What to do on the first day/evening of visit - coming from the east coast

[Flip flops in winter]

We are headed to Aulani from FL next month and I'm starting to make rez since we are in the window. I'm a little anxious about how exhausted we will be coming from the east coast (traveling with 3 kids - this will be the farthest they've ever flown). For anyone who has been in this position, how do you handle that first evening? Is it just immediate crash? Or do I try to drag us to dinner to get us on the right time zone? TIA!

 

[SleeplessInTO]

We just crashed immediately. Never really changed our internal time too much because there’s not much to do at Aulani after dark anyways. And it was going to be a pain to re-adjust.

I woke up at 2am most days, star gazed, enjoyed some time to myself, explored the resort, read, and then was first at Off the Hook for breakfast watching the sun rise. We left early for our excursions to beat the traffic / heat. Came back to Aulani for lazy river and rest and early dinners. Repeat.

In the morning, the laundry room is open if you need to do laundry. So is the gym (24/7).

 

[Flip flops in winter]

We just crashed immediately. Never really changed our internal time too much because there’s not much to do at Aulani after dark anyways. And it was going to be a pain to re-adjust.

I woke up at 2am most days, star gazed, enjoyed some time to myself, explored the resort, read, and then was first at Off the Hook for breakfast watching the sun rise. We left early for our excursions to beat the traffic / heat. Came back to Aulani for lazy river and rest and early dinners. Repeat.

In the morning, the laundry room is open if you need to do laundry. So is the gym (24/7).

Thanks, this is super helpful.

 

[jimmymc]

I grab some take out, eat, and try to stay up until 8 Hawaiian time. It takes a while to fully adjust to the time change, but I try to at least get my wakeup time to 6 or later.

 

[WillGan]

We are headed to Aulani from FL next month and I'm starting to make rez since we are in the window. I'm a little anxious about how exhausted we will be coming from the east coast (traveling with 3 kids - this will be the farthest they've ever flown). For anyone who has been in this position, how do you handle that first evening? Is it just immediate crash? Or do I try to drag us to dinner to get us on the right time zone? TIA!

Aloha! This is so exciting for you and once you land, it'll be a whole breath of fresh air...because all you'll be waiting for is your rental car (if you're renting one). I'm sure your family will be hungry so I would suggest something along the way to the resort. Depending on what you're looking for, there will be great options, all depending on what you think they'll be hungry for... The city of Kapolei, which is roughly 3 minutes outside of Aulani has some great options as well as a Costco to pick up any goods for your stay. Basically, you have to get out and see the property. Even though you can check in at 4, you can take advantage of EVERYTHING the resort offers and that means the pool, ocean, etc. Maybe you can see some of the characters in their Aloha attire and once that takes place, this will feel like your vacation has officially started. I'm sure you'll run on adrenaline till probably 7-8pm HST (1-2am EST). Typically, the East Coast guests that I met are up at 3:30am HST which means they'll get some great seats along the pool. But the first evening, enjoy everything and see everything! If you arrive at night (winter it gets dark around 5:30pm), obviously you'll miss the sunset and be able to see the resort in it's natural light. If you plan on doing dinner at the resort, I recommend the Monkeypox across the street! The Mai Tai is a must!

What time do you guys arrive? What type of room are you guys staying in? Super excited for you!

 

[maxbuffmelvin]

I'm an East Coaster with no kids. We've been to Aulani for several years now. We arrive in Honolulu, usually at 2 p.m., and get a second wind. We can food shop at Foodland, take out Poke Bowl dinner, and picnic at the pool or beach before finally crashing.

 

[achinforsomebacon]

I think it depends on a few things like when you're arriving and how long you're staying. If you're only there for a short time, you might not want to mess with the kids' sleep schedule too much and stick with going to bed early and waking up early. We were there about a week, although we also stopped on DL on the way home to split the time difference. We planned on shooting for 8-9 Hawaii bedtime the first night but after some flight delays, stopping to get groceries, eating and just the overall excitement of being there, it ended up being much later (I think around 11). Of course we were still up super early the next morning.

One thing to consider is to plan any strenuous activities like hikes for the first couple of mornings before you fully adjust. If you're up super early might as well take advantage of it and beat the crowds and heat. Plus we'd rather do that earlier in the trip and relax more later. We knocked out Diamond Head and the Makapu'u Lighthouse the first couple of days when we were still getting adjusted.

 

[alohamom]

Great advice from everyone, especially the idea from @WillGan to get yourselves some takeout or groceries in Kapolei first. I get things like muffins, fruit, granola bars, Kona coffee and cream/milk the night before because I am always up early at home in Toronto so in Hawaii it is usally 2-3am for me and at Aulani, there is nothing open till 6 for morning hot beverages. We usually try to explore a bit and if any of the pools are still open, it is really refreshing to dip in for a bit before bed, especially after the long flight.

