For those that bought Aulani already.... Question....

[CrazyDuck]

When you bought into Aulani, did your guide let you know that there is a landfill right across the highway? They are supposed to let you know as part of the "full disclosure". I'm just curios if they are following procedure with everyone throwing money at them....

 

[Steamboat Girlie]

 

[Crystal_27]

 

[GoofItUp]

Has this landfill always been there? We stayed at the Marriott Ko Olina about 4 years ago and I didn't notice a landfill. I guess it's either new or well-hidden.

 

[Nikisha421]

WHAT ?!?!?

 

[wdrl]

The highway entrance to the Waimanalo Gulch Landfill is about one mile from the JW Marriott Ihilani Ko Olina. The Marriott property is closer to the landfill than the Aulani property. It looks like the landfill itself is at least another half-mile or more further away from the highway. I used Google Maps to visually check the location of the landfill and, in my opinion, its somewhat of a mischaracterization to say the landfill is right across the highway from Aulani. Here is a link to the Google Map: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&sou...581,-158.12356&spn=0.019106,0.038581&t=h&z=15

When you look at the Google Map, Aulani is south of the landfill. Aulani is on the south side of the first of four man made lagoons that can be seen on the coast.

 

[DenLo]

The Waimanalo Gulch Landfill has been there for many years. If you google it you'll see that there has been discussion on whether to close it because it is starting to get too full. I couldn't find any indication that the landfill had violations or problems and Hawaii does studies and have a quarterly comment meeting for locals to report problems. Since people staying at the JW Marriott Ihilani Ko Olina Resort & Spa haven't noticed any odors or affects from the landfill, I would not think it would not be a problem.

I tried to find out what the disclosure requirements for Hawaii would be with a landfill but failed. CrazyDuck, since you think it's necessary to have disclosure could you give us a link to the requirements?

 

[snackyx]

I am also an owner at Marriott's Ko Olina, have stayed there numerous times, and have never noticed--or smelled-- anything that resembles a landfill. Trust me--Marriott and Disney would not sink millions into resorts if this was an issue.

 

[TagsMissy]

OK In looking at the map it definitely isn't right across the street...

 

[kerickson]

I'm sure you'll never smell it with all that Plumeria in the air!

 

[wbl2745]

Not really wanting to break bubbles, but that part of Oahu isn't the prettiest part of the island. It's on the leeward side, which means that it is comparatively dry. All of the lush landscaping you see is exactly that, landscaping. Get away from the hotels and it looks like this.

This seems to also have been the last part of the island to really develop as a tourist location. Just down the road is a port facility with these oil tanks. Check out Google Maps

We drove out there to see the Marriott resort a couple of years back. It was clearly the last big beach front property available on Oahu, or so it seemed. Staying on the property is going to be lovely. The sunsets will be great, just like on Waikiki. But you're going to either be at the resort and its beaches or driving a while to get to somewhere else on the island.

I've wondered about people buying there sight unseen.

 

[LouisianaDisneyFan]

It seems to me that a good way to get a feel for the area's ability to hold value is to check resale prices for those who own at the Marriott next door. Of course, having made that suggestion, I have no idea how to check for those resales! Anybody have any knowledge regarding this?

 

[WDWLVR]

When we were staying at Ko Olina back in 2007 and went on a snorkeling excursion the landfill was pointed out to us. It was north of where Disney is building and we never noticed it until it was pointed out on our last full day.

 

[rparmfamily]

Since the OP also lives on O'ahu, they know that area of the island is where all the new "hot" development is...Kapolei,etc. There is a new Home Depot, movie theaters, Target (only 2 on the island) and Costco, all brand new. I'm sure those companies wouldn't have invested if Ewa, Kapolei, Ko'olina were so horrible. Yes, it is the dry part of the island, like Arizona,etc. There are cactus LOL. All that dry weather makes for nearly everyday perfect beach weather, unlike the windward side, which is prone to daily showers but very lush and green.

We go out to Ko'olina nearly every weekend (tonight is garlic shrimp from the shrimp shacks on the North Shore, sorry LOL!) and the areas by old Barber's Pt,etc are not the best looking, quite industrial and the refineries are in that area, but Ko'olina itself is very nice and well contained. I think they have a huge water bill, it's lush and green there LOL. They just opened up a little market/mall area inside the grounds too. There is Roy's out there too.

I think anyone who buys will be very happy with it. I know I would!

 

[lilpooh108]

Since the OP also lives on O'ahu, they know that area of the island is where all the new "hot" development is...Kapolei,etc. There is a new Home Depot, movie theaters, Target (only 2 on the island) and Costco, all brand new. I'm sure those companies wouldn't have invested if Ewa, Kapolei, Ko'olina were so horrible. Yes, it is the dry part of the island, like Arizona,etc. There are cactus LOL. All that dry weather makes for nearly everyday perfect beach weather, unlike the windward side, which is prone to daily showers but very lush and green.

We go out to Ko'olina nearly every weekend (tonight is garlic shrimp from the shrimp shacks on the North Shore, sorry LOL!) and the areas by old Barber's Pt,etc are not the best looking, quite industrial and the refineries are in that area, but Ko'olina itself is very nice and well contained. I think they have a huge water bill, it's lush and green there LOL. They just opened up a little market/mall area inside the grounds too. There is Roy's out there too.

I think anyone who buys will be very happy with it. I know I would!

Sorry to hijack..but since we have a local on the boards I gotta ask--I'm gonna try Mackey's on Monday when we're in Haleiwa and not bother to drive all the way to Giovanni's....does it live up to the hype or should I drive all the way to Giovannis (in kahuku)...thanks!

 

[Nonsuch]

We drove out there to see the Marriott resort a couple of years back. It was clearly the last big beach front property available on Oahu, or so it seemed. Staying on the property is going to be lovely. The sunsets will be great, just like on Waikiki. But you're going to either be at the resort and its beaches or driving a while to get to somewhere else on the island.

I stayed at the Marriott a few years ago, and loved being on the quiet side of the island. The drive to other areas of the island is not too bad, particularly by "mainland" standards.

I've wondered about people buying there sight unseen.

Buyers need to know this is not like Waikiki. I love the uncrowded beach, but other activities (restaurants, shopping) are very limited.

 

[CrazyDuck]

OP here... I was not trying to stir the pot or rain on your parades... I was just wondering if the guides mentioned it? I only asked because our guide was asking us about the landfill since we live near Ko'olina. She was told they have to disclose it and asked us wether or not it was going to be a problem. We told her it is a non-issue and it hardly noticable.

 

[DizGirl20]

OP - when I first quickly read your posting I thought you were (perhaps tongue in cheek) implying there was mountain of cash piling up!!!