At Aulani NOW!! Observations

[AquaDame]

I know this is a silly question but how much plexiglass is up in the lobby, gift shops, QS, etc? It's such a small thing but it makes everything feel so cheap to me. It feels like the bulletproof glass at a CVS in the bad part of a major city.

Also, I assume still no sighting of refillable mugs, lei greeting, or infused water at the valet stand?

I took a couple of pictures for you last night. Similar glass at every stand.




No sign of the extras you mentioned yet still.

 

[JC1984]

I didn’t want to start my own thread but we’re heading home right now and I wanted to put my thoughts out somewhere.

Overall it was more crowded than I’d hoped in the pool area (of course) and they closed the lazy river at 6pm so we had to make sure to hoof it back to enjoy it one day in the afternoon instead. They made sure everyone had their black bands on before heading into the restaurants but cleaning was still iffy. I found a pair of underwear tucked on top of the couch and there were food remnants in the kitchenette sink when we checked in. Then you see the placard talking about extra cleaning… it made us laugh. They were very good about taking out our trash daily during the room checks which I appreciated. We did not get towels or anything else at any point (we were there 4 nights so I think that is to be expected).

No one was reminding guests to put their masks on when they entered from the pool, so many did not bother. A couple families tried to bring their entire group onto the elevator with us so we asked them not to. Thankfully no one argued (max is 4). I’m glad we were on the top floor - it made grabbing one much easier on the way down.

Drinks were great but the sushi rolls were mostly rice. Nigiri was much better. The line at the coffee bar at the four seasons was nonexistent whereas the place across the street had a long line. Both had matcha and both were good. We easily could have had our breakfast from the four seasons too - they have chia seed and yogurt bowls ready to go and a host of pastries. Also malasadas and musubi if either are your jam.

I didn’t see a single character, but we did not seek them out. I did get to listen to stories by the pool at night which I enjoyed and we played the menehune hunt which was very fun.

halloween merch was very tiny and they only had a kids shirt and a very cheap feeling hat that was Hawaiian/Halloween so I did not buy anything. The other items were generic Halloween park style stuff. Tons of options for Aulani specific though so I still left happy.

Thank you for sharing as I know a few of us are planning on being there in the near future. On a scale of 1-10 how would you rate your overall experience? Had you been prior?

 

[OKW Lover]

I took a couple of pictures for you last night. Similar glass at every stand.

When we checked in on 9/22 we didn't find the plexiglass to be a bother.

 

[OKW Lover]

Thank you for sharing as I know a few of us are planning on being there in the near future. On a scale of 1-10 how would you rate your overall experience? Had you been prior?

Jumping in on this question. We were there 9/22-10/1 in a Grand Villa. There were 5 of us all older adults, 2 (wife & I) had been to Aulani 5 times before and the other 3 were new to Hawaii. Overall the experience rated an 8 I'd say. My biggest complaint was the non-Adult pool and Ama Ama being closed. I mentioned both of them strongly in my comments on the survey you get after your stay.

One other thing, the black wrist band you wear for the entire (9 nights for us) stay was annoying but not horrible. Felt especially strange when showering.

I think the most annoying part of our vacation in 'Oahu was the requirement to show your vaccine card and ID, plus fill out contact tracing info every time you went into a restaurant. That's not Aulani specific though (where all you had to do is show your black wrist band) since it applies to anywhere on the island.

 

[AquaDame]

Thank you for sharing as I know a few of us are planning on being there in the near future. On a scale of 1-10 how would you rate your overall experience? Had you been prior?

Yes, we've only been twice prior, so by no means a frequent guest! Our first stay was Oct 7th 2011 for a few nights which I admit will never be a proper stay. It had only been officially open a week and only one tower was open. The other stay was short as well. We have no children, so if you do, my opinion would not matter, frankly. The kids all seemed to be having a FANTASTIC time in the pool area and on the beach. What kind of trip are you doing..? My husband gives it a 6, I'd say 7. If we were owners or got to go more often I might rate it higher but I do feel like we missed out on things.

