Cabanas

[ebenmax]

Our family (6 adults and a 1 year old by then) is in the beginning planning stages of a week long trip to Aulani in early June 2018. At this early stage we are considering rotating one day at Aulani and the next day exploring Oahu.
On an "all Aulani" day I was wondering how people feel about the cabanas?
How much do they cost? Worth it?
Best locations? How soon we'd need to book? Any other tips?
Thank you very much!!

 

[wdrl]

Here is a link to an article with photos about the cabanas at Aulani: http://dvcnews.com/index.php/resort...cabanas-at-aulani-disney-vacation-club-villas

Hard to believe I wrote that article over three years ago but I don't think much has changed in regards to the cabanas -- except maybe the price.

Here is a link to the official Aulani website and its information about the cabanas: https://resorts.disney.go.com/aulani-hawaii-resort/activities/poolside-cabanas/ The website explains the amenities offered for the cabanas.

If you decide to book a cabana, you can call Aulani direct and put in your request. Since you will have a one-year old with you, you won't be able to book the cabanas at the adult quiet pool. You could book one of the cabanas at the Menehune Bridge Water Play area but be forewarned: With all the splashing water and squealing kids enjoying the play area it can get a bit noisy! The other cabanas in the Ka Maka Landing area are in a very good location and might work well for your group.

Since its just my wife and me when we visit Aulani, we've never booked a cabana, so I can't give you any first hand experiences.

Good Luck!

 

[nkereina]

I can't speak to the cabanas but we did reserve the upper veranda in front of Ama Ama which came with two sets of casabellas and umbrella, in addition to waiter service. The lower veranda and executive lanai are larger and would be a cheaper price point for your party, but with fewer amenities. Both the verandas and the lanai would be quieter, more peaceful, and would have ocean views BUT they both are a walk to the main pool and an even further walk to the kid play area.

We did not end up keeping the veranda reservation because we wanted sun (it was mostly shade) and it was also off the beaten path in terms of location, which is not what we were looking for. But I would still recommend it for anyone wanting peace and quiet and/or anyone going a busy time of year that's concerned about the chairs.

 

[ebenmax]

Thanks to both of you for the information!! In one of the first links above I discovered the Ama Ama lanai (due to price point)and was quite interested. I'm a bit concerned about the distance from the pool areas and the lack of sun though after reading the second post but certainly glad to find that out prior to booking! Since we are total newbies to Aulani, I will also need to study the layout!

Is it shaded throughout the whole day?
Can you cancel the day of your reservation if it's not what you expected?

Thanks!

 

[nkereina]

Is it shaded throughout the whole day?
Can you cancel the day of your reservation if it's not what you expected?

There are two verandas in front of Ama Ama - upper and lower. I think the upper one is too small for your party, so you'd have to look at the lower one which is closer to the ocean. If you are standing in front of Ama Ama facing the ocean, these verandas are to the far left on the border of the property. The pool would be to the right, along with the bar and restrooms. There is waiter service, however. You'd have to walk across the deck in front of Ama Ama where the lounge chairs are in order to get to the pool.

We arrived at the upper veranda around 9:30am and it was completely shaded. We didn't stay long enough to know whether it would eventually get sun, but if it did, I expect it was mid-late afternoon. We were there in September. There were also trees partially covering the veranda, creating the additional shade. When we expressed our disappointment with the location, we asked if we could be refunded and book a beach casabella instead, which they did with no problem. You don't pay until the day of, so you could always check them out on your arrival day and then cancel them if you don't like the location. I don't believe there are cancellation penalties.

Like I said above, I think the verandas are only a good idea if you want total privacy and/or you are there during a very busy time.

As for the executive lanai, that is in front of the lounge chair deck in front of Ama Ama, on a mid-level going down the stairs to the ocean. Similar to the verandas, just larger. This does get full sun and is also private, but not as secluded and a bit closer to the pool. You'd walk up the stairs and then up the ramp over to the pool. This might be the best option - a compromise between the veranda and cabana.

