Aulani- Few Questions!

[flinkerfrosch]

Hi there,

I have a few questions for those that have been to Aulani and Hawaii. I could use some help please and thank you

My family of 4, 2 adults and 2 kids (boys- ages 10 and 8 at time of travel) are coming to Hawaii for the first time end of Nov. We're staying 9 nights in Maui and then I was going to do 9 or 10 nights at Aulani.

1st Question- What is the difference between a hotel room and studio at Aulani? We will be renting points, and I have the option of a hotel room or studio, but I'm not sure what one to pick?

2nd question- I have been reading a lot on the Dis and am now wondering if I should do 3 nights at Waikiki Beach and then 6 or 7 nights at Aulani?

We will have a rental car and we were planning on visiting Waikiki Beach, and touring around etc...is staying there necessary or is a day trip sufficient?

Thanks a bunch!!

 

[Loveallthingsmouse]

Sounds like a nice trip! I have never stayed in a hotel room at Aulani, but we have stayed in a studio. I know there are only a handful of hotel rooms for points available, so it might not be available. The hotel room has two beds, the studio has a bed and a pull out sofa. The studio has a mini fridge, microwave, toaster. I can't say what the hotel room has. The hotel room, I believe is a bit bigger as well. If on points, both will get you tokens to use the washer/dryer located downstairs in each tower.

We began staying in Waikiki on our last visit and really enjoyed it. We are coming from the East Coast, so spending a few nights in Waikiki worked well, jet lag seemed easier to adjust there than it did at Aulani (not sure why). By the time we check into Aulani, we are on island time and ready to relax. Staying in Waikiki is not necessary, you can definitely drive from Aulani no problems, traffic in the morning can be a bit crazy, just have to plan accordingly if you have a set time to get anywhere.

I am in the camp, the more time at Aulani is always better for us! Have a great trip, happy planning!

 

[flinkerfrosch]

Sounds like a nice trip! I have never stayed in a hotel room at Aulani, but we have stayed in a studio. I know there are only a handful of hotel rooms for points available, so it might not be available. The hotel room has two beds, the studio has a bed and a pull out sofa. The studio has a mini fridge, microwave, toaster. I can't say what the hotel room has. The hotel room, I believe is a bit bigger as well. If on points, both will get you tokens to use the washer/dryer located downstairs in each tower.

We began staying in Waikiki on our last visit and really enjoyed it. We are coming from the East Coast, so spending a few nights in Waikiki worked well, jet lag seemed easier to adjust there than it did at Aulani (not sure why). By the time we check into Aulani, we are on island time and ready to relax. Staying in Waikiki is not necessary, you can definitely drive from Aulani no problems, traffic in the morning can be a bit crazy, just have to plan accordingly if you have a set time to get anywhere.

I am in the camp, the more time at Aulani is always better for us! Have a great trip, happy planning!

Thank you for all your info!!

We're coming from Canada (Toronto) so I guess our Jet lag will happen in Maui, before we come to Aulani

As for the hotel room, their is one available now if I wanted to book it. I do prefer the 2 beds vs 1 bed and a pull out, but I do like having the toaster, microwave etc...that could come in handy! I also believe the stuido has dishes, but I guess an easy fix if we stayed in the hotel room would be to just buy paper plates, cups etc...We do plan on stopping at Costco or Walmart before arriving.

We do plan on eating most breakfast and some lunches in the room, but easy ones ie: cereal, toast and peanut butter or bagels, sandwiches etc...all dinners will be eaten out somewhere....

As for Waikiki Beach, that's great to know it's an easy drive (if we can avoid traffic) to hang out for the day. We also plan on seeing Pearl Harbour, North Shore, Hanauma Bay, Dole Plantation, a few other places.

We're really excited!! Thanks again for your info!!

 

[Loveallthingsmouse]

Thank you for all your info!!

We're coming from Canada (Toronto) so I guess our Jet lag will happen in Maui, before we come to Aulani

As for the hotel room, their is one available now if I wanted to book it. I do prefer the 2 beds vs 1 bed and a pull out, but I do like having the toaster, microwave etc...that could come in handy! I also believe the stuido has dishes, but I guess an easy fix if we stayed in the hotel room would be to just buy paper plates, cups etc...We do plan on stopping at Costco or Walmart before arriving.

We do plan on eating most breakfast and some lunches in the room, but easy ones ie: cereal, toast and peanut butter or bagels, sandwiches etc...all dinners will be eaten out somewhere....

As for Waikiki Beach, that's great to know it's an easy drive (if we can avoid traffic) to hang out for the day. We also plan on seeing Pearl Harbour, North Shore, Hanauma Bay, Dole Plantation, a few other places.

