Aloha from Aulani

[ciao_gina]

"glad to hear that it is set up as two bathrooms even though it really is only one. We really like the two bathroom configuration at BLT and VGC and wished Aulani was the same."

It was perfect and will be ideal with teenagers. The funny thing is that there is a jacuzzi tub and we never used it because we were "jacuzzied out"

"I have read from others to pack light as well."

Yes, we did laundry everyday so there is no need and really think about how many nice clothes you really need. We made a real mistake by checking bags and overpacking.

" hadn't read about Mitch's before, will definately have to look into that."

It is quite expensive but a great experience if you are a 'foodie'. We went for lunch.Ask to sit in the room where you sit traditional Japanese style. And this is a BYOB place-the first time for us. Defintely make reservations.

"Your pictures were great! What an awesome idea to edit them on the plane. "

I know! It worked out perfectly. I am definitely doing that next time.

 

[ACDSNY]

Great pictures! I agree the service at Aulani was top notch and we can't wait to go back someday.

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Ahhhmazing pics! I love how Hawaii is not just beaches, but has mountains too. Looks like you had a wonderful time! Thanks so much for taking the time to share these! 10 days for me!!!!!

 

[Cinderpamela]

Thank you for sharing your TR with us. Sounds like you guys had a magical time.

Your report has been a big help to me for planning our trip to Aulani for the end of July. Especially love all the ideas for food as we plan on doing a lot of off site dining.

Also loved your photo's, you got some beautiful shots!
.

 

[ErinC]

Thanks for sharing your trip details. I'm planning on Aulani in 2014 for our
20th wedding anniversary. DH just doesn't know it yet! Loved looking at all your pictures, the resort looks beautiful. Did you find the water too cool for you this time of year, or was it okay?

 

[ciao_gina]

Thanks for sharing your trip details. I'm planning on Aulani in 2014 for our
20th wedding anniversary. DH just doesn't know it yet! Loved looking at all your pictures, the resort looks beautiful. Did you find the water too cool for you this time of year, or was it okay?

Thanks! Yes I did actually and I don't ever remember that being the case lst time in March. It did shorten our snorkeling experiences and a jacket was needed on the whale watcing trip.

 

[SueTGGR]

I guess I am a little late on this report being it was in February but your link for pictures is no good. Is there a chance you can get a new one? I would love to see the pictures as we are headed over there in a few short weeks and love seeing the pictures so I can feel familiar immediately.
BTW, Great Report!! I made lots of notes
Mahalo.
Sue

 

[dianeschlicht]

Most places that locals hang out involve large quantities of meat.

Haleiwa is sort of difficult. Your best choices for higher end in Haleiwa are going to be Jameson's or Haleiwa Joe's, neither of which is really all that fantastic. Otherwise, for a casual meal, Kua Aina in Haleiwa is always good (the mahi sandwich is surprisingly good for a burger place). Kono's is also pretty well known though I've never actually eaten here myself (only serves BF and lunch).

Going back towards town, the best place if you want seafood and like sushi and close(r) to Aulani would be Mitch's Sushi near the airport. You WILL need GPS to find this place - it's seriously in the middle of nowhere (airport industrial area). But they have the freshest seafood (they're actually seafood importers) and they can serve you up whatever seems the best for that day. This is traditional sushi, not fancy rolls, so if you're looking for a Mikuni-like experience (I know you're from Sac, lol), this won't be it. It is pricey but well worth it. Make sure to get the lobster sashimi.

Other places? Plate lunch places that are cheap and good - if you want seafood, you're going to need to hit the higher end plate lunch places. Your generic plate lunch will do chicken/beef pretty well but generally does a poor job with seafood (usually frozen and prepared badly). Kakaako Kitchen at Ward Centre (all the way in town and near Waikiki) would be my recommendation as a better plate lunch - ethnic and a local staple. I would recommend the furikake tempura catfish for a non-meat eater. Another option would be Diamond Head Market & Grill - portobello burger and the grilled ahi steak would be my recommendations for a non-meat eater. This is conveniently located at the base of Diamond Head so would be good as a lunch option after hiking Diamond Head in the morning. Parking tends to be tight but if you get stuck, you can usually find street parking on a side street somewhere.

For high end seafood, besides the classic recommendation of Roy's, I also have to strongly recommend Alan Wong's and Azure. Alan's main restaurant on South King Street is definitely a foodie destination (good enough for the President to eat there every trip back to Hawaii) and well worth trying to snag a reservation (can be a little difficult at the last minute). Azure in the Royal Hawaiian can be just as fancy as Alan Wong's in their preparations but I would draw your attention to their Pier 38 local seafood menu where they get whole fish from the Honolulu Fish Auction and prepare them in two ways - one simply roasted and finished with white wine, lemon, and herbs and the other by a rotating selection of island style preparations (which might mean Chinese style - steamed, finished with sesame oil, ginger, and soy sauce, or some other type of preparation).

Hope that gives you some ideas. If none of those appeal, let me know and I can try to come up with some other options.

This post is one In intend to print and refer to on our February trip! Thanks for sharing!

 

[spleen]

This post is one In intend to print and refer to on our February trip! Thanks for sharing!

You're very welcome, Diane. Please post back after your trip as to how things went!

 

[happymommy]

Nice to read this from an Aulani perspective! We used to live on Oahu, and now own at Marriott's Ko Olina resort (have gone 4 times and have next year planned). With two teens, we use our full 2 bedroom villa now, and just bought another week resale so own 2 weeks every odd year (got a great deal too). From the East Coast, you really need more than a week!

I love it there! Yes, you absolutely positively NEED a rental car. And don't overpack is right! We've gone for 2 weeks with just a carry on bag each, then buy our groceries and toiletries at Target the day we arrive. Well, I do. Half asleep.

The OP doesn't mention the Swap Meet (aka the Flea Market). That's where we always go for souvenirs and dried fruits. I highly recommend going, but go early! It gets hot! Tee shirts are about $2 each there, so my kids always buy a few.

I can't wait to walk over to Aulani next year and see it; it was almost open last year when we went. Maybe we'll have to have a drink there to check it out.