Hi folks! I’m a veteran of WDW and DLR (current DLR passholder), but totally new to Aulani. And other than a solo work trip to Honolulu almost 15 years ago, pretty much totally new to Hawaii. DBF, DS (11) and DD (8) and I are staying in a one-bedroom villa on DVC points 5/11-5/16. So many questions, and your insight and experiences are much appreciated!
1) We have a rental car reservation (Alamo through Costco), as I know we get free parking. Planning to stop at Target on the way from the airport. I don’t think we’ll go through enough food to merit a Costco stop. We will probably arrive at the resort around 2pm.
We were there last July, and we went to Costco. We were not members, but had gotten a gift card for Xmas and there was no issues with us being able to shop there. It worked out wonderful. I brought cereal from home, we bought yummy muffins at Costco, rolls for sandwiches for lunch and lunch meat (don't buy condiments, you can grab them for free at Ulu cafe), chips/snacks, and enough pre-prepared meals for 3-4 nights if I remember correctly. We also bought POG juice (and mixed coconut rum in with it), beer, and milk. Costco also had a TON of cool items for the beach (rash guards, towels, snorkel sets, swimsuits, hats, etc).
2) We have a poolside view, but I could use recommendations on a room request. High floor? What else? Have you found requests are usually honored?
We only had a garden view, so I cannot help with this. Although the rooms on the bottom floor looked neat with the lanai having a gate to get to the pool area. This could solve your lounge chair issue. But, I don't know how that works to reserve those rooms.
3) Is it necessary to bring our own beach toys, or are the ones available at the beach plentiful? We plan to pack (or pick up at Target) our own snorkeling sets for the kids.
I think only one time did we have issues getting sand toys at the beach. We just hung out near the place you reserve them at and hopped in line when we saw someone returning them.
4) While I see the Menehune Bridge is intended for children 48” and shorter, will my kids be allowed to play in that area, or will they be kicked out for being too tall? Same question with Keiki Cove, though I assume there may be less interest here.
Menehune Bridge was closed almost our entire stay and opened up the last couple days. My boys were 8 & 6 and were never told they could not play there. And they loved it. I have read that they can be strict about it now though. I don't think they would be interested in the Keiki cove area.
5) We plan to have most meals in the room. The exception will be on the Sunday of our stay (Mother’s Day), when we have character breakfast reservations at Makahiki, then dinner at Ama Ama. Waiting to see scheduling options for Ka Wa’a luau. G
reat money saving idea! Consider getting cocktail makings too and or beer if you desire, as mixed drinks at Aulani were about $14 I believe. Oleo room has wonderful happy hour too!
6) My kids are super excited about Rainbow Reef, but have heard concerns that the water is cold. Coming from Oregon, where we swim in the cold Pacific or rivers of mountain snow runoff, I’m wondering if this will be a huge factor.
We are wimpy and thought that the reef was pretty cold, but there is a nice warm shower that you rinse off in before and after snorkeling. =)
7) The not-so-secret word on the street is get to the pool by 8am to reserve lounges. I’m a little stressed about the lounge situation. A lounge is a must for DBF.
In July as long as we got there before 9am, we had no issues. One day we didn't get down there until 10am and couldn't find any chairs at the pool but had no issues at the beach.
8) We plan to spend most of our time at the resort, as this trip is all about taking it easy. But I’ve read the luau at the Polynesian Cultural Center on the North Shore is great and worth the drive. We also plan to visit Pearl Harbor, either on Mother’s Day or the following day. Also contemplating a Ko Olina Ocean Adventures snorkeling tour. I don’t want to drag the kids away from the pools and beach too much, but I do want us to experience some of the history, beauty and magic on the island.
We basically stayed at the Resort the entire time with the exception of visiting Pearl Harbor one morning. We were so relaxed and it was wonderful! We only rented a car for the day we went to PH (went to Costco on the way back). It was awesome!)
9) I completed the pre-registration for Aunty’s Beach House. I haven't heard back on our selections yet. DS 11 may be on the cusp, but he’s a huge Stitch fan, so maybe the Space Goo experience will be fun for him. DD 8 is down with anything.
My boys loved the Space Goo and the Comedy activity. They loved Aunty's and regularly asked to go there. =)
10) Menehune Adventure Trail seems like a winner. My kids have done MagiQuest at Great Wolf Lodge and loved it. I assume MAT will also be a big hit.
My kids loved it. As an adult, it was great but tended to drag on a bit as you cannot skip certain parts. LOL. But they had fun and that was what counts!
11) Speaking of Great Wolf Lodge—while I know Aulani is a far stretch from it—I found while visiting there recently that the kids were good for about 2-3 hours of water play before they needed a break for either a snack or another activity. I think the change in climate may also sap all of us a bit. While pool lounges may be hard to come by, my impression is that there is otherwise plentiful seating around the resort to relax and soak up atmosphere while eating a shave ice or Dole whip.
Chairs are plentiful typically at the beach.
I read threads here all the time, but have never actually posted. I whole-heartedly appreciate any tips and advice!
I got a mug when I was there in 2014. I will say this, about the only time I used it was on pool days. There are only 3 or so places where you can fill them, and 2 of them closed on the early side. I will probably get one this time, too. I figure it also counts as a souvenir.
