Is it worth splitting time between Aulani and Waikiki?

Honestly pretty much anything is within an hour and a half drive in Oahu. It’s a pretty small island! My husband and I stayed at Aulani for a 10 day trip but still did plenty of exploring (including going to waikiki to walk around and dine). We personally didn’t find driving to get to Waikiki or anywhere else a big problem and LOVED Aulani. It’s a beautiful resort and we are so looking forward to going back some day soon!
 
We did 2 nights Waikiki followed by 8 in Aulani. It was our first time.

I agree with other posters... The island isn't that big, so not a huge deal to commute around.

We wanted to see the sunrise at DH... So that would have been too early for us to drive from Aulani... It was nice to just go back to hotel and chill for a bit after early DH too... We hit Pearl harbor that afternoon...

6 nights total probably would have skipped Waikiki hotel...

IDK... There's so much you could do... We were there 10 days and still a few things we want to go back and see 😀

Have fun!
 
I figured I could do the Diamond Head the morning before I fly home (late afternoon flight), which would happily coincide with the farmer's market.
If you do plan on doing Diamond Head the day you fly out, please plan on leaving your luggage at Aulani
In addition to the (high) risk of theft of your luggage, you can also expect to be pretty sweaty after that hike. I definitely would’ve wanted a shower after that hike if I hadn’t gone directly snorkeling afterward :) Go early to avoid and parking issues and you’ll be in no rush to get back, shower, check out, and get back to the airport.
 
Yes we love doing this. First two or 3 nights at Waikki shopping and walking etc then 10 night at Aulani. We love staying at the Halekulani
 

To me no…I’m sorry but Waikiki isn’t the Hawaii that I dreamed of but if you want to check it out please enjoy!
 
Is there anywhere I can drive/park in Oahu and not risk my luggage being stolen or is it only particular areas that are problematic? I might just need to plan on hanging out at Aulani until my flight then.

Especially before a 13 hour flight, I was hoping to get in something active and a nice lunch somewhere. Might settle for a run around Ko Olina if there are going to be concerns about my luggage elsewhere.
 
Is there anywhere I can drive/park in Oahu and not risk my luggage being stolen or is it only particular areas that are problematic? I might just need to plan on hanging out at Aulani until my flight then.

Especially before a 13 hour flight, I was hoping to get in something active and a nice lunch somewhere. Might settle for a run around Ko Olina if there are going to be concerns about my luggage elsewhere.

Anywhere there are tourists, there are thieves. This is true in any location, not just Hawaii. I had a student several years ago who went to WDW with his family. While they were checking into their resort, someone broke into the trunk of their rental car and stole all of their luggage. My mom and I watched a truck pull up next to golf clubs and some luggage at the Car Care Center, throw everything in the back of the truck and take off before I could even register what was happening.

Do not leave your luggage in your car. You will see broken glass at almost every tourist area on the island along with signs warning you not to leave valuables in your car.

Heck, I'm not sure I would even do a long run before a 13-hour flight. I made the mistake of taking a 3 hour flight after a 70.3 and my legs were so stiff I could barely stand and walk off the plane when we landed.
 
Anywhere there are tourists, there are thieves. This is true in any location, not just Hawaii.
It's true that there can be thieves anywhere, however it sounds like the likelihood is significantly higher in Hawaii than other places I've traveled. (Having safely left luggage in rental cars in a myriad of other States and Countries, often with much more expensive camping and sports gear than I will have in HI.) I will endeavour not to leave luggage in the car on Oahu, but I'll just have to risk it on the other islands.


Heck, I'm not sure I would even do a long run before a 13-hour flight. I made the mistake of taking a 3 hour flight after a 70.3 and my legs were so stiff I could barely stand and walk off the plane when we landed.
No doubt you were racing your half-IM though, I'll just be doing an easy run. :)
 
It's true that there can be thieves anywhere, however it sounds like the likelihood is significantly higher in Hawaii than other places I've traveled. (Having safely left luggage in rental cars in a myriad of other States and Countries, often with much more expensive camping and sports gear than I will have in HI.) I will endeavour not to leave luggage in the car on Oahu, but I'll just have to risk it on the other islands.

Travel to Europe,,,happens everywhere. Wife is from Greece,,we have gone back many times,, Put camera and other things in the trunk when visiting family after a baptism,,came out everything gone. Can happen anywhere,,,just remember if you cant have it on you, probably best not to have in the car.
 
It's true that there can be thieves anywhere, however it sounds like the likelihood is significantly higher in Hawaii than other places I've traveled. (Having safely left luggage in rental cars in a myriad of other States and Countries, often with much more expensive camping and sports gear than I will have in HI.) I will endeavour not to leave luggage in the car on Oahu, but I'll just have to risk it on the other islands.

Hawaii’s always had a problem with this. It’s partially driven by the high number of tourists, and the likelihood of valuables being left in parked cars.

I don’t believe it’s as bad in Hawaii as in San Francisco right now.
 












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