Aulani - here now - post your questions

[jekjones1558]

Right now you can not access Volcanoes park from the Kona side of the island. That road is closed on that side.

I didn't realize this. Why is it closed? For how long?

 

[poohj80]

LOL, no way could I go to the Big Island for one night first. Unless you live on the west coast, your body clock will take enough of a hit that you will be awake earlier than the butt crack of dawn! I'd wait until you can spend more time on the Big Island and after you are acclimated to the time change a bit and can enjoy it. The Big Island is our absolute favorite, and we would have purchased Aulani if they would have built it on Hawaii instead of Oahu. If you think you want to only spend one day there, then take a one day excursion from Oahu in the middle of your trip. My advice though, is to spend at least a couple of days there and divide the time between the Hilo side and the Kona side. Right now you can not access Volcanoes park from the Kona side of the island. That road is closed on that side. You must access the park from the Hilo side, and the road is only open to the visitor's center, and then you have to turn around and go back the way you came.

I looked into the day trips from Oahu but at $350pp I think we can do it more reasonably going either at beginning or end of trip. May stay two nights so have all of Sunday to explore.

 

[gonzalj1]

Any recommendations for parasailing, DD and DH went in Maui and loved it!

Thanks!

We used these guys and were very happy - http://www.h2osportshawaii.com/

They routinely have Groupons for half off a tandem parasail whcih we used with no issues.

 

[scottergee]

thx!

 

[catherines_mama]

Thanks for your thread. I'm an uber planner and have decided to bank until summer 2015 and take the Aulani plunge. Family of 5 who typically does a 2 Bdrm at WDW but think well have to do a 1 bdrm to make Aulani happen with a decent view. I do not want to come to Hawaii and look at a wall or walkway. Nope. In 2 yrs kids will be 10, 13 & 14.

Can't wait. Now to obsess for next 2 yrs. yay!

 

[Iceman93]

Thanks for your thread. I'm an uber planner and have decided to bank until summer 2015 and take the Aulani plunge. Family of 5 who typically does a 2 Bdrm at WDW but think well have to do a 1 bdrm to make Aulani happen with a decent view. I do not want to come to Hawaii and look at a wall or walkway. Nope. In 2 yrs kids will be 10, 13 & 14.

Can't wait. Now to obsess for next 2 yrs. yay!

Of course it's your choice (goes without saying), but are you sure you'll be happy with all those kids and you crammed into a 1BR? Just consider the trade-off of extra space vs. the view--you get the wonderful view of Hawaii all over the place (and maybe even from your room, as some views seem significantly better than the category they're rated). But the space will be a blessing no matter how you slice it.

 

[gonzalj1]

Thanks for your thread. I'm an uber planner and have decided to bank until summer 2015 and take the Aulani plunge. Family of 5 who typically does a 2 Bdrm at WDW but think well have to do a 1 bdrm to make Aulani happen with a decent view. I do not want to come to Hawaii and look at a wall or walkway. Nope. In 2 yrs kids will be 10, 13 & 14.

Can't wait. Now to obsess for next 2 yrs. yay!

Your decision naturally. But we were ok with 4 in a 1br. Not sure we would be with 5. I think it would be tight. But we did not spend much time I the room.

With 5 I would probably go for a 2 br. You get the extra bathroom which would be a bonus in the mornings.

 

[lovesthebeach]

Of course it's your choice (goes without saying), but are you sure you'll be happy with all those kids and you crammed into a 1BR? Just consider the trade-off of extra space vs. the view--you get the wonderful view of Hawaii all over the place (and maybe even from your room, as some views seem significantly better than the category they're rated). But the space will be a blessing no matter how you slice it.

I was talking with someone yesterday and they are a family of 6 in a 1 bedroom and she said its comfortable. Although the kids were smaller than yours (one is a 2 year old), she did say that there's a foldout bed in the console.

 

[Hitsubasa]

I can answer questions too I'm a CM at Aulani

 

[gumbypee]

Oh hitsubasa! I'm jealous!

