Aulani (Hawaii trip) Christmas week. How bad will it be?

[Small Town Princess]

I have always been a cheap traveler and NEVER travel during peak season. Fast forward to having a senior who is taking dual college courses and can only get the week of Christmas-New Years off. Our dream was to give her a "Hawaii" graduation present. (Been a really long, hard high school life with bullying issues). We want to go during the winter to see the whales.

How bad is it going to be financially and crowded wise? Is it like Disney World pricing and holiday traffic?

Hoping to stay a few days at Aulani and a few on the Big Island. We fill fly from midwest to west coast to catch flights. Hoping to utilitze our two Southwest companion passes before they expire at the end of the year. I have some United and Delta points saved for either the flights to Hawaii or tranfers between Islands. Have Hilton points to hopefully use on Big Island stay. Not sure how to get Aulani rooms any cheeper during that time period.

Any money saving tips for this time period are appreciated. The thought of not "getting the best deal" is against everything I know.

 

[nkereina]

For this year or next year? If you're talking next year, you could look into renting DVC points for Aulani. It will be a busy time, but if you can find an owner and get in at the 11 month mark, I think it's doable. Renting points makes it much more affordable. I doubt Aulani would offer any kind of room discount promotions during that time of year.

 

[Mimi177]

Aulani during Christmas week will be pricey, but I've gone 2 weeks before Christmas and both flights and rooms were substantially cheaper. If you're either a Disneyland or Disney World annual passholder then I know they also offer discounted AP rooms from time-to-time. If you do plan on going Christmas week, be sure to book your dining and any spa reservations as soon as possible.

 

[sccrkeepr]

Peak Season for winter at Aulani is Dec 15 - Jan 3rd - Prices are somewhat ridiculous, but relative to the prices all over Hawaii at that time.

 

[NanMar]

For this year or next year? If you're talking next year, you could look into renting DVC points for Aulani. It will be a busy time, but if you can find an owner and get in at the 11 month mark, I think it's doable. Renting points makes it much more affordable. I doubt Aulani would offer any kind of room discount promotions during that time of year.

How does renting points work?

 

[nkereina]

How does renting points work?

There are many forums, including this one, where DVC owners will post listings for points they have for rent. You can connect with one of them, or go through a broker like David's DVC who is a sponsor on this board. You'll pay a little more with a broker, but a broker is a good way to go for someone new to renting points and that's not familiar with the process.

The biggest thing with renting points is that you need to book early, especially for Christmas week, and it's typically non-refundable. You can't cancel or change once you make your booking. You also need to pay in full at time of booking. Also, since you'll be staying on DVC points, you will not receive daily housekeeping. You will, however, receive free laundry tokens and parking will be free which is a big savings.

The most important thing is acting fast - booking windows for DVC open at the 11 month mark. In order to have the best shot at booking the room type and category you want, you'll want to connect with an owner or broker soon so they can act when the 11 month window opens.

 

[disneypoor]

We go to Hawaii about every other year and will be there the week before Christmas this year. This is the first time we have gone at Christmas, but as far as flights the prices were about the same price we paid to go in August of last year. We always book flights as soon as they come out though. We are DVC, so our room is always booked with points. We chose Christmas time because of our college students as well. We wanted them to get to go, relax, and just really enjoy the trip. We also chose Christmas because on our very first trip to Maui years ago, we went for spring break and the whales were unbelievable! We sat on our lanai and just watched them all day--didn't need an excursion! I'm not sure how abundant they are near Aulani or in December, but we're hoping for the same thing this time! Good luck with your planning!
Susan

 

[happymommy]

Are you talking about this year? That's only two months away! I've had our Oahu trip for next summer (June 17 to July 17, at the Marriott Ko Olina) booked since last June, and the flights booked since August (we're using airline miles for the 4 of us).

It's likely a bit late to rent points, but you MAY find a week on redweek. If you're not set on Aulani you can look into the Marriott also.

Air fare will be high. No way to get around it; it's the busiest travel week of the year for most places. It's just supply and demand really.