Aulani Owners Thread - ALOHA!

[mkymsehi]

Amy, an easy hike is Makapuu lighthouse trail on the south east side of the island near sea life Park it's relatively easy, paved, a little uphill but very manageable. Diamond head is paved most of the way, but steep in some sections.

Avoid the North Shore during the winter for snorkeling. It will be too rough out there. stay on the south side to snorkel, or do the rainbow reef at Aulani..

 

[MrsG]

Hello! So, we've had our Nov. 2012 Aulani trip planned since last January. I just found out I'll be about 4 months pregnant when we go! I've been trying to think of how that's going to affect my trip, but I'd appreciate if anyone can chime in with anything they can think of.

• Can't go in the hot tubs
• May need to alter the spa treatments; I believe they have prenatal massages and stuff, right?
• We're going to avoid going on any hikes, like Diamond Head. Is there a trail elsewhere on the island that's relatively flat and safe? I don't want to risk falling or anything.
• Obviously no drinking for me, but I rarely do anyway.
• Avoid sushi/raw fish (shrimp trucks should be fine, though, right?)
• I believe snorkeling will be fine.

Any suggestions or other things to avoid? I'd really appreciate it! This is my first time to Hawaii, and I was already planning on taking it REAL easy and just relaxing the majority of the time. We were planning on visiting Pearl Harbor and the Polynesian Cultural Center, which I can't imagine will be a problem. Thanks in advance!

Congratulations!!!!!!!

We just returned and I think you have a good list of dos/don'ts. Pearl Harbor and the Polynesian Cultural Center should be fine. Diamond Head hike is too strenuous. We snorkled at Hanauma Bay and although the water was calmer and it is supposed to be the best place to snorkle, we found it rougher than the Caribbean. You might want to snorkle at Aulani. We did the hike to the waterfall (through Disney) and that would be too difficult. That being said, the island is so beautiful, that if you rent a car, you can drive all over and visit any beach you'd like. You can also do a tour of the palaces. And of course, enjoy Aulani! It is so beautiful, you don't even have to leave!!!!

 

[SueTGGR]

Just wondering if a 1 BR villas would be good for a family of 5? My dd15 would have to sleep in the pull down bunk. Is that a regular sized twin? Not sure if 1 Bath would be enough for us either. I like the set up of the Bathroom being split- but as my kids are all teens I'm just not sure if this setup would be big enough. Any input would be appreciated.

H ave to admit, once you get used to bigger accommodations it's hard to go back to smaller. We usually stay in a 1BR @ Bay Lake- they have 2 bathrooms there.


Thanks for the help.

We just returned from staying 8 nights in a 1bd and we had 3 adults and one pre-teen. As far as sleeping, if 2 wanted to sleep in the sofa bad and one in the pull out bed, that would work. The sofa looks to be a queen, maybe? My sister is small and she had lots of room by herself in the sofa bed. My 12 yr old son (VERY tall) slept on the pull out bed below the TV and his only issue was bonking his head when he sat up as the shelf sticks out under the TV. DH and I had TONS of room in the 1 bedroom! The bathroom situation was the room with a bathtub and sink off the bedroom with a door into the shower/toilet/sink bathroom with a second door leading into the kitchen area. Make sense? When we would get back from swimming, my son would take the bathtub and the 3 adults would take turns in the shower. It worked out quite well but none of us spend too much time in the bathroom getting ready.

 

[schiavo2]

Does anyone know if there will be a problem booking the Aulani for a June trip staying in a studio with an ocean view at the 7 month window? I'm worried that we won't be able to get the room we want.

 

[dtauer]

Our flight doesn't leave until 9:00 pm, so what do you think of the plan to check out in the morning and spend the day at Pearl Harbor before we go to the airport? We plan to have a rental car, so we can leave luggage in the car.

Thanks!

I'd be nervous to leave the luggage all day at Pearl Harbor. There is crime everywhere, but we were warned repeatedly not to leave any valuables in the car in a public area, even in the trunk. This advice came from everyone from the valet, to the captain on an excursion, to the tourbooks we read.

It would involve extra driving, but I would rather leave the luggage secure at bell services at Disney and return early to get it before going to the airport.

Having something stolen from my rental, or having a window broken, on the day you are leaving would be a nightmare to me. We've heard that tourists are targeted in Hawaii more actively for theft because if you decide to press charges, you need to attend the court hearing. Since tourists generally don't want to return to the island to press charges, the thiefs are more brazen knowing that if they are caught they will probably not be charged. This may be an urban legend, but this has been relayed to us several times by different residents of the island.

That being said, we have had no problems with theft on any of our vacations to Hawaii. However, we never leave any valuables in the car, and always leave the doors unlocked. That way they won't need to break a window to take a look around, and I don't think the thiefs are looking to steal a car, probably more likely looking for a camera or GPS. Might be dumb to leave it unlocked, but at some of our hikes the parking lots have lots of shattered car window glass scattered around and I don't want to deal with the issue on a rental.

