Aloha from Aulani

[ciao_gina]

My son who is still on CA time woke me up at 7, once again excited to go down the slides. I must say they are really fun and give that touch of Disney rides-a combo of the matterhorn and a smaller water ride at Typhoon Lagoon. After a dip in the hot tub we came back for breakfast and then down to the beach. For those of you that are trying to imagine the layout of the resort- one area practically touches the next. There are some chairs where you can watch the play area for the smaller kids, part of the floating river, one of the hot tubs and see where people are going upstairs to go down the slides. If you sit by the big pool you can see the beach, the bar, a restaurant etc. So as a whole it is not a huge area.

We had a fun time on the beach under an umbrella right at the water. Even on the weekend there are plenty of chairs although the beach is public and we did see a bunch of teenage girls with no wristbands using the chairs-not sure about the rules. My son had a great time on the big floating Disney platform with some other kids for a long time while I took photos of him and the general scenery. As far as snorkeling goes, the water is murky and there are only a few fish further out. You can also paddle board and kayak-very few people were doing this which made for plenty of room for people to swim.We also watched a newly wed couple taking photos.

Back to the room for lunch and rest and then out again for, you guessed it, time on the slides and lazy river. The weather was even warmer and less windy which was great. oh and I walked right by Patrick Monahan who was desperately trying to calm his crying baby while standing by the reef rentals and rocking him/her. I can't believe he didn't at that moment invite me and my family to a Grammy watching party in his room-geesh.

Dinner at Roy's this evening which was really good-especially the dim sum appetizers. Seared Ahi that melts in your mouth. I ordered a trio of fish that was very good and my husband ordered something similar. Another meal that was quite satisfying.

Back to the resort for some shopping in the resort store- some good quality stuff and then we couldn't resist a slow walk around the grounds because it was georgeous outside. And the plumeria scent of the lei at check in; you get whiffs of it every once in a while without seeing the flowers. It is heavenly. I only regret that I didn't have my good camera to capture the water features and other sights at night. We also finally caught the storytelling at the fire pit. Really fun an interactive for kids. We learned of Maui the superman.

Back at the room now relaxing with plans of going somewhat north again tomorrow after breakfast at the local Koa Pancake restaurant, to find some areas to snorkel, possibly Dole and then checking out a shrimp truck.

Tips of the day: There are 2 bathrooms in one in the 1 bedroom. One has the toilet and shower and the other, which is next door has the bath. Each has a sink so you can spread out.

Don't overpack or dress up. Really. Having more swimming suits or other beach wear and nice but casual clothes, and less dressy heels and dresses are fine. Even at places like Roy's some people dress really casually. besides here in the 1 bedroom we have been doing laundry everyday so there is no need to stuff your suitcase.

 

[mouseaider]

It sounds like your family is having a great time.

Keep the reports coming..... it's helping my planning.

 

[GrammieMame]

Going on March 25 for a 7-person family trip. These trip reports are so very helpful in planning our days. Love the level of detail. The North Shore is one of our destinations and I'm looking forward to hearing about your 2nd trip there. Thanks for posting.

 

[cropper]

Have you attended the Starlit Hui? Trying to find out if it would take the place of paying for a luau

 

[deedisneydream97]

GINA....Giovanni's shrimp truck on the north shore...garlic shrimp!! However, don't pay any attention to the conditions in the parking lot. Eew. We found the shrimp truck by accident....we were really looking for the Grass Skirt, but got very "turned around". And do you know about the lounge for those with early check-outs but late flights back home? Showers, bathrooms, computer with printer for boarding passes, large screen monitor that shows flights/delays in and out of Honolulu.

Cropper...We did Germaines Luau, but you need a car. It is in a weird industrial area.....but food was great, and we had great fun...but definitely cheesy!! You can walk to the Paradise Cove luau. that being said....the Starlight Hui was a wonderfully done show. Like a luau, without food and without the "over the top" stuff. It is only offered a few nights per week at the resort...also depends on the weather.

 

[ciao_gina]

O.k. slept in for the first time and then headed out to Koa Pancakes for breakfast and it was just what we were looking for- a place run by locals and patronized by locals. They do have regular egg meals but we had pancakes and french toast which were good and a good price.

Next we repeated the lovely drive up to the North Shore. On the way we stopped off to watch the Pipeline competition and then a stop at the Dole Plantation. I have to tell you that that place is a gold mine and is very in-your-face as far as sales and tourists. From the moment you step on the stairs women are asking if you would like a free this or a key to open up some free gold or a chance to get a real pearl. The train ride, the gardens, everything cost something. I wouldn't buy any macadamia nuts or t-shirts here. I must say that feeding the koi fish was really cool- they pile on top of each other like the salmon in Alaska, to get just a nibble with their super size mouths. Walking along the different types of pineapples is interesting too- the small ones are so cute! My son got a dole whip which he promptly got all over his shirt.

Made a stop in Waileia (sp?) Valley which is gorgeous. My son was already hungry and cranky so we knew we wouldn't make the 45 walk each way up to the waterfall but we enjoyed the grounds, the rare species of birds and I saw a chick and a peacock. I was also excited to find plumeria incense and a cutting to put in my garden. I hope it takes! I have fallen in love with this scent.

