General Aulani Trip Thoughts - First Timers - July 2024

[maxbuffmelvin]

It's a little ironic that some posters have commented on their dislike of the clientele there. We have a lot of beach time on the Gulf Coast and even at the "high-end" condos, it is night and day at Aulani compared to what we are used to closer to home. I had pointed out while we there to my wife how pleasant it is where portable speakers aren't blaring, people aren't wheeling around cases of beer around the pool deck (along with everyone in the lazy rivers drinking heavily), and there's not the loud packs of teens/twentysomethings that are just taking over everything. Those are the types of things we get closer to home and Aulani is such a pleaseant difference.

This 100%.

 

[maxbuffmelvin]

I have a couple more thoughts on our trip which ended just day before yesterday:

The beach:
I love the beach in front of the Aulani so much more than Waikiki's beach. At Waikiki, you're on top of everybody. DH & ODD went for a walk on the beach at Waikiki early one morning at the start of our trip and ODD said they had to dodge around a gazillion professional photographers doing private photo sessions w/tourists (the kind where everybody being photo'd wears the same outfits and all that). Whereas at Aulani, early in the morning, the beach was pretty quiet, just a few people. It was peaceful and really lovely. DH ate breakfast a couple of mornings in a row sitting in the 1st row of chairs there on the beach. He loved it.

I also liked how it seemed/felt pretty easy to get away from people or at least feel like people weren't all on top of you all the time. Did not like that feeling in Waikiki at all. Waikiki felt a lot like "RUSH! RUSH! RUSH! Hurry up!" and Aulani felt the total opposite of that.

This 100% also.

 

[Gary2T]

Since our stay slightly overlapped the OP's, I'll add my thoughts here.

First time visitors (me, DW, DD 15 and DS12). Spent 7 nights (7/5-7/12) in a 1br island/garden view villa. Own at SSR & OKW, so felt lucky to get the island/garden view.

Arrival: We're from PA, and decided to break up the travel by spending a night in Los Angeles going and returning. That allowed us to get a good nights sleep and still arrive at Aulani around 12:15pm. Pulled up to the front doors and handed our luggage off to bell services. We tipped of course, but not the $5/bag suggestion I later saw printed on the claim ticket. Then it was off to self-park and check-in. There was a pretty lengthy line at the front desk, but then I noticed a"DVC Member" sign at a different line with nobody in. That got me the next available cast member at the front desk. As expected, the room wasn't ready yet and they would text me when it was.

Waiting for the room: We went and got some pictures with 'Olu Mel, then hit up Ulu Cafe for some lunch. They could definitely use more seating for dining. After lunch was more pictures from around the lagoon. Just as we were about to go into the gift shop, got the room ready text. Only 2:40pm! Based off of my luck the past few years at WDW DVC properties, I was betting on getting a room significantly later than the 4pm check-in time.

The room: About 6 weeks before our arrival I put in a room request with member services: Ewa building, long wing, high floor. From others on the boards here, this seemed to be a popular way to get a view of the luau, and a view of the ocean... all from an island/garden view room. We were assigned room 1671. Top floor, first room in the long wing. Beautiful view of the ocean to our right, and the luau right below us. Close to the elevators too. Couldn't ask for a better location based on my request.

Resort Days
Saturday, Monday and Thursday were basically resort days for us. The chair game is ridiculous. Luckily, DW never fully adjusted to the 6 hour time difference and was awake by 5am most days. We made base at the Ka Maka Grotto pool. Saturday she scored us some 2nd row chairs on the cabana side about 8:15am. Monday some 1st row chairs on the cabana side around 7:40am. For our last resort day, she really wanted the front row (next to the infinity edge) looking out over the lagoon. She got there about 5:15am to get those. The row filled out with the next 2 groups arriving around 5:30am and 5:45am. We spent most of our time cycling between lounging and hugging the infinity edge with the occasional lap around the lazy river, or cooling off in the lagoon.

Trips
Sunday morning we went to Pearl Harbor. Visited the Arizona memorial, toured the Missouri and some museums. Then hit up the Aloha Stadium swap meet for some souvenirs and a food-truck lunch.
Tuesday was a trip to the Dole Plantation (DD love Dole Whip and all things pineapple), a walk through Waimea Valley to the waterfall, and some exploring on the North Shore and Haleiwa.
Wednesday we went to Kualoa Ranch and did the side by side tour, which was outstanding. Even the drive to the east side of the island on the H3 was a sight to see.

