How long at Aulani?

[amym2]

For those who have stayed at Aulani, how many nights do you think would be ideal to stay there? We've been to Oahu (actually stayed at the JW Marriott and saw Aulani in progress) but want to take the kids in 2013. We'll want to do Pearl Harbor, the Polynesian Cultural Center, and snorkel at Hanauma Bay (didn't get to this last time). And of course we'll want time to enjoy Aulani. Do you think 4 nights would be enough time? Or 5? We'd like to hit another island on the trip as well.

 

[rparmfamily]

PCC is a full day.
Pearl Harbor is a full morning
Haunama is a full morning

Sunsets about 6pm (little later) on that side, great views from Aulani. It's chilly in the afternoons to me, a little too breezy for me to swim in the pool. That's me though, I live here and think it gets chilly at night LOL.

4 nights is enough I think, depends on how much you want to be at Aulani. My kids LOVE Aulani's pools/slides and Auntie's Beach house too.

 

[amym2]

Thanks for the input. The kids will be 12 and almost 10 by the time we go, so I think they'll be too old for Aunty's beach house (or at least they'll think they are). They've never been ones to participate in kids' clubs anyway (we got them to go on the cruise one time), so that's no big deal. I'm sure they'll love the pools and lagoon.

 

[vacationclub]

For those who have stayed at Aulani, how many nights do you think would be ideal to stay there? We've been to Oahu (actually stayed at the JW Marriott and saw Aulani in progress) but want to take the kids in 2013. We'll want to do Pearl Harbor, the Polynesian Cultural Center, and snorkel at Hanauma Bay (didn't get to this last time). And of course we'll want time to enjoy Aulani. Do you think 4 nights would be enough time? Or 5? We'd like to hit another island on the trip as well.

We were there 7 full days. Did Pearl harbor on first morning, then returned to just hang out. 2nd morning we went to Diamond Head, then drove up around the eastern coast a bit, then back to Aulani. 3rd Day we went to Kualoa ranch...all day affair. Fourth day explored the north shore area, then back. 5th and 6th days were Aulani only, with some trips to town for dinner. Last day was check out, mostly Aulani then to airport. We feel we had just enough time so your schedule seems tight to me, especially if there is jet lag involved, which we definitely had coming from the Eastern Time Zone.

 

[dianeschlicht]

It depends on where you live, but for me (Minnesota), we wouldn't do a trip to Hawaii of less than 2 weeks. As for Aulani itself...I would want to plan a week for doing the other "must do" things on the island as well as some specific resort time.

 

[DisWitt]

I'm with the other posters. We just did a week at Aulani and I barely feel that was enough time to do the big Oahu things AND have some relaxing time at the resort. You really need a week.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

We are planning an Aulani trip in May of 2013. We have never been to Hawaii. We are only planning on visiting Oahu and the island of Molokai to take the Fr. Damien Tour. We want to do Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor, Lost Tour. How much time should we plan for all of this? If we need more than a week, I will have to book a studio. If only a week I can book a one bedroom. What would you do?

 

[amym2]

It depends on where you live, but for me (Minnesota), we wouldn't do a trip to Hawaii of less than 2 weeks. As for Aulani itself...I would want to plan a week for doing the other "must do" things on the island as well as some specific resort time.

Well that would be awesome, but only if you want to fund my trip! And talk to DH's boss about getting more time off. A week is probably our max.

 

[amym2]

We were there 7 full days. Did Pearl harbor on first morning, then returned to just hang out. 2nd morning we went to Diamond Head, then drove up around the eastern coast a bit, then back to Aulani. 3rd Day we went to Kualoa ranch...all day affair. Fourth day explored the north shore area, then back. 5th and 6th days were Aulani only, with some trips to town for dinner. Last day was check out, mostly Aulani then to airport. We feel we had just enough time so your schedule seems tight to me, especially if there is jet lag involved, which we definitely had coming from the Eastern Time Zone.

True, hadn't figured in the jet lag and we're in the Eastern Time Zone, too. We were fine on our trip, but the kids may need more time to adjust.

We definitely want to do Pearl Harbor and the north shore area (and the PCC). DH and I did Diamond Head and loved it, but no way we are taking the kids on that trek. What is Kualoa ranch?

DH really wants to take the kids to the Big Island. We did the stargazing on Mauna Kea and he thinks the kids would love it (I think they'd complain about the cold). And he really wants to tour a coffee farm again. Maybe we could squeeze those in on a day trip?? Not sure there's a flight late enough, though.

I'm thinking more about visiting a new island, maybe Maui. But maybe a week at Aulani would be better instead. Decisions!

 

[amym2]

What else is there to do at Aulani besides the beach and pools? Are there activities for the whole family? If the kids don't want to do Aunty's, are there things they can do with us? Guess I'm just wondering if we really need a full day there or if a few half days will be enough.

 

[ciao_gina]

Honestly if we weren't DVC members I would go to Aulani for a few days and then hop over to Maui for a few days. Other than Pearl Harbor and Diamond Head I don't think Oahu is a whole lotta anything but touristy restaurants, shopping etc compared to other islands. Maui has beautiful waterfalls, great snorkeling, great beaches, etc-much more of a wow factor.

I think a week is plenty though.

