Aulani Pre-Trip Report for May 2017

[andreapd]

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

I read threads here all the time, but have never actually posted. I whole-heartedly appreciate any tips and advice!

 

[Rhugsins]

I am just starting my planning but we will be there the 13-20th and I have 2 DS 7 and 8 at the time of the trip. Interested in your itinerary!

 

[DizDragonfly]

Hi!

I can help you with #6. We recently relocated from Dallas, Oregon to Florida. After 14 Oregon winters, I couldn't do another one! And with the weather you all have had this year, we got out just in time! The water in Rainbow Reef will feel cool, but _nothing_ like the Oregon coast. No worries! The water feels cool because the air temperature is so warm. But, I paddled around in Rainbow Reef for quite a while and would have happily stayed longer, but wanted to make room for others who were waiting.

My advice, take a day and go explore the island. I been to Ko Olina twice. I've done the PCC, taken a Circle Tour around the island, gone on a snorkeling tour (saw dolphins, swam with a turtle, had a great lunch on board the catamaran, etc.). I think they are all worth doing. You just have to decide on your priorities. The catamaran trip I was on happened to be only adults. Most of the group swam quite a bit away from the boat, not sure they would do that with the kiddos, but if my kids were that age, I would have liked to have them closer to the boat, unless they were pretty strong swimmers. I'm really out of shape, but I also float with zero effort and I was really winded with the distance we swam.

You can get snorkel equipment right at Aulani and paddle around the cove. And you'll almost certainly see more fish in Rainbow Reef than out on a snorkeling excursion. Also, take the walk over to Paradise Cove (go out to the street and turn left) and visit with the sea turtles that tend to frequent that area. You may even be lucky enough to see one of the Hawaiian Monk Seals resting on the beach over there. Just remember to keep your distance and don't touch either the turtles or the seals. If one of the seals is there, they may have his or her lounging area roped off and there could be a naturalist there to chat with! You should be able to find the directions to the Paradise Cove area, where the turtles are, by searching this board.

 

[cgattis]

to the DIS as a poster!

We haven't been yet (first trip this summer), but we plan to do Pearl Harbor on a Sunday to avoid traffic. However, there is a place in Haleiwa (Haleiwa Joes) that is supposed to have an amazing Sunday brunch. I'd probably be tempted to do Pearl Harbor or Saturday and try that brunch on Mothers Day!! (I'll bet there are other awesome Mothers Day brunches around too...) Then you could continue on around the north shore from there. Can't wait to read your TR

 

[andreapd]

I am just starting my planning but we will be there the 13-20th and I have 2 DS 7 and 8 at the time of the trip. Interested in your itinerary!

So exciting! Happy to share any info to make planning easier. Happy Mother's Day to us!

 

[andreapd]

Awesome advice! Thank you! I also lived in FL, so I'm sure you've had a bit of an adjustment from OR.

 

[andreapd]

to the DIS as a poster!

Thank you!

And it sounds like Sunday is a good day to explore, so I'll take that advice. I don't turn to Momzilla on Mother's Day, but I'm certainly happy to not cook, and be taken around the island on some nice excursions for the day.

 

[andreapd]

My latest fixation is the refillable drink mug. We've done these at WDW, and it seems like it makes sense at a place like Aulani (where something like a fountain soda would otherwise add up quickly). But given we'll have a car and can get to Target, etc., I'm trying to weigh the convenience.

Also, if everyone has the mugs (I imagine the pool area is covered with them), what are some clever ways to label?

 

[cgattis]

My latest fixation is the refillable drink mug. We've done these at WDW, and it seems like it makes sense at a place like Aulani (where something like a fountain soda would otherwise add up quickly). But given we'll have a car and can get to Target, etc., I'm trying to weigh the convenience.

Also, if everyone has the mugs (I imagine the pool area is covered with them), what are some clever ways to label?

Great question. I always take a sharpie and write our names on the bottom and initial the lid. But it'd be more fun to do something cute! What about a wine charm kinda thing on the handle?? Look forward to hearing some cute ideas!

 

[OKW Lover]

We've visited Aulani 3 times now, but never with children. I'll try to respond to the questions that I have experience with.

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?

