Aulani: What's the One Thing You Wish You Knew?

[WDW_Diane]

We just got back on Thursday. We had been to Ko Olina before, and been to Aulani quite a bit, but this was our first stay there.
Regarding the Target bag thing, I purchased the red Aloha floral reusable bags at Target. They are a fun souvenir and will hold your purchases too. You can't buy them on the mainland as far as I know.
They automatically valet parked our car after unloading the luggage...they didn't even ask if we wanted it. Next time we left and returned the car, they took it again--but when I got the bill, I saw that we were charged a $37 valet fee that second day. Don't let this happen to you, self-park your car to avoid this. Fortunately the front desk was kind and fixed this charge for me since we were staying on a DVC reservation.
We never found a pair of chairs in the pool area during the four days we were there. My husband said it reminded him of being in one of the theme parks.
We were so pleased with our Island/Garden Studio view in room 1273. We could see a great wide ocean view as well as being over the Starlit Hui lawn. Great room location! I read on this forum to request a high floor ending with '73 in the Ewa Tower and that was spot on! Thanks! At check in, the girl showed me our view on an iPad before we ever went up there, pretty cool.
I did not check in online just in case we had been assigned a room location that we didn't like.
The tours are excellent, take advantage of them!

 

[chirogrrl]

The Chief and his crew come to Ko Olina on Tuesday evenings to perform at the Mariott's Fia Fia Luau. It was a highlight of our trip! It was walking distance from Aulani and a smaller venue compared to some of the large luaus on the island. I would recommend walking over early to get in line for seating. We showed up 15 minutes before seating was to begin and there was already a pretty long line. It really didn't matter though, we had perfectly good seats. They have fire-twirling champions (I think, like, 5 time world champions) and it is an amazing end to the show. Food was really good, too! You can also splurge on preferred seating and get seated first and towards the front. We didn't and I don't thing I would next time either. It just didn't seem like enough of a difference to me.

It was a lovely walk along the lagoons back to Aulani when we were finished.

 

[BobNed]

2) are there any Aulani restaurants that are takeout/ fast food/quick service that are open at night time ?

From the Aulani Web site (http://www.aulani.com). These are the places open after 5:00 PM.
Ama Ama:

• Breakfast 7:00 AM - 10:30 AM Daily
  (Reservations Required)

• Lunch 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM Daily
  (Reservations Required)

• Dinner 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
  (Reservations Required)

Makahiki:

• Character Breakfast: 7:00 AM - 11:00AM

• Dinner: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Ulu Cafe:

• Breakfast 6:30 AM - 11:00 AM

• All Day Menu 11:00 AM - 8:30 PM

Olelo Room Bar & Lounge:

• Beverage and Lounge Menu:
  5:00 PM - 11:00 PM Daily

• Sunset Hour 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Daily

Off the Hook Pool Bar:

• Beverage Service:
  10:00 AM - 9:30 PM Daily

• Food Service (Poolside Menu):
  11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

 

[chirogrrl]

I would also say skip the pizza on property at Ulu Cafe and make the short walk across the street to Corner Pizza. SO much better!

 

[Rhondaroo]

We have also just returned from our first trip to Aulani (06/19 - 06/24). The weather was mid/high 80s, humid and some days were overcast, but coming from Oregon, this was a welcome change.
I had a few "take aways" on what we would do next time and also a few "glad I did" things that I thought I would share.

Glad I did:
1 - Online check-in
Upon arrival at valet, we gave our name, they escorted us to the hostess, presented the leis (girl child got cute necklace) and give our resort package including room keys. Although the room wasn't ready (arrived around 12:30 p.m. local) they took our phone # and explained they would text us our room # when it was ready. By the time we found some food and walked around they room was ready. Bell services even brought us our bags from the car. Upon departure, we also had express check out. I never stopped at front desk for anything, which seemed hassle free to me.
2 - Waterproof "dry bag" for cell phone and room keys.
They actually worked great (just check it prior to use by putting a paper towel or something in it first)! It floats and since we were in the water at least 6 + hours a day, this was necessary. You can also take decent pictures through the bag, no problem. I found mine on Amazon, brand was "ESR Universal Dry Bag Flotable", $6.99.
3 - Stopped at Target and bought snacks (or brought with). Although we did eat at the cafes, food and "adult" beverages were EXPENSIVE and quickly adds up.
4 - Bought the Disney refillable drink cups for the kids. There are several "refill stations" and they can self serve at leisure and makes a great souvenir. Although we did have to limit soda drinking and enforce water intake.

