Aulani or Waikiki Beach area?

[Mrs. Ciz]

My family is having a reunion on Kauai the second week of July 2013. My DH and DS really want to spend four days on Oahu before the reunion. They want to hike Diamond Head, visit Pearl Harbor, etc. I am trying to decide if we should stay in a Waikiki Beach Hotel (one of the Astons, Outriggers or Hilton Hawaiian Village) or rent DVC points and stay at Aulani. The Ko Olina area seems more resort-ish, but I've read that it is a drive, sometimes with bad traffic, to the sight seeing attractions. Any of you folks been there, done that and have advice?

 

[abdgeek]

I stayed at Aulani and drove to the Waikiki area to do Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head, etc.. The drive is about 30-45 minutes depending on traffic. I didn't find it to be a problem because I preferred being in Ko Olina. Traffic on Oahu is the same as in any city that has rush hour traffic. If you try to stay out of that, you should be ok.

 

[OurDogCisco]

If you stayed in Waikiki, how do you plan on getting around? Most people don't rent a car in Waikiki for the full duration of their trip. When we go we might rent a day here or there. But in general we'll either take a cab or the public bus. So, that might be a consideration for everyone also. Pearl Harbor and Diamond Head are not in Waikiki so, you'll run into the same traffic issues. Probably won't be as bad but you'll have them depending on when you drive. The other thing to consider if you rent a car in Waikiki the daily parking fee is very expensive. Personally, I wouldn't trade Aulani for Waikiki. The resort and beach are amazing... However, cost wise Waikiki might be cheaper depending on where you get your accomandations. One thing I still don't like about Ko'Olina area is the food choices. Definitely better choices downtown. Good luck deciding...

 

[Muhlenberg]

While we haven't been to Aulani, we've been to Oahu twice, and stayed in Waikiki. We rented a car both times. Parking was included where we stayed. One time was in one of the hotels. The second time was a vacation rental on the beach, which was wonderful! We drove all over the island, doing many of the attractions. I did the driving the first time, and my hubby the second time. We avoided rush hour, and really didn't have any problems navigating.

Have fun, whatever you decide to do!

 

[Dean]

My family is having a reunion on Kauai the second week of July 2013. My DH and DS really want to spend four days on Oahu before the reunion. They want to hike Diamond Head, visit Pearl Harbor, etc. I am trying to decide if we should stay in a Waikiki Beach Hotel (one of the Astons, Outriggers or Hilton Hawaiian Village) or rent DVC points and stay at Aulani. The Ko Olina area seems more resort-ish, but I've read that it is a drive, sometimes with bad traffic, to the sight seeing attractions. Any of you folks been there, done that and have advice?

For that situation they should probably stay in or around Waikiki or near the airport. Are either military? The bus system is decent for HI, esp from the Waikiki, Ala Moana area.

 

[Jaaron2]

Ok, so we just returned from a two week trip to Hawaii (last Saturday). We Spent the first week at Aulani and the second week at the Hilton on Waikiki beach. I will tell you this, those are two VERY DIFFERENT areas of Oahu. If you ask my family they will say they ABSOLUTELY LOVED everything about Aulani and would only stay there next time we go. We had a car both weeks and the travel around Waikiki was much worse then anything near Ko Olina. Waikiki is a tourist destination , you will pay (and I mean a lot) at Waikiki just to have a beach chair and umbrella (at Aulani they are not only free but they will bring them to you). I can't tell you how impressed I was with Aulani. They make you feel at home from the minute you walk on the resort. At the Hilton (and I have Diamond preferred status with them from work) it was nothing but a rat race from the moment we got to the resort. The resort was HUGE, pool was small, and in general staff very unfriendly.

Our kids liked the fact they could walk to a four story mall from our resort but hated the beach area (which is a public beach with a lot of traffic). At Aulani our kids spent their time swimming in the lagoon with the local sea turtles. All I can say, IMHO, Aulani is in a class by itself compared to any resort on Waikiki. Feel free to IM me with any questions you have. We spent a lot if time all over Oahu ( especially Ko Olina and Waikiki). Our next trip will be an "Aulani only" vacation !!!

