Departure day before late flight out: Spa Appointments, Cabana, or both?

[disnygirl55]

Hi everyone!

Next spring break we will be staying four nights at Aulani, leaving on a Saturday flight out of HNL at 10:40 pm. So my initial thought was to book spa appointments that day, so that we had access to nice showers and facilities all day long, instead of relying on the day lounge. But now that I'm thinking it through, maybe renting a cabana on that final day would be nice, and I'm leaning toward going that route. Are there access to showers and somewhere to tidy up before our flight if we only book a cabana? Should we book spa appointments that day as well? Thanks for any advice you might have for us!

 

[lizard1]

I wouldn't book both. I would choose one or the other because you really won't have time to enjoy both (especially for the money spent). When my husband and I had our spa appointment, I think we got there around 10 (our appointment was at 11) and we didn't leave until around 3. We didn't spend that much time there after our appointment either, which you could if you wanted to. We had the executive lanai booked several days during our trip. While I enjoyed the spa and was able to relax there, I think I would prefer to sit in the lanai one additional day because then I could enjoy the view of the ocean one last day before I return to my landlocked state.

 

[cmph]

Just a quick note that yes, you do have access to shower facilities, cabana or no cabana. The front desk will give you single-use key cards to get in to the day lounge, which has them. Short-time-usage lockers are in each shower room (one for women, one for men), which you access once you enter the lounge. There isn't a lounge area or shower facilities or anything just for cabana renters' usage though.

Don't depend on the spa for shower use, unless you time it so you are there right up until you leave. You don't have all-day access to go in and out. Once you leave, you can't go back into the spa. You will have a locker there, at least. If I didn't have kids and was just traveling as a couple, I would probably go with the spa day, but if you're in a larger group - the cabana. You definitely will not get your money's worth out of the cabana if you do the spa, I agree that both is too much.

 

[twodogs]

I agree I would choose one or the other. Personally I would not want to spend my entire last day in the spa area, not enjoying the ocean/beach. You can't see or hear the ocean from the spa gardens, and other than the various outdoor water features, there is nothing else to do but relax (which is great, but again not for my last day (in my opinion)). The cabana is very expensive, and while we had one for 3 of our 9 days there, I wanted to get full use of it to justify the cost. I think it would be a good option for the last day. There is a small curtained area in each cabana for changing clothes, but not a shower. As PP mentioned, you get a one-time entry in to the departure lounge, where there are 2 showers for each gender, and small lockers that you can use for 30 minutes (luggage would need to be left with Bell Services when you check out at 11AM). The cabanas close at 6pm, so you could then head to Lounge to shower, then it would pretty much be time to head to the airport for your flight. Sounds like a pretty awesome last day!!

Lastly, I'm not sure when you are going, but book the cabana at the 6 month mark, or earlier if they will let you. If you change your mind, you can cancel up until the night before without penalty, but they book up very quickly.

 

[SplashMom]

We were there in May and had a similar situation. Our flight left at 10:20 pm and we rented a cabana for the day. It was perfect! We left our luggage with the front desk and totally enjoyed the day in the cabana. We had a "home base" since we didn't have a room. There is a locking drawer for valuables, as well as a fridge, and comfort. We had our meals there (as well as the complimentary fruit tray and dessert tray). We had our children but they are adults (26, 29) so we booked next to the adult pool ($100 cheaper). We are DVC members so there is an additional 10% off. It was close to the refill station for our drinks and was just so relaxing. When we were ready, we went to the day lounge and got showered. It was quite busy in the lounge so I'm glad I didn't depend on staying there for any length of time. If there are all booked, try again when you get there. We just booked ours the day before because we hadn't thought about it earlier. I would definitely recommend it!

 

[disnygirl55]

Thank you, everyone! This helps me so much. I also can't find anywhere how far in advance you can reserve a cabana - so it's nice to hear that it's six months and possibly sooner. I anticipate that it will be fairly busy that week, so I'll do my best to make sure I get one as soon as they're available. I really appreciate your insight.

 

[nkereina]

I have not been yet but I have read that the day room only has a couple of showers, and they can be very busy even with a line at certain times of the day. I would assume late afternoon/early evening with people getting ready for the late night flights back home. YMMV.

Are you doing the spa any other day? If so, I would choose the cabana on the last day. If the last day would be your only opportunity for spa time, I would choose the spa on your last day. As two adults, what we would likely do is sleep in, check out around 11, grab breakfast/lunch, go to our spa appointment, hang out at the spa, shower up, and then grab dinner before heading to the airport. Sounds like a relaxing day. But I don't think you can go wrong with a cabana either!

 

[igomezhnl]

I would reserve the spa prior to your stay. Especially if you want to select your time. I do believe the Spa is an all day thing, perhaps a early afternoon appointment. That way after your treatment, you can relax and use the amenities. Then walk out and spend some time at the beach enjoying the sunset.

 

[Mokat76]

I had a 9 pm flight out so I booked spa services for late afternoon. That way I had most of the day to enjoy the resort but then had a superbly relaxing late afternoon/early evening at the spa before going to the airport. It worked out really well. The spa facilties are magnificent.

 

[cleophus12]

I don't think I would book a spa day on departure day. You spend so much money there to get that good relaxed feeling, and I think the stress of having to leave and travel that night might just ruin all that good feeling.

 

[twodogs]

I don't think I would book a spa day on departure day. You spend so much money there to get that good relaxed feeling, and I think the stress of having to leave and travel that night might just ruin all that good feeling.

I agree! Departure day is always very stressful for me, with packing, checking out and making sure we are at the airport on time!