legs so he's not able to stand on his own

Drives me nuts too, especially when you're not expecting it.

Pretty view!

I bought one days before our WDW trip and it came in while we were on the trip so wasn't able to use it. Now i'll never be able to use it! I just hate imposing on people to get a family shot of us when I can do it myself with an 'arm extension'

That's right, I remember that now! I can see what you mean about the family shots - it's those big groups that seem funny to me, though - I mean, most people would happily offer to take a picture for a large bunch like that.

Wow, those are some beautiful views! How long would you say you spent there?

It was really pretty. I'd say maybe about 30 minutes total.

Izzy's jacket is super cute! I'm glad that she had more fun once she relented to putting it on!

Thanks, I'm glad she finally agreed to wear it, she was so cold.

Loving this! Wow!! First class!! Living it up! Hope I get to travel like that one day!

I hope I get to again, but I'm afraid this might have been my once-in-a-lifetime chance.

So far Aluni seems a little disappointing! Hope you have some good stuff for us there soon!

Oh, we LOVED Aulani! I'd say it's easily Disney's best resort (that we've stayed at). We just haven't spent much time there yet on the trip, as we were cramming in all the sightseeing we could before Dug had to leave for his work retreat. Izzy and I spend a lot of our time on property during the middle portion of the trip. It's fantastic.

But I am loving all the sites! That conveyor belt restaurant is sooo cool! I don't care for sushi, but I like the idea of food just rolling by me! lol... Was that a one price per person eat all you want? Or pay per item you chose?

I know, it was a fun concept! They charged per plate and they were color-coded for price. So, that stack of plates was how they determined we owed $30. I think some places do it as an all-you-can-eat, though, so I believe it can vary.

Can't wait to see more!!

Thanks for coming over!

And congrats on book HAwaii again!!! Any updTes on that?

Oh, yeah, I should do an update on that sometime! The short summary is that the family finally all agreed on things and we are all staying in separate rentals on the North Shore for most of the trip, then all moving down to separate studios at Aulani for the last 4 nights. Can't wait!

 

[Dugette]

Return to Aulani – PTR Update

So, thanks to @Denovagirl 's suggestion, I decided to put together an update on our January 2016 trip back to Oahu! I did a post earlier in this TR about how it came about (see “off topic” in table of contents for that), but I only posted in comments about the details of the vacation itself. So, here’s what we have planned so far…

We fly in on Friday, January 8th, 2016. Our flight leaves Minneapolis at 7am, so it will be a fairly early morning for us. We have a 2 hour and 25 minute layover in San Francisco, so we can probably have a nice, relaxed lunch break there. Then we fly over the sea and arrive in Honolulu at 2:45pm local time (which will be 4 hours earlier than Minnesota time, so it will feel like 6:45pm to us). I think this will be a great arrival time! Last trip, we arrived rather late and were pretty wiped out upon getting to Aulani. This time, I think we will have time to eat some dinner and enjoy being on Oahu before going to sleep that arrival night (NOT at Aulani, though). Dug’s family will already be there, as they fly out two days earlier than we do (I will need to be at work most of that week for month end, which is why we chose to fly out on Friday instead of Wednesday with everyone else).

We will be renting a car again. I have the Costco membership from last trip and have been booking and re-booking that as the rates drop. Upon arrival and getting the car, we’ll have to stop at a store for groceries and figure out where we want to have dinner. Then we make our way up to the North Shore!

I haven’t gotten to it yet in this Trip Report, but we really enjoyed our visit to the Turtle Bay Resort last time. We had a wonderful lunch at a restaurant on the beach (called Ola) and wished we had more time to spend exploring the beautiful North Shore. I remember discussing that we wouldn’t mind staying in that area on a return visit. And now we are! We’re not actually staying at Turtle Bay Resort, but we are staying at a condo that is right by it.