Food
Since we had a 1bd villa, we did a light breakfast and usually one other meal in the room. This required a grocery trip that we did on the evening of arrival day. Had a chat with a cast member on our way out, and mentioned that we were heading to the Costco in Kapolei. They said "good luck". I should have heeded that omen. Costco was crazy busy. There were dozens of cars just cruising the parking lot trying to get a spot. After about 10-15 minutes of parking lot torture, we parked behind the store. The inside wasn't much better. Ended up leaving and heading down the road to a Walmart.
We're not much for seafood, so no shrimp trucks or poke. We did go to MonkeyPod. DW was a bit irritated about the $9 lemonade that DS had along with a $9 refill. We also stopped at Seven Brothers Burgers in Haleiwa, which was good. Had some food from Ulu Cafe, and the pool-side service. Everything else was from random food trucks along our journeys.

Overall
Really enjoyed what we did on the island. Loved the resort during the day. Other than the DVD member celebration one night, there really wasn't much to do in the evening. I do wish there was more to do at night. We've been cruising a lot these past few years, and we really enjoy all the night time entertainment and activities on the ships. Likewise, our WDW and DL trips are usually spent in the parks until close.
We'll definitely be back again at some point. Probably not for 7 nights though. I'd like to see some things on the other islands, then maybe spend 3-4 nights relaxing at Aulani.

 

[VGCgroupie]

The room: About 6 weeks before our arrival I put in a room request with member services: Ewa building, long wing, high floor. From others on the boards here, this seemed to be a popular way to get a view of the luau, and a view of the ocean... all from an island/garden view room. We were assigned room 1671. Top floor, first room in the long wing. Beautiful view of the ocean to our right, and the luau right below us. Close to the elevators too. Couldn't ask for a better location based on my request.

Really enjoyed what we did on the island. Loved the resort during the day. Other than the DVD member celebration one night, there really wasn't much to do in the evening. I do wish there was more to do at night. We've been cruising a lot these past few years, and we really enjoy all the night time entertainment and activities on the ships. Likewise, our WDW and DL trips are usually spent in the parks until close.

Sounds like a great trip! Do you have a photo of your view? I recently switched my ocean view 1 bed to an island garden view and saved a decent amount of points. I requested a different based on another review but Im curious if the higher floor is actually better.

We are also night owls and always close down the parks when we visit. I was hoping there was enough things to do in the evening to keep us busy. Did you do the fire pit storytelling?

Edit I was able to find some photos and that is a great view!

 

[Ariel620]

For our last resort day, she really wanted the front row (next to the infinity edge) looking out over the lagoon. She got there about 5:15am to get those. The row filled out with the next 2 groups arriving around 5:30am and 5:45am.

Thanks for all the tips, we arrive Friday for our first trip! For the pool chairs, did they let her put stuff on the chairs that early (5:30am?), did she have to stay in them the whole time to hold them for the rest of you? I am also from PA, and I know I will be up that early, so waking up early is not an issue, I am wondering if I will be able to enter the pool area that early or if they lock it until a certain time of day. Any tips about getting the chairs (there are 4 of us, but I will be fine with 2 chairs).

 

[gatechfan99]

Thanks for all the tips, we arrive Friday for our first trip! For the pool chairs, did they let her put stuff on the chairs that early (5:30am?), did she have to stay in them the whole time to hold them for the rest of you? I am also from PA, and I know I will be up that early, so waking up early is not an issue, I am wondering if I will be able to enter the pool area that early or if they lock it until a certain time of day. Any tips about getting the chairs (there are 4 of us, but I will be fine with 2 chairs).

I will answer from my experience last week. You do have to stay in a chair until 8:00 to reserve it. I would put a book, hat, cup, etc. in the chairs on each side of me when I waited to "claim" those until the rest of my family came down. It's actually one of my favorite times of the day there at Aulani. Pretty quiet and a good time to just read and slowly eat breakfast. The Wifi is good all over the pool area, so I would bring my iPad and catch up on email, news, websites, etc. There's no lock on the pool area. It's just wide open pathways with all the chairs in all the areas. They do come around 7:30 or so and pull up the chair umbrellas for the day but many chairs are already occupied by then.