Observations:
Yes, lounge chairs at the pool areas are hard to come by if you are outside later than 9:00. However, due to the time change for us, we were up early and always downstairs in plenty of time to find chairs. Also early enough to get wrist bands without a wait. I was concerned about leaving our bag at the chairs when we were off in the water. I have to say, I never once saw anyone touch someone else's things. No one moved anything, etc. The staff do monitor the chairs. If you see a towel on the back of the chair, that is their timer. If its still like that for a while (hour), that is an open chair. Also, you can chair hop around during the day to find better seating. It seemed to clear out around 3:30'ish (nap time?) so if you are watching you can swap seats.

Go across the street the "Island Country Market" for grab and go food items. They have nice prepackaged salads, sandwiches, poke, yogurt, etc. Also I believe is associated with the "ABC" stores, so has a lot of souvenirs.

Kids are able to have free range (within reason) and we both enjoyed that. It was so safe that I didn't feel like I had to hover.

We did the "photo pass" but actually only stopped to have one pic taken. We were just always off in different directions and on the go too much. We didn't find this one necessary.

If you enjoy snorkeling, do the week pricing. You can take mask/snorkel out in the lagoon too. No snorkel in the pools however.

Next time:
We would book a different style room (1 bedroom/villa, etc) which I understand, have kitchens/kitchenettes enabling you to cook more food yourself. We got tired of the food and the pricing is too high. Even across the street we found the pricing higher than our norm.

Make the teen child (13) participate in all the teen activities. We actually "made" him do the game night and he came back all smiles. The next night was a dance party and they "stayed out" until 10:30. I think he thought was cool.

Hope you find this helpful. Enjoy your stay. Its a fabulous time and memories will last a lifetime!

 

[DVCRSheridan]

My wife and I have done Aulani for the past 3 summers (for a total of 7 weeks, 3 of which were our honeymoon). We absolutely love it and cannot wait to go back. Some quick tips off the top of my head.

- Rent a car, but do it at the airport. For our honeymoon we took a limo to the resort and then rented the car at Aulani. Bad move. Cost us about twice as much as the other 2 trips when we rented from the airport.

- Avoid Honolulu/Waikiki rush hour traffic at all costs. Other than that, it was a breeze getting around the island.

- Theres a Target about 5 mins from Aulani (just off H1). Do your shopping here. It's well worth it.

- Don't overbook yourself with "touristy" stuff. You're gonna want plenty of time to just lay around and enjoy paradise. Whether that be at Aulani or up on the North Shore or the Windward side. We were lucky enough to be able to go 3 times in 3 years and after doing all the tourist stuff on our honeymoon, we were able to keep the next 2 trips real chill which was nice.

- Breakfast at AMA AMA. I think we did this nearly everyday. Sure it gets expensive, but I can't even put into words how great it is. It's worth it (view, food, atmosphere, everything. Better than dinner even.

- Makahiki is ok, we did it a couple times.

- Enjoy the places across the street. Monkeypod is our favorite. So great. Pizza Corner is a nice little changeup. Roy's (at the golf course) is great.

- Take some time to just go drive around the island and enjoy the beauty.

- If you're gonna do some snorkeling, purchase your own equipment from Target. We did and we've brought it back with us each time. We love it.

- Best advice...just do you. Don't get caught up in feeling like you HAVE to do something (although I would suggest you HAVE to do Pearl Harbor). If you're not there for the city, then stay away from Honolulu/Waikiki. I think in 7 weeks on the island, we may have gone into the city 3 or 4 times. Just wasn't what we were there for. Other people absolutely love it. Do whatever you're into and make it what you want it to be.

 

[mom2my4dwarfs]

Great info here. Thanks to all who have contributed! Hubby & I are planning on going to Aulani in September 2016 to celebrate our 25th Wedding Anniversary. Which weeks are best or less crowded? the 2 weeks after labor day or the last 2 weeks of September?