With a pool view I don't think a "high" floor is terribly helpful. You might just be looking at palm fronds rather than being able to see much of the pool. You might want to consider how close you want to be to an elevator though. Being near an elevator is convenient, but you may have to deal with noise outside your door as people come and go. Generally the soundproofing is pretty good at Aulani, but some guests can be loud.

We plan to have most meals in the room.

Good move, especially in a 1BR with excellent kitchen facilities. You should have everything you need to cook in the room for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Its probably best to do a bit of menu planning so when you stop at Target on the way to Aulani you know what to get.

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.

How about visiting Diamond Head? The kids may enjoy the hike up to the top of the crater. You might enjoy going to the flea market at the Aloha Bowl, which is very close to Pearl Harbor. Not sure if its a good choice for kids though.

 

[andreapd]

We've visited Aulani 3 times now, but never with children. I'll try to respond to the questions that I have experience with.

I'll take any and all advice!

With a pool view I don't think a "high" floor is terribly helpful. You might just be looking at palm fronds rather than being able to see much of the pool. You might want to consider how close you want to be to an elevator though. Being near an elevator is convenient, but you may have to deal with noise outside your door as people come and go. Generally the soundproofing is pretty good at Aulani, but some guests can be loud.

Excellent points.

Good move, especially in a 1BR with excellent kitchen facilities. You should have everything you need to cook in the room for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Its probably best to do a bit of menu planning so when you stop at Target on the way to Aulani you know what to get.

I found a good listing of the kitchen gear and am impressed with how thorough the supplies are. I'm working up a menu so we can shop appropriately, though I guess the ABC store is good in a pinch. I'm a meal-planner at home, so I'm going to do a lose version of what we'd usually eat, inserting the necessary amount of vacation goodies.

How about visiting Diamond Head? The kids may enjoy the hike up to the top of the crater. You might enjoy going to the flea market at the Aloha Bowl, which is very close to Pearl Harbor. Not sure if its a good choice for kids though.

I would love to do Diamond Head. My kids are good outdoors, but I was wondering if the climb is too steep for them. My 8yo is a bit of a whiner (lol). But I would guess the payoff at the top is worth it.

 

[OKW Lover]

I would love to do Diamond Head. My kids are good outdoors, but I was wondering if the climb is too steep for them. My 8yo is a bit of a whiner (lol). But I would guess the payoff at the top is worth it.

I've never actually done the climb up to the rim of Diamond Head. At my age (late 60's) I'm really not in good enough shape to give that a try. I understand the views are great from up there.

Speaking of views, after Diamond Head consider driving along the coastal road around the South East corner of the island and on up to Kaialea. The scenery around that corner of the island is really something. There's even a blow hole.

DSC_0059 by jalves_02360, on Flickr
DSC_0039 by jalves_02360, on Flickr

 

[frank808]

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

I read threads here all the time, but have never actually posted. I whole-heartedly appreciate any tips and advice!

1. If you like poke, you might want to stop by costco as they have some good tasting poke. Also for standard things like water or soda, unless its on sale at target its cheaper at costco. Also costco is on the same street as target maybe 3 minutes apart.

2. I believe the highest poolside view room you can get is 5th floorr. Any higher and it is considered ocean view. The first floor pool view is pretty good as you can just walk in and out to the pool area from your patio. The front dwsk tries to honor requests but it will be busy that week.

3. There are times there will be beach toys available but sometimes other people have beat you to borrowing them.

4. The cast members are strict about the 48" and under policy. If your children are taller they will be asked to leave.

5. From what i have heard, skip the luau at aulani and do the one at paradise cove or better yet the luaua at polynesian cultural center.

6. Rainbow reef is cold for us locals but if you swim in the cold streams it should be warm for you.

7. Especially on the weekends. The loungers get reserved pretty early.

10. It is fun for the kids or the whole family.

 

[alohamom]

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.

There always seems to be seating on the beach, and you are going at a non-peak time so I think you will be fine. One thing I have done in the past is ask a cast member to help us find seating if we are eating something. It has yet to fail for me LOL. There is a kind of hidden seating section with umbrella covered tables just below Ulu Cafe and in front of the adult pool bar and restrooms. It is kind of hidden by hedges but it is a great spot for eating. Kind of feels removed from the action so you get a little of that recharging you are looking for.

 

[andreapd]

Speaking of views, after Diamond Head consider driving along the coastal road around the South East corner of the island and on up to Kaialea. The scenery around that corner of the island is really something. There's even a blow hole.

