Aulani Resort
  • On Feb 18, 2024
    Sandra from LA Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    Our family is visiting AULANI in May. My husband and I want to do a day trip to the Big Island. I am looking for suggestions on tours, transportation to the Honolulu airport very early in the morning and anything that would help. Volcanoes National park

    Aloha, Sandra! Thanks for making a return trip to planDisney with your vacation planning question. It's a treat to meet another Disney Vacation Club Member, and I couldn't be happier to help add a bit of extra pixie dust to your upcoming Hawaiian adventure!

    How exciting that you'll be traveling beyond the reef to Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawaii! This tropical paradise on the island of Oahu holds a special place in my heart as our family enjoyed our first vacation as DVC Members at Aulani.

    The "Big Island" of Hawaii is about a 55-minute flight from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu--just enough time to enjoy a restorative POG juice before landing! Sandra, at this time, there are no excursions to the island of Hawaii available through Aulani. However, Volcanoes National Park is part of the amazing National Park Service and their website is a great resource to plan your day. 

    In terms of transportation, you have quite a few options. Hele Hele Shuttle Service is an easy way to travel to and from the airport that can be booked through Aulani. If a private car service is more your speed, Platinum Limousine Services is a preferred company for travel to and from Aulani. We rented a vehicle when we visited and I personally would recommend it--it was handy to have our own transportation to explore Oahu and have some off-the-beaten-path adventures! You can even rent a vehicle for the day at the counter located at the resort. 

    Although I can't be much help for Big Island travel, I'm happy to suggest some great options for Oahu. You'll find there is an endless list of activities to fill your days--both at Aulani and beyond! Here's a few of our family's favorites: 

    • The nighttime luau KA WA'A is an amazing experience featuring Hawaiian food, stories, song, and dance. Advance reservations are required and can be made over the phone or online--it's a vacation memory your family will cherish!
    • Aulani was designed with significant influence from the Hawaiian community, and you can find beautiful artwork and design features all around the resort. There is a very cool guided walking tour that we really enjoyed!
    • Explore your inner Moana and take to the water! The Waikolohe Valley pool area features waterslides, kids' areas, and an epic lazy river. For a unique aquatic adventure, you can see a variety of marine life up close at Rainbow Reef, Aulani's private saltwater snorkeling lagoon. Snorkeling does carry an extra fee and snorkel equipment is included.
    • Visit Pearl Harbor (also maintained by the National Park Service). My grandfather was stationed in Hawaii during World War II and this experience was so moving--I'm really grateful we were able to do this. You can book a couple of different tours through the Aulani website which will include transportation. 
    Sandra, I hope you are getting excited for your upcoming adventure--May will be here before we know it! If you have any other questions about planning for your Aulani vacation, please don't hesitate to reach out again. Thanks so much for visiting planDisney!

    Stay Magical!
    Susan 
thumbnail image for Susan

Meet the Panelist: Susan, Michigan

Hi there! I'm Susan, a pixie-dusted pediatric nurse and Disney Vacation Club specialist. I'm married to my own Mr. Incredible and we have two fantastic teenage daughters. Our family has been making Disney memories for four generations, and I'm so excited to help you plan your own magical adventures as part of the planDisney panel. Welcome home! Learn More About Susan

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