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

[izzy]

I'm excited to hear about a new SuperWalmart! When I was there 3 years ago, I remember there was a regular Walmart in Kapolei, but it didn't the grocery items that a SuperWalmart has. Hopefully it will be cheaper than Safeway!

 

[smduja]

I read on a TA review that there is a 7:30am "wake up" call of blaring music. It's the first time I heard about this. Is it true?

 

[carissa1970]

I read on a TA review that there is a 7:30am "wake up" call of blaring music. It's the first time I heard about this. Is it true?

It is 7:00 am, and one of my favorite parts of A'ulani! It is a morning chant, native language, and I think it is beautiful. My husband and I always make sure to be on the balcony with coffee when it starts. Can't hear it inside. I'm actually surprised to hear it described as "blaring" because most people don't even realize it happens. I was told it happens 3 times a day, start of work, end of work, and midday. No clocks around. Traditional Hawaiian music all day, and not loud at all.

 

[E&Cmom]

Iin the week we were there, I didn't notice the " blaring" music at all.

 

[Meemoo]

I didn't hear or know of the morning chant. The building is very sound proof, hurricane glass so if your sliding door is shut I don't think you would hear much at all.

 

[smduja]

It is 7:00 am, and one of my favorite parts of A'ulani! It is a morning chant, native language, and I think it is beautiful. My husband and I always make sure to be on the balcony with coffee when it starts. Can't hear it inside. I'm actually surprised to hear it described as "blaring" because most people don't even realize it happens. I was told it happens 3 times a day, start of work, end of work, and midday. No clocks around. Traditional Hawaiian music all day, and not loud at all.

Thank you for clarifying I think I would enjoy the chant very much.

 

[ethanwa]

The one thing I wish I knew was how few restaurants are on property (I knew it... I just refused to accept it I think). I'm used to Disney World where you can eat in the resort for EVERYTHING for a 10 day vacation.... so many restaurants! With Aulani you really need to have some external options if you are staying more than 3 days, otherwise you'll be eating at the same places over and over.

 

[smduja]

Anyone do the Catamaran through Disney? Just wondering. If its worth the extra money.

 

[happymommy]

The one thing I wish I knew was how few restaurants are on property (I knew it... I just refused to accept it I think). I'm used to Disney World where you can eat in the resort for EVERYTHING for a 10 day vacation.... so many restaurants! With Aulani you really need to have some external options if you are staying more than 3 days, otherwise you'll be eating at the same places over and over.

Not Aulani, but next door at the Marriott timeshare (where we own and stay for two weeks at a time), same thing - the choices we do have are not good IMHO. I actually enjoy preparing our own meals though! We grill for lunch or dinner (our grills are open all the time, not like Aulani which I understand you can only grill in the evenings there), and when we eat out it's most often lunch. We stock up at Costco on fruits, salads, and meats (we'll buy a thing of frozen burgers and buns, make burgers a couple of times & use the remaining few thawed out and make something like chili). We grill fresh fish too. It's nice to spend the day swimming then the kids would be too tired to go out, so we'd enjoy dinner in and relax!

 

[yeahdisney]

Wish I would of known. They sell Mickey shaped ice cream bars only down at the beach side fast food hut. DS would have eaten one every day!

 

[OrcaPotter]

Anyone have any problems getting from Aulani to Pearl Harbor on a Saturday for the "walk-in" tickets? The advanced tickets are sold out for the time I have set to visit Honolulu (so frustrated, I started looking at exactly 1 month out). What time did you leave for PH? There are only 3 of us.

 

[MagicNight]

Anyone do the Catamaran through Disney? Just wondering. If its worth the extra money.

Absolutely! DH and I went in January this year. You are provided some nice munchies on the sail out (we even saw a whales). Then it turns around, sails partially back and then you go on a guided snorkel (sea turtles, urchins, and colorful fish). It is a very relaxing afternoon.

They were a bit late picking us up due to road work, but the trip length remained the same. It can be chilly out on the water, so I'd advise to take the afternoon voyage (versus the morning).

We loved it so much that when we go back next year, we plan to take my MIL and FIL.

 

[eeyorefanuk]

This is a great thread

Can't wait to read through all of it

 

[PetePanMan]

If you plan to get out a lot definitely rent a car - you won't regret it.

 

[eeyorefanuk]

Hi

I notice aulani have excursions for pearl harbour and paradise cove

Do they did it with transport

Also anyone visited sea life centre or gone in water see dolphins

 

[eeyorefanuk]

Who do you recommend hiring car from?

 

[happymommy]

Hi

I notice aulani have excursions for pearl harbour and paradise cove

Do they did it with transport

Also anyone visited sea life centre or gone in water see dolphins

Who do you recommend hiring car from?

Paradise Cove is walking distance! You can get a discount often with the Entertainment Book. Well worth the cost!

Sea Life Park - I haven't been in 18 years since my son was born. It was cute, but I understand they have gone through some rough times. I wish I could give advice.

Dolphins - we did a very fun morning dolphin snorkel trip at Ko Olina marina! We swam with spinner dolphins; you board at Ko Olina on a boat - super fun! We did the morning one only because one of our friends is sun sensitive; if it were me I'd do the afternoon one. I was quite chilly (and it was June - I am cold blooded, as when we lived on Oahu NO WAY would I go in the ocean in the winter at all!).

Pearl Harbor you can totally do on your own. Just show up as early as they open. I have been many times, but know to get there early and LEAVE ALL BAGS behind or in your car trunk BEFORE you get out of your car! There are thieves (not as many as at the north shore or Polynesian Cultural Center) but they watch you put things in your trunk. Yes, even living there I learned the hard way. No bags allowed.

We rent a car at the airport and keep it the whole time, every trip. I can't imagine not having a car! We often are chilling at the resort, and then realize we want a few things from Target, then figure may as well get sushi on the way back. I think in a fortnight, we leave the car maybe 4 days total? But then, we know the area so well, and can run out and back a lot. And we do the flea market at least twice!

 

[AZMermaid]

If we go to Rainbow drive in after we arrive, do we need to be cautious of leaving something in the back seat? What about Safeway neat Aulani? I'm hoping it can all fit in the trunk.... But I have a feeling it won't.

 

[goterps1986]

bump. going in two weeks and gathering info. Thanks.

 

[nemofans]

bump. going in two weeks and gathering info. Thanks.

You can rent from Alamo which is right at Aulani. I booked an Alamo rental car through Costco to be picked up at Aulani. We are only renting it for the day though, not the whole trip.