Need planning help fast - booked 1st trip for October 7!

[Tggrtoes]

I'm normally a planning freak, but we just booked today a 5 night trip (our first) to Aulani and we leave in less than 2 weeks. I need help!!! We are staying in a 1 bedroom villa (cash, not points). I know next to nothing about Aulani, although I've read up to page 7 of these threads so far.

Quick about us - it's me and DH and DS10. Here's the catch... we booked this because DH has terminal cancer and we want a trip to spend some extra time together as a family. DH is on a full-time feeding tube, so can't eat but of course me and DS need to eat. Still up in air if we will cook in villa or go out. DS pretty much just eats chicken nuggets or cheese pizza. (sigh) Certainly wouldn't do anything fancy if we do go out. We do LOVE breakfast tho - so I have seen something on this - pancakes?

We want to do Pearl Harbor (need to figure out info for this) and Dole Plantation (this will probably be just me and DS but we'll see.). I think everything else will be on property. Generally, lower key stuff, although me and DS can certainly do some items while DH rests periodically through day.

Here's my questions - but can you brain dump anything you think would be helpful. PLEASE!!! Seriously, this last year has been hell and our household is so joyful right now thinking about this vacation... so anything we can do to help make it extra special would be FABULOUS.

1. We have ocean view, 1 bedroom villa... is there anything we should request?
2. Transportation to/from - I wasn't planning to rent a car, but is it pretty easy to uber/lyft to pearl harbor or Dole or is it crazy expensive?
3. Family pictures - we definitely want photopass as I want all the pics... any tips? Should we schedule a family portrait, or given I don't know when DH will feel well, is it pretty easy to get one spur of moment?
4. Any other tips you have to help make this extra special? (without spending a fortune)
5. Anyone done a helicopter ride? Considering that DH may really enjoy that.

Thanks so much... we are sooo super excited!!!!!

 

[alohamom]

Tggrtoes, sounds like you are a close family, I am sure you will never regret this choice and I have a few suggestions.

I am sure others can comment on the Uber/Lyft as I have never used it here but I do know that there are many tour companies that will pick you up and drop you off as part of the package. I know you can do Pearl Harbor this way but I am not sure about Dole. It is on the way to the North Shore and it really only takes about an hour or two tops to do the things there (maze, train, eat a Dole Whip) so many tour operators include it as part of what they call a "Circle Island Tour" that goes up and around the island. Or you will see it included in day tours to the North Shore. Another option might be to rent a car for the day. Alamo has a desk at Aulani and you can pick up and drop off right there. It is obviously more expensive than an airport rental as you are paying for the convenience but you wont not have the parking fee. Lots of people do it just to go get groceries at Target, Safeway, Costco etc in Kapolei, the town that is next to Ko Olina.

I would look at a Catamaran trip out for half a day. They are pretty smooth and I know many people who post here have really enjoyed the experience.

We did a helicopter ride years ago on the Big Island and LOVED it but they are pretty expensive.

You might just find that there is enough to do right at the resort that are included. Things like the family animation class, the ukulele lessons, lei making (I think it is included), the interactive menehune trail with the ipads (like the one at Epcot), the story telling with Uncle at the firepit (this is so good, try to catch it at least once) and of course all the pool and beach fun.

We have never done the photopass but I know they are all around. If you search for "sunset" or "portraits" here in the Aulani section you might come up with some specific tidbits of info regarding the best way to do the family portrait. One thing I will caution you about is not to leave choosing the Photopass pictures you want until the last minute because the area at Kalepas Store that you choose them at gets crowded and the lineup can get really long. The first time saw it I thought maybe there was some kind of promo I was missing out on LOL! Just make sure you give your self extra time to choose your pictures.

