Wonder--10-day Hawaii to Vancouver 9/17/2015

[goofynut41]

I want to drive the road to Hana in Maui, But paying DCL price is !!! If you rent a car on the last day your there could you make it back before sail time?

 

[goofynut41]

Maybe if we just drove halfway to Hana would be better... anybody know?

 

[goiu]

Please do your research and see whether or not the convenience of booking with DCL works for you. For example, hiking Diamond Head literally costs $1 pp; $5 if you drive in a car. The Bus (yes, that is it's name haha) costs $2.50 for adults and $1.25 for kids. Under 5 are free. I do not see any reason to pay DCL $60 for ages 10+ and $50 for ages 5-9, when you could take a family of four (two adults, two kids) for $19. I am not up to date on statistics, but our bus system is very efficient and has been recognized nationally for it's excellence.

I am normally one to book with DCL in foreign ports for convenience and because I am a chicken and think I might get lost and end up in jail or something haha. But Hawaii is a totally different story. The prices for Arizona Memorial, DH, and Waikiki Beach, for example are all a joke. The beach is FREE, people! The bus ride is like 10 min. from the port, even with stops. Family of four would be $274 with DCL! OMG you could do it on your own for $15 (oh, but you would have to buy your own water haha).

Since you are from there? What would you do on your own at each port? We have a 6 and 8 yr old. Thanks for any advice you can pass on!

 

[twopeasonepod]

Since you are from there? What would you do on your own at each port? We have a 6 and 8 yr old. Thanks for any advice you can pass on!

OMG I typed out a whole thing last night (Wed is my Fri so I was finally able to take some time to make suggestions), and the DIS went to system maintenance and it ate my reply!!! Ugh.

So now I start over. More brief this time, but I will expand if you have questions.

Assuming you are staying on O'ahu for a couple of days prior to the cruise:

1) Hike Diamond Head. Super easy, cheap, and your kids can totally do it (paved and not strenuous). Sunrise is awesome, but if that is too early, just try to go early to avoid crowds and heat. Many other easy hikes on the island -- Makapu'u, Manoa, etc.

2) Pearl Harbor is a must. So much history.

3) Polynesian Cultural Center. Visit the villages, go to the luau, then the show. An excellent production. Disney caliber.

4) Eat shave ice at Waiola. Yum. The best on the island IMO.

5) If you want to learn how to surf, go to Canoes in Waikiki. If your kids want a more calm beach, go to Kaimana. Love it so much, it's my son's middle name. Great for little ones.

6) North shore is awesome, but far, and the waves will be on the rise. You may not be able to swim.

Maui:

1) Haleakala is just wow. Nothing like it. I think sunrise is the best, but other people have said sunset is great, too. Make sure you layer (it is freezing at the top). Long drive and takes a long time to get up the mountain.

2) I am not a fan of the Ka'anapali side, but many visitors enjoy it there. Lahaina is a very touristy town where there are places to buy souvenirs and yummy restaurants. I much prefer the south side beaches. Makena is my fave, but the current is for experienced swimmers. Wailea is calmer.

3) Road to Hana is super cool, but your kids will be bored. Super long drive on winding road with 50-something one lane bridges. The pot of gold at the end of that rainbow is beautiful waterfalls and pools. But not sure it's worth it with young kids.

Big Island:

1) You have to go see the volcanoes. There really isn't much else to do on the island, and it's a long drive so you might not have that much time.

2) I love Hapuna beach.

Kaua'i:

1) Waimea Canyon is spectacular. The Grand Canyon of the Pacific. Far. Probably boring for your kids, but I would make mine go anyway.

2) I like the train ride at Kilohana Plantation. Your 8-year-old might think he/she is too old for it, but it will still be fun. You get to see native plants and fruits, and they stop so you can feed the animals.

Kaua'i is my favorite island. So green, lush, picturesque. But super boring. It's our version of "the country". Not much to do except the "touristy things".

Hope this helps.

 

[eeyorefanuk]

Hi

If I now add nights at aulani to my cruise booking will that make a difference to my original cancellation terms please

 

[twopeasonepod]

Not sure about the cxcl thing, sorry.

Just spent the night at Aulani with some friends. Pool was pretty nice, kids had lots of fun on the water feature, lazy river, and slides. 1BR villa was nice, but not $600/nt. nice. I think it's nice because it's new, not because it's luxurious. It's basically AKV (but without the wear and tear). I know a lot of you plan to stay there. I can try and answer questions, but I was only there two days and one night. The two things that stood out for me are the CMs are definitely not as nice as I'm used to on DCL or at the parks (I will keep my opinion of why to myself), and it really is in the middle of nowhere. Although the drive with no traffic isn't too bad, I would poke myself in the eye with a fork if I wasn't driving on the weekend.

 

[goiu]

OMG I typed out a whole thing last night (Wed is my Fri so I was finally able to take some time to make suggestions), and the DIS went to system maintenance and it ate my reply!!! Ugh.

So now I start over. More brief this time, but I will expand if you have questions.

Assuming you are staying on O'ahu for a couple of days prior to the cruise:

1) Hike Diamond Head. Super easy, cheap, and your kids can totally do it (paved and not strenuous). Sunrise is awesome, but if that is too early, just try to go early to avoid crowds and heat. Many other easy hikes on the island -- Makapu'u, Manoa, etc.

2) Pearl Harbor is a must. So much history.

3) Polynesian Cultural Center. Visit the villages, go to the luau, then the show. An excellent production. Disney caliber.

