Aulani--August 2012

[Alexander]

Originally tossed around Alaska cruise, but given the itineraries--eh--yuck, so we've decided to do Aulani in August 2012. I read through the different threads, but really didn't see any answers for my timeframe.

When should I seriously start looking for airfare? I know August tends to be more expensive, but I am a teacher and DS is starting high school, so most other times of the year are out of the question.

Should I book airfare before I can book Aulani? We are not Aulani owners, so we are restricted to the 7 month window.

Suggestions for how to go about booking airfare...We are in Upstate NY...do we want to book 2 flights NY to LAX or LAS and then onto HNL? Should we consider staying over a few nights on the West Coast to break up the flights? We are traveling with a 6 y/o and a 13 y/o.

Availability? I know it's hard to guess, but what do you think of availability of a 1 bedroom for mid-August at 7 months?

We will have a good 2 weeks to play around with, so figuring 7 nights at Aulani, we will have 7 or so days to put on the front and back of the vacation for traveling.

This is why I do WDW, I know what I am doing! I feel so lost right now!

 

[bnk1120]

I hope you get some answers because I am in a similar situation. NYS teacher wanting to go to Aulani next summer. I need a studio though. I'm flexible for anytime in July or August.

 

[EWL]

Hmm... I really wonder what the odds are of non-owners being able to book Aulani at 7 months. Such a new destination, isn't everyone thinking of a 2012 trip there? I know the thought has crossed our minds too! We have sort of been figuring that it might be a year or two before it becomes a realistic possibility.

 

[mouseaider]

When should I seriously start looking for airfare?

I wouldn't book air until you have the reservation secured unless you can settle on paying cash at another hotel if you can't get into Aulani.


Should I book airfare before I can book Aulani?

No

Suggestions for how to go about booking airfare...We are in Upstate NY...do we want to book 2 flights NY to LAX or LAS and then onto HNL? Should we consider staying over a few nights on the West Coast to break up the flights? We are traveling with a 6 y/o and a 13 y/o.

I'm not sure of what airport you would be leaving from, but here in Rochester I think Delta is hard to beat on trips to Hawaii. My choice of flights are ROC to ATL... change planes...... ATL to HNL Nonstop. Flights for four will run about $3,500.

Availability?

So far I haven't heard of anyone getting turned down at the seven month mark, but it could change as the resort opens.

Just my humble opinion.

Good luck.

 

[ChiSoxKeith]

By August 2012 the second phase will be open (actually it's supposed to open in December of this year) so there will be more villas available then there is now.

So far, people have not reported problems booking at the 7 month mark. As long as you are flexible on view category, you should be all right. We'll know more as we get closer to the 7 month window for the summer.

We didn't want to do the direct flight from Chicago to HNL, so we are stopping over in LAX on our September trip. Chicago to LAX, spending 3 nights at GCV in a studio. Then LAX to HNL for 1 week in a 1BR. We are doing the reverse on the way home, but only 2 nights at GCV. Airfare is running about $800 a person from Chicago.

I can't wait. Just a hair over two months until our first trip to Hawaii.

 

[Alexander]

By August 2012 the second phase will be open (actually it's supposed to open in December of this year) so there will be more villas available then there is now.

So far, people have not reported problems booking at the 7 month mark. As long as you are flexible on view category, you should be all right. We'll know more as we get closer to the 7 month window for the summer.

We didn't want to do the direct flight from Chicago to HNL, so we are stopping over in LAX on our September trip. Chicago to LAX, spending 3 nights at GCV in a studio. Then LAX to HNL for 1 week in a 1BR. We are doing the reverse on the way home, but only 2 nights at GCV. Airfare is running about $800 a person from Chicago.

I can't wait. Just a hair over two months until our first trip to Hawaii.

This is exactly what we are considering doing since we have the time and to break up the flights.

Question....did you then book two seperate flights for each leg? ORD to LAX and then LAX to HNL and the reverse coming home? And, how far in advance did you book your flights?

Please let us know how your trip works out when you get back! It must be crazy waiting for September to come! Have fun!