We are cruising to Hawaii in October. We have never been to Hawaii and would like to spend a couple of extra days there. We are looking at staying 3 extra days and thought that staying at Aulani would be the perfect ending to our cruise however it will add on an additional $3500. Is it worth it? What are the pros and cons? Any comments are welcomed. TIA
First and foremost, welcome to Hawaii! I hope it lives up to all of your expectations. As someone who was born and raised in Hawaii, attended college on the mainland, and worked in the tourist industry, I hope to shed some light with my response compared to others already posted.
If you're a Disney fanatic, then yes it is worth it! You won't be able to live with yourself passing up a night at Aulani being basically 30 mins. away (port). Not too sure how many people are in your party but if it's just you and your partner, the deluxe studio would be perfect but depending when your stay is, I'm sure those are booked! DVC is the most affordable way to stay at Aulani. Try renting points or booking a confirmed res. Why is it worth it? You see Aulani up close and personal. A walk through the property is nice but you don't experience the vibe of being a guest. Hearing the staff interact and engage with you as someone who is actually staying on property and saying "Welcome Home". Also, you get to see the smiles and hear all the laughter of all the children, the joy of young parents watching their kiddos walk up to Mickey, Minnie, and Moana (in Hawaii). Grandparents supervising their grandchildren in the pool or splash area while their own enjoy a 20-minute break from their chaos of life.
If you're not a Disney fanatic, a simple walkthrough of the property and half of a day at the lagoon on the beach should suffice. You can buy shave ice, swirls, and all of the food that is offered but just not the pools (which is what makes Aulani special for our Ohana).
Being a first-timer to Hawaii, I recommend staying in the heart of Waikiki. That is what makes Hawaii so special! That is what you see on Magnum PI, Hawaii 5-0, NCIS Hawaii, etc. Staying at a quality Hotel will also play a big role. If you're military, Hale Koa is automatic. You won't get anything more reasonable than there! Other places in Waikiki that I would recommend so you can get the full Tourist feel, Outrigger Reef on the Beach. It's on the outskirts of the Waikiki strip (Kalakaua Ave.). If you want something smack-dab in the middle, Outrigger Waikiki. There are other hotels you could check out but the Outrigger name has always done well and is very reputable. The Hilton Hawaiian Village has always been a caterer to our Asian guests. A rental car isn't necessary especially with parking being absolutely ridiculous for our guests! A ride-share or public transportation (Bus) is as good as it gets and the City Bus Drivers are always very helpful getting you to and from. Including to and from the airport if needed. If you're heading out to the North Shore, perhaps a tour would be best just because it'll take care of your drive and plan out most of the activities our visitors like such as food trucks, Laniakea Beach (Turtles) and Polynesian Cultural Center. A ride-share on that side can be a headache with all the stops you'd take. Must visit spots should be the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet (Wed, Sat, Sun), Pearl Harbor, and probably a beach out of Waikiki like Kailua Beach. You also would want to take a visit to Kailua town while visiting one of the beaches out there (either Kailua or Waimanalo area). The hidden gem out there is Kaiona Beach Park). Lastly, a hike. If you're staying in Waikiki, you may want to venture out to do the Diamond Head Lookout and check out the Kapiolani Community College (KCC) Farmer's Market on Saturday. Time this right and it should work out perfectly! Aulani is out on the west side and even though the beaches and water are better out there (where I am from originally), there's not much to experience besides Aulani.
Next, the food! Waikiki area has the spots (at least nearby) so be ready to venture out. You gotta eat! That's what makes Hawaii special! The people, the food, the experience! Kapahulu Ave. has a lot to offer! Rainbow Drive-Inn, Shimazu Shave Ice, Ululani Shave ice (preferred), Leonard's Bakery, Side Street Inn, Tenkaipen. Up towards Waialae Ave., you have Fresh Catch and St. Louis Drive Inn. You also have Whole Foods by Kahala Mall to get your Made in Hawaii treats. Nearby supermarkets such as Times Supermarket on Waialae Ave. or down by Kahala Mall has Poke that would satisfy your taste buds for that.
Sorry for sharing so much but I can go on and on.. but to answer your question, I think it just boils down to how crazy are you about Disney. If not, there are other ways to get the full Hawaii experience in 3 days! =) But nonetheless, congratulations on getting here and I hope that you have a memorable experience!
Aloha!