4) Eat shave ice at Waiola. Yum. The best on the island IMO.

5) If you want to learn how to surf, go to Canoes in Waikiki. If your kids want a more calm beach, go to Kaimana. Love it so much, it's my son's middle name. Great for little ones.

6) North shore is awesome, but far, and the waves will be on the rise. You may not be able to swim.

Maui:

1) Haleakala is just wow. Nothing like it. I think sunrise is the best, but other people have said sunset is great, too. Make sure you layer (it is freezing at the top). Long drive and takes a long time to get up the mountain.

2) I am not a fan of the Ka'anapali side, but many visitors enjoy it there. Lahaina is a very touristy town where there are places to buy souvenirs and yummy restaurants. I much prefer the south side beaches. Makena is my fave, but the current is for experienced swimmers. Wailea is calmer.

3) Road to Hana is super cool, but your kids will be bored. Super long drive on winding road with 50-something one lane bridges. The pot of gold at the end of that rainbow is beautiful waterfalls and pools. But not sure it's worth it with young kids.

Big Island:

1) You have to go see the volcanoes. There really isn't much else to do on the island, and it's a long drive so you might not have that much time.

2) I love Hapuna beach.

Kaua'i:

1) Waimea Canyon is spectacular. The Grand Canyon of the Pacific. Far. Probably boring for your kids, but I would make mine go anyway.

2) I like the train ride at Kilohana Plantation. Your 8-year-old might think he/she is too old for it, but it will still be fun. You get to see native plants and fruits, and they stop so you can feed the animals.

Kaua'i is my favorite island. So green, lush, picturesque. But super boring. It's our version of "the country". Not much to do except the "touristy things".

Hope this helps.

Thanks so much, Lauren!

That is such great information! We are in Waikoloa right now. Would you suggest we take the long drive to the volcano that is active right now? It's a long drive for a 5 and 8 yr old. Just trying to decide if it's worth it or not.

Thanks again!
Lisa

 

[goofynut41]

How is the Luau by Aulani.. Paradise Cove I think its called?

 

[twopeasonepod]

Thanks so much, Lauren!

That is such great information! We are in Waikoloa right now. Would you suggest we take the long drive to the volcano that is active right now? It's a long drive for a 5 and 8 yr old. Just trying to decide if it's worth it or not.

Thanks again!
Lisa

I definitely think you should go to the volcanoes if you are not planning to go next year. I think next year your kids will appreciate it more, but your family DOES have to see it. Or....come back to Hawaii in 2016! Woo hoo! haha

 

[twopeasonepod]

How is the Luau by Aulani.. Paradise Cove I think its called?

It used to be highly recommended and very popular, but it seems as though the reviews on Trip Advisor aren't that great. Does Aulani have one? At least the characters might show up or something?

 

[sweetlovin']

I can't remember if I posted this, but my daughter has started a kids thread. Please feel free to sign your kids up and let them get to know each other. In the past, it's been awesome for my kids to get to know other kids, so they go into the club having "friends"

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3334998

 

[goofynut41]

It used to be highly recommended and very popular, but it seems as though the reviews on Trip Advisor aren't that great. Does Aulani have one? At least the characters might show up or something?

I don't know if Aulani has one or not I just figured the Paradise cove one was theirs... I hope they do have one..

 

[goofynut41]

Is it true that DCL has booked all the Old Lahanina Luau seats and sells them for more?

 

[goiu]

Posted this on FB, but will repeat for others to see, too....

I definitely think you should go to the volcanoes if you are not planning to go next year. I think next year your kids will appreciate it more, but your family DOES have to see it. Or....come back to Hawaii in 2016! Woo hoo! haha

Thanks, Lauren! Think we are going to wait and see it on the cruise. You have been so helpful! We really appreciate all your suggestions!!

Lisa

 

[roblab]

Ready for our second family Disney Cruise... Spread looking forward to the long stretch of sea days!

Crew this time will me myself, dw. Dd(11) and... Oh yea, my sister ��

 

[sweetlovin']

Ready for our second family Disney Cruise... Spread looking forward to the long stretch of sea days!

Crew this time will me myself, dw. Dd(11) and... Oh yea, my sister ��

Welcome to the cruise Feel free to have your DD sign up on the kids thread and let her get to know the other kids on our cruise. I have a 12yo and 10 (almost 11) on this cruise

 

[gamerzmedic]

We are all booked!! finally my brother took care of it all... My brother and I, plus his wife and DD will all be on this cruise...and at Aulani the 2 days before! We are very excited!! Looking for another gal around 11 years old who would want to have a friend to meet on the cruise and maybe a dining partner? We did that on the med cruise a few years ago and it worked out very well!

 

[gamerzmedic]

I love you too my brother!!!

Ready for our second family Disney Cruise... Spread looking forward to the long stretch of sea days!

Crew this time will me myself, dw. Dd(11) and... Oh yea, my sister ��

 

[sweetlovin']

We are all booked!! finally my brother took care of it all... My brother and I, plus his wife and DD will all be on this cruise...and at Aulani the 2 days before! We are very excited!! Looking for another gal around 11 years old who would want to have a friend to meet on the cruise and maybe a dining partner? We did that on the med cruise a few years ago and it worked out very well!

My 10yo turns 11 in Oct (2015) , but not sure if you were looking for a girl a little older.

 

[cheshie6]

Just got off the Magic and we booked this cruise! It would just be DH and I and hopefully a bun in the oven