kimberwee
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jun 12, 2011
So we are in the final stretch on our wait to visit Aulani. This will be the first trip for DD (10) and second trip for DH. I went to HS and University of Hawaii @ Manoa on Oahu, but its been about 15+ years since I have been back. As you can imagine, I am beyond excited to return to old friends, old haunts and OMG the FOOD!
First concern, we will be landing in HNL around 1:10pm and anxious to stretch our legs after a long day of travel. We are renting a car from Enterprise for the duration of our stay, which will take some time. (We are DVC so parking at Aulani was not a factor and having lived on Oahu, I know that the island is best experienced by exploring) My question is: with this timing, what is a reasonable expectation for an arrival time at Aulani without any other stops?
Also, for anyone who has had the same mid-afternoon arrival, can you share your Day 1 experiences/plans?
We have the usual touristy stuff planned for most of our days and a couple of resort only days.
I want to take them to the Polynesian Cultural Center. Am I insane to consider going on a Saturday? should we just suck it up and attend the Luau there or wait and go to Paradise Cove on another day?
I have also been looking for a whale or dolphin watching/catamaran excursion. Can anyone provide reviews for the excursion offered through Disney and Hawaii Nautical? The description says Aulani Beach towel...do we keep that? Those things are expensive and weigh in on the price consideration.
Mahalo in advance!
First concern, we will be landing in HNL around 1:10pm and anxious to stretch our legs after a long day of travel. We are renting a car from Enterprise for the duration of our stay, which will take some time. (We are DVC so parking at Aulani was not a factor and having lived on Oahu, I know that the island is best experienced by exploring) My question is: with this timing, what is a reasonable expectation for an arrival time at Aulani without any other stops?
Also, for anyone who has had the same mid-afternoon arrival, can you share your Day 1 experiences/plans?
We have the usual touristy stuff planned for most of our days and a couple of resort only days.
I want to take them to the Polynesian Cultural Center. Am I insane to consider going on a Saturday? should we just suck it up and attend the Luau there or wait and go to Paradise Cove on another day?
I have also been looking for a whale or dolphin watching/catamaran excursion. Can anyone provide reviews for the excursion offered through Disney and Hawaii Nautical? The description says Aulani Beach towel...do we keep that? Those things are expensive and weigh in on the price consideration.
Mahalo in advance!