First DVC trip - Here at Aulani now!

[LisaDKG]

AlOHAAAA!
I am here right now at Aulani with my family for our first DVC stay (we bought BLT this past March) and it is AMAZING! We are in a 2 Bdrm Villa with myself, my DS11, DD8, my sister and niece (2 years) and my parents. Somehow it worked out that our husbands were left at home, which probably makes for lots less inter-familial stress. As it happens we have celebrated my dad's 65th birthday and my son's 11th - both of whom were born on the same day! The actual date was spent in Waikiki at the Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach, where we stayed for 3 nights before coming to Aulani. We arrived Tues Oct. 18th, stayed in Waikiki until the 21st and then are here at Aulani until late Sat. 29th. I'll continue in a post below but I know that people are as anxious for Aulani news for upcoming trips as I was. If anyone has any questions I can get the deets as first hand as possible while still here. Sorry no pictures yet as I can't upload yet but I think I might have taken 100 photos in just a few days here. Did I mention it is AMAZING???

 

[LisaDKG]

Our flight from Calgary, Alberta Canada took us first to Vancouver and then on to Honolulu (brutal 6 hour flight on Westjet - one of the reasons I like to fly Westjet is because of the individual tvs in the back of the seats. Well, note to self...there is no satellite programming available over the ocean!)
We arrived at about 9:30 pm and got our luggage really fast and jumped on the National Car Rental shuttle to pick up our mini-van. I really recommend National (not sure how much it helps in Hawaii to be an "Emerald" member though) because we got a brand new Chrysler Town and Country with a GPS and it actually ALMOST fit all of our luggage comfortably - 2 year olds requires a LOT of luggage and so we had to hold a few odd bags on our laps.
Driving with the GPS was great and we got to our hotel right on Waikiki beach in about 20 minutes (no traffic at that time of night). If anyone has any questions about staying in Waikiki, I'd be glad to answer them too but we didn't get out to explore too much other than walk around the beach area and a short trip to Ala Moana Mall (we plan to go back sometime this week). We ate at Duke's Canoe Club, PF. Chang's, drove out to try Leonard's Bakery for hot malasadas, drove to Ailana Shave Ice (have to check the spelling on that) and Honolulu Coffee Co. I was trying to give my family some typical Honolulu experiences (well, apart from P.F. Chang's I guess but my sister loves it there and it actually was really good). All of the above were fabulous! I found most of my information on tripadvisor and all my research was well worth it. As I'm sure many of you thorough disboarders experience, my fellow travel companions are often shocked at the sometimes useless, and oftentimes spot on and invaluable tidbits of informtaion I can pick up during pre-trip research. For me, it is part of the adventure. Continued below...

 

[ChiSoxKeith]

Have a blast!

Are the tiles out on the pohukas yet (out by the entrance to the resort off the lagoon)?

K

 

[GrimGhost]

Thanks for the report! One question, how would you describe the back-ground music? Is it played fairly extensively throughout the resort?

 

[LisaDKG]

We really like the vibe of Waikiki and don't mind that it is a big city experience. I know lots of people who avoid Oahu as a whole and prefer to go exclusively to other islands for a more Hawaiian experience (and to be fair I've only EVER been on Oahu) but as I said we find we can appreciate all the aspects that Oahu has to offer.
ON TO AULANI!
The drive from Waikiki to Kapolei/Ko' Olina, where Aulani is located was pretty uneventful although we did get a taste of traffic as it was a Friday afternoon. We were all just so excited to get there. Check in was probably the best check in of my life as you are greeted by about 10 different staff all falling over themselves to tell you Aloha and E komo mai. The girls in the party are given gorgeous smelling flower leis and the boys kukui nut leis and we all stood around drinking pineapple water as we all unfolded ourselves from the van. For some reason, I didn't know that it was only self serve parking that was free for DVC members. Valet is still $30 a day no matter what. I guess that would be too big a perk to expect! The parking garage is actually just to the left of the porte cochere however, and we have only used the car twice for groceries so walking over there is no big deal.
Before we even checked in though, one fabulous CM, who turned out to be a member of the concierge team, brought us in to the magnificent lobby and gave us a brief explanation of the building - how it is divided into a male and female side, with water features representing both and how the art work encircling the ceiling shows images of their legends of creation all the way up to present day. It was all very impressive and the CM was great. I headed to check in but it was 2 pm so our room was still being cleaned and I gave the CM my phone number to be texted when it was ready. We had packed our swimming things separately so we headed out to the Waikohole Valley to explore. We used the special lounge and changerooms that they have for families either waiting to check in or waiting for their flights after check out. I'm pretty sure we will be making use of that lounge again on Sat. when we wait for our red-eye flight home.
Continued below (but later as we are heading out for the day...!)...

