Adults only at Aulani?

[AnimalPrincess]

Hello all,

My husband and I are thinking about going to Aulani in the fall but since we don't have kids it would just be the two of us. From reading some reports it seems like we might not have the best/romantic time since there are no adult only areas. We have been on two Disney Cruises so we are ok with there being lots of kids around but on the ship there are adult only areas. It sounds like there are often lots of kids even in the quite pool? And I gotta say I get so annoyed when there are kids playing in the hot tubs like they are the pool. So what do you all think? If we go I am going to hope for a relaxing and fun trip with my husband, do you think it would just be better to wait and go when we have kids? Thanks in advance!

 

[tjkraz]

Sounds like you've mostly answered your own question. Disney has chosen to cater to families so kids are going to be around. And they won't always be as well-behaved as you may wish.

That said, there is an expansive public beach just outside of Aulani. I suspect you could fine a peaceful plot of land out there.

If you really want that adults-only experience, you may be better off looking elsewhere.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Hello all,

My husband and I are thinking about going to Aulani in the fall but since we don't have kids it would just be the two of us. From reading some reports it seems like we might not have the best/romantic time since there are no adult only areas. We have been on two Disney Cruises so we are ok with there being lots of kids around but on the ship there are adult only areas. It sounds like there are often lots of kids even in the quite pool? And I gotta say I get so annoyed when there are kids playing in the hot tubs like they are the pool. So what do you all think? If we go I am going to hope for a relaxing and fun trip with my husband, do you think it would just be better to wait and go when we have kids? Thanks in advance!

A quiet pool only means it is not themed, not that it will be quiet. Kids should only be in the hot tub when accompanied by a parent or other adult as it says on the signs near the hot tub. And that would be a great time to speak up and ask the other parents whose kids who might not be sitting quietly in the hot tub if they would please move to the pool if they want to play.

 

[AnimalPrincess]

Let me clarify, I don't want to offend anyone, I don't dislike children or having them around, I just want to know if people that have been think that adults without kids will enjoy themselves at the resort or is it really best experienced with children. I must admit I am a little surprised that there isn't an adult only pool etc like they have done on the cruise ships.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Let me clarify, I don't want to offend anyone, I don't dislike children or having them around, I just want to know if people that have been think that adults without kids will enjoy themselves at the resort or is it really best experienced with children. I must admit I am a little surprised that there isn't an adult only pool etc like they have done on the cruise ships.

None of the other Disney or DVC resorts have adult only pools. Why would you expect that at the resort?

 

[dianeschlicht]

While it's true that Disney resorts tend to cater to children, I suspect there are fewer children at Aulani than some of the others just because of the expense to get there. The airfare for a family of 4 from our area is going to be in the $6000 range.

 

[AnimalPrincess]

None of the other Disney or DVC resorts have adult only pools. Why would you expect that at the resort?

I don't expect it. And the difference between Aulani and the DVC resorts at WDW is that Aulani is the destination, you expect to be spending most of your time at the resort. All i'm saying is that an adult only hot tub might be nice.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Just plan on going during January or February when kids are in school, and you wont have to worry about it much.

 

[tjkraz]

I don't expect it. And the difference between Aulani and the DVC resorts at WDW is that Aulani is the destination, you expect to be spending most of your time at the resort. All i'm saying is that an adult only hot tub might be nice.

Walt's premise from day one was family-friendly environment. Adults-only areas don't upset me by any means. But frankly I'm more surprised Disney went that route with the cruise ships than I am the fact that they are absent all other locations. I'm sure it was a hotly debated topic when DCL was still being developed and ultimately the decided to mirror other cruise lines in that regard.

The Vero and Hilton Head resorts don't have adults-only areas either.

I think it comes down to practicality. I don't think there are a lot of SINKs/DINKs who make a go/don't go decision based upon the presence of and adults-only pool or hot tub. It would also be a hassle for the resort to police.

Meanwhile it puts extra strain on other resort amenities when the majority of the guests discover certain areas are off limits to them.

