College and high school aged kids at Aulani

[amarberry]

We have a reservation for Aulani with our DVC points later this year and I'm having second thoughts. My kids will be rising sophmores, one in high school and one in college. They've been to Hawaii several times (Kauai and Maui multiple times, and Oahu once). We typically stay at the Hyatt resorts (I have high status with the chain), but have also stayed at the Grand Wailea and Kea Lani to give you an idea of what are typical trip to Hawaii is like. Hawaii and Disney have long been our two favorite destinations, but I'm not sure how we are going to feel about them together, especially with older kids. I'm sure it would have been magical when my kids were about 10 years younger! Anybody been with older kids and have opinions? Does it feel more geared towards little kids? My kids aren't into character meet and greets. I'll also say that I feel like I'm using a ton of points which I was happy to do when I made the booking, but is adding to my buyers remorse right now.

 

[FrannyFrogs]

My teens loooooved the spa (and so did my husband and I!)

 

[Gruenilda]

We have a reservation for Aulani with our DVC points later this year and I'm having second thoughts. My kids will be rising sophmores, one in high school and one in college. They've been to Hawaii several times (Kauai and Maui multiple times, and Oahu once). We typically stay at the Hyatt resorts (I have high status with the chain), but have also stayed at the Grand Wailea and Kea Lani to give you an idea of what are typical trip to Hawaii is like. Hawaii and Disney have long been our two favorite destinations, but I'm not sure how we are going to feel about them together, especially with older kids. I'm sure it would have been magical when my kids were about 10 years younger! Anybody been with older kids and have opinions? Does it feel more geared towards little kids? My kids aren't into character meet and greets. I'll also say that I feel like I'm using a ton of points which I was happy to do when I made the booking, but is adding to my buyers remorse right now.

I think it depends upon what you all like to do, the room you reserve, and how well the teens get along. Do they like to hang together? We are going as DVC members, 2BR, and our guy (18) is bringing a friend. I’m planning all the cool upscale activities for them to do on their own. It’ll be their first adventure as young adults: casabella for 2 days (they will have to share), getting lei-d at the luau on their own, sky watching at 9pm (we are going), if we get a lock-off instead of the dedicated 2br then they will have their own kitchen (I requested dedicated as I’d like some of the snacks they already are saying they are going to cook ). And I’ve offered them one excursion or a car rental if they want to go and find the beaches. Golf…spa…snorkeling or jet skii’ing…ride around to the beaches or hike up a trail. I can hear them chanting “freedom!” Aulani will be our home base for them to launch. Happy to let everyone know after the trip.

 

[tankin]

@amarberry So mine are close in age to your kids (college junior and HS freshmen), they love Aulani. In fact, the freshmen chose to go to Aulani at Thanksgiving instead of a sweet 16 party or a trip to WDW.
A lot of it will depend on your kids but I always remember something that Joe Rhode said in an Aulani special... Aulani is little d big H disney Hawaii. Its there if you look for it but not in your face. I wouldn't say that it's "kiddie" at all.

A lot of it will come down to what your kids like to do and if Aulani meets those needs. Definite not a Waikiki vacation.... According to my parents, who have done Maui a few times, much closer to that vibe (since both resorts you mentioned are on Maui).

Having said that, my kids would be bored if we stayed at the resort for a week so you'll definitely need wheels so you can go out and experience Oahu.

 

[alohamom]

One thing that your kids might find is that Aulani is quite compact compared to say the Grand Hyatt Kauai or the Grand Wailea. I feel like the larger more spread out resorts might give some young adults a feeling of more freedom But as other posters have said it depends on your kids.
As well the Lagoon Beach, being that it is engineered, is nice to look at and ok for swimming but not quite the same as a natural beach.
https://www.olaproperties.com/blog/...ing-of-the-magical-man-made-ko-olina-lagoons/

It sounds to me like as if your family has an appreciation for the beauty of Hawaii and Aulani Does a great job of subtly celebrating that as well.

