10 of Our Favorite Day Excursions at Aulani a Disney Resort and Spa
A common misconception I hear from clients all the time is that Disney’s incredible Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa in Hawaii is best suited to those who just want to sit on a beach for a week! Though it’s true that the beaches and numerous pool areas you’ll find at Disney’s awe-inspiring Hawaiian retreat are absolutely stunning, the resort also offers a wide range of day excursions allowing you to explore the length and breadth of Ko’olina as well as other incredible sites around the Hawaiian islands. To give you a taste of the magic that awaits Aulani visitors, here are 10 of our favorite Aulani excursions
1. Surfing Child Semi-Private Experience
Can you imagine a more perfect way to teach your kids to surf than with a semi-private tutorial at White Plains Beach? During this Aulani excursion, kids will be given a 2-hour surf lesson that includes proper padding techniques, water safety and wave catching not to mention memories that will last a lifetime! The cost for this adventure is $182.97 including taxes and fees and is available for kids between the ages of 9 -12.
2. Catamaran Experience
During this awesome experience, guests will cruise out along the shoreline of O‘ahu’s sun-kissed Leeward Coast aboard the 65-foot Ko Nau Lani. Guests will enjoy majestic views and incredible marine life! You might see playful Hawaiian Spinner dolphins and Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles. From December to April you may even be lucky enough to catch a rare glimpse of a humpback whale! This 3 1/2 hour tour also includes the soft strumming of ukulele music to complete your relaxing adventure as well as a pin that features the year of travel, vessel name and the name of the excursion for you to keep!
3. Pearl Harbor Remembered
During this, 7-hour excursion guests will be able to see the battleships that represent the start and end of US involvement in World War II along with other poignant sites! The tour departs directly from Aulani to Joint Base Pearl Harbor -HIckam – formerly known as Pearl Harbor Naval Base. Here you can view the nearby USS Missouri, the site where Japan signed the instrument of Surrender to end World War II. The boat also will take you around the USS Arizona Memorial. Then you’ll visit the National Cemetary of the Pacific which honors the men and women who have served in the US armed forces. Then it is on to downtown Honolulu where a tour will take you to historic points of interest throughout the city! The cost is $110.01
4. Sea Lion Encounter
Guests ages 8 and up can make a new friend or two as you take to the water in this unique opportunity to swim with sea lions in their habitat! During this amazing excursion, you’ll take an educational swim in the tank inhabited by the sea lions at Sea Life Park. You’ll learn about their habitat and even the hand cues used by marine trainers who work with the animals. Afterwards, you’ll have time to enjoy the amazing Sea Life Park at your leisure! The cost for this adventure is $80.88 per person.
5. O‘ahu to Big Island Hawai‘i Circle Island Tour
This 15-hour island adventure starts with a flight (included in the price) from O’ahu to Kona for a 1-day sightseeing adventure around the Big Island of Hawai’i. You’ll visit the Royal Kona Coffee Mill & Museum, enjoy a unique immersion experience into Hawaiian culture at Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, see Mauna Loa Volcano as you head to the gorgeous Punalu’u Black Sand Beach and dine at the Queen’s Court Restaurant at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel. Foodies will also love the stop at the Big Island Candy Company which is home of the exquisite chocolate and macadamia nut treats! Rounding out the trip is a visit to Rainbow Falls and Akaka Falls! This tour will set you back $495.73 per person.