 

[Gary2T]

Sounds like a great trip! Do you have a photo of your view? I recently switched my ocean view 1 bed to an island garden view and saved a decent amount of points. I requested a different based on another review but Im curious if the higher floor is actually better.

We are also night owls and always close down the parks when we visit. I was hoping there was enough things to do in the evening to keep us busy. Did you do the fire pit storytelling?

Edit I was able to find some photos and that is a great view!

Photos are below. I'd guess higher is better for seeing the ocean, and lower (but above trees) is better for seeing the luau.

We did not do the fire pit storytelling, or the stargazing another poster mentioned.

 

[Gary2T]

Thanks for all the tips, we arrive Friday for our first trip! For the pool chairs, did they let her put stuff on the chairs that early (5:30am?), did she have to stay in them the whole time to hold them for the rest of you? I am also from PA, and I know I will be up that early, so waking up early is not an issue, I am wondering if I will be able to enter the pool area that early or if they lock it until a certain time of day. Any tips about getting the chairs (there are 4 of us, but I will be fine with 2 chairs).

She had to stay with the chairs. They have signs posted everywhere about needing to stay at the chairs until a certain time (8am maybe). The CMs working around the pool area reminded her of that policy. Only tip is that if you want some chairs together get there early, and if you want chairs in a prime spot get there really early! After the first morning, instead of having coffee and reading in the room or on the balcony, DW would do so at some pool chairs.

The pool area isn't roped off or behind any fences. While the pools themselves have open/closed hours, the area is seemingly always open.

 

[VGCgroupie]

Photos are below. I'd guess higher is better for seeing the ocean, and lower (but above trees) is better for seeing the luau.

We did not do the fire pit storytelling, or the stargazing another poster mentioned.

View attachment 879862
View attachment 879864

Thank you for the photos. I added this room request to my reservation.

 

[Ariel620]

I will answer from my experience last week. You do have to stay in a chair until 8:00 to reserve it. I would put a book, hat, cup, etc. in the chairs on each side of me when I waited to "claim" those until the rest of my family came down. It's actually one of my favorite times of the day there at Aulani. Pretty quiet and a good time to just read and slowly eat breakfast. The Wifi is good all over the pool area, so I would bring my iPad and catch up on email, news, websites, etc. There's no lock on the pool area. It's just wide open pathways with all the chairs in all the areas. They do come around 7:30 or so and pull up the chair umbrellas for the day but many chairs are already occupied by then.

She had to stay with the chairs. They have signs posted everywhere about needing to stay at the chairs until a certain time (8am maybe). The CMs working around the pool area reminded her of that policy. Only tip is that if you want some chairs together get there early, and if you want chairs in a prime spot get there really early! After the first morning, instead of having coffee and reading in the room or on the balcony, DW would do so at some pool chairs.

The pool area isn't roped off or behind any fences. While the pools themselves have open/closed hours, the area is seemingly always open.

Thanks both! I will do this, but I will want re-fills on coffee. I plan to buy the refillable mug, so maybe I will get some chairs near a coffee refill station so I can get some refills without someone scooping my belongings from the chair (6-8am). I'm sure I will be down there by 6am since I'm coming from the east coast... and coffee with a book and beautiful view sounds like a great start to the day while the family sleeps in.

 

[gsdweller]

We never actually go during peak season, so have never really run in to many of these issues.

If you are planning on doing serious high end dining while there, you should rent a car and head into town. Options are pretty limited and usually barely worth what you have to pay. We prepare about half of our meals ourselves, and eat while out on adventures, so that is rarely an issue.

Staying on your normal time clock is the way to go. Get up early - go get a chair if you need, but that has never been an issue because we are typically there in the fall after school has started - Go to be early as well. Don't really desire or miss night life.

We love it at Aulani, but almost never stay for more than 4 nights. Much longer and things might get a tad boring.

