Just back I am all ears for questions!

[4lilrere]

We just returned yesterday and I am busy unpacking and washing clothes I will be glad to answer any questions! We stayed the first few nights at the Hampton so we could explore the island! I wanted some place my kids would not cry to leave and willingly go out sightseeing! I knew we would have to drag them kicking and screaming from Aulani
The first day we just chilled and then we started the sightseeing!
Day 1-We did the jungle tour at Kualoa Ranch and the Polynesian Culture Center
Day 2-Pearl Harbor, Bowfin, Missouri and the Pacific Aviation Museum
We also went to Wakikiki Beach
Day 3-Dole Pineapple and North Shore ate at Giovanni's Shrimp Truck and went to the beach where we saw turtles. We checked in Aulani by 3:00
Days 4/5 chilled at Aulani. Did character breakfast! Wonderful!! We had the free meal plan. Breakfast was great! Dinner was HORRIBLE! My hubby who eats anything could not even eat the food. It was probably leftover from lunch. So highly recommend eating breakfast at the ULU cafe maybe lunch but by dinner food was cold and tasteless. Also if your kids like PB&j get it early the first three days we were there they were out by 12:00. The same with Ceasar Salads. Granted the resort was full the first few days we were there.
Day 6 - left the resort since we had a one day free rental and went to Sea Park Aquarium. Kids loved it! Then stopped by Hamimea Bay and took pictures. Did not snorkel it was crazy busy and the parking lot was full as in they blocked the driveway and you had to park along the road.
We then drove to Diamond Head and did the hike.
Came back to Kapolei and ate at the pizza place across from Aulani.
Days 6/7 just chilled at Aulani! Did walk to Turtle Cove and my son and hubby swam with the turtles! Highlight of the trip for my son! Thank you to the person who shared the secret beach location on disboards! Will try to find the thread to thank them would have never found the hidden path without their pictures!
The last day I got up at 6:45 to go and get us good chairs. As has been talked about many times the chair situation is crazy. The first few mornings we came out by 8:00-8:30 and the only seats were by the splash park area. The Saturday we were there the cast members were monitoring closely. Will say that Saturday was CRAZY busy! Not sure why it was sooooo much worse????
Kids did do a few activities at Aunty's. I never went in the morning just the activities we preregistered for the only exception being the Comedy show we were on the wait list and my son was able to go with friends he made! We did drop in a couple of times and there was times they had the full sign up and were turning people away.
All in all it was a great trip!
A few things I wish were different at Aulani but can start that conversation later
Just let me know if you have any questions!
Oh we used the Go Oahu Card and it worked out great for us!

 

[Tracy Pratt]

Hi! How late were the pools open?

 

[4lilrere]

Hi! How late were the pools open?

I don't remember the exact times but I think the lazy river/slides closed around 6 or 7 and the other pools closed around 8 or 9. All the pools pretty much started clearing out around 5:30..

 

[alohamom]

When you say you stayed at the hampton, do you mean the new Hampton Inn in Kapolei that is in the same area as the new mall or did you stay in Waikiki. If you stayed at the new Hampton Inn in Kapolei, I would be very interested in your take on it, how it was for you etc...I think that is a fabulous idea to spend a night or two there first to get used to the time change or use as a home base, might have to do the same one day!

 

[alldiz]

