Just got back from 1st Aulani trip May 9-14 2014!
- Thread starter BobDes
- Start date
carissa1970
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Feb 23, 2013
- Messages
- 993
We will be there in 23 days. Can't wait to hear what you did!
BobDes
Earning My Ears
- Joined
- Apr 23, 2014
- Messages
- 62
First off, I would like to THANK all of you that submitted your reviews of your Aulani trips and vacations that I have been reading and enjoying over the past few months. Without these great posts, we would probably not have enjoyed our vaction as much as we did.
This is my first review here and will be in several posts. Sorry, but I am trying to type this at work and things are a bit crazy, so please bear with me…
For years my wife and I have been talking about going to Hawaii. Personally, it always appeared a bit boring to me. I know, I know… crazy, huh? I am used to the Disney parks, Vegas, Disney Cruise, something with action, lights and activities. We are not the types to lie near a pool all day, soaking up rays. lol
This year, being that it marked our 20th wedding anniversary, we decided to finally make the move and go. Being DVC members since 2006, the opening of Aulani definitely helped with our decision. In all honesty, one of the things that prevented me from getting too excited was the 11 hour plane ride from NY. I am not that good of a flyer anymore. We decided to finally use up all those saved points and fly 1st class on United. I can tell you, it made a big difference on this incredibly long flight. Being that this was a big occasion for us, we decided to splurge (neither one of us had EVER flown 1st class before).
Upon arrival at Honolulu Airport, we picked up our bags and took the Hertz shuttle bus to pick up our rental car. We decided on getting a car because it was just a bit more than the car service to and from the airport. If you do plan on getting a car from Hertz, be prepared to be there for around 30-45 minutes. One major reason for this was the language barrier with the Japanese tourists who were there to rent cars. Also, hertz or any other car rental company will try and rent you their GPS system. We declined and simply used Google maps on my Android phone and it got us where we wanted to go with no problem. Unfortunately, the wait landed us right into rush hour. Now, one thing I have to say about the Hawaiian drivers that I encountered is that they all seemed relaxed and calm and took their time with little to no aggression. So, we just took in the sights as the scenery changed from the congestion of the city area to the more rural area of the south western part of Oahu in which Ko’Olina is located.
The exit for Ko’Olina off of H1 was very well kept with the walls lined with purple flowers and stones and is just a hint of what awaits you.
As you go through the manned gate for Ko’Olina, you will pass the golf course (were not golfers but it looked fantastic!) and Paradise Cove which is one of the advertised Luau’s on the island. Due to the missed reviews, we opted to pass on it this trip. The exterior of Aulani is beautiful and very well kept. It definitely stands out in comparison to the Marriott next door. Being DVC members, we had free self parking for the length of our stay. The parking is convenient and very close to the main entrance.
Outside the building, there is a stand with 2 cast members who greeted us with leis and gave us water that had orange and pineapple infusion in it. Very refreshing, to say the least, PLUS a nice touch!
We were then greeted by a cast member who took care of our “express check-in” which we had done the day before at home. We were given our packet and keys and a mini-tour of the lobby and sent on our way. Obviously, we were exhausted after the long flight, (which I slept maybe 15 minutes out of the 11 hours) and only 2.5 hours of sleep the night prior. We didn't even get a chance to take in the lobby, so I will post those pics in a bit. ;-) As we dragged ourselves down the hall, the cast member who had checked us in outside ran up to us and told us that we needed to go to the front desk to leave a credit card on file. Keep in mind that this is part of the “express check-in” process. So, we head to the front desk and wait in line for an agent to be free. When we finally go up, they look at us puzzled and tell us that our CC is already on file. HUH???!!! This confusion and inconvenience did NOT sit well with me. Anyway, I let it pass and we went up to our room on the 12 the floor. We had used extra points for an “ocean view” and were assigned room #1284. Upon opening the door, we breathed a sigh of relief and our tired faces quickly turned into exhausted smiles.
