Aulani logistics

[bgsnmky]

Well, I am backkkk...

and I did get an ocean view for two nights --- very excited. So after ouir 15 nights on other islands we are going to stay at Aulani. We will stay probably at the resort and enjoy it the first day and then head out the next day as we check out -- either do pearl harbor as it is on the way to the airport or some other sightseeing. I would love to snorkel other places on the island, but thinking we should enjoy the resort and save the island touring for another trip ---

I am very excited about seeing Mickey in his Hawaiian Shirt

 

[dianeschlicht]

Where is the best place to go for a Luau on Oahu. I will be staying in Aulani but not sure if they will have them at the resort.

There is a very famous Luau right in the same area as Aulani. We have not gone to that particular one (mostly because of the location), but I know it gets rave reviews. All the resorts will have information and booking options for that one.

 

[dianeschlicht]

I am guessing they will have luaus at the Aulani as well.

If not, though, there is a nice luau called Paradise Cove that is literally 2 blocks away from the Aulani. It's quite nice - beautiful setting, pretty good food. I've been to many luaus all over Hawaii, including on Maui and Kauai, and to tell you the truth . . . they're very similar. Some are a little better than others, but they are *very* alike. Paradise Cove is a lovely way to go.

Paradise Cove is exactly why I don't think Aulani will have a luau. It's a very popular and LARGE one, so it would be poor use of space for Aulani to try to put together enough room in what already looks like a jam packed space for a Luau. Most of the luaus we have been to in Hawaii take up a LOT of real estate.

 

[Derf]

I am guessing they will have luaus at the Aulani as well.

If not, though, there is a nice luau called Paradise Cove that is literally 2 blocks away from the Aulani. It's quite nice - beautiful setting, pretty good food. I've been to many luaus all over Hawaii, including on Maui and Kauai, and to tell you the truth . . . they're very similar. Some are a little better than others, but they are *very* alike. Paradise Cove is a lovely way to go.

We went to the Paradise Cove Luau on our Honeymoon and thoroughly enjoyed it. We have been to Luau's on Maui, the Big Island, and, of course, at WDW and we both agree that Paradise Cove was our favorite. It excelled with its food and it had a BUNCH of neat stuff to do before and after the show (crafts, demonstrations, etc.).

 

[rtobe]

Hi there! You've already gotten some great advice here, but I thought I'd add a few thoughts. We live on Oahu about 25 minutes from Ko Olina.

You'll definitely fly into Honolulu. Last summer my daughter flew from Honolulu to Michigan for a college summer program, and she had to take two flights to get there. The non stop between Honolulu and Dallas is quite nice.

I agree that you'll want to rent a car, and that Pearl Harbor and the Polynesian Cultural Center are two absolute must dos. Another option is the Bishop Museum. It's closer to downtown Honolulu and is an interesting blend of natural history and Hawaiian history.

Just about any time is a pretty good time to visit. It does tend to be a bit cooler and rainier during the winter months. Then again, January and February are prime whale watching months (but you'll have to take a sight seeing cruise to see them, probably).

The Aulani is beautiful. We toured the 2 BR villa model and thought it was lovely. The whole property is very similar in look/feel to Animal Kingdom Lodge, except that it obviously has a Hawaiian theme instead of an African theme. The 2 BR villas were extremely similar to the 2 BR Kidani villa where we stayed last fall - and I mean that as a compliment!

Hope that helps a little! Happy planning.

I was in Honolulu on business in January/Feburary and got to tour Aulani - I had the exact same reaction that the exterior and the model room "hallway" looked a lot like Animal Kingdom Lodge. I think I read somewhere it was the same architect.

While I never thought I'd be all that interested in using my DVC points to go here, after seeing the model and taking the tour, I'm thinking 4 nights here would be perfect chill and relax then maybe island hop or something.

I would not want to be there without a car. There is a convenience store across the street (that Aulani faces) if I recall correctly, but with two bottles of soda and some other things, it could be a long walk back. The closest grocery may be a drive. I found a Costco and a Safeway about 10 minutes away - driving (near Wet N Wild).