We're really excited!! Thanks again for your info!!

The studios just come with paper plates too if I remember correctly, which they also have some downstairs at the quick service location. When we stayed in a studio we did breakfast and some lunches in the room. One thing, they have grills available to use downstairs after 4 pm, so we would cook some meat we picked up from costco and reheat it for lunch. My family is not big on sandwiches. We did bagels with peanut butter, but kids mostly ate fruit we picked up. Get your tickets early for Pearl Harbor, they can sell out and then you have to wait in line day of. If you are happy hour kind of people, Monkeypod across the street from Aulani has the best happy hour, just my opinion, the Mai Tai is my favorite!! No matter what, you are going to Hawaii, it will be a fantastic trip!

 

[flinkerfrosch]

The studios just come with paper plates too if I remember correctly, which they also have some downstairs at the quick service location. When we stayed in a studio we did breakfast and some lunches in the room. One thing, they have grills available to use downstairs after 4 pm, so we would cook some meat we picked up from costco and reheat it for lunch. My family is not big on sandwiches. We did bagels with peanut butter, but kids mostly ate fruit we picked up. Get your tickets early for Pearl Harbor, they can sell out and then you have to wait in line day of. If you are happy hour kind of people, Monkeypod across the street from Aulani has the best happy hour, just my opinion, the Mai Tai is my favorite!! No matter what, you are going to Hawaii, it will be a fantastic trip!

Great tips!!! Thank you!

Being about to grill is a great option and cheaper too, thanks!! I'm always open to some cheaper options lol

I'm going to ask the DH what he thinks about the studio vs hotel room and give him the differences now that I have a few more I wasn't aware of, thank you!

Yes, I would love to check out the happy hour for sure!

I will most definitely order tickets ahead of time for Pearl Harbour, thanks again! My kids hate waiting in lines lol...

Thanks again for taking the time to help me! Much appreciated!!

 

[Soccerluvinmama]

The hotel rooms are slightly larger than the studios, and have two queen size beds rather than a queen and a sleeper sofa. It also has a table and two chairs. While it doesn't have a kitchenette, you can ask housekeeping to bring you a microwave, toaster, blender, rice cooker, electric tea kettle (any or all). Buy your own paper plates and such. The ones in the studios are limited in quantity anyhow. We also eat breakfast and lunch in the room and have plenty of room for all of our supplies when we stay in a hotel room. We go for 10 days every year normally do a one bedroom, but if there's only two of us, we do the hotel room. I will warn you, whether you do a studio or a hotel room, after about 5 days it's going to start to feel cramped. You might consider a one bedroom. Even if it means you have to cut your trip down by a few days to make up for the extra cost, I think you will find having that extra space will be worth it.

Have fun!

 

[flinkerfrosch]

The hotel rooms are slightly larger than the studios, and have two queen size beds rather than a queen and a sleeper sofa. It also has a table and two chairs. While it doesn't have a kitchenette, you can ask housekeeping to bring you a microwave, toaster, blender, rice cooker, electric tea kettle (any or all). Buy your own paper plates and such. The ones in the studios are limited in quantity anyhow. We also eat breakfast and lunch in the room and have plenty of room for all of our supplies when we stay in a hotel room. We go for 10 days every year normally do a one bedroom, but if there's only two of us, we do the hotel room. I will warn you, whether you do a studio or a hotel room, after about 5 days it's going to start to feel cramped. You might consider a one bedroom. Even if it means you have to cut your trip down by a few days to make up for the extra cost, I think you will find having that extra space will be worth it.

Have fun!

From the info I've received, I'm going to go for the hotel room instead! I had no idea staff could bring a microwave, toaster etc! That's great to know, thank you!! I much prefer the 2 beds, so the hotel room seems to be the winnner!

As for the 1 bedroom idea, we explored it, but we vacation twice a year and are used to staying in hotel rooms etc...we love to cruise, and have done many, including 14 nights in a small stateroom without killing each other, so a stuido and or hotel room size is fine for us lol

Thank you for your help and input!!!

 

[Princess KP]

Hi @flinkerfrosch! Fellow Torontonian...well, actually just outside, I'm from Mississauga.

In regards to your question about staying in Waikiki a couple of days before Aulani, guess it depends if you can get a better hotel rate in Waikiki. Our first time on Oahu, we spent most of our time exploring the island and Aulani was just a place to sleep. In hindsight, I would have stayed elsewhere for a couple of days to save on points and then spent the end of the vacation at Aulani. When we went back last year, we didn't plan too much outside of Aulani.
If you decide to stay at Aulani the whole time, I would suggest you plan your outings on the weekend when the resort is busier with locals and you won't hit the commuter traffic.