The room was perfect! Clean and pristine. Having been in the hospitality business, I usually give the room my personal inspection. If you have seen the Travel Channels show "Hotel Impossible" you will get an idea of how thorough I am. lol. Needless to say, we were very happy. The addition of the rain head in the shower was very nice touch and something I have yet to encounter in a DVC resort. The artwork and appiontments in the room were cheerful and made you feel that you were in hawaii even without looking out the window.
Speaking of the view...
As you can see, it was WELL worth the extra points. However, we spent so little time in the room that next time we will go standard and just see what we get.
Next part... The lobby and Monkeypods and Ko'Olina market.
This is my first review here and will be in several posts. Sorry, but I am trying to type this at work and things are a bit crazy, so please bear with me…
For years my wife and I have been talking about going to Hawaii. Personally, it always appeared a bit boring to me. I know, I know… crazy, huh? I am used to the Disney parks, Vegas, Disney Cruise, something with action, lights and activities. We are not the types to lie near a pool all day, soaking up rays. lol
This year, being that it marked our 20th wedding anniversary, we decided to finally make the move and go. Being DVC members since 2006, the opening of Aulani definitely helped with our decision. In all honesty, one of the things that prevented me from getting too excited was the 11 hour plane ride from NY. I am not that good of a flyer anymore. We decided to finally use up all those saved points and fly 1st class on United. I can tell you, it made a big difference on this incredibly long flight. Being that this was a big occasion for us, we decided to splurge (neither one of us had EVER flown 1st class before).
Upon arrival at Honolulu Airport, we picked up our bags and took the Hertz shuttle bus to pick up our rental car. We decided on getting a car because it was just a bit more than the car service to and from the airport. If you do plan on getting a car from Hertz, be prepared to be there for around 30-45 minutes. One major reason for this was the language barrier with the Japanese tourists who were there to rent cars. Also, hertz or any other car rental company will try and rent you their GPS system. We declined and simply used Google maps on my Android phone and it got us where we wanted to go with no problem. Unfortunately, the wait landed us right into rush hour. Now, one thing I have to say about the Hawaiian drivers that I encountered is that they all seemed relaxed and calm and took their time with little to no aggression. So, we just took in the sights as the scenery changed from the congestion of the city area to the more rural area of the south western part of Oahu in which Ko’Olina is located.
The exit for Ko’Olina off of H1 was very well kept with the walls lined with purple flowers and stones and is just a hint of what awaits you.
As you go through the manned gate for Ko’Olina, you will pass the golf course (were not golfers but it looked fantastic!) and Paradise Cove which is one of the advertised Luau’s on the island. Due to the missed reviews, we opted to pass on it this trip. The exterior of Aulani is beautiful and very well kept. It definitely stands out in comparison to the Marriott next door. Being DVC members, we had free self parking for the length of our stay. The parking is convenient and very close to the main entrance.
Outside the building, there is a stand with 2 cast members who greeted us with leis and gave us water that had orange and pineapple infusion in it. Very refreshing, to say the least, PLUS a nice touch!
We were then greeted by a cast member who took care of our “express check-in” which we had done the day before at home. We were given our packet and keys and a mini-tour of the lobby and sent on our way. Obviously, we were exhausted after the long flight, (which I slept maybe 15 minutes out of the 11 hours) and only 2.5 hours of sleep the night prior. We didn't even get a chance to take in the lobby, so I will post those pics in a bit. ;-) As we dragged ourselves down the hall, the cast member who had checked us in outside ran up to us and told us that we needed to go to the front desk to leave a credit card on file. Keep in mind that this is part of the “express check-in” process. So, we head to the front desk and wait in line for an agent to be free. When we finally go up, they look at us puzzled and tell us that our CC is already on file. HUH???!!! This confusion and inconvenience did NOT sit well with me. Anyway, I let it pass and we went up to our room on the 12 the floor. We had used extra points for an “ocean view” and were assigned room #1284. Upon opening the door, we breathed a sigh of relief and our tired faces quickly turned into exhausted smiles.
The room was perfect! Clean and pristine. Having been in the hospitality business, I usually give the room my personal inspection. If you have seen the Travel Channels show "Hotel Impossible" you will get an idea of how thorough I am. lol. Needless to say, we were very happy. The addition of the rain head in the shower was very nice touch and something I have yet to encounter in a DVC resort. The artwork and appiontments in the room were cheerful and made you feel that you were in hawaii even without looking out the window.
