In 2020, I had planned a girls' trip to Hawaii with some dear friends. I had already booked my plane ticket when the world came to a halt. Though it was disappointing initially, I've come to believe that everything unfolds as it should. Looking back, I realize that perhaps that trip wasn't meant to be. While it was a letdown at the time, in hindsight, I'm grateful for how things turned out.
Here's why: In December of 2023, I finally had the chance to visit Hawaii with my family and experience the enchantment of Disney's Aulani Resort in Oahu. It truly is a magical place, with breathtaking sunsets that leave you in awe. A little word of advice from my experience: if you're tempted to rise early to catch the sunrise, don't bother—the resort isn't situated on the side of the island where you can see it.
Let me start from the beginning and provide a quick overview of our trip. Get ready for a lengthy flight from Toronto to Honolulu. If you're fortunate to snag a direct flight, it's approximately 10 hours. However, we had a layover, extending our travel time. Factor in the time difference, and when we arrived at our resort, it was 9 pm local time but was 3 am for us. Managing jet lag is easier if you can resist sleeping on the plane and instead go to sleep at close to your normal time after reaching your destination.
We were well aware that Hawaii tends to be pricey, given its distance from the mainland—a three-hour plane ride. So, it came as no surprise that even everyday items like bread and cereal came with a higher price tag. If you're planning a visit, brace yourself for the elevated costs.
During our stay, we took the opportunity to explore the island and indulge in some whale watching. December to April is typically the prime season for this activity. Although we didn't spot any whales on this occasion, we were treated to the spectacular sight of Spinner Dolphins, which was truly amazing.
I can't speak highly enough of Hawaii Nautical—they provided a fantastic experience. What's more, just a short walk from Disney's Aulani, we discovered a charming inlet where we could observe Monk Seals lounging and Sea Turtles gracefully swimming. It was an unforgettable sight.
We absolutely adored the relaxed atmosphere of Aulani. This trip was all about taking it easy—no rush, no fuss. Whether we were unwinding by the pool or lounging on the beach, every moment felt just right. We're not the type of travelers who can spend a whole week doing nothing, so Aulani struck the perfect balance for us. It offered the ideal blend of adventure and leisurely days, allowing us to make the most of our time without feeling overwhelmed.
Visiting Pearl Harbor was an essential part of our trip agenda. It was important for us to pay our respects to those who lost their lives on that fateful day and ensure that our children understood the significance of Pearl Harbor. We wanted to honor the memory of those who served on the USS Arizona and ensure that their sacrifice is never forgotten.
A return to Disney's Aulani Resort is definitely on the horizon for us. There are corners left unexplored, and we find ourselves longing for those mesmerizing ocean vistas and breathtaking sunsets. While we won't be back right away, it won't be too long before we're drawn back to its charm. Aulani struck the perfect balance with its Disney touches, and the warmth of the staff made it feel like a second home. Until our next adventure, I'll treasure the memories we've made.
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