I was reading this too dh and he asked if I wrote this. LOL We are going in September and are celebrating our 25th anniversary too. I noticed your screen name is twin mom. I have a set of twins that are 16. Congrats on the 25th Anniversary.

 

[Amw1064]

Every time you have to leave it is just as sad.

Read the disboards on everything Aulani. It was the biggest help of anything. We have made 2 trips now and can't wait to get back next summer.

 

[greencandi]

I haven't heard of sharks or sting rays at any property at Ko Olina. But, the Marriott is no more. It was sold and will become a Four Seasons resort next year. http://www.bizjournals.com/pacific/...asons-resort-oahu-at-ko-olina-to-open-in.html

We saw the sharks and rays at the Marriott when we were there in 2013. That hotl is now a Four Seasons.

 

[MouseOfCards]

We were there the 2nd week of September. The perfect time. Not very busy at all. Could always find poolside chairs. Got busier on the weekend but still very enjoyable. Loved the pools after sunset - almost empty and the lighting made it seem magical (romantic?).

 

[Disnylvr77]

We've just made our reservation for Thanksgiving week this year! Now to find airfare!

 

[happymommy]

We've just made our reservation for Thanksgiving week this year! Now to find airfare!

Start looking yesterday! I always have our outbound flights booked about 9-10 months out (we use miles), and our return flights booked shortly afterwards. Either way, it's a fun way to start planning!

 

[Disnylvr77]

Start looking yesterday! I always have our outbound flights booked about 9-10 months out (we use miles), and our return flights booked shortly afterwards. Either way, it's a fun way to start planning!

I found a great outbound from SFO today on Hawaiian Air for $496 but the return flight is a KILLER! YIKES!

Stephanie

 

[happymommy]

I found a great outbound from SFO today on Hawaiian Air for $496 but the return flight is a KILLER! YIKES!

Stephanie

Coming from the East Coast, it's a long flight, but return is always a red eye. SUCKS in coach. First with lie flat seats help (I got that this trip luckily, stopping in DFW, but it's hard to find for a decent amount of miles). I just checked, and if we were paying cash, it's $2,718 round trip for our exact flights (and there are four of us, so it would cost well over $10,000 for airfare alone, yikes). SO glad I use miles! Always save them up for these expensive flights.

 

[Disnylvr77]

Coming from the East Coast, it's a long flight, but return is always a red eye. SUCKS in coach. First with lie flat seats help (I got that this trip luckily, stopping in DFW, but it's hard to find for a decent amount of miles). I just checked, and if we were paying cash, it's $2,718 round trip for our exact flights (and there are four of us, so it would cost well over $10,000 for airfare alone, yikes). SO glad I use miles! Always save them up for these expensive flights.

Which airline do you use happymommy?? I didn't see any that go through DFW when traveling to IAD. They seem to be LAX then another 5 hour to IAD. HAA serves full meals to all which I was amazed others do not.
We flew to Italy last year and got full service in Economy plus on united but apparently that is not the standard! For the price of airfare it should be!!

 

[happymommy]

Which airline do you use happymommy?? I didn't see any that go through DFW when traveling to IAD. They seem to be LAX then another 5 hour to IAD. HAA serves full meals to all which I was amazed others do not.
We flew to Italy last year and got full service in Economy plus on united but apparently that is not the standard! For the price of airfare it should be!!

This trip we're on American - going over it's DCA (not my first choice since we're 30 min from BWI, so DD and I are spending the night nearby the night before, done this once before but it's all good), anyway we're DCA to DFW then DFW to HNL (all first class, since they had a schedule change this was in our favor, as originally we had 2 stops so just regular first class, but DFW to HNL on AA in this aircraft is lie flat seats for the 8 1/2 flight portion, score). Luckily, the person helping me with our issues with schedule change also got my husband and son on similar flights (and the lie flat seats) coming to HNL! They had to go at a little later time but still same type of aircraft. Coming back, I had found low mileage flights (well, not as low as I'd like, but still better than freaking Delta) so we're HNL (at about 8pm) in lie flat seats on American stopping in DFW then onto DCA.

