Aulani comparison with WDW resorts and overall report

[hopeful4fl]

Just back from Aulani and want to give people some tips, specially those who are thinking of Aulani as a destination:

Good : Peaceful, beautiful and laid back. Views are AWESOME and resort is extremely well taken care of. The lazy river, several pools, adults only hot tubs and pools and slides make it into a non crowded (relatively speaking) waterpark. If you want saltwater, the lagoon is awesome with some cheap (again, relatively speaking) water activities. The cold water artificial reef with tons of exotic fish can be snorkled for an additional fee. The food is beyond awesome and every restaurant on property (and off) shines.

Bad: Prices. Wow. This is more due to HI than Aulani, but everything is expensive.

Comparison to WDW resorts -
1> CM seem to be more laid back and not as eager to help, but were never rude. Service was good and they were responsive when asked a question.
2> Disney characters were MUCH easier to get to, with Mickey, Mini, Donald, Daisy, Pluto, Goofy and Stitch available after a very short wait. CM could take pics with your phone or photopass.
3> VERY relaxed atmosphere and no hustle bustle. This is a vacation for a relaxer. The sun does not come over the mountains before 7:00' ish.
4> Protected lagoon gives 10+ different options for water activities. WDW resorts have some water activities, but are very expensive. In comparison, Aulani water activities were cheaper ($40/hour for paddleboard as an example).
5> Some scenic covered chairs/lounges can be reserved for a fee. The closest I have seen are the reserved cabanas in MK.
6> Theming is more Hawaaii'n and less Disney. Hard to explain this point, but will post some pics.
7> Unlike WDW, you HAVE to have a car, unless you plan to spend all your time in the resort.
8> No smoking at all in the resort, except for 2 areas in the back. Balconies are smoke free too. I am not a smoker, but have not heard this being so emphasized anywhere else, so stuck out in my mind.
9> Beautiful (though short) running track along the ocean.

 

[MommaBerd]

Thanks so much for the review! Would you go back? And where do you fly from, just so I have an idea for cost considerations?

 

[hopeful4fl]

Thanks so much for the review! Would you go back? And where do you fly from, just so I have an idea for cost considerations?

We are already planning a trip back . This was our first and we so wish we had done it sooner.
We fly out of St. Louis, and the price for the roundtrip (after some research) was $850 pp. That said, the flight times were less than desirable, with layovers of 9 hours on the way there (in Seattle) to 6 hours in San Fran on the way back. The fight times were also not great. You get what you pay for I guess.
Another point for active people, Oahu has TONS of out of this world hiking options. On the flip side, for those who like to relax, you could spend the entire week at the resort and not be bored.

 

[Lynne M]

Moving this to the Aulani board.

 

[PattiPB]

Thanks for your insights.

Were you adults only? You mentioned the adult pool and hot tub. How was it getting chairs in that area and the beach area?

 

[hopeful4fl]

Thanks for your insights.

Were you adults only? You mentioned the adult pool and hot tub. How was it getting chairs in that area and the beach area?

Yes. We were on an Adults only trip. The chairs (front line) were gone by 8, but chairs next to each other a few rows behind were always available.
The Adults only pool has fewer chairs, but the statement above holds true. CM are not super vigilant on the Adults only policy though. Not overrun by kids, but people still had some kids in there.