 

[Flip flops in winter]

Aloha! This is so exciting for you and once you land, it'll be a whole breath of fresh air...because all you'll be waiting for is your rental car (if you're renting one). I'm sure your family will be hungry so I would suggest something along the way to the resort. Depending on what you're looking for, there will be great options, all depending on what you think they'll be hungry for... The city of Kapolei, which is roughly 3 minutes outside of Aulani has some great options as well as a Costco to pick up any goods for your stay. Basically, you have to get out and see the property. Even though you can check in at 4, you can take advantage of EVERYTHING the resort offers and that means the pool, ocean, etc. Maybe you can see some of the characters in their Aloha attire and once that takes place, this will feel like your vacation has officially started. I'm sure you'll run on adrenaline till probably 7-8pm HST (1-2am EST). Typically, the East Coast guests that I met are up at 3:30am HST which means they'll get some great seats along the pool. But the first evening, enjoy everything and see everything! If you arrive at night (winter it gets dark around 5:30pm), obviously you'll miss the sunset and be able to see the resort in it's natural light. If you plan on doing dinner at the resort, I recommend the Monkeypox across the street! The Mai Tai is a must!

What time do you guys arrive? What type of room are you guys staying in? Super excited for you!

I think we will be getting in around 4 or 4:30 and have a 1BR villa. We are very excited too!

 

[Flip flops in winter]

Great advice from everyone, especially the idea from @WillGan to get yourselves some takeout or groceries in Kapolei first. I get things like muffins, fruit, granola bars, Kona coffee and cream/milk the night before because I am always up early at home in Toronto so in Hawaii it is usally 2-3am for me and at Aulani, there is nothing open till 6 for morning hot beverages. We usually try to explore a bit and if any of the pools are still open, it is really refreshing to dip in for a bit before bed, especially after the long flight.

This is helpful, thanks. I'm literally making a grocery list!

 

[Flip flops in winter]

I think it depends on a few things like when you're arriving and how long you're staying. If you're only there for a short time, you might not want to mess with the kids' sleep schedule too much and stick with going to bed early and waking up early. We were there about a week, although we also stopped on DL on the way home to split the time difference. We planned on shooting for 8-9 Hawaii bedtime the first night but after some flight delays, stopping to get groceries, eating and just the overall excitement of being there, it ended up being much later (I think around 11). Of course we were still up super early the next morning.

One thing to consider is to plan any strenuous activities like hikes for the first couple of mornings before you fully adjust. If you're up super early might as well take advantage of it and beat the crowds and heat. Plus we'd rather do that earlier in the trip and relax more later. We knocked out Diamond Head and the Makapu'u Lighthouse the first couple of days when we were still getting adjusted.

Only one week! Thanks for your advice.

 

[WillGan]

I think we will be getting in around 4 or 4:30 and have a 1BR villa. We are very excited too!

Nice! We'll it'll be safe to say that when you get to the resort, you'll probably be able to see the most beautiful colors ever in the sky as the sun will be setting probably when you're leaving the grocery store or...depending on how long the rental car place takes...(Hawaiian time is never a good thing if you're in a rush!). You'll most likely encounter traffic since it's always the worst going west (direction of Aulani), but nonetheless, you'll be in Hawaii! You'll drive past the hunk of metal called Aloha Stadium and then you'll be able to see all the houses overflowing our beautiful mountain ranges, but once you get past the Ewa Beach off ramp, you're on your way!

Since you'll be getting to the resort probably at dusk (or later), I suggest you don't rush to get to the resort since everything will be slowing down, BUT, you will be able to enjoy the larger pool until 8pm I believe. I'm not sure about the lazy river as we usually head up to our room around 5pm. But I recommend taking care of your groceries and goods before arriving so the next day, you can just enjoy everything the resort has to offer! For Dinner, possibly something you can grab from Costco and cook in the room, but again, you may be up for checking out the resort. It all depends what you want but IF you choose to eat on property, the Olelo room is my favorite because you can eat appetizers and drink and listen to great Hawaiian music! You may be running on fumes though but nonetheless, you have to walk around the resort at night! It's pretty awesome! Heck, jump in the ocean if you must! You earned it after the long trip! You guys are going to love it! Make sure you have enough drinks to bring down to the pool the next morning! Hopefully you have a small cooler or something you could lug on the trip to avoid buying $7-$8 Bud Lights, Seltzers, etc. from the Ulu Cafe! Costco is the place to load up on Pool snacks, etc. =)

So excited for you guys and we just stayed there 2 weeks ago!

 

[WillGan]

Great advice from everyone, especially the idea from @WillGan to get yourselves some takeout or groceries in Kapolei first. I get things like muffins, fruit, granola bars, Kona coffee and cream/milk the night before because I am always up early at home in Toronto so in Hawaii it is usally 2-3am for me and at Aulani, there is nothing open till 6 for morning hot beverages. We usually try to explore a bit and if any of the pools are still open, it is really refreshing to dip in for a bit before bed, especially after the long flight.

For the 1 BR Villas, the shower and jacuzzi bath are very relaxing! But with teenagers....not sure how much of the bath you can actually enjoy! Lol

 

[Jack_Sparrow_NJ]

We stop for two days at Disneyland on the way to ease into the time change and break up the flight. Still get to Aulani by 2 in the afternoon and head right out.

