Plans while staying at Aulani

[Dennyha]

Let me start off by saying that we've never travelled to Hawaii before. We'd like to make our first trip in Sept or October of this year, and stay at Aulani, at least part of the time. We were planning to stay about 2 weeks, and after doing some on-line research, we were thinking of staying on Maui for 1 week, at Aulani for about 4 days, and on the Big Island for about 3 days.

Does this make sense? What are the sights to see on Oahu? Is 4 days too much? Not enough? I want to spend part of our time enjoying the beaches (hence the week on Maui), but I also want to leave Hawaii having had a fairly full experience.

Any advise would be appreciated.

 

[Golden Rose]

There is a lot to do on Oahu, but given 4 days, I would probably try to snorkel at Hanauma Bay, spend a day at the Polynesian Culture Center (and see the night time show), and visit Pearl Harbor. Depending on your level of physical fitness, I might also try to hike Diamond Head, probably on the day I went to Hanauma Bay. I'd also spend at least a day or two at Aulani itself, seeing what the resort has to offer, because I suspect they'll have some interesting activities on site. I might also go and at least visit Waikiki. Some people hate it for the crowds, some turn out to love it because it feels so stereotypically Hawaii.

Personally, spending two weeks in the Islands, I would probably stay a little longer on the Big Island. It is, well, big, so getting around takes more time than you would expect. At a minimum, give yourself time to go to Volcanoes National Park and a black sand beach, although admittedly, those can be managed in a single day. I also really recommend violating your rental car agreement and going up to the Observatory visitor center at night. Just remember to bring a heavy jacket! It gets cold up there.

Honestly, you'll have a wonderful vacation whatever you decide.

 

[chainkid]

I just got back from three weeks in Hawaii. We flew to maui for one week which was wonderful. We did the 5 hr Zipline adventure from the Maui Gold Plantation, we took the road to Hana , spent a couple days snorkling and beach bumming. My favorite island for alittle bit of everything. we then spent 4 days on Oahi on the north Shore Turtle Bay Area. We drove by Aulani which is not built fully yet and it looks very nice but it is on a boring part of the island. Beautiful golf course and nice beach . The best thing we did was take the NCL cruise which visits all the major islands .Coming from the east coast, we knew we may never come back so it was a great way to get a feel for what each had to offer. The Big Island seemed to offer the most to do if you are adventuresome and like hiking and Mtn things.

I felt that I wished I had saved more time for Pearl Harbor Day as the tours are much too quick and don't allow you enough time to visit all the museum has to offer. If I had more time I would have gone back on my own to take my time . It was a very emotional thing for me. I think any Hawaii trip is wonderful so you really can't go wrong

 

[living20057]

You guys have some good information. I plan on going in Aug 2012 for two weeks. I am definitely going to write your suggestions.

 

[8timesblessed]

My husband and I just spent two weeks in Hawaii and spent 7 days in Maui and 6 days in Kauai and we loved Kauai. We went there to relax and enjoy the water and beach. We did take a surf lesson on Maui and a snorkeling sailboat cruise and loved that as well (we did the Trilogy tour with Capt Jeff) and he was the best and the food was super. We also did a dinner cruise but the food wasn't that great and a storm was coming in and the water was super choppy, not my idea of a romantic dinner.

On Kauai we did the Outfitters Zipline adventure which included canoeing, hiking and ziplining and had a great time. We loved the sunsets and driving to the Waimea Canyon, it was beautiful and didn't cost us anything. We also drove to the northshore and it was beautiful.

We don't drink or care for the night life so we loved Kauai and how layed back it was. Also the Costco was easy to get to on both Maui and Kauai.

Not sure where we will take our kids when we finally bring them all to Hawaii. We were hoping to do Oahu with the new Disney resort and doing Pearl Harbor etc but Kauai was so pretty.

 

[taaren]

Oahu really is about the city so 4 days should be suffcient, just eough to catch the historical sites. Despite the fact that I would love for you to spend more on Maui since our economy could really use it, the Big Island probably could use another day since it is so spread out and there are neat dolphin adventures at one of the hotels and going up to the volcano is an experience that's memorable.
Might I recommend, if your dates are flexible, moving the trip back to Nov or early Dec? You would still miss the crowds as long as you stay away from thksgiving and xmas, but the whales are a draw that I always try to time my friends/in laws visits to coincide which is Nov-Feb. Also that way you miss hurricane season. Feel free to PM me if you have any specific ?s about Maui.