We just returned yesterday and I am busy unpacking and washing clothes I will be glad to answer any questions! We stayed the first few nights at the Hampton so we could explore the island! I wanted some place my kids would not cry to leave and willingly go out sightseeing! I knew we would have to drag them kicking and screaming from Aulani
The first day we just chilled and then we started the sightseeing!
Day 1-We did the jungle tour at Kualoa Ranch and the Polynesian Culture Center
Day 2-Pearl Harbor, Bowfin, Missouri and the Pacific Aviation Museum
We also went to Wakikiki Beach
Day 3-Dole Pineapple and North Shore ate at Giovanni's Shrimp Truck and went to the beach where we saw turtles. We checked in Aulani by 3:00
Days 4/5 chilled at Aulani. Did character breakfast! Wonderful!! We had the free meal plan. Breakfast was great! Dinner was HORRIBLE! My hubby who eats anything could not even eat the food. It was probably leftover from lunch. So highly recommend eating breakfast at the ULU cafe maybe lunch but by dinner food was cold and tasteless. Also if your kids like PB&j get it early the first three days we were there they were out by 12:00. The same with Ceasar Salads. Granted the resort was full the first few days we were there.
Day 6 - left the resort since we had a one day free rental and went to Sea Park Aquarium. Kids loved it! Then stopped by Hamimea Bay and took pictures. Did not snorkel it was crazy busy and the parking lot was full as in they blocked the driveway and you had to park along the road.
We then drove to Diamond Head and did the hike.
Came back to Kapolei and ate at the pizza place across from Aulani.
Days 6/7 just chilled at Aulani! Did walk to Turtle Cove and my son and hubby swam with the turtles! Highlight of the trip for my son! Thank you to the person who shared the secret beach location on disboards! Will try to find the thread to thank them would have never found the hidden path without their pictures!
The last day I got up at 6:45 to go and get us good chairs. As has been talked about many times the chair situation is crazy. The first few mornings we came out by 8:00-8:30 and the only seats were by the splash park area. The Saturday we were there the cast members were monitoring closely. Will say that Saturday was CRAZY busy! Not sure why it was sooooo much worse????
Kids did do a few activities at Aunty's. I never went in the morning just the activities we preregistered for the only exception being the Comedy show we were on the wait list and my son was able to go with friends he made! We did drop in a couple of times and there was times they had the full sign up and were turning people away.
All in all it was a great trip!
A few things I wish were different at Aulani but can start that conversation later
Just let me know if you have any questions!
Oh we used the Go Oahu Card and it worked out great for us!

Your second line cracked me up and that is a great idea!!
How did you like the jungle tour at the ranch?
I am also interested to find those pics of secret walkway to turtles....and find a way to save to my computer.
I am interested what you would change about Aulani.
Crazy....I did rent the Executive Lanai one day. Only Disney can get me excited to spend more money just to get a dang chair, that should be readily avail at those prices. But thats OK cause I'm still excited about it
Do you wish you spent more time at Aulani?
Thanks
Kerri

 

[4lilrere]

We did stay at the new Hampton that just opened this fall. Since it was new it was nice and not too busy. Breakfast was good and the pool was just a basic pool it was covered which I would have preferred it not be but no biggie. If I had to do it over I would stay in Wakikiki or Northshore some where not in the same region at Aulani. Also with the exception of Wild Waves nothing touristy was close. It was in a new shopping mall that literally connected to the Hamton so lots of food and shopping right there.
If you do a search for Turtle Cove the original poster posted very detailed directions and pictures to get to the "secret" beach. It is a small trail behind the parking lot by Paridise Cove.
The jungle tour was fun it would have been 20 times better if a flash flood had not come down the minute we got on the jeep it was almost comical! The sun came out as soon as we stepped off the jeep! We got to see Jurassic Park and King Kong movie sites but the views would have been amazing if the clouds would have gone away.. My kids still loved it and begged to go back!
I would have liked another day at Aulani next time we will just beg the hubbie to do a 10 day trip
As for what I would change will try to post it later. Mainly the wee little ones still in diapers being allowed in ALL pools. Multiple times the pools/hot tubs had to be closed due to chemical problems Making the other pools way over crowded!! Also better kids programs more like the kids club on the Disney cruise! Just my opinions

 

[alldiz]

