Aulani DVC as a multigenerational trip?

[atthebeachclub]

My mom is thinking of going to Aulani in 2026 on my DVC points. How exciting! She is in her eighties and hopes to bring her cousin, 86. I would probably go as well, and possibly my spouse too. We will probably bring at least one child too (11 and under), plus her cousin has a son and granddaughter (2) living on the island.

Do you think this would be a good resort for folks this age? Or is it really more targeted at a younger set? I think it could be lots of fun to have a multigenerational trip to Hawaii like this, and I hope Aulani could be a good fit!

 

[abdgeek]

My mom is thinking of going to Aulani in 2026 on my DVC points. How exciting! She is in her eighties and hopes to bring her cousin, 86. I would probably go as well, and possibly my spouse too. We will probably bring at least one child too (11 and under), plus her cousin has a son and granddaughter (2) living on the island.

Do you think this would be a good resort for folks this age? Or is it really more targeted at a younger set? I think it could be lots of fun to have a multigenerational trip to Hawaii like this, and I hope Aulani could be a good fit!

Aulani is one of my home resorts and IMO, a resort for everyone. If you haven’t already, look at the amenities to see if it has what everyone in your travel group would want. Some people use Aulani as their base for their Oahu activities and some never leave the resort. You have pools, a beach, spa, activities, character interactions, and a walking path that connects several hotels. There are several eateries both on and off property. Aulani has become very popular. Depending on the time of year you visit, you may need to pack your patience.

 

[nono]

As long as your Mom and cousin can manage the flight(s), I think it could be fun, esp. if they like hanging at the pool and the beach. I wouldn't pack each day with excursions as jet lag will likely be real for each of you at different times. Good luck deciding!

 

[DisneyDad0315]

My mom is thinking of going to Aulani in 2026 on my DVC points. How exciting! She is in her eighties and hopes to bring her cousin, 86. I would probably go as well, and possibly my spouse too. We will probably bring at least one child too (11 and under), plus her cousin has a son and granddaughter (2) living on the island.

Do you think this would be a good resort for folks this age? Or is it really more targeted at a younger set? I think it could be lots of fun to have a multigenerational trip to Hawaii like this, and I hope Aulani could be a good fit!

I've been to Aulani a lot of times and it's great for all ages. My cousin got 2 Ocean view 2 bedrooms and invited a bunch of the family to hang out. There were kids that were barely walking, teenagers, adults and a bunch of aunties in their 70s and 80s. The young kids and their parents went to the pool, lazy river and beach. My aunties stayed in the room to chat, enjoyed the view and cooked some food for everyone. They really enjoyed doing that. There is something for everyone.

 

[jimmymc]

I think Aulani is fantastic for a multigenerational trip. They have an adult pool that's rarely crowded, and the rooms/balconies are designed for people to spend time relaxing inside.

 

[monsterkitty]

We took my mom to Ko'Olina in 2017. She was 73 at the time. We did Pearl Harbor and the Missouri with her. Her father in WWII fought in WWII so it was emotional for her as it probably is for any person who was alive during the war. (Her father served on the Wisconsin, which we visited in Norfolk, Virginia with her.)

If you do take them, I highly suggest Pearl Harbor, the Missouri, and Punchbowl National Cemetary.

 

[buzlite]

I’m here now with Grandma, parents and baby. Everyone is loving it and we plan to bring grandpa and Aunts/uncles next year.
It’s extremely accessible for anyone with mobility issues. Lots of easy to access elevators and ramps. Lots of food options as well.

 

[atthebeachclub]

I’m here now with Grandma, parents and baby. Everyone is loving it and we plan to bring grandpa and Aunts/uncles next year.
It’s extremely accessible for anyone with mobility issues. Lots of easy to access elevators and ramps. Lots of food options as well.

I love that! Enjoy your trip!

 

[OKW Lover]

I'll echo the majority of the posts here. Aulani is a great resort no matter what age you are. Just realize this is not a theme park you are going to. It's a nice, relaxed resort stay.

 

[Skywalker3]

We have an upcoming Aulani stay in March, 2025. This will be the first time In Hawaii for all of us, and the traveling party will be DH and me, in our 50s, our 2 older teens, and MIL/Grandma late 70s. The entire impetus of this trip is to make sure Grandma got to visit Hawaii, it's her dream trip/bucket list trip. She loves national parks, scenic views, etc.
However, over these last couple months, her mobility has become a lot more limited. She can still walk, but not long distances.....so hiking of any kind. will possible be out, depending on how she is doing in March. She is ambulatory, not in a scooter or anything like that.
Her main goal was just to see Hawaii, just be there.....What do y'all recommend for someone with limited mobility, as far as like scenic outlooks, etc. Like any scenic drives, waterfalls, etc. that one could reach with little to no walking/hiking? Is Diamondhead still an option?
and conversely.....the kids WANT to hike, so will also be taking that into consideration.
Thanks for any and all recommendations. This is a dream trip for all of us, and just want to make sure everyone gets to experience what they're able, and really and truly take in the beauty of Hawaii.

