Hawaii advice

[micheleq]

We are planning a two week Hawaii trip for early August 2016. I am thinking we should fly to either Maui or Kauai first for 5-6 nights, then to HNL and stay maybe one or two nights in Waikiki (easy access to Pearl Harbor, etc.) before 6 nights at Aulani. My girls will be 9 and 11, we are all first timers to Hawaii.

1. Advice on Maui vs. Kauai? I've had friends recommend both! Hopefully this will not be our only trip -- that's why we bought DVC
2. Would anyone recommend staying in Waikiki to be close to the attractions there, or just stay at Aulani and take one day to drive down and do everything then?
3. My DH and one DD are gluten intolerant -- if anyone else is GF restaurant advice would be great We will cook 50% of the time and eat out the other 50%. At Aulani we'll be in a 1BR and on the other island I am looking at accommodations that are suites or condos as well.
4. We'll rent cars, so will have access to Costco, Target, drive to beaches, etc.

TIA!
Michele

 

[dclpluto]

We are planning a two week Hawaii trip for early August 2016. I am thinking we should fly to either Maui or Kauai first for 5-6 nights, then to HNL and stay maybe one or two nights in Waikiki (easy access to Pearl Harbor, etc.) before 6 nights at Aulani. My girls will be 9 and 11, we are all first timers to Hawaii.

1. Advice on Maui vs. Kauai? I've had friends recommend both! Hopefully this will not be our only trip -- that's why we bought DVC
2. Would anyone recommend staying in Waikiki to be close to the attractions there, or just stay at Aulani and take one day to drive down and do everything then?
3. My DH and one DD are gluten intolerant -- if anyone else is GF restaurant advice would be great We will cook 50% of the time and eat out the other 50%. At Aulani we'll be in a 1BR and on the other island I am looking at accommodations that are suites or condos as well.
4. We'll rent cars, so will have access to Costco, Target, drive to beaches, etc.

TIA!
Michele

I would stay at aulani the whole time you are on Ohua. Pearl Harbor is easy to get to from aulani. At aulani you definitely need a car

 

[disBOBney]

Given your parameters, I second the idea of staying at Aulani the full time. If you wanted to explore and experience Honolulu then I might recomend a couple of nights there, only because the expressway isn't so much "express". I definitely recommend a car regardless, and down load an app for a tour of the Island. The app will lead you to all the same spots a tour bus will take you and allow you to experience everything according to your tastes,i.e. when I was there we spent three days doing the various points of interest instead of trying to do everything in one day.
Regarding, an other island, I could not imagine staying on Kauai more than 2 nights if that, while beautiful it is very small. I personally recommend the Big Island, for the diversity and to see an active volcano.

 

[rocketriter]

We are planning a two week Hawaii trip for early August 2016. I am thinking we should fly to either Maui or Kauai first for 5-6 nights, then to HNL and stay maybe one or two nights in Waikiki (easy access to Pearl Harbor, etc.) before 6 nights at Aulani. ...

We're not big fans of Waikiki. The district is snobby and expensive, yet somehow tacky: a miles-long parade of concrete hotel towers flanking a surprisingly narrow beach. The shopping is mostly the same stores you'll find in any good mainland mall with the addition of grubby souvenir and flip-flop shops. Parking and meals are very expensive--well, you get the idea. Certainly spend a day there: go to the Aquarium (small but charming), visit the Bishop Museum and the Iolani Palace, paddle around in the water at the public beach just west of the Aquarium, maybe eat supper at a dressy place like the Hau Tree Lanai east of the Aquarium (luxurious outdoor seating overlooking the beach and sunset).

Otherwise make Aulani your home base. There are zillions of activities for kids. The beach and ocean swimming are nicer than Waikiki (although a bit sheltered for surfing), the grounds are more expansive than at most Waikiki hotels and are beautifully landscaped, and it's not difficult to drive into Pearl Harbor or the North Shore. Just be aware that driving into central Honolulu in morning rush hour is California-terrible. Allow 90 rush-hour minutes from Aulani to Waikiki (normally 35 minutes). Use an app like Waze to check traffic. And book any tours through the Aulani concierge or tour desk so you can avoid that problem whenever possible.

 

[micfan]

Skip Waikiki, it's not what it use to be. There is very little of the beach that is visible from the strip anymore, it's crowded and you're tripping over homeless people. Visit but stay at Aulani it's much nicer. If you do go into Waikiki I would recommend the "Top of Waikiki" restaurant, it's a revolving restaurant that will give you a good view of the whole area, but is pricey.