The problems I had with Aulani weren't really covid problems. You can't blame a visually dirty room on covid (if anything they claim to be cleaning BETTER). For how packed the pool area was at night they really should have enough lifeguards to keep the pools open later. Where else are we supposed to go? We saw several angry guests being told to get out of the river at 6pm... it was still light out. One gentleman stubbornly refused - we didn't stick around to watch how they handled that. Aside from some food items being out at 3pm (no chocolate bananas, a few other items out as well), Ama Ama being closed (we never ate there anyway) and seeing plexiglass around/facemask problems things seemed pretty much as I remembered them tbh. On paper having Waikolohe close at 6 and having to do the scavenager hunt before 7 sounded fine, but in reality we kept wanting to do things around then after dinner. Instead we had the option of watching stuff in our room, or getting on a waitlist for drinks. Even when we did get drinks the wind kept hitting the plexiglass barriers around the performers so they sounded like they were in a wind tunnel. It was still fun, but obviously it would have been MORE fun pre-covid.

As OKW Lover said it was a little weird having to show our vaccine cards on Oahu. On Maui the safe travels QR code was enough where they asked for anything, and not required for take away, but for some reason Oahu wanted the actual card and it didnt matter what we were there for. I didn't like carrying it - the card is an awkward size and problematic when I didn't want to carry a purse. I ended up putting it inside our fold up bluetooth keyboard, rubber banding it, and then tossing that in our snorkel bag. Thankfully we did not suffer a water mishap! We also had to give the name and phone number of someone in our party if we wanted to sit down. Many places we went weren't bothering - the tables were pushed to the side and chairs were up - they wanted you to take it away. Dukes did NOT handle their waiting area well at all. We were smooshed in there like sardines and waited about 25 minutes for a table. They were also taking drink orders so many people had their masks off in there while sipping.

FWIW when we checked in the CM assured us if the black band was annoying we could take it off and get a new one as often as we liked. We did not, as we didn't want to waste the plastic, but if it really annoys you it is an option.

 

[AquaDame]

When we checked in on 9/22 we didn't find the plexiglass to be a bother.

Same. The only time it was a hindrance was when they couldnt hear me through the speaker in it, otherwise it didn't bug me. I did have to bend over and speak into it more directly once or twice.

 

[JC1984]

Yes, we've only been twice prior, so by no means a frequent guest! Our first stay was Oct 7th 2011 for a few nights which I admit will never be a proper stay. It had only been officially open a week and only one tower was open. The other stay was short as well. We have no children, so if you do, my opinion would not matter, frankly. The kids all seemed to be having a FANTASTIC time in the pool area and on the beach. What kind of trip are you doing..? My husband gives it a 6, I'd say 7. If we were owners or got to go more often I might rate it higher but I do feel like we missed out on things.

The problems I had with Aulani weren't really covid problems. You can't blame a visually dirty room on covid (if anything they claim to be cleaning BETTER). For how packed the pool area was at night they really should have enough lifeguards to keep the pools open later. Where else are we supposed to go? We saw several angry guests being told to get out of the river at 6pm... it was still light out. One gentleman stubbornly refused - we didn't stick around to watch how they handled that. Aside from some food items being out at 3pm (no chocolate bananas, a few other items out as well), Ama Ama being closed (we never ate there anyway) and seeing plexiglass around/facemask problems things seemed pretty much as I remembered them tbh. On paper having Waikolohe close at 6 and having to do the scavenager hunt before 7 sounded fine, but in reality we kept wanting to do things around then after dinner. Instead we had the option of watching stuff in our room, or getting on a waitlist for drinks. Even when we did get drinks the wind kept hitting the plexiglass barriers around the performers so they sounded like they were in a wind tunnel. It was still fun, but obviously it would have been MORE fun pre-covid.

As OKW Lover said it was a little weird having to show our vaccine cards on Oahu. On Maui the safe travels QR code was enough where they asked for anything, and not required for take away, but for some reason Oahu wanted the actual card and it didnt matter what we were there for. I didn't like carrying it - the card is an awkward size and problematic when I didn't want to carry a purse. I ended up putting it inside our fold up bluetooth keyboard, rubber banding it, and then tossing that in our snorkel bag. Thankfully we did not suffer a water mishap! We also had to give the name and phone number of someone in our party if we wanted to sit down. Many places we went weren't bothering - the tables were pushed to the side and chairs were up - they wanted you to take it away. Dukes did NOT handle their waiting area well at all. We were smooshed in there like sardines and waited about 25 minutes for a table. They were also taking drink orders so many people had their masks off in there while sipping.