 

[ShablamE]

Just returned from a trip last week and the chair situation was fairly bad mid day to late afternoon. Coming from the East Coast I was up early enough for it to not be a problem. Most days I would have a coffee from the balcony and watch for a bit, people would start showing up at absurd hours (5am or earlier) for what I guess they consider to be prime locations. I would venture down around 6:30-6:45 and get chairs at the very end of the second row near Mamas Snack shop. To us this was the prime location as it had a lot of shade provided by the trees next to them for a good part of the day, easy access to the bathroom and a drink station at the Lava shop. Along with being fairly central to the pools/slides/hot tubs.

The signs will tell you that you need to remain in your chairs until 8am, CMs don't start checking chairs until around 7am. Most of the early morning people were very friendly and if you say you're running for a coffee/drink/bathroom they will relay that to the CM for you giving you a few minutes to complete said activity. Honestly watching the CM's pick up somethings from the chairs I believe they would rather not have to deal with it because they have to make a record of every item that was found then place the items and that list into a bag and take that to one of the towel stations. Definitely seems like a headache they would rather not have to deal with along with the attitude they indefinitely get when the person asks about their relocated things.

 

[bbn1122]

We never actually go during peak season, so have never really run in to many of these issues.

If you are planning on doing serious high end dining while there, you should rent a car and head into town. Options are pretty limited and usually barely worth what you have to pay. We prepare about half of our meals ourselves, and eat while out on adventures, so that is rarely an issue.

Staying on your normal time clock is the way to go. Get up early - go get a chair if you need, but that has never been an issue because we are typically there in the fall after school has started - Go to be early as well. Don't really desire or miss night life.

We love it at Aulani, but almost never stay for more than 4 nights. Much longer and things might get a tad boring.

My family will be there for the first time beginning on September 7th - 14th. So, from your experience it should be quieter and the pool chair situation should not be too much of an issue?

We are DVC members so we are staying at Aulani the whole time but have many days planned exploring the island. We are using Aulani as our home base. We are planning maybe 2-3 Aulani days. We figured morning or late afternoon evening is also time to enjoy resort, after a day away from resort.

We were thinking of renting the Casabella's (I think that correct) for maybe one day.

We are renting a car and are planning to eat away from the resort most days. AMA AMA menu looks okay to us and the other sit down restaurant with the pre-fixe price did not looking that interesting.

Any restaurants suggestions. We want to try Joe's in Haleiwa Joe's in Kaneohe, Monkey Pods and Food trucks.

We will be staying in Waikiki before and after Aulani, so we figure we will visit some restaurants there.

Thank in advance for any advise or recommendations.

Aloha

 

[gsdweller]

My family will be there for the first time beginning on September 7th - 14th. So, from your experience it should be quieter and the pool chair situation should not be too much of an issue?

We are DVC members so we are staying at Aulani the whole time but have many days planned exploring the island. We are using Aulani as our home base. We are planning maybe 2-3 Aulani days. We figured morning or late afternoon evening is also time to enjoy resort, after a day away from resort.

We were thinking of renting the Casabella's (I think that correct) for maybe one day.

We are renting a car and are planning to eat away from the resort most days. AMA AMA menu looks okay to us and the other sit down restaurant with the pre-fixe price did not looking that interesting.

Any restaurants suggestions. We want to try Joe's in Haleiwa Joe's in Kaneohe, Monkey Pods and Food trucks.

We will be staying in Waikiki before and after Aulani, so we figure we will visit some restaurants there.

Thank in advance for any advise or recommendations.

Aloha

We spend a fair amount of time out exploring the Island, so frequently eat while out on the road. That way you can go someplace nicer, or just hit the food trucks. We always search for good local places out of the tourist zone. Google is actually getting pretty good at providing decent options.

Have never rented a Casabella, I have no good input there.
It seems to me that the big rush to get chairs is from people that want chairs in the first row by the pools so they can keep an eye on their kids while they are swimming. We are past that stage, so we never have a problem finding what we want - again, this is in the fall.

We also spend a fair amount of time at the beach, and there is always space available there.

I would pass on Monkey Pods. The food is OK, but never worth the price. Everyone I have met in person that loves it tends to be a big drinker.

Definitely walk down to secret beach and see if you can spot some turtles or a seal or two. If you are an experienced snorkeler, go down to electric beach. Head to the North Shore as well. We have taken surfing lessons up there before. Very fun.

