Aulani in May! Could use some tips and tricks! - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
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I love coming here when we are planning our next Disney adventure! This time this DVC Family is celebrating 5 years together. We are going to Aulani!
We have never been to Hawaii or Aluani and would love some tips and tricks. See below for details.
Staying: 5/6days 6/7nights (still working out flights) Celebrating: 5 wonderful years together When: Late May
No muchkins are here yet so it's just the adults
I would love input on the following:
Best Luau
Romantic Places to eat on our anniversary
Great hikes
Must see Beaches
Touring Company Recommendations for a Jurassic Park Tour
General fun things for a couple who likes to adventure
Did you Island hop? Is it possible to do for just a day?
Thank you all in advance for your input. We are very excited and are going crazy trying to plan.
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One half of a travel loving couple. We love Disney and the Disney Vacation Club! DVC owners at Aulani and Animal Kingdom Lodge.
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We didn't do any luaus, so I can't help with that, but we did have a couple of excellent and romantic meals at 'AMA 'AMA and I'd thorough recommend that for your anniversary meal.
We're not hikers and beaches don't do a lot for us, but we saw some beautiful ones on the east coast of Oahu and I know Honolulu has some amazing ones, although we didn't get to spend much time there.
I would thoroughly recommend Pearl Harbor, we found it beautiful and very sobering. I'm so glad we did it.
We went to Aulani in 2013 and absolutely loved it there and yes, it's perfectly possible to island hop in a day. We stayed for a week and spent days in Maui, Kauai and Big Island with no issue and, if you like to adventure, you'll love doing day trips out there. On Big Island, we took an open air helicopter tour over the active volcano there and that was quite something! I would thoroughly recommend that to you.
It's probably easiest if I point you in the direction of my trip report, as hopefully that will give you some help.
Thank you so much! This is a great starting point. I was just looking at 'Ama 'Ama to see what their menu was like and it looks very good.
I am really considering at least one day in Maui but not sure yet because it will depend on cost. Haven't really considered the Big Island but it is something to look into for sure.
My head is swimming because there is so much to do there!
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One half of a travel loving couple. We love Disney and the Disney Vacation Club! DVC owners at Aulani and Animal Kingdom Lodge.
Thank you so much! This is a great starting point. I was just looking at 'Ama 'Ama to see what their menu was like and it looks very good.
I am really considering at least one day in Maui but not sure yet because it will depend on cost. Haven't really considered the Big Island but it is something to look into for sure.
My head is swimming because there is so much to do there!
There certainly is. People were so surprised that we island hopped at all, as they told us how much there was to do in Oahu and, in fairness, we didn't get round to seeing quite a few places - that's why we're planning a return trip next year.
You will love Aulani. We went in September of 2015 for our 30th anniversary. We did t eat dinner at ama ama but did lunch there. Their menu wasn’t really to our liking, but the lunch was excellent and you can’t beat the view. We did the Manoa falls hike and I would definitely recommend it. We did it ourselves not thru Aulani. It was fairly easy to find. Be prepared to get wet and wear hiking or good tennis shoes that can get wet and muddy. I wrote a trip report also but don’t know how to link it. It was called “our trip to Aulani: has it been 30 years already”. There are pictures from the hike and also some pictures of our kayaking trip. If you’re adventurous I’d I’d recommend this. We loved it!! We are actually going back in September almost the exact dates as the last time. I’d also recommend Monkeypod across the street. We say on the patio and shared some pizza. They have a great happy hour deal. Half off apps and pizzas. We also enjoyed the music each night at oleo’s lounge. Have a wonderful time!
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You will love Aulani. We went in September of 2015 for our 30th anniversary. We did t eat dinner at ama ama but did lunch there. Their menu wasn’t really to our liking, but the lunch was excellent and you can’t beat the view. We did the Manoa falls hike and I would definitely recommend it. We did it ourselves not thru Aulani. It was fairly easy to find. Be prepared to get wet and wear hiking or good tennis shoes that can get wet and muddy. I wrote a trip report also but don’t know how to link it. It was called “our trip to Aulani: has it been 30 years already”. There are pictures from the hike and also some pictures of our kayaking trip. If you’re adventurous I’d I’d recommend this. We loved it!! We are actually going back in September almost the exact dates as the last time. I’d also recommend Monkeypod across the street. We say on the patio and shared some pizza. They have a great happy hour deal. Half off apps and pizzas. We also enjoyed the music each night at oleo’s lounge. Have a wonderful time!
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Thank you!! I was looking at Manoa Falls for the hike. Most people say that you can do it on your own (not as an excursion). We will be sure to check out Monkeypod, we love finding local spots to eat.
I will be sure to take a look at your trip report! Also, I am glad to hear everyone is planning to go back.
__________________
One half of a travel loving couple. We love Disney and the Disney Vacation Club! DVC owners at Aulani and Animal Kingdom Lodge.
There's plenty to do just at the hotel! Waterslides, lazy river, stories around the fire pit, infinity spa, breakfast with the characters (just my DM and I, no kids). There is a shuttle to the Waikiki malls/beach area which is about $30US return per person vs $100 each way for a taxi! A hike to the top of Diamond Head just to prove I could still do it was a highlight as was Pearl Harbour.
We did not island hop either visit and never wasted a minute.
During our time at Aulani we walked to the hotel next door one night for Starbucks. Have fun whatever you choose.
We didn't stay at Aulani, but the Marriot right next door. We walked over to Aulani a few times for Mickey Bars.
If you want to purchase groceries, go to the ABC Store in the little mall across the street. Great selections and a lot cheaper.
We hiked Diamond Head. It can be very hot. Take your time and make sure you have water with you.
Pearl Harbor is a must!
The North Shore is beautiful so that is a must if you have a car.
The Dole Plantation has Dole Whips. Because these are made with fresh pineapple, they are better than the ones at WDW (but I'm still not a fan!)
I highly suggest the Oahu Revealed guide book. It is amazing and spot on with recommendations. In fact, any of the island Revealed books are second only to the PassPorter books as far as guide books go.
If you can, island hop. Maui is not our favorite. We love the Big Island and Kauai the most.
I highly suggest the Oahu Revealed guide book. It is amazing and spot on with recommendations. In fact, any of the island Revealed books are second only to the PassPorter books as far as guide books go.
This is a great website for planning information for Hawaii - govisithawaii.com.
While we did not get to Oahu on our trip, we did visit Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island and I printed a ton of helpful articles and touring information from that website.
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I would thoroughly recommend that to you. 
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