 

[Jaaron2]

One other thing, we also did Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head, North Shore and some other excursions. It pays to have a car because you can drive and do all these excursions on your own and not have to pay the extremely high tour costs. We took a drive to hike up to a waterfall (about 5 miles outside Waikiki). The tour cost for 5 was close to $300.00. We drove there, paid $5.00 to park and did it ourselves. Also was able to go on our own time and hike other trails not included in the tour. Same with Pearl Harbor, you can drive there, pay less then half what the tour from the resort will charge, and get the exact same tour while your there.

 

[Jaaron2]

If you stayed in Waikiki, how do you plan on getting around? Most people don't rent a car in Waikiki for the full duration of their trip. When we go we might rent a day here or there. But in general we'll either take a cab or the public bus. So, that might be a consideration for everyone also. Pearl Harbor and Diamond Head are not in Waikiki so, you'll run into the same traffic issues. Probably won't be as bad but you'll have them depending on when you drive. The other thing to consider if you rent a car in Waikiki the daily parking fee is very expensive. Personally, I wouldn't trade Aulani for Waikiki. The resort and beach are amazing... However, cost wise Waikiki might be cheaper depending on where you get your accomandations. One thing I still don't like about Ko'Olina area is the food choices. Definitely better choices downtown. Good luck deciding...

I agree the dining choices are better at Waikiki, although Aulani announced they are adding 2 more counter service options which could be open early in 2013. Also, we had a 2 bedroom unit so we did some local shopping at Target (the next exit down) and saved some money eating in at Aulani (we couldn't do that at the Hilton)

 

[OurDogCisco]

While we haven't been to Aulani, we've been to Oahu twice, and stayed in Waikiki. We rented a car both times. Parking was included where we stayed. One time was in one of the hotels. The second time was a vacation rental on the beach, which was wonderful! We drove all over the island, doing many of the attractions. I did the driving the first time, and my hubby the second time. We avoided rush hour, and really didn't have any problems navigating.

Have fun, whatever you decide to do!

I'd love to know what hotel because everytime we go the parking is expensive. So, I'd like to reference it for the future.

 

[Mrs. Ciz]

OP here. Thanks for all the great info. I will be getting a car if we stay at Aulani. I may not get one if we stay in the Waikiki area - due to the daily parking costs and good bus system others mentioned - although I think it would be easier to have a car in either location.

On Kauai we are staying at the Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas. I sort of wanted something similar on Oahu that's why I am considering Aulani and the Ko Olina area. The Waikiki hotels just seem very busy, and less resort like. But if we are only there for 4 days and our primary goal is sight seeing Waikiki Beach may make sense. Still deciding...

 

[DVCismyhappyplace]

4 trips to Oahu and I love staying in Waikiki! We were there last year when Aulani opened and stoppped by to see it (my sister in law is a cast member) . Aulani is a beautiful resort, but we prefer being "in the center" of everything. Parking was also included in our hotel rate (Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach), we didn't need to pay to rent beach chairs or umbrellas, and we rented a car for our entire stay (5 days).

My take is that Aulan is an AMAZING resort. That being said, if I were going to Aulani, it would be to stay at Aulani only. I don't think of any of the hotels on Waikiki as a "resort desination." My idea of a resort is a place that is totally self-contained and you don't want to leave it.

 

[CarolAnnC]

I would choose Aulani and instead of renting points you might want to checkout some deals with Disney direct. I heard they have offered some great rates and specials, and Aulani is pretty high for points. Good luck!

 

[OurDogCisco]

Parking was also included in our hotel rate (Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach), we didn't need to pay to rent beach chairs or umbrellas, and we rented a car for our entire stay (5 days).

Funny we stay there all the time and they charge us parking. It says it in their literature. I just did a dummy booking and it says parking is not included. Maybe you got a special package where you prepaid for the parking???

Here's the information from their website and the last line says it does not include parking:

Room Rates
Room rates are quoted in U.S. Dollars (USD) per room, for 2 persons, for these room categories:
City View
Partial Ocean View
Ocean View
Oceanfront
Deluxe Oceanfront
1 Bedroom Oceanfront
1 Bedroom Deluxe Oceanfront
Room rates do not include room service, restaurant meals, international telephone calls, other guest services and incidentals, parking, taxes, or gratuities.

 

[taaren]

Funny we stay there all the time and they charge us parking. It says it in their literature. I just did a dummy booking and it says parking is not included. Maybe you got a special package where you prepaid for the parking???