 

[LisaDKG]

Have a blast!

Are the tiles out on the pohukas yet (out by the entrance to the resort off the lagoon)?

K

I will check right now, but can't recall having seen them so far.

Thanks for the report! One question, how would you describe the back-ground music? Is it played fairly extensively throughout the resort?

I would say that yes, the music is pretty extensive - it is in a lot of the pool areas, but probably not all, in the elevators and some of the other common areas. It is definitely not intrusive as we are debating right now about it around the breakfast table trying to confirm where exactly we were when we've heard it. We love it as it has always been a big part of our stays at the Polynesian resort and I put on my "Hukilau" playlist a lot at home to get a taste of being on vacation. They also have live music at night on the patio at the Olelo (O'lelo? 'Olelo? Having trouble with those 'postrophes) room.
Now, I'm really heading out for the day... Really...

 

[ChiSoxKeith]

Thanks for the report! One question, how would you describe the back-ground music? Is it played fairly extensively throughout the resort?

When we were there, the music was on all the time throughout the resort. A large chunk of it was a couple of song from Kalial Reichel. The gift shop said they were working on a CD of the background music loops but it wasn't finished yet.

 

[jdubs808]

If you haven't done so already, buy the refillable mugs. They're very convenient. Have an awesome time!

 

[Leitadala]

Have fun! We also bought BLT this year and have now stayed at Aulani but not BLT lol! Be careful, addonitis hit us pretty hard after a little time at Aulani

Can't wait to read more, I miss it so much! Hope you are having a blast!

 

[podsnel]

Thanks for keeping us updated! Have a wonderful time!!

 

[LisaDKG]

Our room actually took a long time to get ready. I think I wasn't sent a text until almost 5 pm, but when we finally got in the room just blew us away. It was of course exactly like the pictures but I couldn't believe how rich all the finishings are, how nice all the wood everywhere looks and how nice and NEW it all is. There is a lot to be said for being some of the first guests to stay in a place. Lots of storage for all our gear, the 3 bathrooms are super handy and the furniture is super comfy. As I type this all 3 flat screen tvs are on but that is pretty typical for my family. I should also mention that we are having happy hour here and I am sipping a pina colada that my dad just made me in the kitchen. The drinks made at the bars downstairs are super yummy but the prices sure are cheaper here at "Grandpa's Bar".
I do have to say that the view we have is a bit of a downer. We did reserve an Island View but I think we might have got the worst one possible. We overlook a parkade (maybe for CMs?) and, as my sister says, the Nuclear plant - which I think is really the electricity plant towards the east. We are in the Ewa tower and although I requested to be near the elevators, we are actually at the end of the hall on the 11th floor - the furthest from the elevators as possible. Of course, not all the resort is open yet and we gather that the only rooms open are those with the patio furniture on the lanais. The rest is slated to open Nov. 15 but I haven't seen any sign of construction. It must all be on the inside, finishing the rooms.
We chose Island View to save on points and instead splurged on an ocean front room while in Waikiki. I do have to say it was hard going from such a spectacular vista to the nuclear plant and I would probably try as hard as possible to save up points to get a better view next time around. We do sit out on the balcony more than I thought we would and it would be worth it for us. There are actually some amazing picture windows on the way to the elevators that we check out the views to each time we go down but it is not the same as having it out your own patio.
As an aside, my sister and I are joking that if we can't find anything suitable to serve as souvenirs for our husbands, they may well be getting some DVC points. I have actually decided that I am ready to move here (a shocking decision for someone from Calgary, Canada, I know. The winters are SUCH a delight!) so I will have to see how many points that will require...

