20 year anniversary bash in Hawaii

[weezyree]

We are three years out, but want to plan a very nice 20th anniversary trip for just the two of us. When we met, I already had my oldest daughter. At the time, she was two and she's never known anyone other than my husband as her father. He adopted her shortly after we were married. Seven years later, we were blessed with our youngest daughter.

Our oldest is now a married woman herself and my youngest isn't interested in going to Hawaii...she says this now, but may change her mind.

I wanted to book the one-bedroom villa for the kitchen so we can help off set some expenses in the eating department. This will also come in handy if the kids do decide they want to join. I prefer to go alone as does my husband since we haven't traveled anywhere for an extended period of time without kids in tow, but we would let them tag along if they wanted.

With that being said, I was looking for feedback on Aulani So far, I am finding very good reviews and we aren't picky about the view, but any advice, tips, deals, etc would be helpful.

Some pinpoint questions I do have are:

1. Is there ample parking if we decided to rent a car for our stay??

2. Are the pools/slides/lazy river crowded?

3. Are there public access beaches in the area other than at the resort?

We plan to maybe make a trip in the 'off season' say, October.

Thanks in advance for your help and ideas!!

 

[weezyree]

Hoping some Dis'ers have been to Aulani....I know it's way across the big, vast ocean and quite chunky of a price to fly there, but anyone??? Help!! I have plenty of time so no worries!! Thanks for any and all advice. Even from those that have went to Hawaii non-Disney!

 

[rpcvpanama]

We just went to Aulani this past June. It is a beautiful resort and you will love it. We rented a car and never had problems finding parking. If you are a DVC member parking is free, if not I think it is $35 a day so keep that in mind. There is a rental car location at Aulani for day trips and such. If you plan on being at Aulani for any length of time I would suggest having a car for at least part of your trip. There is not much in Ko-Olina to see and do and you will either have to take pre-planned trips or rent a car and go on your own. We were there for 4 days but had been to Oahu last year so saw most of the sights at that time. We were content to just hang at the resort for 4 days any longer and I might have gone stir crazy. We did have a car though, just in case as it was cheaper to rent a car than pay for taxi's to the resort.


The pools did get a little crowded in the early afternoon, but not too bad. Of course, I was there before the 3rd and final wing of the DVC was open. It might get more crowded when that opens. Going in the off season will help.

The Ko-Olina area is made up of 4 lagoons (maybe 3) and all are public access, as are all beaches in HI. There is a walking path that connects the lagoons and you can use any of them.

Food is definitely expensive in HI. Having a kitchen would be a nice addition at least for breakfast and lunch. Save some for dinners out.

 

[weezyree]

Thank you, rpcvpanama!!! I am glad to hear this and have been doing some digging on disboards in other areas for info.

Our plan would be to rent a car at the airport, keep it the entire time we are there, shop for groceries at the military commissary and get a one bedroom with a kitchen to off-set costs of food.

We are DVC members so the parking free is always good!!!!

I am very much looking forward to it. I have my screensavers set to Hawaiin scenes for inspiration and we are plugging money aside for this!!!

Now, we just need to decide if we want to go alone or invite the family and renew our vows on the beach at sunset. Nothing formal or even with a minister. Just want to recite them to each other and it would be nice to have the fam, but they are sometimes full of drama. With rental cars, a full kitchen and plenty to do, everyone can go their own way??? Not sure, but either way I am really looking forward to going.

Thank you so much for your input!!

lisa

 

[rpcvpanama]

One other thing, as a DVC member you get a discount on cabana rentals. We did this during our trip and it was well worth the money. The cabanas come with a small refrigerator, a lockable cabinet, plenty of seating and cover to get out of the sun. We spent 2 full days just lounging by the pool and defintely felt it was worth the money to have our own spot and not have the hassle of finding and keeping chairs around the pool. You can call the conceirge directly to reserve your cabana and it is essentially first come first served. Also, the sooner you get on the list the higher your priority for picking which location you want. We were first on the list one of the days and so had our pick of whichever of the 8 cabanas that we wanted. I think you can book them 180 days out.

Also, as you get closer to your vacation sign up for Groupon and LivingSocial for Honolulu. We found some great deals on excursions/activities by doing that. Just remember to read the terms and conditions.

It was definitely a great time but the flights are horrible from the East Coast. Would love to go back but won't be for a long time...

 

[weezyree]

One other thing, as a DVC member you get a discount on cabana rentals. We did this during our trip and it was well worth the money. The cabanas come with a small refrigerator, a lockable cabinet, plenty of seating and cover to get out of the sun. We spent 2 full days just lounging by the pool and defintely felt it was worth the money to have our own spot and not have the hassle of finding and keeping chairs around the pool. You can call the conceirge directly to reserve your cabana and it is essentially first come first served. Also, the sooner you get on the list the higher your priority for picking which location you want. We were first on the list one of the days and so had our pick of whichever of the 8 cabanas that we wanted. I think you can book them 180 days out.

Also, as you get closer to your vacation sign up for Groupon and LivingSocial for Honolulu. We found some great deals on excursions/activities by doing that. Just remember to read the terms and conditions.

It was definitely a great time but the flights are horrible from the East Coast. Would love to go back but won't be for a long time...

Great info on the cabanas and I would def pay the money to have our own little hideaway spot at the pool. Are they on the beach too, or just the pool??

As for saying flights from the East Coast are horrible, do you mean because of the nature of their delays (big cities like Baltimore, JFK, NYC, etc)?? We will be in San Antonio at the time and most likely will catch a connecting in LA, so that shouldn't be that bad. Beats swimming!!! LOL

I can't stand being a car for more than a days worth of driving, so I prefer to fly, but a trip to Hawaii we may upgrade to First Class for the space and to spoil ourselves!!!

Thanks for the great information!!

 

[Carrie in AZ]

LOTS of Aulani info on the DVC RESORTS board and many trip reports, too. We were just at Aulani and LOVED it!!