Our lunchtime view at Ola

Dug’s parents and his sister/brother-in-law found their 1-bedroom condos on VRBO, I think. We found ours on Airbnb. They are all in the same neighborhood and pretty nearby. I think they are all very nice, but I am really excited about ours. I think you can see it here (lots of pictures): https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1720444?euid=c334eed8-6a17-0aa2-086d-1db19cf00226 It even comes with beach gear! In case you’re wondering, there are a few options for Izzy to sleep – most likely is a folding mattress mat, as we may be able to fit that in the bedroom with us. The other options are a twin inflatable bed or the pull-out couch, but those will only work in the living room and I’m not sure I want her out there alone. I mean, she still sleeps in a crib at home, so I’m not used to worrying about what she’s up to at night. And there is an expensive TV there (without a wall strap), so I don’t feel good about her alone there. We might bring her PeaPod (travel tent) as a back-up too. We’ll stay in this condo for 5 nights.

During our North Shore stay, there are a number of things we’d like to do. Dug’s family mostly wants to hang out at the beach, but I think our threesome will be a bit more active (but still try to relax with the family). Oh, by the way, Dug’s BIL’s whole family/extended family will be staying nearby too, so I’m sure we’ll meet up with them too.

Just brainstorming things we would like to do:

*Lunch at Ola at Turtle Bay Resort. Maybe more than once. We loved this place. Of course, we will have a kitchen and groceries and limited budget, so we don’t want to eat out TOO much.

*Get some famous shaved ice at one of the shops in Haleiwa. We skipped it last time, as we just weren’t feeling up to it when we went through there.

*Dug would like to stop at a shrimp truck, since we didn’t last time. He also is interested in doing another sushi place.

*Possibly go to the luau/nighttime show at the Polynesian Cultural Center. We’ve heard this is the best luau on the island, but it doesn’t have any alcoholic drinks (the PCC is run by Mormons), so some people are deterred by that. And it’s not cheap. But Dug’s family seems to be interested and we’d enjoy it, I think. So, it’s on the maybe/likely list. Dug thinks his mom might be interested in spending an afternoon there, so we’d consider accompanying her.


The Polynesian Cultural Center

*Dug’s mom might want to see the botanical gardens and waterfall that Izzy and I visited last time.


People swimming under the waterfall

*Go back to the beach where we saw a turtle (haven’t gotten to that in the TR yet). See more turtles.


Turtle

*Do some sightseeing. Maybe explore the North Shore some more or head down to the east side of the island. There was a hike I really wanted to do last time, but ran out of time – I’d like to do that this time. Dug’s mom has expressed interest in going to some of the scenic vistas and we volunteered to take her (Dug's dad, sister, and BIL plan to spend a lot of time at the beach/pool).


One of many scenic vistas

*We could potentially go do one of the non-toddler style adventures at Kualoa Ranch, since we’d have family to watch Izzy, but not sure about that. It’s not high on the list, but an option.

*I’d consider taking Izzy horseback riding again. You’ll see how that went later in this TR… Again, not top of the list, but a possibility.


Hey, look, she's actually riding on the horse!

*We didn’t make it to the famous Ted’s Bakery last time, so I’d like to stop in there for a meal (and pie!)

*Dug would like to re-visit Uncle Bobo’s BBQ:



*Dug wants to visit the Valley of the Temples, Byodo-In Temple. He is also possibly interested in the Bishop’s Palace and Iolani Palace (or maybe during the second part of our trip).

*Dug’s family would like to visit a nice beach or two. We'd be up for that.


Nice beach

*There are a couple of dining suggestions that Dug’s family had, so we’ll remain flexible and willing to try out some new things. I think one is Cheeseburger in Paradise in Waikiki Beach. Also Kona Brewing in that area.