We did Maui / Oahu last year so feel free to ask me anything.

Have fun!

 

[flinkerfrosch]

Hi @flinkerfrosch! Fellow Torontonian...well, actually just outside, I'm from Mississauga.

In regards to your question about staying in Waikiki a couple of days before Aulani, guess it depends if you can get a better hotel rate in Waikiki. Our first time on Oahu, we spent most of our time exploring the island and Aulani was just a place to sleep. In hindsight, I would have stayed elsewhere for a couple of days to save on points and then spent the end of the vacation at Aulani. When we went back last year, we didn't plan too much outside of Aulani.
If you decide to stay at Aulani the whole time, I would suggest you plan your outings on the weekend when the resort is busier with locals and you won't hit the commuter traffic.

We did Maui / Oahu last year so feel free to ask me anything.

Have fun!

Hello Princess KP

Small world eh!? I'm actually from Whitby (Brooklin) but I say Toronto because most people know this city in Canada lol Mississauga isn't far either from me!? I'm SO done with this weather already lol

Anyhow, thank you for your advice. We do plan on doing at least 4 outings (I'm guessing) and the rest of the time at the resort.

I've heard about traffic, and was thinking of doing Pearl Harbour for sure on the weekend and possibly one other....we will be arriving on a Tuesday and leaving 10 days later on a Thursday, so will only have 1 weekend to get a few things in!

Do you have any advice on 'must do's' for Ohau and Maui?

We're staying at the The Westin Kaanapali Beach for the 10 days in Maui, and then flying over to Ohau. We will have a rental car for both Islands.

I'm doing as much research as I can!! Seems to be so many things to do and see! It's overwhelming haha!

 

[Princess KP]

Hello Princess KP

Small world eh!? I'm actually from Whitby (Brooklin) but I say Toronto because most people know this city in Canada lol Mississauga isn't far either from me!? I'm SO done with this weather already lol

Anyhow, thank you for your advice. We do plan on doing at least 4 outings (I'm guessing) and the rest of the time at the resort.

I've heard about traffic, and was thinking of doing Pearl Harbour for sure on the weekend and possibly one other....we will be arriving on a Tuesday and leaving 10 days later on a Thursday, so will only have 1 weekend to get a few things in!

Do you have any advice on 'must do's' for Ohau and Maui?

We're staying at the The Westin Kaanapali Beach for the 10 days in Maui, and then flying over to Ohau. We will have a rental car for both Islands.

I'm doing as much research as I can!! Seems to be so many things to do and see! It's overwhelming haha!

I know Brooklin! My cousin lives there!

We stayed at The Westin Kaanapali Villas too! Beautiful resort! If you are a beach person (which I am), would suggest purchasing / renting beach chairs and umbrella for the week from local shops that rent surf boards or at least bringing a large blanket as the Westin only rents these items out.
Costco is right by the airport so you should plan on stopping there before heading to the resort.

Must do's in Maui:

• Watching the sunrise at Haleakala - We did this at the beginning of the trip. Still being on EST and tired from the travel, it was easier to go to bed earlier and get up at 2am to make the drive. I do believe that they have recently implemented a reservation system though.
• Drive to Hana - start early and it's about the journey and not the destination because there isn't much to see in Hana. Stop off at the waterfalls and the black sand beach. I really liked the "Road To Hana GyPSy" app. Provides you with some history and will give suggestions on where to stop. Use the bluetooth to play it in the rental car so everyone can hear.
• There's a food truck in the Kahului area which in my opinion was the best shrimp truck, even better than Giovanni's on the North Shore on Oahu. It's called Geste Shrimp Truck on Kahului Beach Rd.

Must do's in Oahu:

• Aside from the ones you mentioned above, some food related ones are: Matsumoto's Shaved Ice (it really does taste better!), Rainbow Drive In, Leonard's, Nico's Pier 38
• Book something, anything at Laniwai Spa. Get there about an hour earlier to enjoy the outdoor hydrotherapy garden before your service. BEST SPA EVER!
• Surfing

As I type this, I'm thinking, when can I go back??

 

[nkereina]

1st Question- What is the difference between a hotel room and studio at Aulani? We will be renting points, and I have the option of a hotel room or studio, but I'm not sure what one to pick?

2nd question- I have been reading a lot on the Dis and am now wondering if I should do 3 nights at Waikiki Beach and then 6 or 7 nights at Aulani?

1. The biggest differences are that a hotel room will give you two beds and is about 30 square feet larger than a studio. A studio will give you a queen bed and pullout sleeper sofa, and a dedicated kitchenette area with a few kitchen essentials. With your family makeup, I would think a hotel room would be more comfortable and spacious. We were just 2 adults and felt crowded in the studio.

