corgi_monster
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jun 10, 2007
Thanks for this! It kindof seems like a traffic nightmare! So we have enough points for 5-6 at Aulani, but we are also going to another island so I add another day in Waikiki but it would come from Kauai and I would like to be there 5 nights.
Thanks!
Many of your activities are concentrated on the North Shore rather than East Honolulu, so it would make more sense to spend a night at Turtle Bay rather than Waikiki. That being said, I'd just stay at Aulani the whole time. The drive from Aulani to the North Shore is faster than Waikiki to North Shore regardless of how bad the traffic is.
I would suggest the following itinerary (days 2-5 are in no particular order):
Day 1:
Drive around the island. You'll drive past Hanauma Bay, PCC, North Shore, etc. During the drive, mark down places you'd like to explore further.
East Honolulu Day (preferably a Saturday or Sunday to avoid rush hour traffic):
- Early morning Diamond Head Hike. Consider giving a sunrise Makapuu Lighthouse hike a try instead. Much less touristy and better scenic views.
- Hanauma Bay - It's iconic, but it's not the best place to see fish. If you want fish, go to Shark's Cove while you're on the North Shore.
- Waikiki Beach - It's a crappy beach imo and you may not want to spend much time there after seeing how beautiful the Ko Olina lagoons are.
- If you decide to try Makapuu Lighthouse, take a drive up Tantalus. There's a park with a lookout that offers one of the best views in town. It spans from Diamond Head to Makakilo.
- Eat dinner in the Ala Moana/Ward area and then drive home after traffic is "pau" (done).
North Shore Day:
Dole Plantation
Waimea Falls (is this the waterfall you're referring to?)
North Shore
North Shore Day 2:
Polynesian Cultural Center
Snorkling at Shark's Cove on the way back to Aulani
Day 5:
Pearl Harbor
Luau at Aulani or Germaine's
Also wanted to note that 5 days on Kauai is a very long time unless you're planning on hiking Na Pali coast or doing a bunch of tours. 2 days on Kauai and 3 days on Maui or the Big Island could be a lot of fun.