 

[ebenmax]

Oh!! So I misunderstood your first post. The executive lanai is different than the veranda. I was most interested in the executive lanai and since you mentioned it gets sun, I will do more investigating!! It's also good to know the cancellation policy is not too strict.

Thank you SO MUCH for your insights!

 

[nkereina]

Sure thing! I know the Dreams Unlimited Travel podcast did an Aulani show a while back - last summer I think? Tracey Heinrichs, one of their agents, stayed at Aulani last February and had reserved the executive lanai during her stay. She talked about it on the podcast, and I believe the video version of the podcast included her photos of it as well.

 

[hilarys]

We had the executive lanai for a day during Thanksgiving week in 2015. I really liked having the location be in-between the beach and the pool. It made it easy to go to either one. You also can't be the view. The executive lanai is not private at all though - it is very open to the people walking on the Ko'Olina walkway in front of the beach and the people coming down the stairs from the pools to get to the beach. We had quite a few people pause and stare into the lanai as they walked down and more than a few kids wander in. It did not bother us, but something to consider if you are looking for seclusion. I have posted two pictures below. The first one shows the view from the lanai looking towards the lagoon the second is from the beach area looking back up to the resort. The far edge of the lanai is on the left side of the picture. These pictures give a good reference to open-ness of the lanai. I can't speak to the sun as it was a rainy day that day, but I don't remember much in the way of shade coverage.

 

[jodybird511]

On our recent trip, the first week in January, we did the executive lanai for two days and a cabana for one. Honestly, we loved the lanai and wished that we had gotten it for three days instead. The view was gorgeous, good location, and plenty of sun. No, it is not right at the pools, which was actually much more pleasant--it was quiet and less hectic than the cabana location.

 

[alldiz]

I am so happy to hear the great views on the lanai. I booked one for my birthday in July. Now I want to call back and book for another day as well :/)
Was thinking of putting a "shingle" on my lanai.... Casabella for rent because we are a party of 4 LOL
Thankkerri

 

[nkereina]

The executive lanai is not private at all though - it is very open to the people walking on the Ko'Olina walkway in front of the beach and the people coming down the stairs from the pools to get to the beach. We had quite a few people pause and stare into the lanai as they walked down and more than a few kids wander in. It did not bother us, but something to consider if you are looking for seclusion.

This is a good point. When I said it was private in my earlier post, I just meant that you don't have any neighbors and you can spread out. It's your own space, so to speak. But yes, it would have a lot more foot traffic passing by than the verandas would.

 

[CaliAdventurer]

I love the lenai and just booked it for several days for our trip in December. 11 months from now. And the csa told me it was a good thing I did. I think the internet has let the secret out. I got the lenai in April for December last year but could only get two days. If you want it, you better grab it. Only rule is that you have to have a reservation active.

 

[LottiesMommy]

We have done the beach casabellas, upper veranda, and cabanas at the Menehune Bridge and the Ka Maka Landing area. We are obviously fans, but it is definitely not something I would recommend to everyone.

Personally, I love the Upper Veranda for four people, but that won't work for your group unless only four intend to use it. It is off to the side, the view is amazing, and I liked the shade. They give you a call button so you can really set up camp for the whole day and have everything brought to you (same for cabana and executive lanai). My husband misses the tv when we do the upper veranda, but he does like the view better than the cabana. Also: We needed bug spray in the morning at the upper veranda. The bugs love us... (mosquitoes).

The cabanas at Menehune bridge are LOUD. Seriously. We also found people liked to sit on the lounge chairs when watching their kids splash around which was kind of weird. It didn't happen anywhere else, so we thought it was funny that it happened repeatedly just in this location. Not a big deal since we are a family of 3, but might lead to needing to ask people to vacate the chairs if you are a larger group (I hate confrontation, so that is the only reason I mention it).