 

[MrsG]

I'm be nervous to leave the luggage all day at Pearl Harbor. There is crime everywhere, but we were warned repeatedly not to leave any valuables in the car in a public area, even in the trunk. This advice came from everyone from the valet, to the captain on an excursion, to the tourbooks we read.

It would involve extra driving, but I would rather leave the luggage secure at bell services at Disney and return early to get it before going to the airport.

Having something stolen from my rental, or having a window broken, on the day you are leaving would be a nightmare to me. We've heard that tourists are targeted in Hawaii more actively for theft because if you decide to press charges, you need to attend the court hearing. Since tourists generally don't want to return to the island to press charges, the thiefs are more brazen knowing that if they are caught they will probably not be charged. This may be an urban legend, but this has been relayed to us several times by different residents of the island.

That being said, we have had no problems with theft on any of our vacations to Hawaii. However, we never leave any valuables in the car, and always leave the doors unlocked. That way they won't need to break a window to take a look around, and I don't think the thiefs are looking to steal a car, probably more likely looking for a camera or GPS. Might be dumb to leave it unlocked, but at some of our hikes the parking lots have lots of shattered car window glass scattered around and I don't want to deal with the issue on a rental.

I agree. We just returned and we were warned everywhere we went not to leave anything of value in the car. They told us thieves could enter a rental car in seconds. It would not be a good way to end a vacation. I agree that you should leave your luggage at Disney. We went to Pearl Harbor early in the morning, and spent about 5 hours there. You can either pick up lunch on the way back or eat at Aulani. They have a wonderful lounge to freshen up in until you have to leave to get on your flight.

 

[disneyatheart2]

We just returned from Aulani and rented a car too. We've been to HI before and each time the residents remind us not to leave anything in the car.
I was a nervous wreck when we went beach hopping and we left our beach bag unattended. Although we didn't have much in the way of valuables, it was very obvious we were tourists. We went to the beaches on the weekend, which we will never do again, but we were among all the locals, who I think could spot us miles away as tourists....easy targets. We also got the sense they would have preferred to have the beach to themselves on the weekends and that we come to the beach on the weekday.

We spent our last day at Aulani by renting a cabana. We were out of our room by 9:00 am, sent our luggage to bell services, used the lounge to shower before departing to the airport. Bell services weighed our luggage, per our request to ensure we didn't have anything over 50 lbs. Bell services told us to call them when we were ready to depart the resort and they would have our luggage waiting for us out front, in the driveway at bell services, which they did. They make everything as easy as possible.

I would recommend utilizing your last day at the resort. I couldn't imagine anything worse than having to deal with stolen and damaged property, the police and hoping to catch my return flight home.

 

[luv2sleep]

Just booked 7 nights in July 2013!!! July 19th to the 26th.

 

[Jaaron2]

We just returned for a 2 week trip. We spent the first week at Aulani in a 2 bedroom villa and all I can say is that the resort is absolutely unbelievable! I will post some pictures shortly but this was our first ever trip to Hawaii and Aulani delivers! The staff at Aulani were absolutely wonderful, they make you feel at home from the minute you step on the resort. The second week we stayed on Waikiki beach at the Hilton and it pales in comparison to Aulani. My family was begging to go back the second week. Truth be told we stayed there on points the first week ( and were staying at the Hilton on points I Have from work the second week) and I was so impressed with Aulani I tried to pay CASH To stay our second week but they were sold out ( I checked every day with member services and the front desk).

Anyone heading to to Aulani will not be disappointed. Make sure you spend some time in The lagoon hanging out with the local sea turtle!!!!

 

[rparmfamily]

Hello! So, we've had our Nov. 2012 Aulani trip planned since last January. I just found out I'll be about 4 months pregnant when we go! I've been trying to think of how that's going to affect my trip, but I'd appreciate if anyone can chime in with anything they can think of.

• Can't go in the hot tubs
• May need to alter the spa treatments; I believe they have prenatal massages and stuff, right?
• We're going to avoid going on any hikes, like Diamond Head. Is there a trail elsewhere on the island that's relatively flat and safe? I don't want to risk falling or anything.
• Obviously no drinking for me, but I rarely do anyway.
• Avoid sushi/raw fish (shrimp trucks should be fine, though, right?)
• I believe snorkeling will be fine.

Any suggestions or other things to avoid? I'd really appreciate it! This is my first time to Hawaii, and I was already planning on taking it REAL easy and just relaxing the majority of the time. We were planning on visiting Pearl Harbor and the Polynesian Cultural Center, which I can't imagine will be a problem. Thanks in advance!

Being pregnant, I'd say no hot tubs (except maybe dangling your feet in) and no water slides. Shrimp trucks are fine, those are cooked shrimp (only raw sushi is the issue.) Hiking is fine as long as it's not crazy. Diamond Head is not crazy. But if you are out of shape I wouldn't do it. Snorkeling is fine as well, as long as you can swim. I hiked/kayaked/swam/snorkeled,etc all the time while pregnant and living in Hawaii. I think you'd be fine unless directed otherwise by your doctor.