 

[Van@Disney]

My family will be there for the first time beginning on September 7th - 14th. So, from your experience it should be quieter and the pool chair situation should not be too much of an issue?

We are DVC members so we are staying at Aulani the whole time but have many days planned exploring the island. We are using Aulani as our home base. We are planning maybe 2-3 Aulani days. We figured morning or late afternoon evening is also time to enjoy resort, after a day away from resort.

We were thinking of renting the Casabella's (I think that correct) for maybe one day.

We are renting a car and are planning to eat away from the resort most days. AMA AMA menu looks okay to us and the other sit down restaurant with the pre-fixe price did not looking that interesting.

Any restaurants suggestions. We want to try Joe's in Haleiwa Joe's in Kaneohe, Monkey Pods and Food trucks.

We will be staying in Waikiki before and after Aulani, so we figure we will visit some restaurants there.

Thank in advance for any advise or recommendations.

Aloha

We were there last week, there are casabellas by the adult pool (as of August) that you book morning of for $50. this of course could change once it’s back to an adult pool. But worth calling and asking about as they are way cheaper then booking a cassabella.

 

[bbn1122]

We spend a fair amount of time out exploring the Island, so frequently eat while out on the road. That way you can go someplace nicer, or just hit the food trucks. We always search for good local places out of the tourist zone. Google is actually getting pretty good at providing decent options.

Have never rented a Casabella, I have no good input there.
It seems to me that the big rush to get chairs is from people that want chairs in the first row by the pools so they can keep an eye on their kids while they are swimming. We are past that stage, so we never have a problem finding what we want - again, this is in the fall.

We also spend a fair amount of time at the beach, and there is always space available there.

I would pass on Monkey Pods. The food is OK, but never worth the price. Everyone I have met in person that loves it tends to be a big drinker.

Definitely walk down to secret beach and see if you can spot some turtles or a seal or two. If you are an experienced snorkeler, go down to electric beach. Head to the North Shore as well. We have taken surfing lessons up there before. Very fun.

Thanks for the info.

I heard about secret and electric beaches...

Definitely, heading to North Shore...food trucks, beaches etc.

 

[Skywalker3]

Reading through all of these reports, threads for inspiration. Completely out of the blue, DH booked a week at Aulani for spring break, March 2025. This is SO beyond our comfort zone, we are both completely lost on how to plan. We've made SO many trips to Orlando, since 2000, for Disney and Universal, DVC since 2011, and almost every other trip we've done still involves a theme park. (Dollywood, Busch Gardens Williamsburg, etc, but we did have a few Gulf Coast beach trips/Florida panhandle. ) Aulani and Hawaii are just so, so, so beyond anything we know about planning.
I love reading all of the tips, experiences, reflections, recommendation. I have so many questions, I"m not sure where to start: from rental car, to how long it'll take to get around the island, flying/airline recommendation (we have never flown as a family, just separately and infrequently,) Pearl Harbor planning, and overall what are the absolute must-dos to experience the beauty of Hawaii, parks, waterfalls, etc. We would be looking for something not too strenuous. We only have 4 full days (5 nights at Aulani.) and of course where to eat. I know that's completely subjective.
Reading all the pool chair stuff cracks me up. We're very used to rope dropping parks, being at the tapstiles over an hour before opening, but I guess we'll be rope dropping the pool, haha. We've never rented chairs, but sounds like those casabellas might be a good idea.
We'll be in a 2 bedroom. Me, DH, 2 young adults (20 and 17), and MIL. No need for character breakfasts, etc. but considering a luau, so recommendations for that appreciated.
Don't want to hijack this thread, so if this needs to be moved, if there's some other thread for newbie questions, please do, or I can start my own. We are clueless!

