Aulani/Hawaii Questions

[mindy32]

Hi All

Since we're not sure if DH will be able to have leave in early 2017 for our planned U.S. Trip we decided to book a quick Hawaii trip from the 18th-23rd December when DH was told he was having leave from the 18th. We are staying at the Holiday Inn Beachcomber during this time.

THEN he was told this week that he was actually going to be off from the 8th of Dec. We decided we'd try to add an extra day or two to our trip since our wedding anniversary is the 17th, so we could spend it in Hawaii. After a few hassles and a long story, we're now heading to Hawaii for a whole week with our first two nights (and therefore anniversary) at Aulani!!! We've rented DVC points which we've not done before so fingers crossed all goes well, so far so good.

Since we're staying at Aulani I figured I could post here about our trip haha! As close to Disney as I'm going to get anytime soon.

So, some questions for those who've stayed at Aulani. Since we're only there two nights we figure well spend most of our time at the resort, but considering renting a car anyway? Thoughts? What's within walking distance? Is Ama Ama a good option for our anniversary dinner?

We're thinking of getting a rental car as it looks as though 3 days car hire won't be that much more than shuttles each way to the resort? Plus then we have the car to explore the island on our way from Aulani to Waikiki the day we change hotels. We're thinking we could do the north shore beaches? How long would you recommend driving around the North shore? Or any others places to do whilst we have a car if we do get one? Maybe Kualoa Ranch?

I'm full of questions, I know. Any other info is of course also appreciated, we've never been to Hawaii before.
Thanks in advance!

 

[ColinA]

When we arrive at the airport we call Charleys Taxis and tell them the arrival hall no. The cost to Aulani is a fixed cost of $55.00 each way. We get bell services to book the return taxi. Compare this to the cost of rental car. http://charleystaxi.com/

I would think if you have rented DVC points and you have a rental car the parking cost at Aulani will not be charged, would pay to check.

Shops are a short walk across the road and approx 200 metres from Aulani front entrance. Fruit and other items are much cheaper than buying at Aulani.

Ama Ama for dinner is more expensive than Makahiki but is worth the experience. I would suggest when you arrive to make bookings for the dining as sometimes it can be busy. I would tell them when you make a booking that it is your anniversary and Disney will look after you.

 

[Mum from oz]

We stayed for two nights and enjoyed the resort. We walked to the Luau up the road (rebooked) one night for dinner and had pizza from the shops across the road the next night. The resort is lovely. We had a car and we drove the short distance to check out the local Costco and Target. The Costco over there has so many more samples than the one at home!

 

[Meemoo]

I recommend car hire if you're confident with driving there. It wont set you back much more than the transfers would have to and from the airport. You can do a quick trip to the outlets that way if you like, only 20 minutes drive and grab some Masaladas! Especially since you mentioned you are booking with DVC points, so free parking makes it even more worth while! If you really think you wont leave the resort then I 2nd Charleys Taxi, they have great flat rates.