 

[Kidoctr]

Whew, just read through all the posts in this thread and got some GREAT information as usual! We are DVC (SSRS and AKV) but opted not to buy into Aulani although we did have that conversation with our guide a few weeks ago. We are BOOKED for Aulani in January/February 2013 so I'm reading everything I can get my hands on. Had no trouble w getting 2 deluxe studios (one pool view, one ocean view and that was only bc all pool views were gone) just 5 months out. Thanks to everyone who posted information to this thread!

 

[disneyfm4]

We are brand new DVC members and just purchased into Aulani. We have already booked our first trip for July 2013!!!!! We are VERY excited!!!!! We booked a one bedroom ocean view villa. Any suggestions as to the best room to request? Thanks!

 

[luv2sleep]

We are brand new DVC members and just purchased into Aulani. We have already booked our first trip for July 2013!!!!! We are VERY excited!!!!! We booked a one bedroom ocean view villa. Any suggestions as to the best room to request? Thanks!

Welcome Home!!!!

I was just there for a one day stay during a cruise and it was phenomenal! I can't wait to go back in August! My favorite spot was the hot tub looking out over the ocean and I loved how they give you such a warm Aloha welcome and lei greeting when you arrive.

I can't help you with the room. I'm sure someone will come in and offer advice on that. I had an island view studio that I really enjoyed. I booked that view again.

Have a fantastic trip!

 

[wdrl]

We are brand new DVC members and just purchased into Aulani. We have already booked our first trip for July 2013!!!!! We are VERY excited!!!!! We booked a one bedroom ocean view villa. Any suggestions as to the best room to request? Thanks!

Congratulations and welcome to the DVC. We stayed at Aulani this past September and loved it. In my opinion, Aulani is the best DVC resort.

Here is a link to a thread that shows Aulani's Villas and Views: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2907389. It might give you some ideas of the different views available at Aulani. (Note: I rarely pass up the opportunity to post that link because I'm hoping more people will post their photos of Aulani to the thread.)

If you have any questions, please ask. There are a lot of us who like to talk about DVC, especially Aulani.

 

[disneyfm4]

Thanks for all of the great info. I just called DVC and tried to put a specific room request on my reservation. They told me that I would need to request the room once we got there because Aulani would not be able to see my request when we check in. Does that sound right? Sorry, again, I am new at this!

 

[DMarq]

We are brand new DVC members and just purchased into Aulani. We have already booked our first trip for July 2013!!!!! We are VERY excited!!!!! We booked a one bedroom ocean view villa. Any suggestions as to the best room to request? Thanks!

I am excited for you and it is absolutely gorgeous out there! I happen to like the ground floor rooms... I always request it for my family and we've been there twice just this year (March and October). I put in the room request with DVC Member Services and then to be sure - I also call the resort directly - they seem to see the request in their system. Our family loves being able to step out of the glass sliding doors and go straight into the pool area. No need to go in/out of the lobby and hallways (that are nicely air conditioned). Less sudden temperature changes and we love the warm weather - and no need for elevators

 

[eva]

I am excited for you and it is absolutely gorgeous out there! I happen to like the ground floor rooms... I always request it for my family and we've been there twice just this year (March and October). I put in the room request with DVC Member Services and then to be sure - I also call the resort directly - they seem to see the request in their system. Our family loves being able to step out of the glass sliding doors and go straight into the pool area. No need to go in/out of the lobby and hallways (that are nicely air conditioned). Less sudden temperature changes and we love the warm weather - and no need for elevators

Can you lock the door from your patio? Just wondered about leaving it unlocked. We will be there in May and have booked a pool view. First floor might be nice if you can somehow lock the door. With 2 iPads, a laptop, jewelry, etc. I would be worried leaving the patio door unlocked.

 

[NorCalDVC]

Just added on at Aulani and so excited!!! Looking forward to using my 11 month window later this month to book Thanksgiving week next year.

 

[aclov]

I am so glad I found this thread! I had did a search but this one didn't come up or I missed it! Going in June for 5 nights and ready to read and research Second time in Oahu, last time stayed at the Marriott Ko Olina which was wonderful but Aulani sounds much better!

 

[SueTGGR]

We are brand new DVC members and just purchased into Aulani. We have already booked our first trip for July 2013!!!!! We are VERY excited!!!!! We booked a one bedroom ocean view villa. Any suggestions as to the best room to request? Thanks!

Welcome Home to Aulani! We went for the first time for my birthday last August and I couldn't think of a better place to own DVC points. DH is trying to figure out how to stay for Christmas 2013.
One bd with an ocean view is what we booked. I don't believe you would have an ocean view being on the lower floors, though. We requested an upper level lower number room. If you want to read through my mini-trip report: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2981537
We loved the room, the view and the island. Post here if you have more questions!
Aloha,
Sue