 

[amarberry]

I think it depends upon what you all like to do, the room you reserve, and how well the teens get along. Do they like to hang together? We are going as DVC members, 2BR, and our guy (18) is bringing a friend. I’m planning all the cool upscale activities for them to do on their own. It’ll be their first adventure as young adults: casabella for 2 days (they will have to share), getting lei-d at the luau on their own, sky watching at 9pm (we are going), if we get a lock-off instead of the dedicated 2br then they will have their own kitchen (I requested dedicated as I’d like some of the snacks they already are saying they are going to cook ). And I’ve offered them one excursion or a car rental if they want to go and find the beaches. Golf…spa…snorkeling or jet skii’ing…ride around to the beaches or hike up a trail. I can hear them chanting “freedom!” Aulani will be our home base for them to launch. Happy to let everyone know after the trip.

We have a one bedroom ocean view for the four of us. We will be there for four nights following six nights in Kauai. Kids aren't besties, but get along reasonably well for a girl and a boy siblings. My daughter and husband enjoy snorkeling while my son and I don't. We'll have a car and will want to do some things off the property, but we've already done Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head, and the Dole plantation. I'd like to really utilize the resort amenities and need to get a better idea of what the options are for the older kids.

 

[amarberry]

@amarberry So mine are close in age to your kids (college junior and HS freshmen), they love Aulani. In fact, the freshmen chose to go to Aulani at Thanksgiving instead of a sweet 16 party or a trip to WDW.
A lot of it will depend on your kids but I always remember something that Joe Rhode said in an Aulani special... Aulani is little d big H disney Hawaii. Its there if you look for it but not in your face. I wouldn't say that it's "kiddie" at all.

A lot of it will come down to what your kids like to do and if Aulani meets those needs. Definite not a Waikiki vacation.... According to my parents, who have done Maui a few times, much closer to that vibe (since both resorts you mentioned are on Maui).

Having said that, my kids would be bored if we stayed at the resort for a week so you'll definitely need wheels so you can go out and experience Oahu.

This is very reassuring! What are some activities at Aulani that your children have enjoyed? I don't think my kids will be interested in meeting Mickey (although they'll be happy to get Mickey ice cream bars!), but they are usually up for any type of crafty activity or cultural programming. My husband and daughter love snorkeling, but I'm not sure if any of us would be interested in any other water sports.

 

[amarberry]

One thing that your kids might find is that Aulani is quite compact compared to say the Grand Hyatt Kauai or the Grand Wailea. I feel like the larger more spread out resorts might give some young adults a feeling of more freedom But as other posters have said it depends on your kids.
As well the Lagoon Beach, being that it is engineered, is nice to look at and ok for swimming but not quite the same as a natural beach.
https://www.olaproperties.com/blog/...ing-of-the-magical-man-made-ko-olina-lagoons/

It sounds to me like as if your family has an appreciation for the beauty of Hawaii and Aulani Does a great job of subtly celebrating that as well.

Those resorts are huge for sure. Grand Hyatt Kauai is our favorite of all the Hawaiian resorts. It's beautiful, but it is huge. We weren't as crazy about Grand Wailea for multiple reasons. We are comfortable with our kids going off on their own and love having them spend time with one another, but also like to torture them by making them hang out with us. It is, after all, the family vacation!

The lagoons remind me of Lydgate beach in Kauai. I've read that there are some pockets of decent snorkeling within it. Do you know how crowded the lagoon typically gets? We'll be there over the summer.

 

[cgattis]

Have you guys done Hanauma Bay? It’s very easy snorkeling so you might all enjoy it. If not, it’s a pretty gorgeous place to hang out and wait for the two who do enjoy it. You could do the hike up Koko Head and hit up Teddys or Kona Brewing (my fave) at Koko Marina to get away from the resort a little.

 

[amarberry]

Have you guys done Hanauma Bay? It’s very easy snorkeling so you might all enjoy it. If not, it’s a pretty gorgeous place to hang out and wait for the two who do enjoy it. You could do the hike up Koko Head and hit up Teddys or Kona Brewing (my fave) at Koko Marina to get away from the resort a little.

Yes! We did go there when we were in Oahu. It was before my daughter got into snorkeling so it was just my husband back then. How's the traffic from Aulani over to that area? It looks like it could be painful.