Wow. Wow! WOW! Amazing pics. Thanks so much for sharing!

 

[andreapd]

1. If you like poke, you might want to stop by costco as they have some good tasting poke. Also for standard things like water or soda, unless its on sale at target its cheaper at costco. Also costco is on the same street as target maybe 3 minutes apart.

Thank you for the info. It sounds like I should reconsider and maybe even hit Costco first for the items that make more sense to grab there. Trying to limit stops because I know everyone will be anxious to get to the resort. But I don't want to be running out later that day for supplies.

2. I believe the highest poolside view room you can get is 5th floorr. Any higher and it is considered ocean view. The first floor pool view is pretty good as you can just walk in and out to the pool area from your patio. The front dwsk tries to honor requests but it will be busy that week.

Great info. I'm leaning towards a 5th floor request just so it will be a bit quieter. First floor access sounds exciting and convenient, but DBF is a napper and will want it quieter.

3. There are times there will be beach toys available but sometimes other people have beat you to borrowing them.

Sounds like a safe bet to pack/purchase some basics.

4. The cast members are strict about the 48" and under policy. If your children are taller they will be asked to leave.

Thank you. I just want to make sure my kids' expectations are set accordingly. I know the waterslides are calling to them, but they were definitely into the idea of the bridge area.

5. From what i have heard, skip the luau at aulani and do the one at paradise cove or better yet the luaua at polynesian cultural center.

While we're not in our window for booking the luau at Aulani yet anyway, the other luaus do look more appealing.

6. Rainbow reef is cold for us locals but if you swim in the cold streams it should be warm for you.

Planning to go for at this point. Thank you!

7. Especially on the weekends. The loungers get reserved pretty early.

I think we'll have to have a plan in place to get there early, as well as just be zen about the whole thing.

10. It is fun for the kids or the whole family.

I have to say, I'm really looking forward to this. I love these kinds of activities.

 

[andreapd]

Great question. I always take a sharpie and write our names on the bottom and initial the lid. But it'd be more fun to do something cute! What about a wine charm kinda thing on the handle?? Look forward to hearing some cute ideas!

I've been looking at wine charms. I like that idea. Also thinking of things like brightly colored ponytail elastics and a bit of patterned duct tape around the handle or something.

 

[andreapd]

Big news for the day is I got the pre-registration reply from Aunty's Beach House. The kids got a Friday night slot for "Coconut Kings of Comedy" and a Sunday morning "Stitch's Space Goo." I am going to try to reschedule Stitch, if possible, as that's falling on Mother's Day after breakfast, when we're planning our Pearl Harbor/Waikiki day.

Anyone's kids done either of these activities?

UPDATE: The Aunty's Beach House folks got back to me super quickly and changed the time for Stitch to Monday afternoon. It definitely pays to get on this early.

Also, FYI, Coconut Kings & Queens running time is 45mins and Space Goo is an hour.

 

[andreapd]

Update: Have been trying to get the Ka Wa'a folks on the line to see which dates would be offered during our stay. I've been told to keep calling back because May dates weren't out yet, but finally reached someone today with some interesting news. The dates they currently have are only up to the first week in May (which is the week before our trip). The person I spoke with today says there are planned renovations to the lawn where the luau is held, which may explain why that calendar hasn't opened up for later in the month. They may instead offer a modified version of the show in a ballroom, but nothing has been released yet.

I was already leaning toward doing the luau at the Polynesian Cultural Center, so this may have been the final push I needed.

 

[alldiz]

Update: Have been trying to get the Ka Wa'a folks on the line to see which dates would be offered during our stay. I've been told to keep calling back because May dates weren't out yet, but finally reached someone today with some interesting news. The dates they currently have are only up to the first week in May (which is the week before our trip). The person I spoke with today says there are planned renovations to the lawn where the luau is held, which may explain why that calendar hasn't opened up for later in the month. They may instead offer a modified version of the show in a ballroom, but nothing has been released yet.

I was already leaning toward doing the luau at the Polynesian Cultural Center, so this may have been the final push I needed.

Yes I will be going in July I'm sure luao will be back by then but I think that I will go to Paradise Cove. We won't have a car....but heads up about PCC they don't have alcohol if that is any concern
Kerri