FWIW when we checked in the CM assured us if the black band was annoying we could take it off and get a new one as often as we liked. We did not, as we didn't want to waste the plastic, but if it really annoys you it is an option.

Thank you for the in depth thoughts and wisdom. So the vaccine card you need a hard copy or will they except a picture from your phone? They need to come up with a better system my .02 cent paper card is going to get lost or destroyed I feel

 

[OKW Lover]

So the vaccine card you need a hard copy or will they except a picture from your phone?

We found a picture on the phone was acceptable.

 

[EM Lawrence]

On Maui the safe travels QR code was enough where they asked for anything, and not required for take away, but for some reason Oahu wanted the actual card and it didnt matter what we were there for.

Would you be willing to add more details on Maui vs. Oahu and the Covid restrictions you experienced? We are scheduled to go to Aulani in Jan. It would likely be a once in a lifetime trip for us. If we have to show cards and ID everywhere we go, or only eat take out at restaurants, we will reschedule. But your comment made me wonder if I should consider going to Maui instead, if they are more relaxed with Covid restrictions. I'm not interested in debating anyone about why the restrictions are in place, or whether they are a good thing. I'm just interested in gathering information so I can make the best decision for my group. Thanks!

 

[Airb330]

Did anyone actually have reservations for on-property dining? We don't go until after Christmas and I know they're doing 30-day reservation periods. However, I've never seen even ONE date/time. Website always shows:

That time is unavailable.
Please call Guest Services at (808) 674-6200 so that we may assist you.

 

[JLemaire7]

Would you be willing to add more details on Maui vs. Oahu and the Covid restrictions you experienced? We are scheduled to go to Aulani in Jan. It would likely be a once in a lifetime trip for us. If we have to show cards and ID everywhere we go, or only eat take out at restaurants, we will reschedule. But your comment made me wonder if I should consider going to Maui instead, if they are more relaxed with Covid restrictions. I'm not interested in debating anyone about why the restrictions are in place, or whether they are a good thing. I'm just interested in gathering information so I can make the best decision for my group. Thanks!

Maui and Oahu are the most populated islands and so they are going to have the most restrictions when it comes to showing vac cards for indoor dining, gyms etc…. Things could change by January so it’s hard to say. If this is a once in a lifetime trip I would postpone until things are more normal.

 

[Kristie71]

Did anyone actually have reservations for on-property dining? We don't go until after Christmas and I know they're doing 30-day reservation periods. However, I've never seen even ONE date/time. Website always shows:

That time is unavailable.
Please call Guest Services at (808) 674-6200 so that we may assist you.

I do. I got the same message on their website and i called them directly.

 

[Kristie71]

Would you be willing to add more details on Maui vs. Oahu and the Covid restrictions you experienced? We are scheduled to go to Aulani in Jan. It would likely be a once in a lifetime trip for us. If we have to show cards and ID everywhere we go, or only eat take out at restaurants, we will reschedule. But your comment made me wonder if I should consider going to Maui instead, if they are more relaxed with Covid restrictions. I'm not interested in debating anyone about why the restrictions are in place, or whether they are a good thing. I'm just interested in gathering information so I can make the best decision for my group. Thanks!

I suggest that with any Hawaiian island you insurance your trip. With Covid there is no guarantee that a new variant wont be burning its way through society at that time and new restrictions wont be put into place.

 

[AquaDame]

Thank you for the in depth thoughts and wisdom. So the vaccine card you need a hard copy or will they except a picture from your phone? They need to come up with a better system my .02 cent paper card is going to get lost or destroyed I feel

I did not try a picture to be honest; we had the physical cards with us anyway since I wasn't 100% sure a pic would work so I just used it. For outings where I didn't have my purse I also did not bring my phone at any rate (mostly when we were on boats or spending time at the beach in and out of the water) so I wouldn't have had a pic at hand either.

Would you be willing to add more details on Maui vs. Oahu and the Covid restrictions you experienced? We are scheduled to go to Aulani in Jan. It would likely be a once in a lifetime trip for us. If we have to show cards and ID everywhere we go, or only eat take out at restaurants, we will reschedule. But your comment made me wonder if I should consider going to Maui instead, if they are more relaxed with Covid restrictions. I'm not interested in debating anyone about why the restrictions are in place, or whether they are a good thing. I'm just interested in gathering information so I can make the best decision for my group. Thanks!