 

[keighttf]

We’re going to be there at the same time! Sounds like a much needed trip for your family.
A couple tips about eating. The ulu cafe sells whole pizzas that are pretty good. We have gotten it a few times and taken in down by the beach or back to our room. Also the quick service place Mama’s snack shop has chicken fingers and coconut shrimp and I think hot dogs and sausages too which are very easy to take to go so you can take them where your husband is. Across the street is an island market abc store which makes quick service food. We have gotten some good breakfast items there like loco moco and some others. Also great for anything food, clothing, over the counter meds, etc. you need. Across the street there is also a Mexican place that would be easy to take back to your room.
In our opinion the dole plantation was very overrated so go if you can but don’t stress too much about getting there if it’s difficult.
We haven’t done a helicopter tour on Oahu. But did on Kauai and loved it. If possible try to get one with doors off, sounds scary but it was actually really cool. Also try to get a smaller helicopter so everyone has a window. Different companies use different ones.

 

[keighttf]

Another note on the helicopter tour. We used Mauna Loa on Kauai and it looks like they also do Oahu. They are private so just your family and all window seats. I would recommend them if you decide to do one.

 

[nkereina]

The Dole Plantation is a relatively easy drive. I do recommend getting there right at opening. Lines for the attractions can grow long there the later it gets in the day, and IMO, none of the attractions are worth waiting a long time for. Plus, parking becomes a hassle later on too. We got there right at opening and did the train ride, got a dole whip, and browsed the gift shop and we were there for 2.5 hours. We stopped there on the way to Haleiwa and it worked out perfectly.

 

[crystal1313]

You will have a blast! I highly recommend Ama Ama for breakfast, they have amazing macadamia nut pancakes! You can check out photos in my trip report in my signature. Have a wonderful trip!

 

[scottmel]

Someone on here used Ohau Tours and said it was so reasonable. We plan to use them as well. Would be a nice catered day to tour the island etc. http://www.oahuprivatetours.com

they offer north and south private tours.

 

[wed100105]

May your entire trip be blessed. <3

I would skip the Dole Plantation. I believe I've read that there is Dole Whip at Aulani. We visited the Dole Plantation in 2006, and we enjoyed it. It's on our list for this next trip. However, given your specific situation, I would spend that time back at Aulani.

 

[trs518]

While at Aulani, my son enjoyed Aunties Beach house, the kids club. He enjoyed being able to hang out with other kids and we enjoyed adult time.
Pearl Harbor is great, even if you don't go out to the memorial.
Aloha Stadium Swap Meet is great for cheap souvenirs.
Paddle Boarding in the cove at Aulani is fun. You can rent the boards from them.
For my family, the Dole Plantation was disappointing. It seemed like a tourist trap to us. Other people on here have enjoyed it though.

 

[Tggrtoes]

Wow awesome... I hope you guys have a great time too! The whole pizza sounds great and anything with chicken fingers is great for DS... hmmm on dole. Will play it by ear. I went back in 1993 (lol) but we don't have tons of time so maybe skip.

We’re going to be there at the same time! Sounds like a much needed trip for your family.
A couple tips about eating. The ulu cafe sells whole pizzas that are pretty good. We have gotten it a few times and taken in down by the beach or back to our room. Also the quick service place Mama’s snack shop has chicken fingers and coconut shrimp and I think hot dogs and sausages too which are very easy to take to go so you can take them where your husband is. Across the street is an island market abc store which makes quick service food. We have gotten some good breakfast items there like loco moco and some others. Also great for anything food, clothing, over the counter meds, etc. you need. Across the street there is also a Mexican place that would be easy to take back to your room.
In our opinion the dole plantation was very overrated so go if you can but don’t stress too much about getting there if it’s difficult.
We haven’t done a helicopter tour on Oahu. But did on Kauai and loved it. If possible try to get one with doors off, sounds scary but it was actually really cool. Also try to get a smaller helicopter so everyone has a window. Different companies use different ones.

 

[Tggrtoes]

Looking forward to those pancakes!!!

You will have a blast! I highly recommend Ama Ama for breakfast, they have amazing macadamia nut pancakes! You can check out photos in my trip report in my signature. Have a wonderful trip!