 

[lah3hh]

Your post has been so fun to read and I can CLEARLY tell you are having a fabulous time!!!

I know it is always beautiful in Hawaii but hows the weather this time of the year? We want to go there in 2013 and being from Ohio prefer to travel either in the spring, fall or winter time. Just trying to figure out when the very very best weather would be....thanks ahead of time for your input!

And lastly...ENJOY!!! (but I don't think I needed to say that 'cuz you already are..)

 

[ChiSoxKeith]

The rest is slated to open Nov. 15 but I haven't seen any sign of construction. It must all be on the inside, finishing the rooms.

In the Ewa tower, when you come off the elevator there is small sitting room with the long hall of rooms to one side. If you look in the OTHER direction, you'll see a locked door. This is the path to the unopened rooms. The construction workers are in there working on outfitting the insides of the rooms.

When we were there I checked that door every time just to see if I could sneak a peak.

A manager flipped his lid the one day because you could see construction dust footprints on the carpet. It really wasn't that big of a deal, you really had to look to see the footprints. Occassionally I could here some hammering.

 

[wdrl]

Thanks for doing a trip report! Looking forward to seeing your photos when you get a chance to post them.

Question: I know the DVC Phase 1 building is called the Ewa Building. Have you heard what they are calling the Phase 2 building?

I know Phase 2 is not suppose to open until November 15, 2011. But is part of it already in use? Just a few days ago someone posted that they were in Room #906, which is a Phase 2 room. And the photo they posted of their view definitely looked like the view from the Phase 2 Building rather than the Ewa Building.

Have lots of fun at Aulani!!!

 

[nickspace]

Thanks!

 

[ChiSoxKeith]

Thanks for doing a trip report! Looking forward to seeing your photos when you get a chance to post them.

Question: I know the DVC Phase 1 building is called the Ewa Building. Have you heard what they are calling the Phase 2 building?

I know Phase 2 is not suppose to open until November 15, 2011. But is part of it already in use? Just a few days ago someone posted that they were in Room #906, which is a Phase 2 room. And the photo they posted of their view definitely looked like the view from the Phase 2 Building rather than the Ewa Building.

Have lots of fun at Aulani!!!

When you walk into Aulani, the EWA tower is to the left and the Waianae Tower is to the right (the spa is to the right as a part of the Waianae tower).

From what the CM's told me the other two buildings on the left will still be the "Ewa Tower". They won't have seperate names as the towers are all connected.

 

[LisaDKG]

I know it is always beautiful in Hawaii but hows the weather this time of the year? We want to go there in 2013 and being from Ohio prefer to travel either in the spring, fall or winter time. Just trying to figure out when the very very best weather would be....thanks ahead of time for your input!

The weather has been absolutely lovely - which above all means no rain I guess. We've had cloudless mornings and fluffy clouds in the afternoon and cloudy mornings that end up being days with sun and some clouds. The amazing thing is that the temperature of the air hasn't really changed a whole lot. You look outside and see that there doesn't seem to be a lot of sun so you assume that it must be chillier. Then you realize it is a trick of the air conditioning and the air is just as warm and caressing and delicious as before! I made everyone take sweaters last night to watch the Starlit Hui evening show and they remained around our waists the whole time. Did I mention I am going to move here??? I was here once in February for a week and it rained and was chilly all but the first and last days. Big let down. The temperature has been about 27 degrees celsius (which is what? 85 F? I'm not so good with F) I think this is a great time to come as the crowds don't seem too high and the weather has been sweet.