*We want to make it a point to actually relax and enjoy the condo and the beach too. We didn’t relax a lot on the last trip (as you may have noticed) and we don’t want to overplan this time. We saw a lot last time, so it gives us more freedom this go round. (Of course, our list still appears to be long. )

Once we check out of here on January 13th, guess where we get to go? Aulani!!! I am so happy this finally worked out. You may remember me mentioning in the comments that there was a lot of conflict and drama about where we’d stay. I’ll spare you the details, but suffice it to say that Dug’s parents were weirdly opposed to Aulani until Dug’s sister expressed interest, then suddenly EVERYONE (like all 15, including BIL’s extended family) decided to spend the last 4 nights there. I was able to get three Studios through my points person (standard view for us and DS/DBIL and upgraded island view for Dug’s parents, at their request). We wiped our DVC person out of points, but we got it! I gave DBIL’s family some advice on renting DVC points and they were able to find their own person to rent from and will be staying there too! Their party includes a 5-year-old girl, so I’m sure she will have a blast and maybe she and Izzy can enjoy Aunty’s Beach House (free childcare) together.

We cannot wait to be back at Aulani! Dug only had one day to enjoy the pools last time, as you’ll see. And, in general, we didn’t spend much time relaxing there. We’re really hoping to do that this time around. And now that Izzy is old enough for Aunty’s, we’ll have some freedom to do non-toddler things, like the waterslides (I managed once last time – had to wait for the day that Dug was there to do it). I also was thinking it might be fun to rent a cabana for a day and give it to Dug’s parents and DS/DBIL as a Christmas gift (and we could use it too). I’m sure his dad, in particular, would love that – he really wants to spend time relaxing by the pool.


A pool

Other things I have in mind for this part of the trip:

*Another sunset dinner at Ama Ama. This was a highlight for us last time (our last night). Also, breakfast there – I really liked that last time.


Breakfast in paradise

*Might as well get Photopass with this many people. We missed out on getting sunset photos on the beach last time, so hoping to do that this time.

*I really enjoyed the catamaran ride that Izzy and I took last time, so I’d like to do that again, only this time the whale-watching version. I know that Dug’s sister has whale-watching as a must-do, so I can see this being a large family affair. This is a must-do for me and at the top of my list.


Catamaran - sunset cruise (with Hawaii Nautical)

*Happy hour at Monkeypod. Izzy and I did this last time (while Dug was gone) and it was great. I think Dug’s family would love it, so I think we’ll be there at least one night, if not more.


Patio seating at Monkeypod

*The Starlit Hui is Aulani’s luau-like show (free, no food). They only do it certain nights and Dug was gone for all of them last time, so I’d like to get to this during our stay. The typical nights are Monday and Thursday, so we’d have to aim to do this on Thursday night, since we'll all be home on Monday.


Starlit Hui

*I am undecided about doing the character breakfast at Makahiki this time. It was already expensive and now we’ll have to pay for Izzy. But I think she would love to have some character interaction and the food is decent. I think maybe this will depend on what the rest of our party’s plans are. We can always meet characters at their scheduled meets around the resort.


Chip and Izzy

*In general, I’d like to take advantage of what Aulani has to offer much more than we did before. More time at the pools/beach. More spins on the lazy river. More waterslides. Maybe Izzy won’t be petrified of the Menehune Bridge (kids’ water play area) this time. More time doing the Menehune Trail scavenger hunt. More time just taking in the atmosphere.


The terrifying Menehune Bridge play area

We get 4 nights at Aulani. We actually were originally scheduled to leave on Saturday night at 11:45pm. But then our flight got moved 2 hours earlier and United let us take our pick of other options. We chose to fly out the next day at 4:55pm. This gives us some extra time to enjoy the resort, so I’m glad we were able to make the switch. Dug’s family leaves that morning, I think.

Our flight changes planes at 5am in Chicago, which will feel like 1am to us, most likely. However, this flight gave us the longest solid chunk of potential sleep time vs. any of the other layover options (no direct flights). Hoping we can eat a quick dinner before the flight and maybe have Izzy so worn out that we can all get a decent “night’s” sleep onboard. Then breakfast at O’Hare during our 2.5 hour layover. Then a quick hour and a half flight home, landing at 9:04am. I like this, because it gives me the chance to get in a full day of work (probably from home) on that Monday, which is why we originally had planned to get home Sunday. Not sure I will, depending on how I’m feeling, but I like that option.

We are super excited for this trip!

