Hawaii

[mpusateri]

I just made a reservation for a 1 bedroom ocean view in Hawaii. Is the ocean view really a true ocean view or do I need to bend my head around to see the ocean and is it worth it over the cost of the standard room. Also, any advice on the resort that I should be aware of would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[wdrl]

The Aulani Villas and Views thread (click here) has lots of photos of views from dozens of villas. Since the quality of views can be so subjective, I suggest you look at the thread to get a feel for the views from the different view categories at Aulani.

This might be an exaggeration, but there are dozens of threads talking about Aulani and Hawaii. A good source are the Aulani trip reports that can be found on the DVC Trip Reports board. There always seems to be a couple of Aulani TRs very near the top of the board.

Gonzalj1 has a thread (click here) that has some Q&As about his recent stay at Aulani. You'll pick up several tidbits about Aulani as you go through that thread. There are others about places to eat (click here) and the new construction, which is suppose to be finished in October (click here).

The official Aulani website also is a good source of information.

We spent a week at Aulani last September and loved it. We just added on some points so that we can return every other year. Hopefully, you'll enjoy your stay, too.

 

[chrisaman]

I recommend TripAdvisor.com as well, they tend to have a lot of good pics from people's stays at many resorts.

 

[wiigirl]

I recommend TripAdvisor.com as well, they tend to have a lot of good pics from people's stays at many resorts.

 

[jekjones1558]

"Ocean view" at most resorts is different from "oceanfront." The "ocean view" GVs at Aulani are ocean front because they have a head-on view of the ocean. Most of the other ocean view rooms at Aulani require you to look to the right or left slightly to see the ocean. There are some close to the lobby where you look straight out but they are farthest away from the ocean. Whether or not ocean view is worth the extra points is very subjective, as wdrl stated. A nice view is important to me, especially when I am in Hawaii. Even at WDW I book BW view rather than the cheaper standard view at BWV. To others the view may not matter much at all.

 

[chrisaman]

In my many trips to Hawaii, I have learned to not be worried about ocean view rooms. Yes, I will admit, it is nice to walk out on the balcony and see the ocean. But the added cost isn't worth it to me when I can just walk 3 min and be on the beach. Truly, not having an ocean view gets you out of your room more which I think is a plus in Hawaii.