We pressed on and finally found Giovanni's and Dee, the atmosphere didn't bug me at all, just the wait for the food and we got there before the long line. The garlic shrimp plate was yummy but bring mints or gum if you order it. I am still tasting garlic.

Back to the resort for some slide-riding, etc and then spent an hour in the 'double-decker' hot tub as my son calls it to watch the sun set. That was really nice.Another patrick M. sighting getting his photo taken with his daughter and Chip and Dale then up to the room for home made dinner and a little Sorcerer Radio. I love that station.

Tonight we also watched some of the Hui but were all really tired and I wanted to take advantage of the empty grounds at the time to take some night shots of the place. We have been to a luau once at Paradise Cove years ago and imo it is the type of thing you do once although I used to love the kahlua pork. I think if you are budgeting your trip- the Hui is a great substitute. Check out youtube for videos of both.

Someone asked about Aunty's- the kids can be in any room-I think there are 4 main rooms plus an outside play area- a movie room with mats to lie down if needed, a computer room, a dress up and fireplace den room and a crafts/science
experiment room. I think there is a kitchen too.

 

[ciao_gina]

Our last night here. It seems that it takes forever for our well-planned vacation to get here and then it is over in no time.

O.k. my last Pat Monahan story; My husband went out yesterday evening for a dip in the hot tub, came back in about a minute and said "you'll never guess who is staying in the room directly across the hall!" Yep and he literally ran into his little daughter.

Now back to news you can use. My son woke me up at 7:00 to tell me that the toilet is too loud so we all decided to make it an early and long day since it was our last full one here. I had my usual morning coffee on one of our 2 balconies (did I mention that?)and realized that it was going to be a hot and sticky day. Back to the slides, pool, river of course. It seemed that every time my son and I rode the raft slide we wiped out when it 'landed' at the bottom into the river. One time I went in one direction, and he the other going underneath the water. There are lifeguards about every 10 feet that keep a great eye on everyone.

Back up to the room to shower and change for lunch out. We went to Mitch's Seafood Market for sushi. I had heard great things from Spleen here and on-line reviews and it did not disappoint. Super fresh local fish and they also serve fish flown in from all over the world such as New Zealand and bring it directly from the plane to the restaurant which is located among some rental car business right at the airport. My son had his first traditional Japanese eating experience sitting on the floor mats and without shoes. This is also a byob place which is new to us and cool. I tried abalone for the first time and had the best scallop ever among other sushi for myself and my husband and my son had his usual unagi.

Back to the resort for more of the usual, and a shopping trip to ABC for more gifts. Dinner back at the room was a potluck of sorts; using up the last of our food.

After dinner we took a walk to the rocky cove in front of the Marriott and watched the sunset. We had a nice Valentine's present-a surprise show from a pod of whales off in the distance. There was a couple near us with a bottle of champagne which I thought was sweet. Then we sat at the bar and ordered pina coladas for the three of us. Finally a last walk all around the resort taking more photos everywhere and looking for fun and interesting details we had missed.

Tomorrow the plan is to hit the area in front of the Marriott with my camera and try to capture another whale show in the morning before leaving for home.

Will post again with some last thoughts and 'big picture' recommendations.

Mahalo for reading!

 

[RweTHEREyet]

I have thouroughly been enjoying your trip report. Thanks so much for sharing.

 

[ciao_gina]

I have thouroughly been enjoying your trip report. Thanks so much for sharing.

You are welcome! If anyone has any questions please ask.

 

[wdrl]

Thanks for sharing your trip report! We'll be staying at Aulani for 7 nights in September, and I've found your comments and tips quite helpful.

I have a question about taxis. Do you know how much the average taxi fare is for two people from Aulani to Honolulu airport? We are debating whether we should rent a car at the airport for the entire week we are at Aulani, or if we should pay taxi fare each way to/from the airport and rent a car at Aulani for just 2-3 days. I don't foresee us needing a car every day of our 7-night stay, but we do want to drive to the North Shore, Pearl Harbor, Bishop Museum, and a couple other places.

 

[alldiz]

Thanks for sharing your trip report! We'll be staying at Aulani for 7 nights in September, and I've found your comments and tips quite helpful.

I have a question about taxis. Do you know how much the average taxi fare is for two people from Aulani to Honolulu airport? We are debating whether we should rent a car at the airport for the entire week we are at Aulani, or if we should pay taxi fare each way to/from the airport and rent a car at Aulani for just 2-3 days. I don't foresee us needing a car every day of our 7-night stay, but we do want to drive to the North Shore, Pearl Harbor, Bishop Museum, and a couple other places.

I also would like to know about taxi/car rental opportunities. Just wondering about the on site eating options....have you tried any and are they good?
Thanks
Kerri

 

[CrazyDuck]

Definately rent a car... The one way charge to or from the airport could easily cover a full days rental. You will need a car to expore the island and to go shopping.