 

[eandt]

Reading through all of these reports, threads for inspiration. Completely out of the blue, DH booked a week at Aulani for spring break, March 2025. This is SO beyond our comfort zone, we are both completely lost on how to plan. We've made SO many trips to Orlando, since 2000, for Disney and Universal, DVC since 2011, and almost every other trip we've done still involves a theme park. (Dollywood, Busch Gardens Williamsburg, etc, but we did have a few Gulf Coast beach trips/Florida panhandle. ) Aulani and Hawaii are just so, so, so beyond anything we know about planning.
I love reading all of the tips, experiences, reflections, recommendation. I have so many questions, I"m not sure where to start: from rental car, to how long it'll take to get around the island, flying/airline recommendation (we have never flown as a family, just separately and infrequently,) Pearl Harbor planning, and overall what are the absolute must-dos to experience the beauty of Hawaii, parks, waterfalls, etc. We would be looking for something not too strenuous. We only have 4 full days (5 nights at Aulani.) and of course where to eat. I know that's completely subjective.
Reading all the pool chair stuff cracks me up. We're very used to rope dropping parks, being at the tapstiles over an hour before opening, but I guess we'll be rope dropping the pool, haha. We've never rented chairs, but sounds like those casabellas might be a good idea.
We'll be in a 2 bedroom. Me, DH, 2 young adults (20 and 17), and MIL. No need for character breakfasts, etc. but considering a luau, so recommendations for that appreciated.
Don't want to hijack this thread, so if this needs to be moved, if there's some other thread for newbie questions, please do, or I can start my own. We are clueless!

Sending our son and his gf in mid October so also interested in any tips/suggestions from those that have traveled there during that season. We have never been to Aulani so clueless as well. They at the moment will be one night in an island studio then 3 nights in a 1 BR poolside, suggested room requests are appreciated as well. They will not be cooking any meals but booked just days ago and studio wasn’t available for their whole stay … the chair nightmare has me concerned for them as they are looking to relax and not fight Disney crowds or need to do much planning for this trip … they probably will not rent a car. so interested in where the excursions start and end … look forward to hearing the good and the bad of what they might expect …

 

[VGCgroupie]

Reading through all of these reports, threads for inspiration. Completely out of the blue, DH booked a week at Aulani for spring break, March 2025. This is SO beyond our comfort zone, we are both completely lost on how to plan. We've made SO many trips to Orlando, since 2000, for Disney and Universal, DVC since 2011, and almost every other trip we've done still involves a theme park. (Dollywood, Busch Gardens Williamsburg, etc, but we did have a few Gulf Coast beach trips/Florida panhandle. ) Aulani and Hawaii are just so, so, so beyond anything we know about planning.
I love reading all of the tips, experiences, reflections, recommendation. I have so many questions, I"m not sure where to start: from rental car, to how long it'll take to get around the island, flying/airline recommendation (we have never flown as a family, just separately and infrequently,) Pearl Harbor planning, and overall what are the absolute must-dos to experience the beauty of Hawaii, parks, waterfalls, etc. We would be looking for something not too strenuous. We only have 4 full days (5 nights at Aulani.) and of course where to eat. I know that's completely subjective.
Reading all the pool chair stuff cracks me up. We're very used to rope dropping parks, being at the tapstiles over an hour before opening, but I guess we'll be rope dropping the pool, haha. We've never rented chairs, but sounds like those casabellas might be a good idea.
We'll be in a 2 bedroom. Me, DH, 2 young adults (20 and 17), and MIL. No need for character breakfasts, etc. but considering a luau, so recommendations for that appreciated.
Don't want to hijack this thread, so if this needs to be moved, if there's some other thread for newbie questions, please do, or I can start my own. We are clueless!

While I love the disboards, I found for Aulani planning the Aulani Facebook groups had much more information than I found here. We like you have zero experience with HAWAII. I leave for Aulani tomorrow and I feel like I have a solid plan. What I found to be the most helpful was reading people’s trip reports and taking notes then I went through all the notes and narrowed down what we wanted to do. Then searched the groups on FB for more specific info on those topics.

 

[Skywalker3]

While I love the disboards, I found for Aulani planning the Aulani Facebook groups had much more information than I found here. We like you have zero experience with HAWAII. I leave for Aulani tomorrow and I feel like I have a solid plan. What I found to be the most helpful was reading people’s trip reports and taking notes then I went through all the notes and narrowed down what we wanted to do. Then searched the groups on FB for more specific info on those topics.

Looking forward to reading your TR, or whatever you can share,
Joined a couple FB groups, so will see what all they have to say and offer. Thanks!! Have a great trip!