 

[DisWitt]

Being from a family that has hit Hawaii at least once a year since the 1930's, I'd recommend to not short-change your time at the Aulani and Oahu in general. Pearl Harbor and its environs (the submarine nextdoor is way cool) are a good half-day. So is Diamond Head Crater. You should also grab a car for a day and do an island tour hitting the Dole Plantation, North Shore (surfing Mecca), and the shrimp trucks. Waikiki is a full day of fun shopping, eating, and hotel hopping. With all of that, you won't be leaving time to really enjoy the Aulani if you're only on Oahu for 4 days. I'd make it a week there! ...actually I AM! We'll be there in Sept, too!

 

[frank808]

Don't forget going up to the Pali lookout on your way to the Polynesian Cultural Center if you are driving. Also Valley of the Temples is on the way to PCC so that would be a day of your Oahu stay. You can make Pearl Harbor, Bowfin (submarine), USS Missouri and Pacific Air Museum for a good 6 hour minimum and take in a late day of Waikiki and shopping and dining. Then for your 3rd day you would drive to the Dole Plantation, Haleiwa Town (Matsumoto Shave Ice), some swimming at Waimea Bay, visit Waimea Valley, visit shrimp trucks and drive to see a sunset at Pipelines and maybe a stop at teddy's for their famous pies and that would be your day. Then you also have to see diamond head and hanauma bay. Aulani would be an okay location for polynesian cultural center, pearl harbor and north shore stuff. The diamond head and hanauma bay is about a 45 minute drive from Aulani. If you have any questions or want more info, don't hesitate to PM me and I will help anyone out with sight seeing places and maybe suggestions. If you tell me your likes I can probably recommend some places for you and your family.

 

[jekjones1558]

I concur with a PP who suggested switching a day or 2 of Maui to Big Island. Each corner of the Big Island has totally different landscape and driving takes a while. You will not be on Maui during whale watching season so you won't be spending lots of time doing that.
Since you have not been to Oahu then you will need time to see Pearl Harbor, Polynesian Culture Center, Diamond Head, Waikiki (do an outrigger ride while you are there) and the north shore (though you will not be there during the big surf season). That won't leave much time to enjoy Aulani.
Hawaii visits can be as active or as restful as you wish. But you probably need to decide which pace you want and that will help you plan accordingly.
Good luck! Have a great trip! (We will be there in March and can't wait!)

 

[ChiSoxKeith]

Wow. I just realized that other than making it out to Pearl Harbor and spending quality time with the beach at Aulani, we really hadn't thought of what we want to do there. We are going in September for one week. We better get cracking.....



Thank you for all the recommendations in this thread.

 

[adminjedi]

1) lounge chair
2) sand
3) mai tai
4) book
5) sun screen, lots of sun screen

 

[dianeschlicht]

There is a lot to do on Oahu, but given 4 days, I would probably try to snorkel at Hanauma Bay, spend a day at the Polynesian Culture Center (and see the night time show), and visit Pearl Harbor. Depending on your level of physical fitness, I might also try to hike Diamond Head, probably on the day I went to Hanauma Bay. I'd also spend at least a day or two at Aulani itself, seeing what the resort has to offer, because I suspect they'll have some interesting activities on site. I might also go and at least visit Waikiki. Some people hate it for the crowds, some turn out to love it because it feels so stereotypically Hawaii.

Personally, spending two weeks in the Islands, I would probably stay a little longer on the Big Island. It is, well, big, so getting around takes more time than you would expect. At a minimum, give yourself time to go to Volcanoes National Park and a black sand beach, although admittedly, those can be managed in a single day. I also really recommend violating your rental car agreement and going up to the Observatory visitor center at night. Just remember to bring a heavy jacket! It gets cold up there.

Honestly, you'll have a wonderful vacation whatever you decide.

Excellent advice here! Our favorite things on Oahu are hiking Diamond Head, Hanauma Bay and visiting the north shore. I agree that the Polynesian Cultural Center is a must see at least once, but we also loved the palace and the Bishop museum. Pearl Harbor is a must too, and there is a lot to see there...not just the memorial.

I also agree that the Big Island takes more time than 3 days. I'd probably spend more time there than Maui, but that's me. There is a lot to see and do on Maui too, but the Big Island is so "old Hawaii" to my mind. If I were to pick my favorite islands, I'd say they are in this order...Hawaii (Big Island), Kauai, Maui, and Oahu. Maui would rank higher if it hadn't gotten so commercial lately.

