Go to AUL in Sept for first timers?

[sethschroeder]

Very straightforward question. Those of you who are in the know if this was a first visit and someone would not be back for more than a decade would you go now or no?

Its just my wife and myself with no kids coming along. I looked and can get room and flights to get there and assume I can get a car rental/uber/cab/shuttle to the hotel.

I know pretty much nothing about Hawaii, AUL, or anything else. We would go for 6-8 nights in mid-September.

Alternative would be sticking with our Disney Cruise or something else. We do have extra DVC points I have not banked yet so while there is a cost its not like I am renting a room from Disney.

(If it matters we are vaccinated and are fine with testing if needed.)

 

[dreamit]

While not an answer to your question, I want to advise that you do some searches related to car rental availability and pricing. These days, rental availability can be difficult and prices have skyrocketed. I know you only mentioned the need for transportation to Aulani, but I think you’re missing out on so much if you don’t get out and explore the island during your visit. We did so many activities during our early 2020 trip, but our favorite parts were when we just drove the island, especially Windward side and North Shore), stopping at beaches, scenic points, food trucks, etc. Regarding your actual question, unless by going now it’s preventing you from returning for ten years, I’d still do it—especially if you go with an easygoing attitude.

 

[cgattis]

You should prob read the post about the Governors press conference yesterday…

 

[jodybird511]

Having been in July, when things were more open than now, and having been twice previously (non-COVID times), I probably would not go right now. It's not a true representation of what Aulani is and has to offer. We had a wonderful trip, but we definitely felt that there were parts lacking from our previous trips. I probably would have been really disappointed if it was my only trip there. We own at Aulani, so we were able to be ok with knowing that things would be "normal" the next time around.

 

[nkereina]

Since you haven't booked yet, my answer would be no. As PP mentioned, the Governor yesterday is requesting essential travel only. Its not a mandate yet, but I would suspect that can change at any time depending on case numbers. Even if it remains a request, beaches, restaurants, stores, etc may still be closed. At Aulani itself, Ama Ama is still closed, the adult pool is gone, and car rentals are hard to come by in general currently. A car rental is a must in Hawaii, IMO. I do think that with it being your first trip you wouldn't know what you are missing, but I probably wouldn't like knowing I got a diminished experience on my first and maybe only trip there.

All these factors aside, I've said many times here that one should stay at Aulani wanting a Hawaiian vacation rather than an Aulani vacation. Aulani in and of itself does not warrant its own vacation IMO. There are better resorts and beaches much closer to home for a fraction of the cost. But if its Hawaii you are dying to see, Aulani makes for a great home base for a Disney fanatic for at least part of your trip. I would also recommend a split stay with another island if possible, but the restrictions on other islands in the state are even greater in the current environment. You mentioned you don't know anything about Hawaii, so I would suggest asking yourself what the appeal and goal of the trip is which will help decide if its worth it in current times.

Also keep in mind that you'll be feeling jetlagged and attempting to get used to the time change (6 hours from east coast) for at least a day or two upon arrival and when you return home. Because of that, many of us would try to do 10+ days if possible, though a week is certainly better than nothing.

We spent 16 days in Hawaii for our honeymoon and I booked and researched for a year prior. There's a lot to know about the various tourist sights, logistics, travel times, etc. There were a few things we had to book at least 60 days in advance to get what we wanted (Pearl Harbor, Kualoa Ranch) - not sure what current protocols are. IMO, it would be a big expense and almost a waste to not have some kind of itinerary with some things pre-booked, especially if you wouldn't be able to return for 10+ years. Aulani is in a small isolated tourist community, so you really need somewhat of a plan of what you want to see and do on Oahu to make the time worthwhile.

 

[DRussell83]

As another poster mentioned I would also check out “just watched governors press conference” there are quite a few of us that are looking to go in September and that thread has some good info on it.

 

[ColleenHeff]

Very straightforward question. Those of you who are in the know if this was a first visit and someone would not be back for more than a decade would you go now or no?

Its just my wife and myself with no kids coming along. I looked and can get room and flights to get there and assume I can get a car rental/uber/cab/shuttle to the hotel.

I know pretty much nothing about Hawaii, AUL, or anything else. We would go for 6-8 nights in mid-September.

Alternative would be sticking with our Disney Cruise or something else. We do have extra DVC points I have not banked yet so while there is a cost its not like I am renting a room from Disney.

(If it matters we are vaccinated and are fine with testing if needed.)

Can I just say that my husband and I just returned this Monday from 11 days on the islands and feel like we dodged a bullet with Aulani. It was booked when we were going (last minute trip). I called and called (Hubby calls me a Disney Nerd!) to see if we could book prior to leaving and no luck so we booked next door at the four seasons for 2 nights. When we arrived in O'ahu I happened to see that there was last minute reservations at Aulani for our last 2 nights on O'ahu and figured we would check it out before booking. Boy am I glad - it looked like a total mess over there - we had dinner there - which was nice (apparently we squeezed in prior to them banning non-guest reservations) but he pools though were spilling with guests with no adult only areas - and parents looked just fed up as i understand the 'day care' is closed. If it is just you and your wife I would stay away. Go to the north shore on O'ahu - it is beautiful and romantic and most likely cheaper too.

 

[kungaloosh22]

We're going to Aulani in less than 2 weeks, but if we didn't have a bunch of things that are hard to schedule and book, and things that are pricey to cancel, I'd probably be rescheduling. We also really don't want over 500 points in a holding account, especially given that we wouldn't want to use holding points in Florida right now if that turned out to be the only option. We'll make the best of this trip but there's no way I'd plan a new Sept trip right now.

 

[AquaDame]

Agree with the above - the Governor just asked people not to come, and things are not reopening the way I dared dream back in March. If we did not already have travel booked for late Sept/early October and/or we could cancel without penalty we likely would. (I know I would, I'd have to convince my husband who really wants this).