 

[skylynx]

Maybe you could combine a couple days at Aulani with a stay at a more adult-oriented resort, maybe even on another island? We're planning on doing exactly that for our tenth anniversary. I think you bring your own romance with you, and it will happen wherever you let it. We've witnessed some couples having some knock-down, dragout fights in the most paradisical locations, so, in some ways the palm trees and ocean views and tiki torches are just props. I bet you and your DH can find pockets of quiet and romance despite all that's going on...just like on the cruise ships.

We're parents and love kids, but leave ours home sometimes when we go on cruises or to WDW or Disneyland. That's when we seek out exactly what you are looking for. We moderate our expectations a bit about how peaceful things will really be because it is, after all, Disney, and where people with families want to be. It is nice on the cruise ships that there are adult-only areas, and we certainly spend a lot of our time there, but when we are at resorts we find bars and quiet places that aren't attractive to kids to hang out. One of the reasons we love our DVC accommodations is because of the private balconies, which are wonderful for sharing a glass of wine and conversation. Dress up, wear perfume, maybe a flower in your hair, and the romance will not elude you!

I agree it's obnoxious that some parents allow their kids to use a hot tub as a kiddie pool, including leaping in and out and splashing/swimming around and shouting when other folks trying to relax. The absolute worst example of this, though, was in the hot tub at AKL that was supposed to be "adult only" after 10 pm. Some idiot woman was floating her 9 or 10 month old BABY in a tube in the hot tub. I normally don't confront others on their parenting, but I did mention I thought it might be dangerous for the baby to be in the hot tub due to a baby's inability to regulate body temperature like an adult. The mother basically told me to shut up and mind my own business, and that she wanted to enjoy the hot tub like everyone else, and had no one to leave her baby with. The baby wasn't crying but I just couldn't stand to watch, so I left. I did tell a lifeguard at the pool about the situation, as I'm sure the hot tub rules precluded cooking babies in them. Don't know if they told her to get her baby out of there or not.

Long winded way of saying I sure wouldn't wait until I had kids to go and enjoy a place like Aulani-you and your DH can make all the romantic magic you can stand!

 

[spleen]

I'd agree with Tim, Diane, and skylynx. I think Aulani would be fine for a romantic getaway as long as you adjust your expectations. The spa sounds like it would be wonderful for a romantic time together. While pool/hot tub areas may not be adults only, you could certainly find a quiet spot on one of the beaches to get away from the kids. If you pick a time of year when most kids are in school, it should be relatively quiet during the weekdays. And you could certainly combine a stay at Aulani with a stay at another resort on a different island to get a feel for other islands and to get more adult pool time (I recommend the Four Seasons Hualalai or Wailea) :

 

[mouseaider]

Leslie..... I understand what you are trying to say. And yes..... I think you can have a great time at Aulani even though kids are present.

My DW and I are going to be there in mid April without kids or Grand kids and I promise you that we will have a great time.

We are planning on doing a few things away from the resort but while we are there we wouldn't be opposed to asking some parent to get their kids under control. We would do it politely at first but I would also get a cast member involved if I needed to.

As far as a quiet pool, I know what you mean. Some kids can really make a pool splash and once again I'd try to speak with the parents, but a CM would hear from me once again.

Go.... have fun.... relax.... and don't worry about the "what if's" in life. You will get old before your time.

Aloha!

 

[AnimalPrincess]

Thank you all for replying and its great to know that I am not alone in my feelings. I think you are right and that we can find what we want anywhere. Basically we are trying to decide between a few different trips for this year and I just want to get and much information as I can before we decide.

 

[Scrappy_Tink]

I'm going to put myself out on a limb and say I believe ALL hot tubs should be Adult only....or have "Kiddie" hot tubs under 100 degrees.

Think about it....what are Hot Tubs for? To me, it's for relaxation, maybe some sore muscle relief, a way to unwind with a nice chilled glass of wine, or other form of frou-frou drink.

You add kids to the mix, and all that just goes out the window!! Just picture yourself relaxing, with some rugrat doing a cannon-ball next to you...or my favorite, the incessant "Momma, Momma, Momma", while Momma is ignoring the child, drinking her own frou-frou drink, trying to relax.

