Aulani in December, retired military

[bricea]

Our family of 4 will travel to Oahu for our first visit to Aulani in 50 days but who's counting. We are DVC members and have reserved a 1 bedroom villa at Aulani. We are retired military, go Navy and are planning a brief stay at the Hale Koa. We are renting a car and are thinking of doing our grocery shopping at the Navy base at Pearl Harbor before our check-in at Aulani. Enough of the details, here's the questions:

Does anyone know how the grocery prices on the base in Hawaii compare to the grocery prices out in town? We don't live near a Costco so we don't have a membership.

How long of a drive will it be from Pearl Harbor to Aulani? Our plan is to be on the road to Aulani at 2:00 p.m. on a Thursday. We will do the online check-in with our estimated time of arrival. We are concerned about buying refrigerated/frozen items. What if we show up with food that needs refrigeration but don't have access to our villa at check-in? Will the CM's have a place to store our food?

Has anyone used the ITT office on the base? If so, did you find them helpful?

Thanks for your help

 

[bricea]

Many of the DVC properties have BBQ grills and tools does anyone know if Aulani has BBQ grills for guests to grill out?

Thank you

 

[BCV23]

Welcome to the DIS. I suspect you will get much more help if you ask your questions about Aulani on the DVC resort forum. Here's a link:

http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?s=&daysprune=30&f=187

As for shopping at the Navy base, if no one knows on the DVC resorts forum perhaps you can get some answers from the good folks on the Shades of Green FAQ:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2912833

We haven't stayed at Aulani yet but won't be far behind you! Can't wait.

Thanks for your service to our country.

 

[frank808]

The commissary is about 30 minutes drive with no traffic. The commissary is by the airport so it is on your way to Aulani from Hale Koa.

The prices are as cheap or cheaper for items than the regular grocery stores so there is savings to shop at the commissary.

Have no worries about arriving at Aulani with refrigerated and frozen items as they can store it for you if your room is not ready.

 

[dstupper]

Does anyone know how the grocery prices on the base in Hawaii compare to the grocery prices out in town?

Grocery prices at the Pearl Harbor or Hickham will be cheaper by far! Taxes out here off base raise prices, plus Matson has to get their take Shop on base (Navy NEX is by the airport) AND there is an ITT right there.

How long of a drive will it be from Pearl Harbor to Aulani?

If you are heading there at 2pm, 20 to 30 min drive. The closer to rush hour, the worse it gets!! Dont mess around! If it starts getting later, just get out to Kapolei and shop at Safeway or Target, then you are only 5 minutes from Aulani.

We are concerned about buying refrigerated/frozen items. What if we show up with food that needs refrigeration but don't have access to our villa at check-in? Will the CM's have a place to store our food?

Dont be concerned! My wife and I show up at 0730 the day we check in!! they take our luggage, put the groceries in the fridge, take the car, give you a lei and a temp room key (as I get there so early there isnt a chance of my room being redy yet!) and let you loose on the property! There are free lockers to be had while you wait for your room, so go change into your trunks and get wet.