In the Ewa tower, when you come off the elevator there is small sitting room with the long hall of rooms to one side. If you look in the OTHER direction, you'll see a locked door. This is the path to the unopened rooms. The construction workers are in there working on outfitting the insides of the rooms.

Yes it is a bit surprising to see such a permananent looking wall and door and know in a couple of weeks it will be gone and another long hall will stretch out towards the ocean. I never thought to try the door though! I will today!

Thanks for doing a trip report! Looking forward to seeing your photos when you get a chance to post them.

Question: I know the DVC Phase 1 building is called the Ewa Building. Have you heard what they are calling the Phase 2 building?

I know Phase 2 is not suppose to open until November 15, 2011. But is part of it already in use? Just a few days ago someone posted that they were in Room #906, which is a Phase 2 room. And the photo they posted of their view definitely looked like the view from the Phase 2 Building rather than the Ewa Building.

Have lots of fun at Aulani!!!

So, we are in Ewa but just in the first part of the wing. It looks like it is only about 1/3 open? The other wing is called (I am almost certain) Wai'anae, which is named for the mountains to the west I think. Ewa is the name of the area to the east of the hotel. There are rooms open in both wings and if you judge by the patio furniture and bathitegng suits on the balconies, there are rooms open at the ocean front end of Wai'anae. I'm guessing they had to open certain areas in order to have certain categories available?

Thanks for reading everyone! I know I am pretty long winded and it is harder to read these things without lots of yummy pictures. I've never written a report here before but feel more compelled than ever to get my observations out there about this wonderful place!

 

[LisaDKG]

I just wanted to mention that although everyone else in our room reports that the beds here are comfy-o, including the extra big, custom made for Disney sofa bed which my sister is using, I personally am finding the beds to be way too soft. That has been my experience with a few newer hotels that I have stayed in recently though. Maybe it's a trend to make things feel more cushy and luxurious? I happen to equate a soft bed with an old bed with bad springs. Perhaps I am writing this, one of my few complaints, because I have been up since 4 am and am having trouble sleeping. The sheets being brand new are also not that soft but I think that will get better with a few thousand washes in the upcoming months?
No one else in the room agrees with me so maybe I just need more coffee. 100% Kona coffee that is...

 

[LisaDKG]

Our first dinner was at Makahiki Buffet. I booked it with lots of trepidation after reading some reviews here and after seeing the price. My parents are on a much stricter budget and $43 per adult seemed liked a lot to ask them to shell out. We didn't have the energy to go and get groceries however so everyone agreed that it would be great for our first meal there. We had some delicious pina coladas, margaritas and island beer to start, with some pull apart taro bread and then we hit the buffet. We actually really liked it and my parents were the biggest fans saying it was worth the price! I'm not sure I agree, as I think $35 would have been more reasonable but most of the dishes I tried were pretty tasty. There was oysters on the half shell, poke, shrimp and lots of sashimi. My mother, who has always claimed not to like sushi or really any Japanese food, wolfed down bite after bite of sashimi and is now a convert. There was pad thai, fried rice, curried lobster cous cous, really tender brisket, poi, lau lau, Korean short ribs, opa fish (my favorite) and a delicious braised lamb with cheesy polenta. It was definitely an Asian/Hawaiian influenced buffet reflecting all the different cultures found here. I think the menu is available online but these were some things that we recall of the top of our heads. Dessert were mini versions including tiny pineapple macarons and molten lava cakes and were all yummy but we were totally stuffed so couldn't enjoy them to their full potential.
All in all, it was better than I expected, still expensive though, but a nice intro for our Aulani visit.

 

[rparmfamily]

I am enjoying your report so far!