Speaking of the view...
As you can see, it was WELL worth the extra points. However, we spent so little time in the room that next time we will go standard and just see what we get.
Next part... The lobby and Monkeypods and Ko'Olina market.
BobDes
Earning My Ears
- Joined
- Apr 23, 2014
- Messages
- 62
After relaxing for a bit and getting our bags delivered and put away (btw
the beds are high enough that it gives you access to store your luggage under the bed this way keeping the room less cluttered!) we freshened up and headed downstairs to explore. The hallways were clean and cheerful and the elevators have various Disney songs playing in HAWAIIAN! Very cool!!!
We scoped out the 2 gift shops which were just OK. As far as groceries go, they had the least I have ever encountered in a DVC resort. This was OK, being that there is an ABC Market across the street. We were headed there anyway being that we were going to heed the advice of so many here on this forum and give Monkeypods a try. A slow walk through the lobby area was very interesting if you take the time to really study the artwork and carvings around you.
The walk over to the KoOlina market is very peaceful leisurely walk which was nice being that it was 5 PM Hawaiian time, but our internal clocks read 11PM! Were usually in bed by 10PM. lol
Monkeypods had a small group outside, but it was for maybe 10 ppl which didnt really impact our table for 2. We were seated maybe 5 minutes after we checked in. We did NOT have a reservation and this was a Friday evening. We were told by the waitress about the Happy Hour specials and placed our order for a BLT Pizza (the special) and an order of Pumpkin Ravioli (which were a BIG hit with us!). The atmosphere was fun and energetic but not rowdy at all. There were 2 guitarists outside on a small stage which was a nice touch. Both items that we ordered were fantastic and went great with my Kona Pale Ale.
Unfortunately, I was feeling abit jetlag and felt the restaurant slightly swaying. It didnt get me sick or anything, I just felt kinda funky. After dinner (only $25 bucks for what we ordered!) we went 2 stores down to the ABC Market. This is a VERY convenient location and we picked up some items (milk, bagels and cream cheese, chips, bottle of wine, etc.) Keep in mind you can get all types of groceries, booze, cigars, tons of macadamia nuts and Dole products and even a Ukelele! LOL!
The nighttime view from our room was fantastic as the whole pool area and lazy river is illuminated.
We scoped out the 2 gift shops which were just OK. As far as groceries go, they had the least I have ever encountered in a DVC resort. This was OK, being that there is an ABC Market across the street. We were headed there anyway being that we were going to heed the advice of so many here on this forum and give Monkeypods a try. A slow walk through the lobby area was very interesting if you take the time to really study the artwork and carvings around you.
The walk over to the KoOlina market is very peaceful leisurely walk which was nice being that it was 5 PM Hawaiian time, but our internal clocks read 11PM! Were usually in bed by 10PM. lol
Monkeypods had a small group outside, but it was for maybe 10 ppl which didnt really impact our table for 2. We were seated maybe 5 minutes after we checked in. We did NOT have a reservation and this was a Friday evening. We were told by the waitress about the Happy Hour specials and placed our order for a BLT Pizza (the special) and an order of Pumpkin Ravioli (which were a BIG hit with us!). The atmosphere was fun and energetic but not rowdy at all. There were 2 guitarists outside on a small stage which was a nice touch. Both items that we ordered were fantastic and went great with my Kona Pale Ale.
Unfortunately, I was feeling abit jetlag and felt the restaurant slightly swaying. It didnt get me sick or anything, I just felt kinda funky. After dinner (only $25 bucks for what we ordered!) we went 2 stores down to the ABC Market. This is a VERY convenient location and we picked up some items (milk, bagels and cream cheese, chips, bottle of wine, etc.) Keep in mind you can get all types of groceries, booze, cigars, tons of macadamia nuts and Dole products and even a Ukelele! LOL!
The nighttime view from our room was fantastic as the whole pool area and lazy river is illuminated.
kimszath
Lover of Everything DISNEY!!!
