I have lots!!! I don't wanna hijack
@mickEblu's thread, but here are my tips:
*Look at Aulani on a map. You'll see Ko'Olina is actually 4 separate little beaches, each one shared by a few resorts. You can easily walk to these other beaches and they are going to be far more quieter than Aulani which is packed 24/7.
There is actually a trail that goes all the way to the last beach and then loops around and sends you back. Maybe a mile each way? It's a beautiful walk if you're looking for a little exercise.
*If your kids are old enough and you want some alone time, drop them off at Auntie's which provides free daycare/activities while you go out and drink and do adult things. It's first come, first served and you need to wake up early to wait in a line to secure them a spot. (Check w/ hotel for opening time and get in line about 30 min before that or so).
*Take the time to play the interactive tablet game at Aulani!!! It is very well done and an awesome way to kill sometime w/ kids. You'll pass all these random things around the resort that won't make any sense until you play it.
*Also have fun fun looking for all the Menehune (little mischievous Hawaiian creatures) around the resort. You'll find them tucked away all over the place. Even in the KEYHOLES of random furniture in the lobby -
*Don't be afraid to go out and explore. Oahu is pretty easy to get around. Last time I was there I took a scenic drive on the 83 and it was well worth the effort. There's a great (and I guess pretty popular) shrimp truck along the route called Giovanni's that's a must-have if you like shrimp covered in garlic -
http://www.giovannisshrimptruck.com/
*Don't be afraid to go out and eat. Food at Aulani is pretty expensive (but pretty good, all things considered). Right across the street is a cool little shopping center with food, but if you get in your car and drive a few miles you can get more stuff too even cheaper. Can't say enough good things about Plantation Tavern which has the most amazing Poke Nachos. (if you like that sorta thing). There's also a Target nearby where you can get your essentials for far cheaper than what you'll pay at the resort.
*The lazy river is freaking awesome
*I did not pay to go inside, but the Polynesian Cultural Center is very Disneyland-y without being a theme park and has a free marketplace village to explore. Was a fun little stop on the 83 and has stuff to see without dropping a cent on admission.
*There is Dole Whip at the cafe. Nuff said. Truth be told, I thought the Dole Whip at Aulani was better than the stuff at the Dole Plantation. If you're going to visit there, visit for the fun gift shop, train ride, maze, etc. The Dole Whip was a bit icy, at least the day I stopped by.
*The neighboring Marriott has a little beach side restaurant/bar called Longboards which serves these insanely awesome frozen Mai Tais. If you at all enjoy drinking, you need to have one or two or twenty of these. I had a really hard time walking back to Aulani after just having two of them, but I'm also no heavyweight.
*Venture into Honolulu for a stop at Leonoard's for incredible Malsadas (Hawaiian donuts) and stop by the weekly flea market