I really enjoyed seeing the 'Iolani Palace but it is not well suited for little ones. The inside is no photos and no touching.

 

[Disneyfn420]

Thanks for all of the advice. I saw Paradise Cove listed when I was researching and I loved that it was so close to Aulani so I'm glad to read lots of good reviews about it. Thanks!

 

[Disneyfn420]

Another question. I just saw Samantha Brown's show on the Polynesian Cultural Center and have seen people mention it in this thread. I see there are a few packages to choose from. What are the must do's there. I was planning on going to Paradise Cove since it's right next to Aulani for my luau but I see the Cultural Center has one too. I have 3 full days before my cruise so want to get in as much as I can.
I am hoping to do Pearl Harbor, then the flea market, then Paradise Cove Luau day 1. Then day 2 hit Waikiki(just to see and walk around, not stay long) then Diamond Head(again just to see, not climb...we will have older people with us who can't make the hike) then the Cultural Center. Then day 3 we want to hit Sea Life Park and swim with the dolphins. We also want time to enjoy Aulani. We will have some time the first day we get there and the day of the cruise. And Friday after Sea Life park. Am I being too ambitious with my plans?

 

[OurDogCisco]

Another question. I just saw Samantha Brown's show on the Polynesian Cultural Center and have seen people mention it in this thread. I see there are a few packages to choose from. What are the must do's there. I was planning on going to Paradise Cove since it's right next to Aulani for my luau but I see the Cultural Center has one too. I have 3 full days before my cruise so want to get in as much as I can.
I am hoping to do Pearl Harbor, then the flea market, then Paradise Cove Luau day 1. Then day 2 hit Waikiki(just to see and walk around, not stay long) then Diamond Head(again just to see, not climb...we will have older people with us who can't make the hike) then the Cultural Center. Then day 3 we want to hit Sea Life Park and swim with the dolphins. We also want time to enjoy Aulani. We will have some time the first day we get there and the day of the cruise. And Friday after Sea Life park. Am I being too ambitious with my plans?

Just to let you know you can see Diamond Head from Waikiki beach. If memory serves me right, you won't see much of Diamond head if you drive to the base of the trail head. The trail head starts on the back side and it isn't too pretty from that end.

I know your time is limited on the island but I would spend a little time visiting the beaches on the East side of the island. If you like scenery and beaches I would drive from Waikiki towards the North Shore. Here's a picture of one of the beaches on the East side:

Enjoy your time at the Aulani... I can't wait to see some real pictures.

 

[Disneyfriend]

Another question. I just saw Samantha Brown's show on the Polynesian Cultural Center and have seen people mention it in this thread. I see there are a few packages to choose from. What are the must do's there. I was planning on going to Paradise Cove since it's right next to Aulani for my luau but I see the Cultural Center has one too. I have 3 full days before my cruise so want to get in as much as I can.
I am hoping to do Pearl Harbor, then the flea market, then Paradise Cove Luau day 1. Then day 2 hit Waikiki(just to see and walk around, not stay long) then Diamond Head(again just to see, not climb...we will have older people with us who can't make the hike) then the Cultural Center. Then day 3 we want to hit Sea Life Park and swim with the dolphins. We also want time to enjoy Aulani. We will have some time the first day we get there and the day of the cruise. And Friday after Sea Life park. Am I being too ambitious with my plans?

Well, if you have three full days then, yes, I would say it might be too ambitious to also fit the Polynesian Cultural Center in.

A more logical combination might be too combine Sea Life Park (1/2 day, get there when it opens around 9 or 10) then the afternoon in Waikiki. Sea Life Park is not terribly far from Waikiki (and Diamond Head), and they are definitely in the same area of the island.

The Polynesian Cultural Center is really a bit of an all day event. It is likely to take 60-90 minutes to get there from Aulani. It is a lovely drive and will take you along Oahu's North Shore. You can easily spend the better part of the day there - I think they open at 12 noon, and then the culminating event of the day is the dance show which begins at 7 or 8. By the time you get back to your hotel, it will have been a VERY full day. But on the plus side, you could take an easy morning that morning and sleep in, relax, etc., and then leave around maybe 10 or 11.