- Joined
- Jun 19, 2003
- Messages
- 399
We're going for the first time in August, too! Hey DVCTigger, maybe we'll see you! 
We'll be there the first week of August. I've had good luck meeting up with people from the DIS Boards on our Disney Cruises. LOVE the DIS Boards. 
We'll be there the first week of August. I've had good luck meeting up with people from the DIS Boards on our Disney Cruises. LOVE the DIS Boards.
BobDes
Earning My Ears
- Joined
- Apr 23, 2014
- Messages
- 62
Sorry for the delay in my second post. I had almost finished posting yesterday, when my work PC threw me out and I lost everything. So here goes again
The second day of the trip was set-up as a complete day of rest.
While the bed and pillow were great, (we are desperately trying to find out the manufacturer and model of both!) jet lag prevented me from having a good night sleep.
After an 11 hour flight the day of arrival and 2 ½ hours of sleep the night before that
I was up at 5:30AM staring at the ceiling, as my internal clock was telling me it was 11:30 AM!
Time to head to breakfast and the pool (s)!
We went down to the Ulu café to get a quick breakfast, with our re-filable cups in hand. The menu wasnt bad and I decided to go for the standard scrambled egg platter, which wasnt bad for the $10 bucks. I asked if I could have french toast instead of the breakfast potatos and they had no problem. The plate had 2 pieces of pineapple which was a nice touch.
The staff at Ulu were nice and friendly and it was well stocked. I was particularly impressed with the way certain items were packaged. The roast beef sandwiches, for example, each had a flower that you find in a traditional Hawaiian lei (orchids?) Anyway, it made a $10.00 sandwich a bit more attractive. The fresh fruit and desserts were all well displayed. As anyone will tell you, food is expensive in Hawaii!
We sat out by one of the pools for breakfast as it was a nice sunny clear day. One of the only ones we had for the entire trip. The view in the pool area is paradise and lush in every direction. I recommend, while you are there to take a moment and soak the peacefulness in. Enjoy every minute. While lounging near the pool, we ordered drinks and lunch from the wait staff that walked around the area. Make sure you have your room key! Mei tie and the standard chicken fingers and fries. We were both slightly full from breakfast so we decided to split lunch.
While on the topic of lunch, this is from the Lava Shack
We had seen people eating these coconut shrimp the day before and thought they looked great. They were. The one thing I regret was that I forgot to get a Shave Ice while at Aulani! I kept mentioning getting one to my wife, but then it just slipped my mind. Oh well. I guess well just have to go back then. ;-)
After enjoying the pool and relaxing we ventured out to explore the resort area. It was A LOT bigger than we expected. For those interested, there is a nice BBQ area with 2 picnic benches setup behind Auntys House near Ama Ama.
We also found the fire pit where Uncle does his storytelling sessions at night. Arrive early for a seat. If not, you can stand nearby and hear everything.
Throughout the whole thing I was hoping that marshmallows and long sticks would be coming out to roast on that great fire! lol
That evening, we had made reservations for Makahiki.
I have read tons of negative reviews about this restaurant buffet for dinner.
I hate to say, but most comments are true. The exterior is beautiful and the outdoor seating is great.
It is attached to the outside seating area for the Ole Ole Room and there is a small stage where 3 singers performed each night.
Now, I know that typically buffet food is sometimes iffy but at over $40 bucks per person, thats a whole different story. The food was very salty and the selection pretty average. Just not what I expected for the price.
Here are a few pics.
By the way if you have never had POI its the purple stuff you see on the bottom of the plate. Imagine purple wall paper paste. LOL. I understand its a labor intensive dish, but next time I will pass.
As you can see I sampled quite a bit. Again, I was not impressed. Not at the price that they charged. Your better off going to Monkeypods for dinner.
The second day of the trip was set-up as a complete day of rest.
While the bed and pillow were great, (we are desperately trying to find out the manufacturer and model of both!) jet lag prevented me from having a good night sleep.
