Here Now. Any Questions?

[ISurvivedBeingaMascot]

Have you noticed if the lifeguards at the pool are enforcing the chair saving rules? The way I understand it is that they will monitor chairs for an hour and if no one has been back and belongings have not been moved, they will remove them to free up the chair. I've heard enforcement of this is intermittent, which is concerning because I've also heard lounge chairs are hard to come by. What's your experience been like?

To be honest I haven't actually seen anyone removing items, or even folding towels (I'm not even sure how the towel area folded to indicate they're being timed.) However, while grabbing my towel this morning I was asked if I knew the towel policy. Though, to be honest I've been spending more time in the pool than in the chairs.

 

[nkereina]

To be honest I haven't actually seen anyone removing items, or even folding towels (I'm not even sure how the towel area folded to indicate they're being timed.) However, while grabbing my towel this morning I was asked if I knew the towel policy. Though, to be honest I've been spending more time in the pool than in the chairs.

Thanks for the reply. Have you noticed whether the casebella loungers (connected lounger with shade covering) have been full or were there some empty ones? I believe they are on the decks by Ama Ama and also on the beach. Trying to gauge how early I'll need to get to the beach to reserve one, or if they're usually available. Hope you're having a great time!

 

[ISurvivedBeingaMascot]

Thanks for the reply. Have you noticed whether the casebella loungers (connected lounger with shade covering) have been full or were there some empty ones? I believe they are on the decks by Ama Ama and also on the beach. Trying to gauge how early I'll need to get to the beach to reserve one, or if they're usually available. Hope you're having a great time!

I haven't kept on eye on them, but I'll check on Saturday. Tomorrow my party is going to go off property and drive around the island.

 

[TEK224]

Does anyone know how long the construction will last? I'm going in late August. Is that generally a crowded time? Trying to decide if I want to rent a cabana for a day, since I'll have a party of 6 adults.
Thanks for the replies!

 

[herc1997]

Is there an option for late check-out at Aulani? If so, is there a fee? Will have a later flight and looking to stay at Aulani till 2-3 pm.

There is no late check out but they do have the community room available for you. Pack a pool bag for your departing day. Check your suitcases for the day. After the pool and beach, you can take showers and change in the community room. It is complimentary. Upon check out, ask for a key for it.

 

[sleepymouse]

Does anyone know how long the construction will last? I'm going in late August. Is that generally a crowded time? Trying to decide if I want to rent a cabana for a day, since I'll have a party of 6 adults.
Thanks for the replies!

Four Seasons is taking reservations for the end of May. I would assume all construction will be done by then.

 

[Mamapapa]

Does anyone know how long the construction will last?

Per the website - reservations are accepted starting 5/27/16 so that looks like the targeted opening day. Glad we'll be heading back to NY on 5/20/16 and will be missing the extra crowds at the beach!!

 

[ngl]

Thanks for the offer to answer questions while you are there on vacation! Hope you are enjoying your time at Aulani!!!

-For those that received the 1pm check out, did you request such through DVC Member Service via phone or once at the hotel?
-For loungers, is there a "less popular" location that anyone would recommend where we could just get one to put our stuff down on?

Great post - thanks!

 

[automaticsoap]

I'm trying to figure out if the refillable mug is worth the price for me. I don't drink soda but drink lots of coffee and tea. Do you know how much a cup of coffee is? Are there any other non-soda drinks besides coffee and tea that can be used for the refillable mug?

Thanks!

 

[Gorechick]

I'm trying to figure out if the refillable mug is worth the price for me. I don't drink soda but drink lots of coffee and tea. Do you know how much a cup of coffee is? Are there any other non-soda drinks besides coffee and tea that can be used for the refillable mug?

Thanks!

There's Lemonade and Raspberry iced tea in addition to the soda at the refillable mug stations. A cup of 100% Kona at the coffee bar was $5. I thought the regular coffee they offered at the food court was decent.

 

[automaticsoap]

There's Lemonade and Raspberry iced tea in addition to the soda at the refillable mug stations. A cup of 100% Kona at the coffee bar was $5. I thought the regular coffee they offered at the food court was decent.

Thanks!

 

[ISurvivedBeingaMascot]

Thanks for the offer to answer questions while you are there on vacation! Hope you are enjoying your time at Aulani!!!

Great post - thanks!

For those that received the 1pm check out, did you request such through DVC Member Service via phone or once at the hotel?
-For loungers, is there a "less popular" location that anyone would recommend where we could just get one to put our stuff down on?
For the loungers you should try some of the more hidden locations (aka not quite visible) like next to the adult hot tub, the whirlpool, and the adult pool. I have found almost consistently at least one chair by the towel place next to the lazy river.

 

[alohamom]

I have found almost consistently at least one chair by the towel place next to the lazy river.

That makes sense, the towel staff are right there and can see who is and isnt using the chairs plus the constant stream of people walking by make this area a little less desirable but hey, a chair is a chair. Thanks for this tip...

 

[bobbiwoz]

Have you had any whale sightings? We plan to be there next February, one week in Maui, one week in Aulani. I really want to see whales in Hawaii!

 

[ISurvivedBeingaMascot]

Have you had any whale sightings? We plan to be there next February, one week in Maui, one week in Aulani. I really want to see whales in Hawaii!

No. I don't think they come this close to the hotel.

 

[bobbiwoz]

Thank you for replying. We will stay a week on Maui, as I heard you are more likely to see whales around Maui, and we will book an excursion to see them. I had asked and the resort did mention a few excursion companies. We loved Aulani and cannot wait to get back!
Enjoy the rest of your vacation!

 

[alohamom]

You can hike the Makapuu Lighthouse trail on Oahu and possibly see whales, it is a good place to spot them in the winter
http://www.gohawaii.com/en/oahu/regions-neighborhoods/windward-oahu/makapuu-lighthouse/

Maui does provide you with a better chance of spotting them. I remember one morning having breakfast at an outdoor place in Kaanapali and seeing a mom and baby humpback out in the ocean, it was incredible

 

[Gorechick]

DD and I saw a whale jump out of the water and spout water into the air while we sitting by the pool overlooking the lagoon. It was in the distance and we both went out to the point to see if we could get a better look but it was gone. DH and I also saw a sea turtle bobbing in the waves while out at the point.

 

[ToodlesRN]

We were at Aulani last April and and bought 2 refillable mugs, were returning next month and wondering if the mugs are still the same? One is blue patterned and the other is the Disney characters. Thanks!

 

[Gorechick]

We were at Aulani last April and and bought 2 refillable mugs, were returning next month and wondering if the mugs are still the same? One is blue patterned and the other is the Disney characters. Thanks!

The patterned ones are blue or reddish brown, the character ones have either a blue or green top.