HTH.

 

[DFD]

Again Kate thank you!

Aloha Kate,

The Aulani is situated in Koolina which is a resort area to begin with as the Marriot timeshares have been there already for many years and another hotel that is used by football players during the Pro-Bowl in Jan. There is a nice golf course which is parallel to the resorts and hotels. If you don't rent a car the Aulani will have all the thing that a resort normally will have. Roy's which is a popular restuarant is across the street which is known throughout the world for it's Island/Asian/Western fusion meals. He has won numerous awards. There is also a Luau called Paradise Cove which is frequented by Tourists and locals. The Luau is within walking distance.

The Honolulu airport is about 35 mins away and depending on traffic it could be longer. If you are planning to stay at the resort and take in the sun and the beach a car is not necessary as long as you get a shuttle to and from the airport. If you plan to see the island a car is a must. Koolina is west of everything. Waikiki is about 50 mins to an hour away due to traffic but the distance is only about 30 miles.

If you have kids coming here in the off season will be tough but if you don't Feb-early March and then late Sept-Nov are when the flights come down in price. The city right before Aulani is Kapolei which has all the Big Box stores and some good restuarants and it's probably only a 10 min bus ride to that area. There's Target, Kmart, Costco and numerous restuarants there. One of my favorite sushi restuarants is located in that area call Kazuko.

If want more information let me know and I will be glad to share as much as I know. We live in the area and are very happy that Aulani is here. Looks very nice as we visited the models.

Hi there! You've already gotten some great advice here, but I thought I'd add a few thoughts. We live on Oahu about 25 minutes from Ko Olina.

You'll definitely fly into Honolulu. Last summer my daughter flew from Honolulu to Michigan for a college summer program, and she had to take two flights to get there. The non stop between Honolulu and Dallas is quite nice.

I agree that you'll want to rent a car, and that Pearl Harbor and the Polynesian Cultural Center are two absolute must dos. Another option is the Bishop Museum. It's closer to downtown Honolulu and is an interesting blend of natural history and Hawaiian history.

Just about any time is a pretty good time to visit. It does tend to be a bit cooler and rainier during the winter months. Then again, January and February are prime whale watching months (but you'll have to take a sight seeing cruise to see them, probably).

The Aulani is beautiful. We toured the 2 BR villa model and thought it was lovely. The whole property is very similar in look/feel to Animal Kingdom Lodge, except that it obviously has a Hawaiian theme instead of an African theme. The 2 BR villas were extremely similar to the 2 BR Kidani villa where we stayed last fall - and I mean that as a compliment!

Hope that helps a little! Happy planning.

taking notes!!!

 

[OurDogCisco]

Just to let you know you can see Diamond Head from Waikiki beach. If memory serves me right, you won't see much of Diamond head if you drive to the base of the trail head. The trail head starts on the back side and it isn't too pretty from that end.

I know your time is limited on the island but I would spend a little time visiting the beaches on the East side of the island. If you like scenery and beaches I would drive from Waikiki towards the North Shore. Here's a picture of one of the beaches on the East side:

Enjoy your time at the Aulani... I can't wait to see some real pictures.

I just realized I posted this picture twice. I must really like this beach. LOL... Sorry to do that..

 

[Disneyfn420]

Does anyone know if the Aloha swap meet has areas to sit down. I will be going with a decent sized group and some may not be able to walk as long and may want to rest. Are there areas to relax? Also I assume no scooter rentals there right?

 

[jmb910]

Does anyone know if the Aloha swap meet has areas to sit down. I will be going with a decent sized group and some may not be able to walk as long and may want to rest. Are there areas to relax? Also I assume no scooter rentals there right?

I was there on Sunday and I do not remember seeing any.

 

[cropper]

You all have great advice and experience in Hawaii!
So, I have a question....we are wanting to go from Sat-Fri. Our girls will be 13 and 8. Thinking July/Aug 2012 before school starts.

Should we use our DVC points at Aulani or go to a different island?