After an 11 hour flight the day of arrival and 2 ½ hours of sleep the night before that
I was up at 5:30AM staring at the ceiling, as my internal clock was telling me it was 11:30 AM!
Time to head to breakfast and the pool (s)!
We went down to the Ulu café to get a quick breakfast, with our re-filable cups in hand. The menu wasnt bad and I decided to go for the standard scrambled egg platter, which wasnt bad for the $10 bucks. I asked if I could have french toast instead of the breakfast potatos and they had no problem. The plate had 2 pieces of pineapple which was a nice touch.
The staff at Ulu were nice and friendly and it was well stocked. I was particularly impressed with the way certain items were packaged. The roast beef sandwiches, for example, each had a flower that you find in a traditional Hawaiian lei (orchids?) Anyway, it made a $10.00 sandwich a bit more attractive. The fresh fruit and desserts were all well displayed. As anyone will tell you, food is expensive in Hawaii!
We sat out by one of the pools for breakfast as it was a nice sunny clear day. One of the only ones we had for the entire trip. The view in the pool area is paradise and lush in every direction. I recommend, while you are there to take a moment and soak the peacefulness in. Enjoy every minute. While lounging near the pool, we ordered drinks and lunch from the wait staff that walked around the area. Make sure you have your room key! Mei tie and the standard chicken fingers and fries. We were both slightly full from breakfast so we decided to split lunch.
While on the topic of lunch, this is from the Lava Shack
We had seen people eating these coconut shrimp the day before and thought they looked great. They were. The one thing I regret was that I forgot to get a Shave Ice while at Aulani! I kept mentioning getting one to my wife, but then it just slipped my mind. Oh well. I guess well just have to go back then. ;-)
After enjoying the pool and relaxing we ventured out to explore the resort area. It was A LOT bigger than we expected. For those interested, there is a nice BBQ area with 2 picnic benches setup behind Auntys House near Ama Ama.
We also found the fire pit where Uncle does his storytelling sessions at night. Arrive early for a seat. If not, you can stand nearby and hear everything.
Throughout the whole thing I was hoping that marshmallows and long sticks would be coming out to roast on that great fire! lol
That evening, we had made reservations for Makahiki.
I have read tons of negative reviews about this restaurant buffet for dinner.
I hate to say, but most comments are true. The exterior is beautiful and the outdoor seating is great.
It is attached to the outside seating area for the Ole Ole Room and there is a small stage where 3 singers performed each night.
Now, I know that typically buffet food is sometimes iffy but at over $40 bucks per person, thats a whole different story. The food was very salty and the selection pretty average. Just not what I expected for the price.
Here are a few pics.
By the way if you have never had POI its the purple stuff you see on the bottom of the plate. Imagine purple wall paper paste. LOL. I understand its a labor intensive dish, but next time I will pass.
As you can see I sampled quite a bit. Again, I was not impressed. Not at the price that they charged. Your better off going to Monkeypods for dinner.
lovegrumpy
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 6, 2007
- Messages
- 1,595
Planning a trip in 2016 so i'll be taking notes.
lovetotraveltx
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Dec 30, 2011
- Messages
- 1,496
We're going for the first time in August, too! Hey DVCTigger, maybe we'll see you!
We are there 1st week in August too! Who is in your party?
We just came back from Aulani last week. Totally agree with the dinner buffet not up to standard at Makahiki. We love raw seafood and there were only some slices of tuna and a few oysters. Don't waste your money there. There are a lot of shops and restaurants off exit 1B on H1, from McDonald's to local grocery chain, Foodland and Zippy's. The price is a bit high compared to mainland but is a lot cheaper then the Aulani store.
BobDes
Earning My Ears
- Joined
- Apr 23, 2014
- Messages
- 62
While we were there, the signage for the DVC meet was for Monday. 8 AM. From the signage, coffee was the only thing offered. We passed on it.
The Starlit Hui was also on Monday evening and was very nice. FYI - cast members checked for room key cards for entry.
The Starlit Hui was also on Monday evening and was very nice. FYI - cast members checked for room key cards for entry.
BobDes
Earning My Ears
- Joined
- Apr 23, 2014
- Messages
- 62
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