 

[Anal Annie]

I would visit Maui or the Big Island first then just go to Aulani and stay there if you can get all the nights you want (Maui is our fav island). While beautiful, Kauai is better suited for couples on honeymoons. Pearl Harbor is just as easy to get to from Aulani as it is from Waikiki (there's so much traffic in the city). My advice would be to go to Pearl Harbor on a Sunday morning so you don't have to deal with any rush hour traffic. GO AS EARLY AS YOU CAN BOOK IT. It will be boiling hot in August by 10:00 (bring water)!! If you include the USS Missouri tour as well you'll be there a good part of the day (say 5 hours or so). If you do decide to go ahead & stay in Waikiki for a couple of nights the Outrigger hotel chain offers a couple of inexpensive properties right on the beach…I would choose the Outrigger Waikiki over the Outrigger Reef as it's just slightly nicer. Both are within walking distance to a lot of shopping & restaurants.

 

[quinnc19]

I'd like to follow up regarding the one night in Waikiki. DD 8 and I will be in Hawaii for one week in early June (spending another week in California before and after). We are going to Maui first for 3 days. The plan was to spend Saturday night at the Outrigger Waikiki before moving to Aulani (eat at Dukes, enjoy iconic view, hike Diamondhead, and go to Hanauma Bay). This thread is making me rethink that; surprisingly I was able to get one more night OV studio at Aulani. So which should I cancel? First time in Hawaii and probably won't be back for a long time. Thanks for any input - these decisions are so hard!

OP, I decided on Maui rather than Kauai because it seemed better suited for children as Anal Annie said.

 

[Anal Annie]

Just popping back in to say that I have been to Hawaii 5x now and have always island hopped. Prior to our last trip in 2014 there was no Aulani so we always spent 2 or 3 nights in Waikiki. But now there's no need to do that. The reasons I said to just go straight there are 1) you just can't top Aulani and 2) trying to help eliminate the waste of time consumed in checking in, settling in, packing up and moving again. It all eats up precious vacation time. I don't think it's worth the hassle for just 1 or 2 nights (although I admit I have done it myself - I just wouldn't do it again if I can avoid it).

Part of this reasoning IS based on the fact that I have "been there / done that". Yes, of course on a rare trip to Hawaii you HAVE to do the touristy things like seeing Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head. Even we "had" to go get a token pic of Diamond Head on our last trip. So we went to Pearl Harbor early on Sunday & spent 4 or 5 hours...when we were done with the USS Missouri (had been before too so didn't need quite as long) we drove on into Waikiki for lunch. DS collects Hard Rock Cafe t-shirts so we went there (they validate parking in a nearby garage) then we walked over to the beach as it's only a couple of blocks (there's a public access sidewalk right next to the Outrigger Reef). You can easily just plan to spend a day "doing" Waikiki from Aulani and plan to stay to have dinner at Duke's at the Outrigger Waikiki and not have to mess around with packing & moving. JM2C.

 

[rocketriter]

My advice would be to go to Pearl Harbor on a Sunday morning so you don't have to deal with any rush hour traffic...

This advice about rush hour traffic is spot on. Also, you can go online with the US Park Service and pre-purchase tickets ahead of time. This will give you a specific time to get on the ferry to the Arizona memorial and cut down wasted time standing in line.

 

[micheleq]

OP here -- thank you to everyone for the advice! I was leaning toward Maui so that seals the deal Now to decide on where to stay on Maui (I've narrowed that down to the Fairmont Kei Lani or Honua Kai condos/resort).

I was thinking of a night or two at the Outrigger Waikiki, but I agree it's a hassle to pack and unpack for a short period of time. We will have a car on both islands, so it's not a problem to drive down to Honolulu once or twice if we stay the entire time at Aulani. Thanks for that input!

I'm sure that Waikiki isn't what it used to be, but as first timers, we will want to visit the beach. We are members of an athletic club with reciprocity at the Outrigger Canoe Club so we will have beach access there if that makes it easier/better?

I've read several trip reports here that have been so helpful! Looking forward to surf lessons, snorkeling, hiking, maybe some golf for DH, and enjoying Aulani!

 

[quinnc19]

I am really on the fence. We are flying into Honolulu on a Saturday, so I would have to get up early the next morning to drive to Waikiki to do my Diamondhead hike and snorkeling. I'm not sure if I would rather bring a small bag into an extra hotel, or spend an extra hour and a half driving. Since I am the queen of the split stay, I am leaning towards the former. Except an extra evening at Aulani is very appealing. And cheaper (sort of). Decisions, decisions!