 

[calif disney 1]

My mom is thinking of going to Aulani in 2026 on my DVC points. How exciting! She is in her eighties and hopes to bring her cousin, 86. I would probably go as well, and possibly my spouse too. We will probably bring at least one child too (11 and under), plus her cousin has a son and granddaughter (2) living on the island.

Do you think this would be a good resort for folks this age? Or is it really more targeted at a younger set? I think it could be lots of fun to have a multigenerational trip to Hawaii like this, and I hope Aulani could be a good fit!

I hope that at her age I can still travel to Aulani, it's one of our favorite places.

 

[atthebeachclub]

I hope that at her age I can still travel to Aulani, it's one of our favorite places.

We are blessed that both my mom and her cousin are in great shape! Tomorrow is never promised, and of course all our health could change beforehand, but we are going to book that 2026 trip because if we don’t book it, we definitely won’t go.

 

[monsterkitty]

We have an upcoming Aulani stay in March, 2025. This will be the first time In Hawaii for all of us, and the traveling party will be DH and me, in our 50s, our 2 older teens, and MIL/Grandma late 70s. The entire impetus of this trip is to make sure Grandma got to visit Hawaii, it's her dream trip/bucket list trip. She loves national parks, scenic views, etc.
However, over these last couple months, her mobility has become a lot more limited. She can still walk, but not long distances.....so hiking of any kind. will possible be out, depending on how she is doing in March. She is ambulatory, not in a scooter or anything like that.
Her main goal was just to see Hawaii, just be there.....What do y'all recommend for someone with limited mobility, as far as like scenic outlooks, etc. Like any scenic drives, waterfalls, etc. that one could reach with little to no walking/hiking? Is Diamondhead still an option?
and conversely.....the kids WANT to hike, so will also be taking that into consideration.
Thanks for any and all recommendations. This is a dream trip for all of us, and just want to make sure everyone gets to experience what they're able, and really and truly take in the beauty of Hawaii.

The Diamondhead hike would probably be out of reach for your mom. My mom walks 3-5 miles a day and it was a challenge for her. Your sons could still do the hike while the rest of your family stays at the base of Diamondhead. There are uncovered park benches and a few covered picnic tables at the Visitor Center.

There is not a lot of shade, so I highly recommend doing the hike as early as possible. We usually do the Diamondhead hike on our first or second day because we're still on Mountain Time and getting up early is not a problem.

The Makapu'u Point Lighthouse is paved but there are some inclines that could be challenging. There were people pushing wheelchairs and huge strollers up the path. This is another hike that should be done early in the morning because of the heat. There is no shade or benches at the start of the hike so really no place to wait while other hike.

If you do the Makapu'u Point hike I highly recommend you leave nothing in the car or even the trunk. There was broken glass everywhere from car break-ins in the parking lot and surrounding area. There are also signs warning of this everywhere in the area.

Some of our favorite sites on Oahu are:

• Punchbowl National Cemetary - you can drive the cemetery or walk. The museum and Honolulu overlook area does have an elevator so you don't have to climb steps.
• Waimea Botanical Gardens
• The North Shore (I love Haleiwa)
• North Shore Macadamia Nut Factory
• Fruit and nut stands you'll find as you drive the island
• Byodo-In Temple
• Pearl Harbor and the Missouri tour

 

[GBBTomorrow]

We have an upcoming Aulani stay in March, 2025. This will be the first time In Hawaii for all of us, and the traveling party will be DH and me, in our 50s, our 2 older teens, and MIL/Grandma late 70s. The entire impetus of this trip is to make sure Grandma got to visit Hawaii, it's her dream trip/bucket list trip. She loves national parks, scenic views, etc.
However, over these last couple months, her mobility has become a lot more limited. She can still walk, but not long distances.....so hiking of any kind. will possible be out, depending on how she is doing in March. She is ambulatory, not in a scooter or anything like that.
Her main goal was just to see Hawaii, just be there.....What do y'all recommend for someone with limited mobility, as far as like scenic outlooks, etc. Like any scenic drives, waterfalls, etc. that one could reach with little to no walking/hiking? Is Diamondhead still an option?
and conversely.....the kids WANT to hike, so will also be taking that into consideration.
Thanks for any and all recommendations. This is a dream trip for all of us, and just want to make sure everyone gets to experience what they're able, and really and truly take in the beauty of Hawaii.

I would keep it simple and plan a drive around the North Shore. There are quite a few places you can park close to the water and see surfers, and you can visit food trucks with little walking as well. You can stop in Hale'iwa and have shave ice also with very little walking. That would make for a pleasant, easy day of car sightseeing.

Other than that, I think I'd plan to hang out at the resort and just soak up the palm tree vibe. She won't be disappointed!