We did stay at the new Hampton that just opened this fall. Since it was new it was nice and not too busy. Breakfast was good and the pool was just a basic pool it was covered which I would have preferred it not be but no biggie. If I had to do it over I would stay in Wakikiki or Northshore some where not in the same region at Aulani. Also with the exception of Wild Waves nothing touristy was close. It was in a new shopping mall that literally connected to the Hamton so lots of food and shopping right there.
If you do a search for Turtle Cove the original poster posted very detailed directions and pictures to get to the "secret" beach. It is a small trail behind the parking lot by Paridise Cove.
The jungle tour was fun it would have been 20 times better if a flash flood had not come down the minute we got on the jeep it was almost comical! The sun came out as soon as we stepped off the jeep! We got to see Jurassic Park and King Kong movie sites but the views would have been amazing if the clouds would have gone away.. My kids still loved it and begged to go back!
I would have liked another day at Aulani next time we will just beg the hubbie to do a 10 day trip
As for what I would change will try to post it later. Mainly the wee little ones still in diapers being allowed in ALL pools. Multiple times the pools/hot tubs had to be closed due to chemical problems Making the other pools way over crowded!! Also better kids programs more like the kids club on the Disney cruise! Just my opinions

Thanks for the info.
I will look for that thread also
Kerri

 

[SGrayer]

We just returned yesterday and I am busy unpacking and washing clothes I will be glad to answer any questions! We stayed the first few nights at the Hampton so we could explore the island! I wanted some place my kids would not cry to leave and willingly go out sightseeing! I knew we would have to drag them kicking and screaming from Aulani
The first day we just chilled and then we started the sightseeing!
Day 1-We did the jungle tour at Kualoa Ranch and the Polynesian Culture Center
Day 2-Pearl Harbor, Bowfin, Missouri and the Pacific Aviation Museum
We also went to Wakikiki Beach
Day 3-Dole Pineapple and North Shore ate at Giovanni's Shrimp Truck and went to the beach where we saw turtles. We checked in Aulani by 3:00
Days 4/5 chilled at Aulani. Did character breakfast! Wonderful!! We had the free meal plan. Breakfast was great! Dinner was HORRIBLE! My hubby who eats anything could not even eat the food. It was probably leftover from lunch. So highly recommend eating breakfast at the ULU cafe maybe lunch but by dinner food was cold and tasteless. Also if your kids like PB&j get it early the first three days we were there they were out by 12:00. The same with Ceasar Salads. Granted the resort was full the first few days we were there.
Day 6 - left the resort since we had a one day free rental and went to Sea Park Aquarium. Kids loved it! Then stopped by Hamimea Bay and took pictures. Did not snorkel it was crazy busy and the parking lot was full as in they blocked the driveway and you had to park along the road.
We then drove to Diamond Head and did the hike.
Came back to Kapolei and ate at the pizza place across from Aulani.
Days 6/7 just chilled at Aulani! Did walk to Turtle Cove and my son and hubby swam with the turtles! Highlight of the trip for my son! Thank you to the person who shared the secret beach location on disboards! Will try to find the thread to thank them would have never found the hidden path without their pictures!
The last day I got up at 6:45 to go and get us good chairs. As has been talked about many times the chair situation is crazy. The first few mornings we came out by 8:00-8:30 and the only seats were by the splash park area. The Saturday we were there the cast members were monitoring closely. Will say that Saturday was CRAZY busy! Not sure why it was sooooo much worse????
Kids did do a few activities at Aunty's. I never went in the morning just the activities we preregistered for the only exception being the Comedy show we were on the wait list and my son was able to go with friends he made! We did drop in a couple of times and there was times they had the full sign up and were turning people away.
All in all it was a great trip!
A few things I wish were different at Aulani but can start that conversation later
Just let me know if you have any questions!
Oh we used the Go Oahu Card and it worked out great for us!

What do you mean by "Free meal plan"?

 

[Tracy Pratt]

What do you mean by "Free meal plan"?