2. We did 3 nights in Waikiki at the start of our stay. Coming from the East coast, we were up early and were able to do our Pearl Harbor and Diamond Head excursions during our Waikiki stay since those are best done early in the morning. We also were able to walk throughout Waikiki which saved us the hassle of driving there from Aulani. I have more details and photos in my trip report in my signature. I'm really happy we did it this way, so we could focus on relaxing and other parts of the island during the Aulani part of our trip.

 

[Looptyloo]

Personally, for days that you are doing outings, I think staying in Waikiki is a bit easier. There is some traffic around Honolulu of course, but staying in Waikiki, you are likely to be going the opposite direction of rush hour traffic, for instance if you want to do tours that leave in the morning, traffic should be pretty good heading out of town (or if you just want to sight see on your own and leave in the morning). Traffic can be bad leaving from Ko Olina or west side areas in the mornings. I am actually a tour guide and occasionally we have people meet us in town from the west side to start tours in the morning, we tell those people to budget 1.75-2 hours to get from Ko Olina resorts to the Waikiki area during rush hours. The same can be true in the evening when you want to head back to your resort, between 4-6pm or so.

If you decide to spend the full time at Aulani, I agree with the recommendation to do some of your outings on the weekends.

Have fun!

 

[flinkerfrosch]

I know Brooklin! My cousin lives there!

We stayed at The Westin Kaanapali Villas too! Beautiful resort! If you are a beach person (which I am), would suggest purchasing / renting beach chairs and umbrella for the week from local shops that rent surf boards or at least bringing a large blanket as the Westin only rents these items out.
Costco is right by the airport so you should plan on stopping there before heading to the resort.

Must do's in Maui:

• Watching the sunrise at Haleakala - We did this at the beginning of the trip. Still being on EST and tired from the travel, it was easier to go to bed earlier and get up at 2am to make the drive. I do believe that they have recently implemented a reservation system though.
• Drive to Hana - start early and it's about the journey and not the destination because there isn't much to see in Hana. Stop off at the waterfalls and the black sand beach. I really liked the "Road To Hana GyPSy" app. Provides you with some history and will give suggestions on where to stop. Use the bluetooth to play it in the rental car so everyone can hear.
• There's a food truck in the Kahului area which in my opinion was the best shrimp truck, even better than Giovanni's on the North Shore on Oahu. It's called Geste Shrimp Truck on Kahului Beach Rd.

Must do's in Oahu:

• Aside from the ones you mentioned above, some food related ones are: Matsumoto's Shaved Ice (it really does taste better!), Rainbow Drive In, Leonard's, Nico's Pier 38
• Book something, anything at Laniwai Spa. Get there about an hour earlier to enjoy the outdoor hydrotherapy garden before your service. BEST SPA EVER!
• Surfing

As I type this, I'm thinking, when can I go back??

Even smaller world lol!!!

That's too ironic you stayed at the same resort in Maui!? Any tips for the resort by chance?

Yes, we're beach people and I've read the beach is awesome for snorkelling! I will definitely do as you suggested about the chairs/umbrella, thanks!

Is their a Walmart around by chance, in Maui?

Great suggestions for Maui and Ohau, thank you! I've read about the drive to Hana and was considering this one...

Surfing is an awesome idea! I think my boys especially would love it!

I keep saying this trip will be a 'once and a lifetime trip' but I have a feeling I will regret not going sooner and will want to go back again!!

Btw...how was the jet lag going home? I'm worried more about when we get home vs when we arrive.

Thanks again!! Cheers

 

[flinkerfrosch]

Personally, for days that you are doing outings, I think staying in Waikiki is a bit easier. There is some traffic around Honolulu of course, but staying in Waikiki, you are likely to be going the opposite direction of rush hour traffic, for instance if you want to do tours that leave in the morning, traffic should be pretty good heading out of town (or if you just want to sight see on your own and leave in the morning). Traffic can be bad leaving from Ko Olina or west side areas in the mornings. I am actually a tour guide and occasionally we have people meet us in town from the west side to start tours in the morning, we tell those people to budget 1.75-2 hours to get from Ko Olina resorts to the Waikiki area during rush hours. The same can be true in the evening when you want to head back to your resort, between 4-6pm or so.

If you decide to spend the full time at Aulani, I agree with the recommendation to do some of your outings on the weekends.

Have fun!