 

[DSLRuser]

Just got back from Maui this June. spent 14 days. Maui is big enough to spend 2 weeks on, kauai is not.

Waikiki is cool to see, but no way I would stay there. it is big city and all that comes with it, and a beach.

2 weeks at the same resort is a long time. unless sitting on the beach and chilling is your thing, i would split it up. Although we spent 2 weeks on maui, we split up the trip into two parts and 2 resorts. made it much easier to explore all the island had to offer. we actually spent very little time at the resort.

 

[dclpluto]

2 weeks at the same resort is a long time. unless sitting on the beach and chilling is your thing, i would split it up. Although we spent 2 weeks on maui, we split up the trip into two parts and 2 resorts. made it much easier to explore all the island had to

2 weeks at the same resort is a long time, unless you are at aulani

 

[dclpluto]

I will love to spend two weeks at aulani

 

[MrToadsWildRide]

I am thinking we should fly to either Maui or Kauai ...

Maui or Kauai?

Maui is a great island. Fairly big, with lots to do. Especially if you have a car. You can drive around and see some great (non-touristy) sites on the island. Take the mostly day long death defying (it's really scary) drive to Hana and the Seven Sacred Pools. Walk on a black sand beach, where I was almost washed out to see by a wave so huge it soaked me and my video camera and fried it's circuits to a crisp in a matter of moments. (what's the term? Oh yeah, priceless) Sail on a huge catamaran out to Molokini for an incredible snorkeling adventure. Blah, blah, blah.

Then there's Kauai, which is the oldest island. Hawaii being the newest and it's still being built. (lava is flowing into the ocean, so yes they do still make land) Kauai is pretty lush and tropical. Not much in the way of big hotels lining the beaches. This is where they film stuff like Jurassic Park. If you're really adventurous, you can hike some amazing trails.

If you don't have a fear of flying, heights, falling, claustrophobic or any other ailment, you might want to check out a helicopter ride on Kauai. It's expensive. Even more that MVMCP. However, it is a jaw dropping, heart pounding, Bose noise canceling headphone-music filled ride like nothing you've ever experienced. Especially on Kauai. From the La Na Pali coast and it's 5,000 foot waterfalls to the interior of an extinct volcano, the ride is simply incredible. I stepped off the helicopter, pulled out my wallet shaking all my cash to the ground asking, "Is there an ATM nearby?"

Maui is great. If you go, you'll love it. We have and we do.

Kauai is more tropically unique. Since you're going to Oahu, you might find a more interesting contrast visiting Kauai and then head to Oahu.

Speaking of contrast, I'd say there is little to no contrast between Honolulu/Waikiki and Los Angeles. With it's beautiful multi-lane freeways, crowds, towering hotels and non-family friendly night clubs. If you love LA, you'll love Honolulu. But there's a lot more to Oahu than just Waikiki. (see below)

You should make some time to visit Pearl Harbor. Very moving experince. If you're really lucky (as we were) you'll get to meet a Pearl Harbor veteran.

Whichever island you choose, I highly recommend the "Revealed" series of guide books. They have one for each island. You will find lots of great info in these books. Especially if you plan on driving around to explore the island. Which is a great idea. Here's an example of the Oahu book. I believe they're written by people who live on the islands.

http://www.amazon.com/Oahu-Revealed-Ultimate-Honolulu-Revisited/dp/0983888787/ref=zg_bs_17313_4

 

[DSLRuser]

I will love to spend two weeks at aulani

No way. Hawaii is not like Disney World. You have to get out of the resort and explore. There is so much to see over so many square miles, you have to switch up locations.

If you never leave the resort / beach area, may as well just go to the Caribbean and save $5k.

 

[dclpluto]

No way. Hawaii is not like Disney World. You have to get out of the resort and explore. There is so much to see over so many square miles, you have to switch up locations.

If you never leave the resort / beach area, may as well just go to the Caribbean and save $5k.

I was just there in September yes you need a car at aulani. But I will say it again I would love to spend 2 weeks at aulani. What you like and I like might be 2 different things.

 

[DSLRuser]

it is your first time on the internet isn't it?

 

[Brancaneve]

If you arrive early to Oahu before check in, I woiuld highly recommend going to Pearl Harbor. We stayed in Waikiki upon arrival, spent the day at Pearl Harbor and then at 3:00 or so headed to Aulani. I'm so glad we did that because once we got there we didn't want to leave!