Is this worth it or stupid?
 

A friend is traveling to Oahu for work at the end of June and offered for me to also fly out and stay in the room (free) at the Disney Aulani resort.

It's tempting -- I guess anything "free" is and of course I'd love to visit Hawaii -- and plan to some day. However this would not be a free trip since airfare now from the east coast is around $1300. And I'd be responsible for expense while there, obviously, such as food and a rental car.

That's still tempting BUT the 2 other issues are:
1. I'd be on my own pretty much the whole time and I'm really not a solo traveler and don't think I'd enjoy being alone even in (or especially in) such beautiful surroundings. Or at least nowhere near as much as if I had my husband or some other travel partner with me. For me the joy of travel is sharing whatever wonderful place/experience with someone else (I know there are lots of independent folks here who travel alone and would argue with me on that but trust me, I know myself, I just don't enjoy the solo thing).

2. The bigger downside is it would only be for one week. Sadly not negotiable. So....

Is it worth it? My husband and I will definitely do a more thorough Hawaii trip at some point so is it better to wait until then? The looong, not to mention expensive, flight; the fact of being basically alone; and the rushed visit before turning around and having another long flight.

I'm struggling to decide if this is a good opportunity or a big mistake. Having to make the decision pretty much immediately is making it even harder. Can anyone give me an honest opinion?

We are on the West Coast and have been to Hawaii many times. To me, this does NOT sound that enjoyable unless you are in need of some warmth and relaxation -- either you'll be sitting on the beach (which is man-made lagoons at the Aulani) or at the pool by yourself, or driving around by yourself, which you have already said you don't like (neither do I FWIW). Note that the Aulani is pretty far from anything else -- about a half-hour drive to Waikiki. JMHO.

I think you've already answered the question in your mind. The only upside is that you'll get your room for free. There doesn't seem to be anything else on the "pro" side.

Save Hawaii for a nice trip with your husband.

It's a lovely offer, but airfare is too high and expenses add up quickly. You are already missing your husband not experiencing it with you.

The Disney resort is a long drive from most spots of interest to see on that island. So it is not a good location. I would go later with your family beacuse to see that island you need to do a lot of driving and you probably don't want to do that all alone.

If the only thing free is the room, I think it will still be pretty pricey and you'll end up wishing you had someone to share it with. It doesn't sound like you're that excited about it, so I would pass and go back with your hubby when you can.

Yay! I think I had already talked myself out of it but thought I'd see if anyone said "great opportunity, do it!" just to torture myself a little bit before deciding it's a no go.

I'm glad there was consensus from the experts. I'll wait and do it the "right" way another time.

Thanks again for the speedy replies.

another one in favor of waiting when you can travel with your hubby.
hawaii is a wonderful, romantic place to vacation.

Besides not being with your hubby you would be with LOTS of kids so a quiet time around the pool might be a dream!

Nope, I wouldn't do it (and I love Hawaii & like to travel solo). For me the main drawback of what you outline is staying at the Disney-resort. If you were being offered a place in central Waikiki then I might consider it.

You can always find a cheap hotel in Hawaii, so sharing a room with someone for free is really not that great a deal. That airfare is too high and the plane ride too long for such a short trip, and something you don't sound all that excited about in the first place! kindly, suze

Since you don't seem to think you would enjoy it by yourself (without your husband) - you have pretty much answered the question.

Moi- I always welcome a "survey" type opportunity where you go ahead and scout things out, including renting a car and driving around the island, etc. - and then come back with my wife. It all depends on your free time and budget.

And while I have not been there, would think the Disney resort is pretty much all-inclusive - a good place to just kick back and chill, etc.

Thanks again to everyone for the helpful advice. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing HI but will do it the right way when I have time to explore - and someone to explore with.

The children at the Disney resort would also be a factor as Shar mentions!

My main problem with Aulani is the location. Just not convenient for doing anything else. You'd always have to be in the car.