 

[alohamom]

If all goes well for me, we will be taking off from Hawaii as you are landing. Tentatively planning on Dec 30-Jan 8 but it will depend on a few critical issues here at home. I hope to do a PTR when I book the flights. Your planning is meticulous, and now I want to try Ola up at Turtle Bay-a few people have suggested it to me now so I guess it is going on the list! I cant wait to hear about Izzy and the horse back riding, she is such an adventurer and you are a wonderful mom for providing your child all these opportunities!

 

[Denovagirl]

Wow! Loving this update! I am soooo glad for you that it all worked out with the fam to do Aulani! They'll love it, I'm sure!! And I can't wait to see more of it in your future updates!!

You were cracking me up with your photo captions, btw...

All that food sounds nummers, and I can not believe you went to Hawaii and didnt get shaved ice!! Yes, make sure to do this this time! I must lived vicariously through you, and I loooove shaved ice!

All of your activities sound great, it is a lot, but many small things that you can fit a bunch in one day, so I feel ya, you should be able to have more relaxation time!

Man, this all looks so awesome! Now we need the next update from this trip!

 

[Denovagirl]

Oh! Just remembered to go back and look at the airbnb listing! Love it!

We love airbnb and have always had good experiences with them too!

 

[cindianne320]

Wow! That trip sounds awesome! I can't wait to get back to Hawaii someday!

 

[AZMermaid]

mmmm.... that update makes me think of all the things we did not do! I can't wait to hear about your trip!

If you are considering a cabana, I would call soon to book. You can always cancel with no charge- I think 48 (24?) hours in advance.

 

[Jackiemarie21]

Looks like another amazing trip! I think it sounds like lots of fun! That's the thing I hate about the WDW resorts too, they are so awesome, I always leave wishing I spent more time enjoying the resort. I can't wait to hear more about this current trip as well as the one you are now planning!

 

[hokieinpa]

Great pictures from the lookout! It's hard to believe that it can be so chilly in Hawaii. But I guess the wind makes things unpredictable! At least there were no bees to be seen during your visit!

It sounds like a great plan for your next trip. I would have a list of activities as well. I do love relaxing at the beach and pool but I can do that here on the East coast! And ending your trip at Aulani will be amazing! Excited to read more about the last trip and your plans1

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Thanks for posting this - good detail and reminder of the trip you have coming! I think your plan overall makes a ton of sense to do more of the exploring prior to going to Aulani and then trying to spend more time just at Aulani (especially since Dug didn't get much time there last trip). And will be great that Izzy is old enough for the kids club so you can have more time at the pool and just time on your own.

I love how Dug's requests are Sushi on a conveyor belt and Shrimp from a truck. Not just food requests, but food delivered in a very specific way

Glad you enjoyed the catamaran tour as those types of things can vary in quality but also how a toddler does with them. Combining that with a Whale Watching tour seems like a great idea!

That luau-like show sounds pretty nice and to be for free is pretty cool!

The terrifying Menehune Bridge play area

so I have to say I first was reading this on my phone and saw it described as "terrifying" and got my sense of perspective all messed up and though it was actually huge and that was Izzy waking on the top of a giant log and thinking - My goodness, that is quite a crazy set up!!! .... Then realized that in reality is a handrail that is much closer to the camera than Izzy is.

 

[schmass]

Your plans look great - I'm so jealous! We have decided to wait to go until 2018 when the baby girl is 3 - seems so far away!

The place you rented through Airbnb looks amazing!

 

[Imagineer5]

Love the plans!! We still have none for Hawaii though would definitely like to plan a trip to Aulani and then head to Maui or something. Still working on DH's parents who once joked about treating the whole family to a Hawaii trip

Yeah, Aria would have been terrified of that play area too hopefully having an older kid around she will learn it is fun.

 

[jwwi]

Your January trip to HI sounds so wonderful. The condo will be fun, and of course staying at Aulani again will be great. The shrimp trucks seem like a lot of hype, but it was interesting to try it. And the shrimp was good. Izzy is so cute, I hope you are enjoying your summer.