There was a promotion for a while that each person in your room got one free meal per day at ulu cafe

 

[joepest6]

Hi I have never been to Hawaii, is there enough to do at Disney for a week, I was thinking flying to Maui then hop to Disney our 12year old boy should be with me and wife most likely next February Vacation during President's week. I might bring my 2 daughters if we decide to go Christmas week they are in college 20, 18. Please let me know if you think we should Island hop or just hang by Disney resort for a week.

 

[4lilrere]

Hi I have never been to Hawaii, is there enough to do at Disney for a week, I was thinking flying to Maui then hop to Disney our 12year old boy should be with me and wife most likely next February Vacation during President's week. I might bring my 2 daughters if we decide to go Christmas week they are in college 20, 18. Please let me know if you think we should Island hop or just hang by Disney resort for a week.

At Disney no I would probably get a little bored but on the island of Oahu YES there is soooo much to do! We were there for 8 days and I felt like we missed so much! Island hopping is expensive and you miss so much time traveling that I don't think it is worth it unless you stay for a minimum of 10 days. We stayed on the Big Island last year and never got bored there either. On Oahu I reccommend getting a "normal" hotel for a few days so you can sightsee without feeling guilty your not at the resort that you are spending a fortune on! But if cost is not an issue then defenitly stay at Aulani the whole week. We got the 4 day Go Oahu cards frim Costco and since everything we wanted to do was included it was worth it. Look up the Go Oahu card and it will give you an idea of what all there is to do! My son was 9 and he wanted to do EVERYTHING! My daughter was only 6 so missed out on doing a lot of the snorkeling or swimming with dolphins/turtles. Also around August Aulani will start running promotions for February so keep a look out. Presidents Day week was at capacity and when I called in December to change our room they were almost completely full. I like to get a feel for the island so I like staying in one place but someone else may have a different opinion

 

[joepest6]

That is true about wasting a travel day hoping thanks.
Do I need to rent a car or can we just uber we went to San Fran last year and Uber was better Parking was very expensive. Is there public transportation
are all the attractions close by and which did you like best? Diamond Head, Pearl harbor etc.
also how are the supermarkets? we might get a 1 bedroom and use kitchen
Thanks
Joe

 

[4lilrere]

That is true about wasting a travel day hoping thanks.
Do I need to rent a car or can we just uber we went to San Fran last year and Uber was better Parking was very expensive. Is there public transportation
are all the attractions close by and which did you like best? Diamond Head, Pearl harbor etc.
also how are the supermarkets? we might get a 1 bedroom and use kitchen
Thanks
Joe

Parking is expensive at Aulani I think around $35 a day. If you rent points from DVC members you get free parking. I have never rented so not sure how all that works. We stayed in a hotel for 3 nights before Aulani that had free parking so we rented a car for the first four days and we returned it to Aulani. (Alamo is onsite!) We had a one day free rental and we did not have to pay parking because we returned it by midnight. Not sure about the public transportation from Aulani. Aulani is pretty far away from everything else. Someone mentioned they have vans that go to some of the shopping centers but I never took one. With the Go Oahu card I noticed if you stay in Waikiki/Honolulu area it includes transportation to some of the attractions. My hubby loves to have a car to drive so we always rent!
Pearl Harbor is a must especially if you like history. We loved Kualoa Ranch. Diamond Head was OK it was hot when we hiked it personally I like a more lazy vacation Polynesian Culture Center was fun. My kids liked the Sealife park but they are younger. Definitely look into walking over to the turtle cove and swim with the turtles.

 

[Patricia1]

We are going for the first time and am getting even more excited reading all the info.
How far is diamond head from Aulani? After reading posts, we are renting a car .

 

[alohamom]

We are going for the first time and am getting even more excited reading all the info.
How far is diamond head from Aulani? After reading posts, we are renting a car .

Depends on the traffic, the time of day and the route you take but most people go across the H1 and I would plan on 45 mins to an hour depending on if you are driving in rush hour