Aulani..How far is resort from Honolulu airport?

[jerseygal]

Anyone know how far Aulani at Ko Alina is from Honolulu airport?

Thanks in advance!

A long non stop from Newark, but looks like it will be WELL WORTH IT!

CAN'T WAIT TO SEE MORE PICS AS THE RESORT PROGRESSES!

I THINK ABOUT 10 1/2 HRS THERE NON STOP FROM NEWARK AND 9 1/2 HOURS NON STOP BACK! WOW! I'M SURE IT WILL BE WELL WORTH IT!

HOPEFULLY, WILL BE THERE IN 2013!!!:

 

[crazybones27]

My husband and I got married in 2007 and took our honeymoon on a cruise around all the islands of Hawaii for a week and Vegas for the week after. We did a lay over on the way out to Hawaii in Houston, TX, and man I'm so happy we did. As much as we thought we'd love to do a non stop flight we were happy on that long flight to get out of the plane for a little while lol. We also flew out of Newark. Funny thing is I think we left at 7am and got to Hawaii around 3pm or something like that. The time change will definitely get ya for sure lol.

We're extremely excited for Aulani too!! Since we got married we've been wanting to go back sooooo bad!! If Aulani is anywhere near the hotel we stayed at the first night it really wasn't that far away. I know the bus driver we had got us there fairly quickly lol.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Knowing the area where Aulani is, I'd say it is likely 20-30 minutes from the airport. That is actual driving time though. I still am not convinced about the area it's in. It's not my favorite area of Oahu, and Oahu isn't my favorite island.

 

[Dean]

Anyone know how far Aulani at Ko Alina is from Honolulu airport?

Thanks in advance!

A long non stop from Newark, but looks like it will be WELL WORTH IT!

CAN'T WAIT TO SEE MORE PICS AS THE RESORT PROGRESSES!

I THINK ABOUT 10 1/2 HRS THERE NON STOP FROM NEWARK AND 9 1/2 HOURS NON STOP BACK! WOW! I'M SURE IT WILL BE WELL WORTH IT!

HOPEFULLY, WILL BE THERE IN 2013!!!:

I'm guessing 10 miles but in HI during high traffic times, that can be quite a drive. The airport is mid island, Ko'Olina the opposite end from Honolulu. If you're thinking about doing it without a car, don't.

 

[jerseygal]

Don't like to be "tied" to one resort while vacationing!

We like to have freedom and flexibility of renting a car!

Never go to WDW without a car! Planning to have dinner off property for our Kidani trip this summer! Nice to "mix it up"!!!!

Thanks!!!

 

[wildernessDad]

I was stationed at Pearl Harbor for about 4 years. It takes about 4 hours, or did, to drive around the entire island of Oahu. It's about a 35 minute drive from the airport to Aulani.

 

[wdrl]

The Marriott Ko Olina is right next to Aulani. According to the Marriott Ko Olina's website, the Honolulu Airport is 18 miles away. GoogleMaps, however, shows that the airport is 21.6 miles and 26 minutes away from the Marriott Ko Olina. The Marriott website also indicates that the estimated taxi fare is $80, one way, that parking on-site is $30 a day for both valet of self parking, and that the Marriott does not offer a shuttle service. It will be interesting to see what transportation options Disney offers.

 

[snackyx]

I own both DVC and Marriott's Ko Olina, so I am looking forward to "piggybacking" reservations for a longer stay. You can literally walk from Aulani to Ko Olina.

Having been to this area numerous times, I cannot image going without a car--there is so much to do and see on the island that a rental should be a MUST. It is about a 30 minute drive from Ko Olina to teh airport, another 10-15 for downtowen Honolulu (traffic can be an issue at certain times of the day). As a Marriott owner, our valet parking rate is $5/day. If you are a non-owner it is about $30/day. It will be interesting to see what Disney does regarding parking--I can only hope that they charge what they have been getting for valet parking at WDW.

Some have complained about the area: it is on the SW corner of the island--you get some great sunsets. There are not alot of resorts in the area as you would find in Waikiki/Honolulu, but that is part of the charm. When you are at the resort, you really do feel like you have your own little slice of paradise. This area is building up rapidly, and the addition of the Disney resort will only accelerate that development.

Trust me: Disney would not have built at Ko Olina if it did not think the area was going to become a premimum location. The image below is one I took last year from my condo at Marriott's Ko Olina--Aulani is being built just before the J.W. Marriott Ihalani (large white hotel) at the end of the beach.

 

[Steamboat Girlie]

I own both DVC and Marriott's Ko Olina, so I am looking forward to "piggybacking" reservations for a longer stay. You can literally walk from Aulani to Ko Olina.

Having been to this area numerous times, I cannot image going without a car--there is so much to do and see on the island that a rental should be a MUST. It is about a 30 minute drive from Ko Olina to teh airport, another 10-15 for downtowen Honolulu (traffic can be an issue at certain times of the day). As a Marriott owner, our valet parking rate is $5/day. If you are a non-owner it is about $30/day. It will be interesting to see what Disney does regarding parking--I can only hope that they charge what they have been getting for valet parking at WDW.

Some have complained about the area: it is on the SW corner of the island--you get some great sunsets. There are not alot of resorts in the area as you would find in Waikiki/Honolulu, but that is part of the charm. When you are at the resort, you really do feel like you have your own little slice of paradise. This area is building up rapidly, and the addition of the Disney resort will only accelerate that development.

Trust me: Disney would not have built at Ko Olina if it did not think the area was going to become a premimum location. The image below is one I took last year from my condo at Marriott's Ko Olina--Aulani is being built just before the J.W. Marriott Ihalani (large white hotel) at the end of the beach.

