Aulani

[DCL fan]

Hello we are huge Disney fans and have decided to try Aulani for the first time...any tips? what to do there, where to eat. where to shop, cheapest way to get there from Waikiki anything will help!!

 

[BobNed]

Hello we are huge Disney fans and have decided to try Aulani for the first time...any tips? what to do there, where to eat. where to shop, cheapest way to get there from Waikiki anything will help!!

You are in the right place. All of your questions (and many, many more) have been asked an answered (most more than once too) right here in this forum. Just scroll through the threads and enjoy reading. There's lots of information here.

 

[pepperandchips]

Welcome to the excitement of planning @DCL fan! Try this thread for lots of good tips:
http://www.disboards.com/threads/aulani-whats-the-one-thing-you-wish-you-knew.3468277/

I also like reading Aulani trip reports to see how others thought it went (and often the food recommendations come with photos). There are some good recent ones here if you scroll through the last few pages.

When are you traveling? Enjoy your planning!!!

 

[Amw1064]

On our first trip 2 years ago I read every page of the thread above. Great info.

As for shopping we loved a day trip to Waikiki and went to the Ala Moana Mall and also the Aloha Swap meet which is right by Pearl Harbor. (open Sat/Sun/Wed)

 

[DCL fan]

On our first trip 2 years ago I read every page of the thread above. Great info.

As for shopping we loved a day trip to Waikiki and went to the Ala Moana Mall and also the Aloha Swap meet which is right by Pearl Harbor. (open Sat/Sun/Wed)

Thank you - we will be in Waikiki for 6 nights before we get to Aulani so hoping to just hang out around there and enjoy it. hoping for some tips and what to do there for the two nights we are there. Can any one tell me if there is a market near Aulani and the best way to get from Waikiki to aulani. THANKS !!

 

[DCL fan]

Welcome to the excitement of planning @DCL fan! Try this thread for lots of good tips:
http://www.disboards.com/threads/aulani-whats-the-one-thing-you-wish-you-knew.3468277/

I also like reading Aulani trip reports to see how others thought it went (and often the food recommendations come with photos). There are some good recent ones here if you scroll through the last few pages.

When are you traveling? Enjoy your planning!!!

we are going March 3rd!

 

[nkereina]

Thank you - we will be in Waikiki for 6 nights before we get to Aulani so hoping to just hang out around there and enjoy it. hoping for some tips and what to do there for the two nights we are there. Can any one tell me if there is a market near Aulani and the best way to get from Waikiki to aulani. THANKS !!

A rental car is your best bet. If you rent from Alamo, you can return the car at Aulani when you arrive so you don't have to keep it. Although if you are needing to get to the airport too, you might want to keep it. We found a car to be very convenient in Aulani since it's a bit secluded.

No market that I know of near Aulani, but there is a new mall in Kapolei called Ka Makana Ali'i. It wasn't open when we were there but judging by the stores there, it seems to be on par with the Ala Moana Center. Not sure if there's any shuttles there from Ko'Olina but it would be a quick easy drive if you had a car.

 

[cedricandsophie]

We have been to aulani several times. Depending on number of people a rental car with a drop off st aulani may be best. Parking is 37 a day unless you are using dvc points for the room. If by market you mean grocery store there are several in Kapolie which you go past to get to aulani. And there is a small market across the street from the hotel.
If you want to eat at aulani at the character buffet or at AMA AMA you should make reservations in advance. There are also several places to eat across the street. And there is a four seasons next door with restaurants.

 

[frank808]

Thank you - we will be in Waikiki for 6 nights before we get to Aulani so hoping to just hang out around there and enjoy it. hoping for some tips and what to do there for the two nights we are there. Can any one tell me if there is a market near Aulani and the best way to get from Waikiki to aulani. THANKS !!

There is a abc type store right across the street from aulani. They carry your basic needs like a 7/11. They also have a deli that makes some tasty burgers and plate lunches. Prices are cheaper than buying stuff from kalepas store onsite.

 

[mrp4352]

If you're thinking about renting a car - grab one now, but don't take the prepay option. As our trip gets closer and closer, I'm really glad I grabbed a rental car as soon as the dates were fairly firm. I was able to monitor prices and rebook for a slightly lower price, however over the last month the price has gone up to more than double what I'm locked in at.