6. One-Day Kaua‘i – Hawai‘i Movie Tours
If like me, most of what you know about Hawaii comes through television and movies then this is the tour for you! During this excursion, you’ll take a 25-minute inter-island flight from Honolulu Airport to Lihue Airport. The tour begins at Wailua Falls and its gorgeous, rain-soaked vegetation. This tributary to historic Wailua River has been a location for television’s Fantasy Island, Dragonfly, Castaway Cowboy and The Amazing Race, as well as the movie comedy Tropic Thunder. Next, you’ll head to Coco Palms where you’ll enjoy an exclusive visit to the site of Elvis Presley’s film Blue Hawaii, as well as Fantasy Island and Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean. Then it’s on to Kaua’i Sands Beach, Kapa’a Town where you’ll see locations from the iconic film Jurassic Park. The tour also includes visits to Moloa’a Beach, which classic sitcom fans will recognize as the uncharted beach in the credits of Gilligan’s Island as well as Kilauea Lighthouse Overlook, which served as the inspiration for Disney’s animated film Lilo & Stitch. The tour also includes lunches provided by Aqua Kaua’i Beach Resort. This adventure lasts 8 hours and costs $499.55.
7. Majestic Circle Island Tour
See many island highlights in one fun-filled day. Stops include the explosive water spray of Halona Blowhole, the brilliant clear reef of Hanauma Bay, the incredible views at Sandy Beach, Makapu‘u Lookout, Waimanalo Hawaiian Homestead and the Waimanalo Bay Recreational Area. Visitors will also enjoy a stop at the gorgeous Nu‘uanu Pali Lookout, the scene of the epic, deciding battle that led to the unification of the Hawaiian Islands. Additional stops include at the Waimea Valley, where you will explore an ancient ahupua’a filled with tropical flowers, trees and birds. You’ll also see historic sites and hike to a waterfall where you can swim. Finally, Dole Whip lovers won’t want to miss this visit to Dole Plantation where you’ll enjoy a country store offering gifts, food and of course a taste of the iconic Disney theme park treat! This tour lasts 8 hours and costs $123.82!
8. Huaka‘i Iki – The Little Hiking Adventure
This tour is perfect for active families and those that love the great outdoors! During this four hour adventure, you’ll hike through unspoiled natural beauty rarely seen by O’ahu visitors. scale wind-swept ridges, forge freshwater streams and trek through verdant tropical valleys. Observe scented gingers and other spectacular rainforest plants, such as guava, scented ginger and bamboo thickets. Revel in Hawai‘i’s fascinating history, culture and ancient mythology. You’ll also get to swim in a private mountain pool and enjoy a gourmet lunch amongst the flora and fauna! The tour costs start at $102.45 and last 4 hours!
9. CLIMB Works Keana Farms Zip Line
Zip line tours are all the rage these days and this 3-hour offering definitely delivers! Guests will secure their own transportation to CLIMB Works Keana Farms where you’ll set off on a 10-minute, 2-mile ATV ride to the top of mountain where you’ll enjoy scenic views of farms, forests and other inland landscapes. You’ll then set off on one of 8 side-by-side zip line runs offering spectacular views of the North Shore’s famous beaches, farms and mountains. The lines range from 500 feet to 2,400 feet. Along the tour, you’ll also encounter 2 rappels, 3 sky bridges, scenic boardwalks and more! The cost is $182.27 and is perfect for those with a car rental included in your stay!
10. Dolphin Swim Adventure Experience
And last but not least, the dolphins! During this magical tour guests can enjoy some very special encounters with these lovable animals including an adorable kiss or splashtacular belly ride! You’ll travel to Waimanalo Town on O’ahu’s South Shore. Here you’ll take an educational swim in the tank inhabited by the parks friendly dolphins and learn about their daily lives. The encounter lasts from about 25 – 30 minutes! This excursion costs $215.69 and is perfect for those including a car rental in your Aulani package!
We hope we’ve helped dispell the notion that a visit to Aulani is primarily a beach getaway. With so much to see do and explore you can customize your holiday to be as active or as relaxing as you want! The only limit is your imagination.
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Find articles like this helpful? Then why not consider working with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner? As an agent with MickeyTravels, I’ll be on hand to assist you with everything from finding your perfect package to helping you plan lots of special touches to make your visit truly magical. Best of all my services are absolutely FREE. Get in touch at 1.800.801.4025 via email at mroden@mickeytravels.com or follow along on Facebook