Aulani - Worth it for Non-DVC Member?

[exchanger]

We are going to Hawaii in June of 2021. We have 2 weeks planned and booked at HGVC Kingsland. We got a great deal exchanging into that resort. When we visit, we will have 2 almost three year old boys, and a 7 year old girl. We are looking at adding either a week or two on another island (or two). We are able to add these additional weeks for around $1500 per week in different 2 bedrooms (Marriott Ko'olina or Waiohai).

I have family members that absolutely swear by Aulani. We really like Disney, and have stayed at both Disney Hilton Head and Vero Beach. Our daughter was 2 at VB, and 3 for HH. They were some of our favorite vacations at the time.

We would be fine in a 1 bedroom, but are looking to bring Grandma and Grandpa along so are most interested in 2 bedroom units. However, the cash cost / renting points cost seems out of reach to spend a week there. A couple of questions:

1) Do you find the cash cost worth it? I would be paying at least 3 times more for equivalent accomodations per night.
2) How many days do you think would be enough to experience Aulani?
3) Someone suggested that we stay at Ko'Olina and get a small disney experience by doing a character breakfast. Is this an option? It sounds like fun, but obviously not anywhere near the whole Aulani experience.

Thanks!

 

[drusba]

Others can tell you about staying at Aulani, but just be aware: (a) you mention June; June and then through about July 6 is the second highest DVC demand time of the year at Aulani (Christmas week is first), and you may have difficulty getting anything at all unless you find an owner of Aulani who can rent using the owner's 11-month reservation window to make a reservation. After July 6, things open up more but low cost standard view still needs to be booked 11-months out, expensive ocean view is usually open at 7-months out (when non-Aulani DVC owners can reserve), and pool/garden and island/garden views can sometimes be an issue.

 

[Jocelynaus]

I’ve stayed at aulani in a cash reservation twice, once in a DVC room and once in a regular room. While the microwave in the DVC room is nice the hotel room was nicer, fresher and they are more conveniently placed for what we do. They aren’t that different though.

Aulani is great, I’ve gotten 30% off on cash reservations both times, DVC wouldn’t be worth it for us and we’re glad we’ve been.

 

[ngl]

We are DVC and live 1 hr from WDW. Owners at BLT and VB. Have been to all DVC resorts now except HHI which (hopefully) is happening later this summer! We live near the beach in FL but have been to Aulani twice. Once just our family of 4 and last time (2 yrs ago) with an extended family of 14. We are also HGVC and stayed at Hilton Hawaiian Village and properties on the Big Island a few times.

We really love Aulani. I think there is enough to do onsite but still close to other activities. Having said that, it just depends what your kids enjoy most. Aulani has water slides, lazy river and great kids water play area. They also have a man made snorkeling area. Our kids loved all that in addition to the characters, the luau, etc. I know Marriott Ko'Olina is a nice property but a bit more quiet. The Four Seasons right next to Aulani is beautiful but also expensive.

I lived in HI briefly and while there is beauty in all islands I really enjoy Oahu. It is not just crowded Waikiki and really has something for everyone. If you plan on doing a lot of off site activities you may want to consider saving the money and doing Marriott. If you want to have more to do onsite then I would say Aulani. I would recommend at least 4 days there. Again, all personal preference so hard to say.