 

[lovesthebeach]

I can answer questions too I'm a CM at Aulani

You are soooooo lucky to be able to be there at that fabulous resort all the time...... Thanks to you and all the other CMs there!! You all are the best

 

[amym2]

DS11 just asked me if there's a basketball hoop at Aulani. Anyone know?

 

[gonzalj1]

DS11 just asked me if there's a basketball hoop at Aulani. Anyone know?

I don't think so.

Sorry

 

[amym2]

I don't think so.

Sorry

Bummer, DS will be disappointed. The kid is addicted to basketball. Hopefully the pools and beach will keep his mind off of it!

 

[Hitsubasa]

No basketball hoop

 

[amym2]

Debating about whether to buy, rent, or bring along snorkeling equipment. I don't think we'll do much snorkeling, but we would like to at least try it in the lagoon.

I've read that we can rent gear through a one day or length of stay pass at Rainbow Reef (Can someone tell me the prices?). Can someone confirm that that equipment can then be used in the lagoon? I've read conflicting reports about this. I know that the equipment has to be turned in every day. And obviously it gives us access to Rainbow Reef. Alternatively, is there a snorkeling gear rental place on the beach at Aulani or somewhere nearby? We will have a car.

For those who buy snorkeling equipment, do you then lug it home with you? We're too environmentally conscious to just throw it away when we leave. Is there a place to donate it? DH will probably buy a prescription mask to bring along, but otherwise I can't see us packing the gear (especially since it has to fit on our flight to Kauai). But if it's cheaper to buy it than rent it, then DH will want to go that route.

What has worked best for others?

 

[poohj80]

I'm curious about rental prices too as we were considering bringing our own. Is the charge for Rainbow Reef reduced if we have our own gear?

 

[amym2]

I'm curious about rental prices too as we were considering bringing our own. Is the charge for Rainbow Reef reduced if we have our own gear?

No, I do know that you pay the same price for RR whether you use your own gear or the gear they provide.

Hopefully someone will chime in here and help us out!

One more question- do most people wear rash guards? My DH and kids have them, and I'm debating about whether to get one for myself. Hoping I can find one on clearance now that swimming season is over here.

 

[lovesthebeach]

Debating about whether to buy, rent, or bring along snorkeling equipment. I don't think we'll do much snorkeling, but we would like to at least try it in the lagoon.

I've read that we can rent gear through a one day or length of stay pass at Rainbow Reef (Can someone tell me the prices?). Can someone confirm that that equipment can then be used in the lagoon? I've read conflicting reports about this. I know that the equipment has to be turned in every day. And obviously it gives us access to Rainbow Reef. Alternatively, is there a snorkeling gear rental place on the beach at Aulani or somewhere nearby? We will have a car.

For those who buy snorkeling equipment, do you then lug it home with you? We're too environmentally conscious to just throw it away when we leave. Is there a place to donate it? DH will probably buy a prescription mask to bring along, but otherwise I can't see us packing the gear (especially since it has to fit on our flight to Kauai). But if it's cheaper to buy it than rent it, then DH will want to go that route.

What has worked best for others?

I don't snorkel but my DH and DS and DIL do and they brought their own snorkel gear. They tried many times to snorkel in the lagoon but they said it was very murky, maybe due to the way the water comes in from the ocean, the only fish they saw was when they went way out to where the waves break. We drove to other beaches on the island for snorkeling and it was way better!

Not sure if you could take their gear offsite or not.

 

[TaiTai1]

I've got a picture of of the sign for Rainbow Reef Rentals, but can't figure out how to get it posted on here. So . . . Send me a Private Message with your email and I can attach it in an email to you. Here is the info.

(This was effective in February, 2013. Not sure what it is now):

Rainbow Reef Rentals
Hours: 10:00am to 5:00pm
Rainbow Reef is a free-ranging saltwater experience. You will be sharing the water with a colorful and diverse array of fish:

Rainbow Reef Experience Adult $20 Child $15

Length-of-Stay Rainbow Reef Adult $39 Child $29


Makai Preserve Marine Conservation Pool (Enjoy a personal encounter with ahihimanu sting ray. Reservations Required
Dial "O" Guest Services for reservations
Adult $50
Child $45