The one thing I didn't realize was that there is very little to do on property in the evenings. We are very spoiled by WDW resorts. We take many vacations to WDW without going into the parks, and there is always so much to do well into the evenings. Yes, there is live music every night at the Olelo room and also some nights at Off the Hook. But of the eight nights we were there, only two outdoor movies scheduled, and they were both cancelled. Two nights for the Starlit Hui, one night cancelled. Fire pit storytelling was great. They had three different "uncles".....but only 3-4 different stories.So if you are there for more then a couple nights, it's the same stories over and over. I understand that at WDW there is more than one resort that we can go to for evening entertainment. But even there, we often stay at AKL and we don't have to leave the resort for entertainment if we don't want to. There is a movie Every night. The African cast members with different stories and experiences. We would like to see more planned activities that go into the evenings at Aulani.
Thank you for taking the time to post such an informative and detailed report
Can I just ask about this play area - is it really designed for tiny children? The reason I ask is that my 7 year old is already over 48 inches - is he going to be very disappointed at missing out on something great or is it likely he'll take a look and assume its for babies!
Just thought I'd get the 'heads up' before I get there
When we went last December, my nephew was 8 and definitely over 48". He played on the bridge with DS(6) all the time, and it was never a problem. They definitely don't let adults on the structure itself, but you are welcome to stand underneath in the water if you want to watch your child and/or take pictures. We had the photo pass photographer take the pictures for us so that we didn't get our camera soaked.
I think that they want to keep the area safe for younger kids. So while they aren't measuring each child to make sure they are under 48", I think they "eyeball" it and ask kids who are clearly older and well-above the height limit to leave. It makes sense, as nobody wants their 2 year old to be trampled by a teenager
that's great to know its an option for him should he choose to play there
When I considered that the price there was $225 cheaper I felt like Aulani was a total rip-off. (Another factor in our decision to cancel.)
Now maybe if it had come with my own personal "cabana boy". 
Two nights for the Starlit Hui, one night cancelled. Fire pit storytelling was great. They had three different "uncles".....but only 3-4 different stories.
what do they cost?
