Quick Island Tour

[JJJD]

We are a month away from our dream vacation and planning a few last minute mini excursions. So basically I have a 1 year old and 5 year old and my wife with me. We have a day of free rent a car from Alamo. My initial plan is to just use the car to pick up groceries. But my co worker suggested that I should at least maximize the usage of that car for the entire day. Now my question is, what are some spots around Aulani that are a "Must See"? Keeping in mind that I have a 5 year old who we would probably have a hard time convincing leaving Aulani and a 1 year old who doesn't like being cointained for too long.

I'm talking about some iconic, scenic spots within 30 minute drive. No Pearl Harbor, no Diamond Head. I would rather stay around Aulani and not hit traffic so much since I'm from LA and the last thing I want is more traffic on my vacation.

 

[alohamom]

Keeping in mind the kids, you might want to head up to the Dole Plantation, make it a stop because it is great for little children and then carry on up to the North Shore. Dole itself is certainly not a must see but the North Shore is and stopping htere will make it a bearable distance for the 5 year old. It is really only about an hour or so to the North Shore. Plus the BEST dole Whips you have ever had!

https://www.doleplantation.com/

you can get a feel for it if you read Dugettes TR about her time with her little girl there
https://www.disboards.com/threads/h...-link-to-new-tr.3357724/page-28#post-55769329


You might also want to head west to some of the beautiful west side beaches like Yokohama or East to Kailua or Lanikai. So much nicer than the coves at Aulani, these beaches make Oahu one of my favs.

 

[sueg]

I would use the car for more than grocery shopping. We did a short drive up the Farrington highway and saw some beautiful beaches, where the kids can get out and get their feet wet & you can take some great pictures. You can't drive too far because the road "sorta" ended in that it turns into undriveable (See my rambling trip report - At Aulani Now - One & Done) Because the road doesn't really go anywhere, there isn't bad traffic.

 

[buffettgirl]

within 30 minutes without traffic is going to be hard to do. But I agree with SueG. Just drive up Farrington to the end and just enjoy the scenery.
Or, just drive across the island on the H3 and enjoy the scenery, turn around, and enjoy it again. I'm a sucker, but it takes my breath away every time I see it. But I'm not sure your 5 year old will appreciate it.

 

[kdonnel]

Or, just drive across the island on the H3 and enjoy the scenery, turn around, and enjoy it again. I'm a sucker, but it takes my breath away every time I see it. But I'm not sure your 5 year old will appreciate it.

It is like another world as you come across on the H3. Hard to believe it is the same island.

 

[Midoria]

Another one for H3. It helps me feel better when I'm in a funk.

 

[alohamom]

H3 to Kailua on YouTube (not my video) but fun to watch (skip the tunnel)