Hi Alexis, welcome to planDisney!
It looks like soon you'll see the line where the sky meets the sea and you'll be on the shores of the lagoons at Ko Olina enjoying everything offered at
Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa! My family visited Aulani Resort just over a year ago and I am still dreaming about it. I sure hope we'll make it back there one day soon.
I spoke with a Cast Member at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa regarding your transportation question about
Huaka‘i Nui – The Big Hiking Adventure with the check-in in Hale'iwa town (near the Aloha General Store). The Cast Member shared that if you are not renting a car, the two options you have are a ride-share service like Uber or booking a taxi. If going with a taxi, she recommended booking a reservation a day or two before but if you choose an Uber, there are many around the resort area so you can use the app and book one when needed. I inquired about how long it takes to get to Hale'iwa by car and she said to allow for up to an hour as things can take significantly longer with traffic. Hale'iwa's a great spot to explore and there are lots of places nearby to visit if you arrive early.
If you explore these options and decide that you would instead prefer to
rent a vehicle for the day, you can visit the car rental counter at Aulani Resort (located in the conference center).
Tip: While you’re visiting Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, check out the
Pau Hana Room - Community Hall. This game room has many activities, amenities, and amusement to suit Guests of all ages! This is also where you register for daily activities (subject to change) such as the
Menehune Adventure Trail (my family loved completing this at night as it has an extra bit of magic in the dark), make your own Aulani-inspired Mickey Ears, ‘ukulele lessons and Kāpala Ki'i - a t-shirt stamping activity. I also strongly recommend checking out the
Daily ‘Iwa, it highlights the week’s events and activities so you can plan for what suits you best. It will tell you when and where to
meet Characters, feed the fish at
Rainbow Reef, and if there are beach activities you might like to partake in with your family.
Alexis, I hope this information helps with your vacation planning. I wish you the most wonderful trip to Aulani Resort, you're going to make wonderful memories! Please visit
planDisney again if you have any other vacation planning questions.
Mahalo for stopping by,
Candace