We liked Ka Maka landing the best. It is quiet and the view is nice, but it isn't completely secluded. I liked that it was close to bathrooms, food service, and the pools. My husband liked the tv, my daughter likes the food plates that came in morning and afternoon (fruit in AM, dessert in PM). I liked having a frig and having a safe for our stuff.

We were next to a family with two young children one year and the cabana attendant brought them two packnplay to put in the cabana so the kids could nap in the shade. I thought that was genius! The kids slept and the parents all lounged around and ordered food/drinks. How lovely!

Anyway, we go to Aulani to relax. We barely used the pools our last trip and instead just lounged and went to the beach. We were there at Christmas, so it was really busy. For us, the reserved seating helps us achieve what we want... but I know there are plenty of people who would much rather grab some seats by the pool once in a while because they spend more time using the pools and doing other activities around the resort... for them, reserved seating is kind of a waste.

For what it is worth, I should also tell you about the beach casabella: Based on our constant use at the beach I tried the beach casabellas when my husband was feeling too tired to leave the room so it was just my daughter and I. Not a fan. It was ok. I didn't like all the sun. In the afternoon I was trying to hide inside the casabella from the sun (ugh). The wifi connection was very spotty. There is a different wifi for the beach area, which was better, but it still was unpredictable. If it had just been my husband and I and we liked the sun, then it would be a great spot. It just didn't work for us.

Nice thing about the casabella is that it is "relatively" inexpensive and you can reserve first-come-first-served in the morning.

I think the executive lanai would be amazing for a group. We never rented it because it would be overkill for three people, but it looks great. Nice easy access and amazing view.

For an even better cabana experience.... try Turtle Bay at the North Shore. AMAZING! We spent a day watching the waves and surfers on the most comfortable couch and amazing food. And... I think it was about $150 for the day. HA! A bargain!

 

[Loveallthingsmouse]

We have rented a cabana on our two visits to Aulani, both our last full day. We LOVED it and are planning to do it again during our next visit. Both visits have been during July, so the pool is quiet crowded, it was fantastic knowing the last day we would have a comfortable, relaxing spot for the entire day. Hubby and I sit in the loungers soaking up the final moments of sun and the kids come in and out of the cabana. For us, it is well worth the splurge to make the final day even more special and the attendant bringing you cocktails makes the sadness of leaving a little more bearable!

 

[ebenmax]

We have rented a cabana on our two visits to Aulani, both our last full day. We LOVED it and are planning to do it again during our next visit. Both visits have been during July, so the pool is quiet crowded, it was fantastic knowing the last day we would have a comfortable, relaxing spot for the entire day. Hubby and I sit in the loungers soaking up the final moments of sun and the kids come in and out of the cabana. For us, it is well worth the splurge to make the final day even more special and the attendant bringing you cocktails makes the sadness of leaving a little more bearable!

How far ahead have you booked your cabana?

 

[Loveallthingsmouse]

How far ahead have you booked your cabana?

We booked the cabana as soon as we made our reservation (7 Month Mark). When we called they asked for our reservation #. They call the day before to confirm that you want the cabana, so you can cancel if you want.

 

[Angelaann]

We visited last Labor Day weekend and rented Cabana for two days. One day we were by the children's play area and the other day, we were by the infinity pool. I think it was $445 per day and it was totally worth it for the shade alone. Also, there was a safe to lock up valuables and a fruit tray/dessert tray. The first day, we booked several months in advance. The second day, we ended up waitlisted, but it seems as though the waitlists move. I would not hesitate to do it again, but I would absolutely book in advance. There is no down side to doing so.

 

[ebenmax]

Our concern is the availability at the 7 month mark. Is that usually far enough out?
I am ok booking ahead...just hoping there is something open. We are considering the lanai and there is only one. We can always go for a cabana as a back-up plan.

 

[Angelaann]

I think you should be fine at 7 months. We made our original reservation at about 4 months.

 

[ebenmax]

I think you should be fine at 7 months. We made our original reservation at about 4 months.

Thank you to ALL of you who shared your advice and experiences!! Cannot wait for our trip!!