Shopping and sightseeing around Aulani...

[goofynut41]

We have a car rental for one day and was wondering what there is around Aulani or in the area to see and shop? We don't want to get in the heavy traffic to Honolulu.

 

[nkereina]

Aulani is in a secluded part of the island, called Ko Olina. Ko Olina is a planned gated tourist community. There are a couple of small shops and a couple restaurants directly across the street that you can walk to. No car needed for that.

To go outside of Ko Olina, you have to get on the highway. Kapolei is the next town up, about 10 minutes away, which has a nice mall, but otherwise has the same stores and chain restaurants you're likely used to at home. There's an outlet mall maybe 15 minutes down the highway as well.

IMO, the best place to go for unique shops and dining is Haleiwa in the North Shore. That was our favorite area to explore. Its about a 45 minute drive from Aulani, but you could just leave after rush hour if you want to avoid traffic. We drove through rush hour a few times and didn't find it to be as bad as we thought. Once you get off the highway, the roads are one lane in either direction and very easy to drive.

 

[goofynut41]

Aulani is in a secluded part of the island, called Ko Olina. Ko Olina is a planned gated tourist community. There are a couple of small shops and a couple restaurants directly across the street that you can walk to. No car needed for that.

To go outside of Ko Olina, you have to get on the highway. Kapolei is the next town up, about 10 minutes away, which has a nice mall, but otherwise has the same stores and chain restaurants you're likely used to at home. There's an outlet mall maybe 15 minutes down the highway as well.

IMO, the best place to go for unique shops and dining is Haleiwa in the North Shore. That was our favorite area to explore. Its about a 45 minute drive from Aulani, but you could just leave after rush hour if you want to avoid traffic. We drove through rush hour a few times and didn't find it to be as bad as we thought. Once you get off the highway, the roads are one lane in either direction and very easy to drive.

Thank You …

 

[OKW Lover]

Good suggestions above. If you have any interest in rum, there is a distillery you can visit. Ko Hana, 92-1770 Kunia Rd #227, Kunia Camp, HI 96759

Not very impressive and easy to drive right past it. They offer rum tasting and will ship your purchases.