I've read about traffic issues, and man we hate traffic! We deal with it a lot here in the Toronto area, so we will do our best to avoid it as much as we can while on vacation.
I've already planned for Pearl Harbour for a Sat or Sunday from your input and others telling me about the traffic issues, thanks!
I will have to see about some of our other plans as well.
We also plan on doing North Shore Shark Adventures one morning and then possibly tour Waikiki Beach after?
North Shore is a must and turtle beach as well as Hanauma Bay, and Dole Plantation. So much to do and see!!!

I really appreciate all your info and making me aware of the best times to travel. I will most definitely take all this into my plans when we do our outings

 

[flinkerfrosch]

1. The biggest differences are that a hotel room will give you two beds and is about 30 square feet larger than a studio. A studio will give you a queen bed and pullout sleeper sofa, and a dedicated kitchenette area with a few kitchen essentials. With your family makeup, I would think a hotel room would be more comfortable and spacious. We were just 2 adults and felt crowded in the studio.

2. We did 3 nights in Waikiki at the start of our stay. Coming from the East coast, we were up early and were able to do our Pearl Harbor and Diamond Head excursions during our Waikiki stay since those are best done early in the morning. We also were able to walk throughout Waikiki which saved us the hassle of driving there from Aulani. I have more details and photos in my trip report in my signature. I'm really happy we did it this way, so we could focus on relaxing and other parts of the island during the Aulani part of our trip.

I agree with you, and a hotel room is what we would like to book for more space and 2 beds.
Unfortunately, the person I was renting points from has just made me aware that she now doesn't have enough points to book my reservation, ahhhhh so now I may not get the hotel room unless I can find someone else, and fast that has points to rent!!!????

I'm going to most definitely read your trip report, can't wait, thanks!!!!

 

[Princess KP]

Even smaller world lol!!!

That's too ironic you stayed at the same resort in Maui!? Any tips for the resort by chance?

Yes, we're beach people and I've read the beach is awesome for snorkelling! I will definitely do as you suggested about the chairs/umbrella, thanks!

Is their a Walmart around by chance, in Maui?

Great suggestions for Maui and Ohau, thank you! I've read about the drive to Hana and was considering this one...

Surfing is an awesome idea! I think my boys especially would love it!

I keep saying this trip will be a 'once and a lifetime trip' but I have a feeling I will regret not going sooner and will want to go back again!!

Btw...how was the jet lag going home? I'm worried more about when we get home vs when we arrive.

Thanks again!! Cheers

Beach in front of the North Tower was nicer.
If you drive north of the Westin, there are some great, inexpensive restaurants, as well as a Times Supermarket and the Fish Market Maui that had yummy poke!

Don't recall a Walmart but there was a Target and if you are looking for beach stuff, Costco has them too. Would suggest getting most of your things from Costco as the pricing was much better.

Jet lag home was definitely worse...took us a couple of days to get back on schedule but trip was worth it

 

[CaliAdventurer]

Hotel rooms go immediately. You will need to rent points ahead of 11 months so that the owner can book that day or week at most. There are very few and they go fast.

 

[flinkerfrosch]

Hotel rooms go immediately. You will need to rent points ahead of 11 months so that the owner can book that day or week at most. There are very few and they go fast.

I'm working on it!! I found someone that has points for 6 nights but not all my nights I need. It's turning out to be much more difficult then I thought!?

 

[flinkerfrosch]

Beach in front of the North Tower was nicer.
If you drive north of the Westin, there are some great, inexpensive restaurants, as well as a Times Supermarket and the Fish Market Maui that had yummy poke!

Don't recall a Walmart but there was a Target and if you are looking for beach stuff, Costco has them too. Would suggest getting most of your things from Costco as the pricing was much better.

Jet lag home was definitely worse...took us a couple of days to get back on schedule but trip was worth it

I believe we're staying in the North Tower. The resort does look beautiful.

Thanks for the tips on restaurants, and about Target. Target is great as well as Costco! We will be eating a lot of breakfasts and some lunches in our room and dinners out.

Ya, I can imagine that the Jetlag is bad coming home. My plan is a late flight on a Wed night (almost all flights to Toronto are late night ones) we arrive home later in the day on the Thursday and have 3 full days to recoup before back to reality on the Monday!

Ive decided to do 10 nights in either Maui or Oahu instead of 9. Right now im planning on 9 nights in Maui and 10 in Oahu (Aulani) What do you think since you've been to both?

Thanks!!

 

[frank808]

The 8 hotel rooms are in the waianae tower overlooking the parking garage. There are 2 queen beds and the room is a little bigger than the std studios. Sometime last year dvc has installed microwaves in the hotel rooms. But there is no kitchenette. You have the same paper plates and plastic utensils as the studios. Just run down to the cafe to get more. You are only a short elevator ride away.