I'm with you Skylynx about the baby...besides the fact that heat promotes bacteria (and we know what babies do when they hit warm water!!), all you need to do is add the carrots and onions for baby stew. Babies do not belong in hot tubs, their little bodies can't regulate the heat...even kids under (I want to say 10?) are discouraged from staying in a hot tub over 100 degrees for longer than 10-15 minutes.

Okay, I'm getting off my hot tub soap box now.

About Aulani...I think probably by the evening, most kids are going to be worn out from all the swimming and other activities, that the evenings will be pretty quiet. Also, I agree with the others, I wouldn't let it keep me from going, as your going to have children at any resort you go to (unless it's an Adult-Exclusive resort, like Sandals)

Me & DH are going to Aulani in 2014 for our anniversary...we're also thinking about maybe going to the North Shore and stay at the Turtle Bay Resort for a couple of days too. (That's where the beautiful resort "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" was filmed) Maybe you'd consider going there for a little break too.

 

[kjd469]

Well, my DH and I spent 5 wonderful nights at Aulani, "sans kids", the week between Christmas and New Years. While there were a ton of kids there, of course, it didn't bother us in the least bit nor hamper our romantic vibe. As long as I didn't have to care for them, and they weren't screaming in my ear it didn't matter they were there.

Sitting on beach chairs watching the amazing Hawaii sunset - super romantic, walking around the resort at night which is beautifully lit and very few kids to be seen - super romantic, sitting outdoors off the lobby listening to live Hawaiian music in the evening - super romantic, floating around the lazy river holding hands - super romantic, spending time together in our room - super romantic....and I could go on and on. You see, it is what you make of it...there are plenty of opportunities for couples-only time, even when surrounded by kids. We absolutely loved Aulani, family friendly environment and all! It is truly a beautiful resort in a beautiful setting.

As for the poster who thought there would be fewer children at Aulani due to the cost...IMHO I don't think that will be the case. Many local families will be frequenting Aulani due to the fact they get special rates, and there are many, many families in the U.S. and other places who can easily afford to bring their children to Hawaii, regardless of cost of airfare. I don't think there will ever be a shortage of kids at Aulani, but that is fine with me, as it is such a wonderful place for families and couples alike.

 

[taaren]

If you do decide on Aulani, try to avoid the weekends/school breaks as there will be more people with kids then.

The infinity hot tubs are lovely but they usually are crowded with kids turning them into their own wave pool.

I'd second the suggestion of a PP who said perhaps combine a trip to Aulani with another resort on the island that is not as child-intensive, such as Turtle Bay? Aulani truly is gorgeous and I've done one trip with the DS and one trip without, and greatly enjoyed both, sticking to more 'adult-ey' (though not romantic since I was also sans DH! ) things on the latter. There didn't seem to be nearly as many kids on the beach as there were near the jacuzzis and pools. I didn't see any kids in the pool our hotel room overlooked over in the Waianae tower but I'm not sure if it was designated that way or the pool itself was just too boring for them with all the exciting features at the main pools.

 

[saintstickets]

Children or not, DW and I are going the week after Labor Day to celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary! At my age, I'm getting hard of hearing anyway so the noise from kids won't bother me too much!

 

[Pakey]

We have stayed at the Ritz Carlton and the Grand Wailea on Maui that have adult only pools. Perhaps a different resort would work best for you. We are going adults only to Aulani in September and I'm definitely not expecting the Ritz.

 

[ACDSNY]

Just plan on going during January or February when kids are in school, and you wont have to worry about it much.

We spent 3 nights in January had an awesome time by ourselves without any kids, grandkids with us. The sunsets were beautiful and we enjoyed the lazy river and slides too. Our kids are grown and married so even us older ones still can have fun.

This trip was part of larger trip that was already scheduled for Kauai and Maui so we were just stopping in to check out the resort.

 

[PetePanMan]

Just back last week. No doubt lots of kids of all ages but there are nice areas or times of day where you can find a quiet get away. We loved the quiet pool and there are a couple of nice secluded corner areas. The area in front of Ama Ama restaurant was also a nice area to hang out. Hot tub near fish pond also seemed to have few kids and all hot tubs were quiet first thing in am and after 8am'sh. Lastly, you can for $45 (if space is available) go to spa hot tub area which is very lovely and quiet. If you decide to go, have fun exploring and finding your own special areas.