Planning help...

[msaseifert]

So we arrive on Sat afternoon. We MUST do Pearl Harbour, we are thinking of doing it on Sunday after our arrival because from what we have read he pool and beach seems to be more crowded weekends. So that leaves us the week to experience Aulani and then on our bucket list is Diamond Head, Dole Plantation and possible some scuba diving one morning (most likely in North Shore area). SO....in trying to maximize our days at Aulani but still do the "touristy" stuff.....Is it feasible to do both Diamond Head and Dole Plantation in one day? We were thinking either T/W ....What are your thoughts?

 

[aulanidreamer]

Diamind head you can do early, but plan for an hour to get there. Dole plantation could be done on your way back, it really depends on what you are hoping to do there. It is crowded mid day, so catching it at the end of the day or early is more pleasant. It could also probably be combined with Pearl Harbor. I highly recommend exploring the Northshore. Haleiwa is such a cute town, and watching the surf up there is amazing. Is Aulani your only stop?

 

[msaseifert]

Diamind head you can do early, but plan for an hour to get there. Dole plantation could be done on your way back, it really depends on what you are hoping to do there. It is crowded mid day, so catching it at the end of the day or early is more pleasant. It could also probably be combined with Pearl Harbor. I highly recommend exploring the Northshore. Haleiwa is such a cute town, and watching the surf up there is amazing. Is Aulani your only stop?

Aulani is our only stop. Our flights were cheaper flying days other than Sat SO we arrive on Friday afternoon and stay at a Marriott in Waikiki, checking into Aulani Sat thru Sat. The Sat we check out we are staying at a Marriott on the North Shore. Our flight doesn't leave until 10pm on Sunday so I felt we would have that day to do a bit of North Shore exploring. Our Pearl Harbor day we also wanted to check out the Aloha Stadium and the market there. The one thing we don't want to do is not allow enough time to just stay at Aulani and just relax and enjoy. We are morning people so I feel we will be up and at em most days...

 

[mommy2eee]

Aulani is our only stop. Our flights were cheaper flying days other than Sat SO we arrive on Friday afternoon and stay at a Marriott in Waikiki, checking into Aulani Sat thru Sat. The Sat we check out we are staying at a Marriott on the North Shore. Our flight doesn't leave until 10pm on Sunday so I felt we would have that day to do a bit of North Shore exploring. Our Pearl Harbor day we also wanted to check out the Aloha Stadium and the market there. The one thing we don't want to do is not allow enough time to just stay at Aulani and just relax and enjoy. We are morning people so I feel we will be up and at em most days...

We are going to Aulani next month and like you, we are doing the Pearl Harbor tour and then plan to head over to the Aloha swap meet. We got our tickets for the Pearl Harbor tour already...the Arizona memorial is free and you can get the timed tickets online 2 months before (no standing in line). The cost is $1.50 service fee. So we were able to get 8am tour times. Coming from the east coast we will be up early!

 

[alohamom]

I think Diamond Head and Dole is a great plan and certainly VERY do-able in one day. My only concern would be traffic and timing, ie getting to Dole from Diamond head in time to make it worth while. I would also make sure to have water/drinks and snacks or build in a lunch stop. Dole plantation does have a restaurant but I wasnt too impressed, it was very much like a cafeteria and we only bought our DOLE WHIPS there, they are sooo good in Hawaii!

 

[wdrl]

Its certainly doable to go to the Dole Plantation and Diamond Head on the same day. They are less than 30 miles apart. But keep in mind that the Dole Plantation is on Highway 99 going to the North Shore; its only 15 minutes south of Haleiwa and the start of the North Shore drive. If you plan on driving from Aulani to the North Shore using I-H2 and Hwy 99, you'll drive right by the Dole Plantation.

 

[nkereina]

We're planning on visiting Pearl Harbor the day after our arrival as well. For us, we're coming from the East Coast so the time change means we'll be up early which is a necessity for Pearl Harbor. We're doing Diamond Head the next day since that is preferable to do early due to the heat.

Our plan is to do an "outing" every other day during our week at Aulani. Monday we will relax at the resort, Tuesday we'll venture out, Wednesday at the resort, etc. I think this will help break it up. We're doing the Dole Plantation as well but will stop on our way to the North Shore. From what I have read, it's not really a long stop. While it's doable to do Diamond Head and Dole in the same day, they are in opposite directions on either side of Aulani.

 

[blondietink]

When you make your reservation for Pearl harbor, make sure that there aren't any cruise ships in town that day. It can get very crowded on cruise ship day.

 

[living20057]

Definitely do Diamond Head early, because the heat and the walking in the sun. Depending on your athletic ability will determine the amount of time. Dole Plantation is a good afternoon, it doesn't take long plus you can get a sweet treat.