 

[pjacobi]

Since flying East causes more jetlag problems, be sure to plan your first day back home.

Although you plane from Hawaii may land back on the East coast at 7AM, you will not be in any shape to go into work that day! Be sure to plan a rest day at home.


-Paul

 

[Skywalker3]

Following this thread, we're coming from the Central time zone....I've never flown this far, or changed so many time zones, (haven't actually changed more than 1 time zone in over 10 years...) so I'm concerned how we'll all do....I"m more concerned about coming back though, as others have commented on...we fly back late on a Saturday, will have Sunday off, but then back at school (maybe work) on the Monday. I think it's gonna be rough on my son to adjust.
I hope we have no flight issues, get there and just get to explore the resort, get oriented, walk on the beach, or do our grocery shopping that first day.

 

[alohamom]

Following this thread, we're coming from the Central time zone....I've never flown this far, or changed so many time zones, (haven't actually changed more than 1 time zone in over 10 years...) so I'm concerned how we'll all do....I"m more concerned about coming back though, as others have commented on...we fly back late on a Saturday, will have Sunday off, but then back at school (maybe work) on the Monday. I think it's gonna be rough on my son to adjust.
I hope we have no flight issues, get there and just get to explore the resort, get oriented, walk on the beach, or do our grocery shopping that first day.

I usually make sure I have a couple of basic favorite dinners in the freezer for when we come home, like a lasagna, so that I don't have to cook a meal. We almost always have some form of take out that we pick up on our way home on the day we land but the next day I almost always want something homemade.

I would make sure you don't sleep all the way through your Sunday. I always try to get up, get some decent exercise in and then get an early night so getting up for work/school isn't a killer.

 

[kboo]

I have videos of our then 2 year old being unwakeable at 5pm because we let her nap when we got to the hotel in the afternoon (Kauai, not Aulani). After that, we had several trips where we'd overnight at an airport hotel at LAX there and back to adjust to the time difference.

Last year was our first time back to Hawaii in many years and our kids were 7 and 11 and we decided not to stay overnight in LAX on the way there because we just wanted to get there already! Well, we were up at like 3am Eastern to get to our very early AM flight and after a stupidly long layover, ended up in late afternoon rush hour traffic in Honolulu. Hotel couldn't have been nicer, the way in was smooth, and we had a sunset outdoor dinner with live music where my 7yo had a meltdown because there was olive oil on her bread plate. I was regretting the trip, we were so tired ... DH managed to get her through the drama and I had a mai tai and we were asleep by 7pm or something like that. Woke at 5am ready to go. No issues the rest of the trip - we were generally asleep by 9pm (kids earlier) and up around 6am.

My advice - if you can spare an overnight in LAX there/back, it is worth it. Last year we did stay overnight at a LAX hotel on Saturday night, and the kids and DH went back to NYC on Sunday and back to school on Monday no problems, while I stayed in SoCal for a conference.

If you can't stay overnight in LAX to adjust, then get groceries for the early AM if there's nothing open early the next day, have dinner early (5pm), go to bed, and enjoy the sunrise the next day.

 

[panfan2507]

Honestly , I would land and get right to resort!!! ( we usually head out first thing next day for groceries if needed ) Just returned 2 weeks ago and also east coaster !

If you time it right you should be able to get to resort, head out to the beach and see the most gorgeous sunset ever !! Maybe grab counter service vittles. Sun sets early this time of year. 6:15 ish. If you are still awake, head across the street to the Island MArket ( ABC Store ) and there is plenty to take out for dinner there as well as lite groceries for the room . Perfect first night !!

Or after sunset , take a swim in ocean or pool !!

We alternate each year between next door at 4 seasons and AULANI and our fav for first night is sunset with Pina colada in hand at either 4 seasons adult pool or AULANI beach.

Enjoy your trip !!

 

[_19disnA]

Flying to Hawaii from FL will take a VERY long time and I don't believe there are any non-stop flights from Orlando, so at least one layover in another city will be necessary. Major airlines typically fly from one of their major hubs to Hawaii. Most people don't realize Hawaii is actually more to the Southwest of the US, so LA/SFO/Dallas/Houston or even Atlanta are all good choices for connecting flights, but obviously determined by which airline you choose. When choosing your flights, don't just look for the cheapest, but also consider what time you have to get up to be at the airport as well as the length of time for the layover. Also consider the arrival time in Hawaii (if you have a choice between different flights). I think it would be a mistake to have to get up @ 3am the day you are departing just to get to the airport for an early flight.

Some people can sleep on airplanes, but others cannot. The two times we were in Hawaii, the only arrival times that were offered meant we would arrive sometime in the evening as I recall and had no interest in going anywhere else except our hotel. I agree with others that your return trip should allow some extra time to get over the jetlag. It would be a mistake to arrive home late Sunday and need to get up Monday for school/work. Jetlag for us was always more of an issue when traveling eastbound, but for such a long flight, going westbound to Hawaii will also involve significant adjustment to the time change.