 

[ChiSoxKeith]

1) lounge chair
2) sand
3) mai tai
4) book
5) sun screen, lots of sun screen

That's the DW's plan.

Well and add

6) lounging in the Lazy River around the resort

 

[Dennyha]

We've decided to delay our trip to HI until late 2012. That will give time for the initial "rush" to subside at Aulani, and give me time to do more homework. The advice on this thread is great, and I will refer to it numerous times. Thanks

 

[parrotheadlois]

We've decided to delay our trip to HI until late 2012. That will give time for the initial "rush" to subside at Aulani, and give me time to do more homework. The advice on this thread is great, and I will refer to it numerous times. Thanks

So are we, I was thinking of September for the reasons you said. I'm thinking maybe a week at Aulani and some time at Kauai. It's probably going to be a once in a lifetime trip from New Jersey so I have to make the best use of our time! I must subscribe to this thread.

 

[pixie08]

Buy Oahu revealed. We used the Maui revealed book when we were in Maui a couple of years ago and it was the best. It is written by people who live on the island so it gives so much great authentic info. We found the best little local places to eat, and the ways to get to all the best sites. I am planning Oahu next year, and I am about to buy the book. So far I know I want to:

1. Hike to Diamond Head
2. Snorkel at Hanuama bay
3. Visit Pearl Harbor
4. Visit the Polynesian Center

Also trip advisor has a great section on Honolulu area activities with rating and pics!

 

[Dennyha]

I just booked an ocean view studio for April 3-10 (over Easter weekend) at Aulani. I would like to fly home on April 10. Now, I need to plan the week prior at The Big Island, and Maui. Does it matter if we do Big Island first, or Maui first. I am using freq. flyer miles on United for this trip.

All recommendations so far are GREATLY appreciated. I'm a sponge. Let me have it.

BTW, one of the days, we want to rent a Harley and see one of the islands by motorcycle. Any recommendations which island would give the best experience?

Thanks again

 

[mrsxsparrow]

A few years ago we spent a week on Oahu and found it was barely enough time. I would hate to be there for just four days.

We had split our time between staying at the North Shore (Turtle Bay) and the Ihilani Marriott, which is in Ko Olina, right next to where Aulani now stands.

We spent a day at the beach in the North Shore and one day at Ko Olina (at the very same little bay Aulani was built on ) and those days of doing nothing were probably our favorite. So don't forget to schedule those! We also spent a day at Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona. A day to travel to the Dole Plantation (Dole Whips!!). A day of hiking to a waterfall (forget where ). A day at Waikiki -- though honestly could have skipped that. That's already six days. We didn't even make it to a luau or the Polynesian Cultural Center, which we had planned to do.

I think mainly my advice would be to maybe visit two of the three places you were thinking about. And DO NOT forget to schedule days where you do nothing but relax at the beach and around your hotel. And when you're in Oahu, if you want the best burger ever, visit Kua 'Aina. There's one in Honolulu and one in a little surf town on the North Shore called Haleiwa. And visit Leonard's Bakery in Honolulu for the best malasadas!! MMMMmmmmm

 

[rparmfamily]

Manoa Falls is in Honolulu, that might be the waterfall you hiked to. Very muddy if it's rained recently. But the waterfall is prettier too!

Leonards is famous for it's malasadas. (Portuguese donuts) Def fit in a Dole Whip from the Dole Pineapple Planation and make sure to visit Hale'iwa (historic part) town. Sundays is a neat farmer's market too. We love the garlic shrimp trucks up there, plus Aoki's or Matsumoto's shave ice shops.

 

[mkymsehi]

Let me start off by saying that we've never travelled to Hawaii before. We'd like to make our first trip in Sept or October of this year, and stay at Aulani, at least part of the time. We were planning to stay about 2 weeks, and after doing some on-line research, we were thinking of staying on Maui for 1 week, at Aulani for about 4 days, and on the Big Island for about 3 days.

Does this make sense? What are the sights to see on Oahu? Is 4 days too much? Not enough? I want to spend part of our time enjoying the beaches (hence the week on Maui), but I also want to leave Hawaii having had a fairly full experience.

Any advise would be appreciated.

Denny,

I sent you a PM.

Jeff from the WISH team.