That picture is gorgeous!!!!!

 

[rparmfamily]

With rush hour traffic, bet on 45-60 minutes. Otherwise, a good 20-30 mins I'd say. You will pass the area of Kapolei, which has a Target and Costco and you could stop and pick up stuff. I think that's the next exit before Ko'olina's exit. It's very clearly marked out there.

We were out there a few weeks ago, and only took one picture from the highway as we came in. I did notice the windows/sliding glass doors are going in. It's moving right along!

 

[Arthur27]

I wonder is Disney will offer some sort of "Magical Express" as they do here in Orlando..??

 

[bookwormde]

If they have some sort of ME to the airport and ferry will be a big factor as to if I will stay there since I will only stay fror 2-3 days at the the beginning and/or end of longer vacation on the big island.

bookwormde

 

[wdrl]

Thanks, rparmfamily, for posting the photo of Aulani!

As a resident of Hawaii, do you have a feeling whether there will be many locals who will buy into Aulani?

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

I wonder is Disney will offer some sort of "Magical Express" as they do here in Orlando..??

Highly unlikely.

The vast majority of guests at the Aulani will want a rental car to be able to visit the attractions of Oahu. So it makes sense to get a car at the airport on arrival.

Some guests will be content to stay within the Ko Olina Resort. Running a DME service for just these guests would be an expensive undertaking. The Aulani faces the challenge of keeping the operating budget and dues under control in a state where everything costs more.

If they have some sort of ME to the airport and ferry will be a big factor as to if I will stay there since I will only stay fror 2-3 days at the the beginning and/or end of longer vacation on the big island.

The Hawaii Superferry service between Oahu and Maui is gone. A court shut it down in 2009 over environmental issues. Original plans called for service between Oahi and the Big Island too, but the Superferry was out of business before that ever happened.

TheBoat, a passenger transit ferry service between West Oahu and Aloha Tower Marketplace in Honolulu, is also gone.

There's a serious effort to build fixed-rail transit from Kapolei to Ala Moana, but it will be many years (if ever) before this becomes an option.

 

[madthemouse]

I agree with the PP about drive time of about 30-35 minutes, non rush hour. For those of us from the east, or if you have driven on the biggest parking lot (The L.I.E.), during rush hour, then you'll have a good idea. Actual miles are not that far.

In defense of the Ko Olina area, I will respectfully disagree with those that do not thing that this is a good area. Unless something dramatic has a taken place, within the last couple of years that I'm not aware of. This is a beautiful area, with a great man made beach area. I have friends that live on the Island and they happen to agree with me that this is one of the beautiful parts of the Island.

If I were to list my favorite parts of Oahu.

1) Ko Olina for Relaxing
2) I love the North Shore waves, beaches and sunsets
3) East Shore for sunrise. And best breakfast (Macadamia pineapple hot cakes). It's very small with a long wait time, but well worth it. You'll have to pardon me for not sharing it's location and name. LoL A little looking into and you'll figure it out.

 

[rparmfamily]

I've gone to bat before as well for the area Ko'olina is in. It's where all the new development is. I have lots of friends who have bought homes in Kapolei and Ewa Beach, lots of growth. Big new mall in the works too.

Like the other poster mentioned, all boat options are gone. I think they did break ground for rail (finally??) but that won't be a fast process. Things are often done on "aloha time" here LOL...slowwww.

I doubt many locals will buy into it. No real incentive...it's $$$$ to get off the island to use your DVC points, and it's cheaper using Kama'aina discounts to stay at hotels in Waikiki,etc. Plus there are rules about HI and timeshares, we bought BLT when we were at Disney last year but because of some laws, we had to buy it while still in FL, we couldn't wait get home to Hawaii. I'm not sure of the laws but I know I can't call right now on the phone and add points to our DVC. (we are BLT and SSR)

Honestly, I think they'd offer some sort of shuttle, perhaps that you pay for. Everyone doesn't rent a car when they come to O'ahu, maybe people use the Bus, but that's a far ride on the Bus I think.

Sunsets are fantastic at Ko'Olina. And the lagoons are gorgeous.

 

[Dean]

Marriott parking is free to all MVCI and MVCD members whether they own or not. They do charge other for self parking and valet.

 

[Nonsuch]

I doubt many locals will buy into it. No real incentive...it's $$$$ to get off the island to use your DVC points, and it's cheaper using Kama'aina discounts to stay at hotels in Waikiki,etc.

Very good point.

I stayed at the Marriott a few years ago, and loved how quiet the area was. I assume the beaches are open to the public, but the guard shack at entrance to the area and the limited parking create a virtual "locals keep out" area.

 

[rparmfamily]

Very good point.

I stayed at the Marriott a few years ago, and loved how quiet the area was. I assume the beaches are open to the public, but the guard shack at entrance to the area and the limited parking create a virtual "locals keep out" area.

Locals know to go early. But you're right...parking is super limited at all lagoons but the last one. The last lagoon has the most parking, next to the marina. Beaches are open to the public, as all are in HI (except the military bases.)

I wonder if as a DVC member, I'll be allowed to pool-hop there? I'm not sure how the pool-hopping works at the other DVC resorts.

 

[TLPL]

The Hawaii Superferry service between Oahu and Maui is gone. A court shut it down in 2009 over environmental issues. Original plans called for service between Oahi and the Big Island too, but the Superferry was out of business before that ever happened.

What is wrong with the ferry service?? It sounds environmently friendly to me.
Is there any other way to travel between islands beside flying?