Here's the information from their website and the last line says it does not include parking:

Room Rates
Room rates are quoted in U.S. Dollars (USD) per room, for 2 persons, for these room categories:
City View
Partial Ocean View
Ocean View
Oceanfront
Deluxe Oceanfront
1 Bedroom Oceanfront
1 Bedroom Deluxe Oceanfront
Room rates do not include room service, restaurant meals, international telephone calls, other guest services and incidentals, parking, taxes, or gratuities.

I've gotten rates that include parking at Outriggers commonly. Often they are the same rates that include late checkout, sometimes they are kama'aina, sometimes not.

To the OP ... not only are Ko'olina and Waikiki very different locations, but be aware that Outrigger/Aston class vs Aulani/Ihilani class are very different types of vacations. If you want a resort vacation, most of the Outriggers and Astons are very uhmm.... sparse on amenities, and some of the rooms reminded me of a college dorm room with wicker and cheap hawaiian prints. Which isn't to say that I didn't enjoy my stays at them, as those trips were usually more business-intensive, we were on a mission to accomplish stuff and see people, not enjoy the resort. If you want a more resort-ey type of vacation, in Waikiki, those are more like the Hilton Hawaiian Village or Marriott Resort and Spa, and then its not that much more $$-wise to stay at the Aulani or Ihilani. So part of the question is, do you want to enjoy your hotel room or is it just a place to sleep?

FWIW, I've always liked to just rent a car for my entire stay rather than borrow and return every few days, its just less hassle. Also, keep in mind what is "far" attraction-wise in Hawaii is still probably not much farther than the average mainlander's commute. Its just a question of whether you want to spend a half hour in each direction driving on your vacation or not to see what you want to see.

 

[dianeschlicht]

OP here. Thanks for all the great info. I will be getting a car if we stay at Aulani. I may not get one if we stay in the Waikiki area - due to the daily parking costs and good bus system others mentioned - although I think it would be easier to have a car in either location.

On Kauai we are staying at the Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas. I sort of wanted something similar on Oahu that's why I am considering Aulani and the Ko Olina area. The Waikiki hotels just seem very busy, and less resort like. But if we are only there for 4 days and our primary goal is sight seeing Waikiki Beach may make sense. Still deciding...

Our first trip to the Islands back in the mid 70's we did not rent a car for the Waikiki part of our trip except for one day when we wanted to drive around the island. We did fine using The Bus, even with small children in tow. On the other islands, a car is absolutely necessary. When we stayed in the Princeville area 10 years ago, we could not have done anything without a car. I agree with you that Aulani will suit your tastes better if you enjoy Princeville. One negative about Princeville....We found food lacking in that area of Kauai, but we did enjoy the farmer's markets.

Back to the car rental thing. We have always rented a car after that first trip. Parking prices are ridiculous in Honolulu, but I'd still do it.

 

[DVCismyhappyplace]

I've gotten rates that include parking at Outriggers commonly. Often they are the same rates that include late checkout, sometimes they are kama'aina, sometimes not.

After 4 trips to the Outrigger, we've never paid for parking and have always had breakfast included. We've also always been upgraded to either partial oceanview or oceanfront each time. It could be because we tend to travel "off peak" for Hawaii - but whatever it is, I'm not going to question it!!!

 

[Mrs. Ciz]

Thanks to all of you who helped me with Oahu informantion! We just got back from our 17 day odyssey a couple of days ago and I wanted to report back. First we stopped off in Los Angeles for four days to see family and spent two days at Disneyland & California Adventure!!! Then we went on to the Westin Princeville Resort Villas in Kauai for a week (also with family - we snorkled, golfed, took a kayak/hike to waterfall trip, toured the lighthouse, ziplined - fun!). We capped the trip with four days on Oahu. In the end my parents reserved us four days at the Wyndham Waikiki Beach Walk because they had just upgraded their Wyndham timeshare status and had more points then they could use this year. Thanks Mom & Dad!!! I would have loved to stay at Aulani but free was better.

My kids (DD14, DS16) loved all the action, restaurants and shops at both Beach Walk and Waikiki Beach. The Wyndham was right in the heart of it all. We were really close to the Sheraton and Outrigger Reef on the Beach (and Shorebirds!). We hiked Diamond, checked out Hanauma Bay, then spent a day on Waikiki Beach and took a catamaran sail, spent a day at Pearl Harbor. On our last day we did the beach in the morning and Iolani Palace in the afternoon before heading to the airport. We did rent a car the whole 4 days and paid the $35 a day parking charge - gulp! All in all, it was a great trip!