We just left Aulani, during our trip Dec 17 - Dec 30, the resort was 95-100% sold out. We never had an issue with too many people though. It was great. Maybe the days we went snorkeling off site the people stayed and the days we stayed at Aulani, they left? We were always up and down at the beach by 8am also, so never a problem getting 4 chairs next to each other. Water was really cold for the first 5 mins each day, but you quickly get used to it.