Eating onsite is problematic. AmaAma is good but expensive and reservations are a must unless you like to eat at 9pm. the pool bar (forget the name) has a very limited food menu. One Paddle Two Paddle the CS place is good, still pricy, limited selections, and no seating (you'll need to take food back to room or eat on lounge chairs by pool... but the sweet potato fries and fish tacos are awesome).

 

[ewebet]

Gina, thanks for posting the details of your trip! We are going in May for 10 nights and your review of Aulani is making me wish my trip is tomorrow. Thanks for the food options , we have heard the restaurants at Aulani are very expensive. We might do a lunch at Ama Ama during our stay.We plan to eat in our room much like you and eat out here and there! I am so glad to hear Roy's is open again. Glad you enjoyed your trip!

 

[spleen]

Gina - glad you enjoyed Mitch's!

wdrl / alldiz - As for taxis - probably easily $40-50 each way. Almost definitely cheaper to rent a car and you can use it for other things. Of course, parking fees at Aulani can easily add up if you're not DVC ...

 

[Robin"D"]

Great report ...but any pictures to post?

Robin & Angel "D"

 

[wdrl]

wdrl / alldiz - As for taxis - probably easily $40-50 each way. Almost definitely cheaper to rent a car and you can use it for other things. Of course, parking fees at Aulani can easily add up if you're not DVC ...

Thanks!

 

[alldiz]

Definately rent a car... The one way charge to or from the airport could easily cover a full days rental. You will need a car to expore the island and to go shopping.

Eating onsite is problematic. AmaAma is good but expensive and reservations are a must unless you like to eat at 9pm. the pool bar (forget the name) has a very limited food menu. One Paddle Two Paddle the CS place is good, still pricy, limited selections, and no seating (you'll need to take food back to room or eat on lounge chairs by pool... but the sweet potato fries and fish tacos are awesome).

Gina - glad you enjoyed Mitch's!

wdrl / alldiz - As for taxis - probably easily $40-50 each way. Almost definitely cheaper to rent a car and you can use it for other things. Of course, parking fees at Aulani can easily add up if you're not DVC ...

Thanks.....
I love the Dis....can't wait to plan a Aulani trip.....hearing from others just makes it more enticing

 

[saintstickets]

Thanks to everyone for their tips and suggestions. We have a reservation for a pool view studio for 9/04-9/09/12. With the comments here and on other threads about the cost of meals at the Aulani restaurants and the not-so-great reviews, I'm leaning towards biting the bullet and getting a 1 bedroom even if we have to settle on a standard view to keep the points down. The full kitchen could be used for food prep and the w/d could be used to keep from having to take extra luggage by washing clothes during the week. Thoughts and comments anyone?

 

[cropper]

Thanks to everyone for their tips and suggestions. We have a reservation for a pool view studio for 9/04-9/09/12. With the comments here and on other threads about the cost of meals at the Aulani restaurants and the not-so-great reviews, I'm leaning towards biting the bullet and getting a 1 bedroom even if we have to settle on a standard view to keep the points down. The full kitchen could be used for food prep and the w/d could be used to keep from having to take extra luggage by washing clothes during the week. Thoughts and comments anyone?

I wouldn't go any other way but a 1 bdrm! But also don't think I would want any less than a standard view.
Call the front desk and ask them what room to specify in your request.

 

[ciao_gina]

OK we have been back for a day and I am still recuperating. Let's see, we woke up early and asked for a late check out but we're 'denied' so we had a little time left. My son of course chose the slides and I went down to the rocky area near the Marriott hoping for a parting gift from the whales-no such luck. Checked out and went in search of some more cuttings of plumeria and found them at the last possibly place-the airport. Had a smooth flight home. United was such a better experience than Continental. Also I spent the whole flight editing my photos from the trip. It made the flight just 'fly by' before I Knew it we were landing. What a great airplane project.

Random thoughts and comments:

The washer/dryer is such a treat. We did laundry almost everyday for various reasons, mostly because we changed clothes throughout the day.

The stove top is electric which is really hard to get used to after using gas for so long but the kitchen is really nice and I love the built in table.

The hot and cold in the showers are opposite. I wouldn't point this out normally but one poster complained that the shower never was hot.

If you are waivering about renting a car-do it. Even for only a couple of days to explore the island especially if you have never been.

Big picture thoughts. Keep in mind that I do love Disney and I am a DVC member and I have a child:


Aulani is ideal if you have young children who love the water and the beach. I would advise you not to emphasize the Disney aspect if you think they will expect lots of rides, etc.

February was the perfect time of year to go because the resort wasn't full in fact getting a beach chair of any type anywhere was no problem.

If you are going in the summer I would be prepared for crowded pools, waits for the slides etc.

If I didn't have kids I don't know that I would go to Aulani but a resort on another island or geared to adults. A honeymooning couple, for instance, won't get a nice quite romantic soak in the hot tub watching the sunset because there are always young kids there. In fact there were a group of unsupervised boys splashing each other one day and I had to ask them to be quiet. I really think that the side pool with the bar next to it should be adults only.

With teenagers, I am not sure as I am willing to bet that there are more activities in the summer.

So take those thoughts with a grain of salt I guess.

I will post photos as soon as I get them finalized.