Quite the opposite as far as vaccination and dining inside specifically goes! Maui currently has no testing option for dining indoors; you have to be vaccinated. If you are not you can only eat outside or do takeaway. It felt easier for us, since there are so many times we didn't have to whip out our cards, but had we wanted to eat inside specifically we would have been upset. Some places on both had shuttered their indoors areas and just went full outside. Maui Brewing and Kualoa Ranch for an example. Which again is fine for us, dining outside is the way we roll in Hawaii - the weather is so gorgeous and places are great about having shade. The sushi restaurant that is a must do every trip (Koiso) and Mama's Fish House (also a must do) both checked our info before we were sat inside. Once we got to Oahu we had to show our cards more often since places didn't have as much outside seating and the sit down restaurants would check us regardless if it was takeaway or not for some reason. The more casual strip mall places still did not bother. At Aulani this won't be an issue; you get your bands and are good to go.

If this was a once in a lifetime trip to Aulani specifically I would not go at this time, personally, unless I could not push it out. Things may be better by spring though! It is too much money for a reduced experience, and yes, even though I personally am on board with masking I STILL see having to do that as a reduced experience. Having to expend mental energy remembering to keep away from other guests and count number of people in an elevator is not relaxing, even at Aulani. Conversely I wouldn't NOT go to Hawaii in general, since the things we like (good food, good weather, water sports, etc) are not at all affected. Our snorkeling trips were like the old days - once we left the dock the masks went in bags and didn't come out again till we returned to the harbor. Maui has embraced the "safer outside" mantra. At the beaches and parks almost no one had their masks on. Aside from showing your vaccine info (if you have it) the other bummer is reduced capacity in shops. It only came up in super touristy Lahaina on Maui, but on Oahu where there are more people we found ourselves waiting in line outside to get into shops that would only allow so many people at a time. Not an issue in larger shops or grocery stores but little places, coffee shops and shave ice would allow 4-6 in at a time. We also had to then take it outside to eat. For us this is how we rolled precovid anyway, take away food to eat back at the condo on the lanai or at a beach, drinking beers and watching the sunset, so we had a great time. We stay in Kihei instead of Lahaina so its more locals and less people in general. Walking by the bars and clubs they were hopping and there was no plexiglass between the performers and audience, just a little extra distance.

 

[StarSeven7]

We have all these same restrictions in place in Ontario (masking, vaccine mandate, capacity restrictions, contact tracing) so that will all seem completely normal to me! Ontario has spent so long being locked down (for example, indoor dining was closed from December to late July where I live, if you lived in Toronto it was even longer!) that I am just so grateful to be able to get outside my house and do anything that I don't mind the restrictions in place at all. My husband and I were just saying that we could live like this for a long time because it's really not that bad!

 

[poohj80]

I had the same question regarding dining reservations at Aulani so thanks to Kristie71 for mentioning I should call. Also, for those who have eaten at MonkeyPod, were you able to book a reservation or just walk up?

 

[Kmk2]

I had the same question regarding dining reservations at Aulani so thanks to Kristie71 for mentioning I should call. Also, for those who have eaten at MonkeyPod, were you able to book a reservation or just walk up?

I would take a shot on Opentable first. I see they are taking reservations through mid January

 

[OKW Lover]

for those who have eaten at MonkeyPod, were you able to book a reservation or just walk up?

We just walked up. That was ~3 weeks ago and we were there twice but during off hours.

 

[Kristie71]

I had the same question regarding dining reservations at Aulani so thanks to Kristie71 for mentioning I should call. Also, for those who have eaten at MonkeyPod, were you able to book a reservation or just walk up?

you can now make reservations for Monkeypod via Opentable now. They opened that back up

 

[Unclelude]

I'd also suggest watching the hawaii government sites closely. The good news is the 'infection data' is trending positively... I think they are sub 200 new cases daily, and vax rates improving.

The 'show your papers' on Oahu is scheduled to sunset on November 20ish... The Hawaii safe travels maze also has metrics for easing...

Hopefully we start seeing restrictions loosen soon .

I've mentioned this in other posts, but we had a great time a month ago. Low crowds, cheap hotel rates ( couple nights in Waikiki b4 Aulani), cheap rental car... Low crowds... Hehe...

Can't wait to go back! Enjoy!