Aulani in May - any advice?!

[MinnieRunsDisney]

Hi everyone! First post here on the DIS, sorry if this has been discussed elsewhere!
Wondering what is to be expected for DVC booking availability/weather/crowds for mid May. (this is SUPER far in advance because we're planning for 2017... can't book for quite some time, but my excitement is already peaking!!).

Planning to leave right after my college graduation (May 13th) and staying for about a week! I've heard mixed reviews about this time of year so if anyone has personal experience, feel free to share!!

ALSO; My boyfriend and I are planning on renting a car and taking a few island hikes - any recommendations? We want to see Dole plantation and Giovanni's shrimp truck up on the north shore for SURE, but if there's any hiking spots or places on the island you loved, let us know!

 

[alohamom]

May is a great time to go weather wise and usually a very good time for airfare prices. As far as crowds and availability at Aulani, I would watch these posts, there are quite a few Disers headed for Aulani in May and I am sure you will see a few reports with crowds discussed. There are actually sooo many great hiking spots on Oahu-everyone does Diamond Head but there are many more that are more lush and tropical. A great one is the Makapu'u Lighthouse trail, it is a fairly easy hike with spectacular views.

An easy waterfall hike is Manoa Falls just above Waikiki or Waimea Park up in the North Shore area

http://www.honolulumagazine.com/Honolulu-Magazine/September-2013/20-Great-Oahu-Hikes/


http://www.best-of-oahu.com/Oahu-Hiking-Trails.html

Have fun planning!

 

[cedricandsophie]

We are going to Aulani for the 4th time in May 20 to May 31. We had been there in April and may all the previous times. We love it. Until you hit June, it's always been easy to get a one bedroom ocean view when we want at either 11 or 7 months out. And the crowds are fine. We will be there over Memorial Day this year so it lo get interesting to see if it gets extra busy that weekend.

 

[twodogs]

We arrive the Saturday of Memorial Day for our first ever visit. I'm a little afraid of the crowds but am hoping they die down a little after Monday.

 

[SplashMom]

We will be there May 7-18, after spending our first four days in Maui. We went in May three years ago and it was perfect. Not too crowded and wonderful weather. Hoping for the same this time!

 

[planningjollyholiday]

We went this exact time frame last year. We had a standard room (non dvc) and were upgraded to a 1 bedroom villa, so I doubt you will have problems booking dvc. Weather was great, like a pp said, airfare is definitely cheaper this time of year, so wait for sales. It didn't seem crowded, (we were able to walk up and do breakfast at ama ama). The only downside was that there was scheduled maintenance on the water slides, so only one was available each day. Hopefully this isn't a yearly event in May for them to fix the slides.

 

[Mamapapa]

We will be there May 14-20 four our 15th wedding anniversary, can't wait. Our first kid free trip since our honeymoon to St. Thomas 15 years ago!! And our first time in Hawaii!!