 

[Gruenilda]

We have a one bedroom ocean view for the four of us. We will be there for four nights following six nights in Kauai. Kids aren't besties, but get along reasonably well for a girl and a boy siblings. My daughter and husband enjoy snorkeling while my son and I don't. We'll have a car and will want to do some things off the property, but we've already done Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head, and the Dole plantation. I'd like to really utilize the resort amenities and need to get a better idea of what the options are for the older kids.

Ko Olina Marina is home to Ko Olina ocean adventures and they have snorkeling, sunset, dolphin watching and other tours. I got their name from other threads on this forum.
It is a 5 minute drive or 20 minute walk from Aulani

Have a great time!

 

[alohamom]

The lagoons remind me of Lydgate beach in Kauai. I've read that there are some pockets of decent snorkeling within it. Do you know how crowded the lagoon typically gets? We'll be there over the summer.

I guess the lagoons are kind of like Lydgate Beach park (my kids LOVED the wooden play structure there when they were little!) They do get a little crowded in my experience but we have always been able to find a chair or a space.
We tried a couple of times to snorkel there but it was just a little too murky for us. There is an incredible little spot just to the north of Aulani and the Four Seasons that some people call Secret Beach or Paradise Cove or even Turtle Beach. It is easy to get to and the views are outstanding.

 

[cgattis]

Yes! We did go there when we were in Oahu. It was before my daughter got into snorkeling so it was just my husband back then. How's the traffic from Aulani over to that area? It looks like it could be painful.

I think as long as you avoid rush hour or go on the weekend, it’s no problem.

 

[amarberry]

I guess the lagoons are kind of like Lydgate Beach park (my kids LOVED the wooden play structure there when they were little!) They do get a little crowded in my experience but we have always been able to find a chair or a space.
We tried a couple of times to snorkel there but it was just a little too murky for us. There is an incredible little spot just to the north of Aulani and the Four Seasons that some people call Secret Beach or Paradise Cove or even Turtle Beach. It is easy to get to and the views are outstanding.

That looks lovely! I looked at it on google maps and it looks like they have the walking route out on the road. Are you able to walk along the beach to get to it?

 

[alohamom]

That looks lovely! I looked at it on google maps and it looks like they have the walking route out on the road. Are you able to walk along the beach to get to it?

You can walk along the beach but it is pretty rocky, make sure you have water shoes or something to protect your feet if you go that way.
I have done both ways and I much prefer the sidewalk/road/parking lot route.
It looks like it is farther to go that way but it really isn't.

 

[tankin]

This is very reassuring! What are some activities at Aulani that your children have enjoyed? I don't think my kids will be interested in meeting Mickey (although they'll be happy to get Mickey ice cream bars!), but they are usually up for any type of crafty activity or cultural programming. My husband and daughter love snorkeling, but I'm not sure if any of us would be interested in any other water sports.

So ... All my girls love seeing the characters that you can't find in the parks (Angel, Max & 'Olu Mel on this trip)... I don't think they did mickey or minnie this trip. Younger one love to get the length of stay snorkeling pass so they can go for short periods multiple times a day (water is cold for the fish). Older one did the "lay in the sun and read" routine. All three enjoyed the making ears paid activity. One did the art of Aulani tour. I have one that's really into photography so we did sunset pictures a couple of nights. The older one did a trip to the spa on a different trip and enjoyed it.

They also enjoyed HI food so poke bowls, shaved ice, mickey bars (not HI but Disney) & fresh pineapple.

We try to mix up our stay. Alternating resort days and oahu days or half and half days to keep the boredom creeping in.

 

[Hubie]

I won't have snorkeling gear with me when we get to Oahu in Nov. from Syndey after our stay there. How much does the length of stay pass for snorkeling at Aulani cost and can you take their mask and fins to the secret beach?

 

[Gruenilda]

I asked the Disney plan people too and they gave me a couple more ideas-I can’t post the link but if you go to plandisney then Disney vacation club tab-it’s the first question.

 

[maxbuffmelvin]

I wouldn't overlook the character greets. I enjoy them more at Aulani than at WDW/DL. The interactions are fun, plus great photo moments. It's nice to see regular Mickey and the gang in Hawaiian attire. Another bonus is there are rare characters who are not at WDW/DL or hard to meet in person there, like Duffy, Shellie May, Olu, Max Goof, Stitch, and Angel.