 

[buckbart]

We are planning a Hawaiian 12 day vacation in Feb/March. Our plan was to spend 8 of the 12 at Oahu and were going to hop over to Maui for 4 days. As a family of 4 with 2 children (5 & 8) are you suggesting that Maui has more to offer us? We want to play in the ocean, lay on the beach, snorkel, have a dolphin encounter, definetely see the water falls (maybe even swim if that's allowed), flea markets, take in the cultural activities. This is our first trip and most likely the only one there with our children - it is our trip of a lifetime.

We had planned on getting a "Go Oahu Card" and doing Diamond Head, Dolphin encounter, Polynesian Cultural Center, Dole Plantation, Catamaran and snorkel in Hanauma Bay, Kualoa Ranch's Jungle tour and Germaine's Luau. We also were going to take a Blue Hawaiian helicopter ride over the sights as well. Although Aulani is on the other side of the island from most of these, we were planning on staying there - and could only do so if we're renting points.

Now I'm questioning whether we should instead do more days over in Maui and do some of these activities there instead - especially the helicopter tour if its scenery is more beautiful.

What are must do's in Maui besides the Hanna Road tour? What resorts are family oriented?

 

[Rob S.]

We are planning an Aulani trip in May of 2013. We have never been to Hawaii. We are only planning on visiting Oahu and the island of Molokai to take the Fr. Damien Tour. We want to do Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor, Lost Tour. How much time should we plan for all of this? If we need more than a week, I will have to book a studio. If only a week I can book a one bedroom. What would you do?

I've done that tour on Molokai. Riding the mules down the cliff was amazing. Molokai is our favorite island.

 

[mamaprincess]

What else is there to do at Aulani besides the beach and pools? Are there activities for the whole family? If the kids don't want to do Aunty's, are there things they can do with us? Guess I'm just wondering if we really need a full day there or if a few half days will be enough.

Trust me the kids will want to do Aunty's Beach House and they won't want to come out. It is amazing! There also is community hall, character meets and interaction, native crafts, resort tours, story telling, Starlight Hui must not be missed and that is just some of the free stuff. There are lots of daily and nightly activities that are listed in you Daily Ewa. I felt like we couldn't get it all in even though we did a lot during our 6 day 5 night stay. The beach and pools wil take up a lot of your time because they are so wonderful and there are fun activities that you can do in both locations.

To the OP, I'd do a week. Aulani is so gorgeous and it is a destination in and of itself. You will lose your first day because of jetlag plus it takes time to adjust after that.

 

[ciao_gina]

We are planning a Hawaiian 12 day vacation in Feb/March. Our plan was to spend 8 of the 12 at Oahu and were going to hop over to Maui for 4 days. As a family of 4 with 2 children (5 & 8) are you suggesting that Maui has more to offer us? We want to play in the ocean, lay on the beach, snorkel, have a dolphin encounter, definetely see the water falls (maybe even swim if that's allowed), flea markets, take in the cultural activities. This is our first trip and most likely the only one there with our children - it is our trip of a lifetime.

We had planned on getting a "Go Oahu Card" and doing Diamond Head, Dolphin encounter, Polynesian Cultural Center, Dole Plantation, Catamaran and snorkel in Hanauma Bay, Kualoa Ranch's Jungle tour and Germaine's Luau. We also were going to take a Blue Hawaiian helicopter ride over the sights as well. Although Aulani is on the other side of the island from most of these, we were planning on staying there - and could only do so if we're renting points.

Now I'm questioning whether we should instead do more days over in Maui and do some of these activities there instead - especially the helicopter tour if its scenery is more beautiful.

What are must do's in Maui besides the Hanna Road tour? What resorts are family oriented?

.............................................
I think your itinerary is perfect. Some posters here have said that the kids like to stay close to the parents and aren't so much into the organized play so the decision of playing at Aunty's Beach House being a deciding factor of your length of stay is up to you.

Maui is beautiful-better waterfalls, scenery, less touristy, etc. You can find a luau in Maui to. I don't think the actual activities in the ocean like whale watching will matter but the beaches are much nicer in Maui and yes, a helicopter tour in Maui would be much nicer in my opinion. Hanauma Bay isn't as great as it was many years ago, it seems as if the fish population is depleting. There is a great snorkeling spot near the Sheraton on Maui. I just think the island has a better feel.

Here is where we stayed. It is a small resort: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Re..._Ocean_Resort_Villas-Lahaina_Maui_Hawaii.html

 

[BWV Dreamin]

I've done that tour on Molokai. Riding the mules down the cliff was amazing. Molokai is our favorite island.

Wow really! I saw the option for the mules. How long did it take you? So glad to hear, it really looks amazing.

 

[buckbart]

Thanks for the additional information ... I might be changing my plans after all. Loved the pics of the resort you stayed in ... ouch! for the price of hotel rooms. Is there anyway of buying starpoints or getting a discount that you know of?

 

[Rob S.]

Wow really! I saw the option for the mules. How long did it take you? So glad to hear, it really looks amazing.

It was a full day. The ride down was maybe 60 to 90 minutes. It was a few years ago so I don't remember exactly. We toured the town at the bottom in a small bus for a few hours. Lunch was provided. You then ride the mule back to the top. Unless you have a fear of large animals, I would highly recommend the mule ride. I would do it again.

 

[ciao_gina]

Thanks for the additional information ... I might be changing my plans after all. Loved the pics of the resort you stayed in ... ouch! for the price of hotel rooms. Is there anyway of buying starpoints or getting a discount that you know of?

I don't know about the point system for the hotel unfortunately. I think the prices have gone up quite a bit. Sometimes renting a condo or home can be less expensive-

http://www.vacationrentalsonmaui.com/