I've done Delta through ATL on similar seats a few times too.

American used to do them through Chicago, but no longer.

I think comfortable flights to HNL are so limited! We did Hawaiian from Seoul a couple years ago, in first class. It was literally one of the worst flights I have ever been on. And, the flight a week later on Hawaiian from HNL to LAS was equally as bad (we had a 7 hour layover there, but were so glad to use the Centurion Lounge which was right by our gate, especially to allow my DD with a disability to sleep in a nice lounge chair!). Good service there! But, I don't ever want to fly Hawaiian again after those flights! First class was like Southwest with noisy rude flight attendants.

Flyertalk.com is a good source for info!

Many airlines have added meals, but you may find lie flat seats from IAD - either to Atlanta on Delta or through DFW on AA. I don't ever care to stop in California. United does have a nonstop in lie flat seats - think it's from IAD. If I could swing that I would, but we use miles, and I have either Starpoints that I transfer to AA, or in a pinch Amex Membership Rewards points that I transfer to Delta, so United I have nothing. If I had to pay, I'd do United in the lie flat seats nonstop.

 

[Disnylvr77]

This trip we're on American - going over it's DCA (not my first choice since we're 30 min from BWI, so DD and I are spending the night nearby the night before, done this once before but it's all good), anyway we're DCA to DFW then DFW to HNL (all first class, since they had a schedule change this was in our favor, as originally we had 2 stops so just regular first class, but DFW to HNL on AA in this aircraft is lie flat seats for the 8 1/2 flight portion, score). Luckily, the person helping me with our issues with schedule change also got my husband and son on similar flights (and the lie flat seats) coming to HNL! They had to go at a little later time but still same type of aircraft. Coming back, I had found low mileage flights (well, not as low as I'd like, but still better than freaking Delta) so we're HNL (at about 8pm) in lie flat seats on American stopping in DFW then onto DCA.

I've done Delta through ATL on similar seats a few times too.

American used to do them through Chicago, but no longer.

I think comfortable flights to HNL are so limited! We did Hawaiian from Seoul a couple years ago, in first class. It was literally one of the worst flights I have ever been on. And, the flight a week later on Hawaiian from HNL to LAS was equally as bad (we had a 7 hour layover there, but were so glad to use the Centurion Lounge which was right by our gate, especially to allow my DD with a disability to sleep in a nice lounge chair!). Good service there! But, I don't ever want to fly Hawaiian again after those flights! First class was like Southwest with noisy rude flight attendants.

Flyertalk.com is a good source for info!

Many airlines have added meals, but you may find lie flat seats from IAD - either to Atlanta on Delta or through DFW on AA. I don't ever care to stop in California. United does have a nonstop in lie flat seats - think it's from IAD. If I could swing that I would, but we use miles, and I have either Starpoints that I transfer to AA, or in a pinch Amex Membership Rewards points that I transfer to Delta, so United I have nothing. If I had to pay, I'd do United in the lie flat seats nonstop.

Thanks for all your info! I tried to search our dates and no American with DFW stops show up. I'm guessing you have way more mileage than we do. I'm gonna have to do some more research! The price is such a shell shocker!!! We are united fliers but we don't have enough miles to fly first class roundtrip X3 and the price per ticket for that time period is $1500 one way. I haven't flown American in decades!
I will go to that website and check it out.

 

[happymommy]

Thanks for all your info! I tried to search our dates and no American with DFW stops show up. I'm guessing you have way more mileage than we do. I'm gonna have to do some more research! The price is such a shell shocker!!! We are united fliers but we don't have enough miles to fly first class roundtrip X3 and the price per ticket for that time period is $1500 one way. I haven't flown American in decades!
I will go to that website and check it out.

For our flights, I forget how many miles it was. I transferred from SPG when there was a big bonus. It depleted my starpoints totally!

Going over in coach is fine too, but if you can spring the extra for economy comfort or comfort plus or whatever they call it, that's nice (did that once on Delta stopping in SLC). It's the return flight that is hard!

 

[apple9117]

Revisiting this thread again to prep for our trip at end of this month! so many good tips here