 

[rparmfamily]

Have you been to Hawaii before?
The other islands are only 30-45 mins or so flights, but add in getting to airport, waiting, boarding,etc. We've done a 6am flight to Maui and that left the whole day to play (we were leaving the airport in Maui by 7am LOL)

Maui is probably more of people dream Hawaii looks like...rural...palm trees,etc. O'ahu is like that in parts and very populated in other areas. There is way more to do on O'ahu compared to the other islands. Are your kids outdoors type kids? Like hiking/snorkeling/kayaking? Mine have enjoyed doing those things on Maui and Big Island. But if they like to be entertained (like malls, movies, etc) then they might be bored on the other islands.
I personally think everyone should see Volcano National Park on the Big Island. It is simply amazing!!!

 

[Disneyfn420]

Anyone know where I can find discount/promo codes for Sea Life Park in Hawaii? I want to do the dolphin excursion. I tried goole and couldn't find one.

 

[Disneyfriend]

You all have great advice and experience in Hawaii!
So, I have a question....we are wanting to go from Sat-Fri. Our girls will be 13 and 8. Thinking July/Aug 2012 before school starts.

Should we use our DVC points at Aulani or go to a different island?

Just my humble opinion? Stay at Aulani for the majority of your time, and then add on a 3 night stay on either Maui or the Big Island. I adore Maui, but the Big Island is truly unique because of the active volcano. If you do this, you'll have gotten a really nice taste of Hawaii.

There really is a lot to do on Oahu for a first trip. For kids your age, I would recommend the Polynesian Cultural Center, the Bishop Museum, 'Iolani Palace, and maybe Sea Life Park (unless you have a Sea World nearby) and/or the water park (unless you live near a nice water park). Add in a day or two touring Waikiki . . . another day exploring the North Shore . . . you'll have a full week. Plus just time spent relaxing around the Aulani!

eta: Oh my gosh, I forgot Pearl Harbor!!!! Definitely Pearl Harbor as a really top priority. Also the nearby USS Missouri and/or the Pacific Aviation Museum, if you enjoy history.

 

[slowly]

Aloha,

Justed wanted to chime in on Sea Life Park, the Polynesian Cultural Center(PCC), the flea/swap meet and Arizona Memorial.

Sea Life Park- Not to burst anyone's bubble but it's not really an attraction that is worth squeezing into a busy schedule. If you have ever been to any Sea World, you will be very disappointed. Let's say we have only been there twice in my 16 yrs here and my wife being local onlly went during school trips prior.

PCC- To experience the whole thing it will take most of the day because of the distance and the time they open which I believe is 12. Worth it though.

Flea/Swap meet- Get there early due to the heat. It is located in the parking lot of Aloha Stadium. As far as sitting areas, nothing really desinated but you can sit in the grass areas. You can rest but you will need to make shift areas. I don't see any reason for being there for more than 2 hours at the most.

AZ Memorial- Get there early! It is very close to the Flea market so you can definitely do both in the same day.

Aloha!

 

[HarrietSLP]

I love having an ocean view because the favorite part of my day in Hawaii is sitting on the balcony and watching the sun rise with the sound of the ocean waves. We live on the East Coast and so tend to be early risers when visiting the islands. I enjoy seeing the quietness of nature and then the sounds of the resort as people begin their day. We will be at Aulani in November and I plan to spend much time on my lanai

 

[DisWitt]

I love having an ocean view because the favorite part of my day in Hawaii is sitting on the balcony and watching the sun rise with the sound of the ocean waves. We live on the East Coast and so tend to be early risers when visiting the islands. I enjoy seeing the quietness of nature and then the sounds of the resort as people begin their day. We will be at Aulani in November and I plan to spend much time on my lanai

You'll probably have a sunset view from your lanai if you have an OV Aulani reservation. The sun rises on the IV rooms and sets out West where the OV and PV DVC rooms face. The hotel rooms all face the opposite direction. We loved watching the beautiful sunsets from our lanai and seeing all of the lights and torches come on in the Waikolohe Valley! So spectacular!