Just got back from 7/30-8/6/16 trip.

[AcuraTL]

First time been to Aulani, booked the room thru Orbitz back in March when I saw the prices had dropped significantly for a Oceanview Studio for 7 nights 7/30-8/6/16 for a total of 2,373.82. Our flight was thru Virgin and rented a car from Hertz (SUV for $380). Hertz was right at the airport so it wa super convenient picking up and returning the rental.

Traveled with my wife and son 14 and daughter 12. We all had a blast. I woke up super early the first day to take pictures of the area before the pool was opened. I love photography so I will post some pictures.

Had a character breakfast, and also dinner at both restaurants. Last dinner was at 'Ama'Ama on our last night during sunset, very nice.

We got the Hawaii Go Card thru Costco and also booked the Fia Fia Luau.

We will definitely return but I'll doubt we will get that price again from Orbitz. Ask your questions away.

 

[alohamom]

That is a gorgeous photo!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Gorgeous! I'm just starting to really contemplate a trip. No specific questions yet but would love to hear what you'd recommend, anything you wouldn't do again etc. And please feel free to share more pictures!!!

 

[Gorechick]

Did the resort feel crowded and busy?

 

[alohamom]

Here is a dorky question for you, does the Ulu Cafe still have Darth Vader cupcakes? LOL, I know they had them when The Force Awakens came out but I am hoping they still do.

 

[Luv2trav]

So did your 14 and 12 year like it? My DS's will be 15 and 13 by the time we go. I am afraid they might find it boring. I know how can anyone be bored it Hawaii? We are not typical beach people so if there isn't enough activity they tend to get bored.

 

[AcuraTL]

Gorgeous! I'm just starting to really contemplate a trip. No specific questions yet but would love to hear what you'd recommend, anything you wouldn't do again etc. And please feel free to share more pictures!!!

Probably would do more morning beach/pool time instead of doing other activities in the morning from the Go Card, but other than that, wouldn't change a thing. It was a fun trip.

 

[AcuraTL]

Did the resort feel crowded and busy?

Not at all even though it was at capacity.

 

[AcuraTL]

Here is a dorky question for you, does the Ulu Cafe still have Darth Vader cupcakes? LOL, I know they had them when The Force Awakens came out but I am hoping they still do.

Yes, they did. I'm a big Star Wars fan but I forgot to get one myself. I did have a lot of Dole Whip though.

 

[AcuraTL]

So did your 14 and 12 year like it? My DS's will be 15 and 13 by the time we go. I am afraid they might find it boring. I know how can anyone be bored it Hawaii? We are not typical beach people so if there isn't enough activity they tend to get bored.

My 12 year old daughter enjoyed it more than my 14 year old son, as she loves to swim but my son still had fun. That's why we did other activities with the Go Card so we are not staying by the beach/pool every single day.

 

[AcuraTL]

Some more photos:

 

[explorer1977]

How was your experience with the Go Oahu Card. Looking at getting it for our trip in February for our family with 2 kids 9 and 6.

 

[AcuraTL]

How was your experience with the Go Oahu Card. Looking at getting it for our trip in February for our family with 2 kids 9 and 6.

It was very to use, we booked everything ahead of time except the Waimea Falls and Dole Plantation, as those are just walk in. The best out of them all was the Dolphin Encounter at Sea Life Park, we had so much fun interacting with the dolphin and we really enjoyed it.

 

[crystal1313]

WOW! Amazing price on the studio!! Was Orbitz having a promotion? Did you check daily for that rate, or just stumble across it?

 

[AcuraTL]

WOW! Amazing price on the studio!! Was Orbitz having a promotion? Did you check daily for that rate, or just stumble across it?

I was checking here and there and when I saw the price drop, booked it right away. That price stayed like that for a couple of weeks and it was back to normal price.

 

[crystal1313]

Thanks @AcuraTL I will have to keep an eye out! Glad you loved the resort! We did too and are hoping to go back in 2018. Love your photos as well!!

 

[AcuraTL]

Couple of night shots on our first night there.

 

[alohamom]

Yes, they did. I'm a big Star Wars fan but I forgot to get one myself. I did have a lot of Dole Whip though.

YAY! You made my day, may the Force be with you...

 

[nkereina]

Probably would do more morning beach/pool time instead of doing other activities in the morning from the Go Card, but other than that, wouldn't change a thing. It was a fun trip.

Curious as to why you'd opt for more morning beach/pool time for the next trip? I ask because we've been on the fence about when to book massages at the spa for - I ended up booking them first thing in the morning with the thought we could enjoy the rest of the day with no commitments once it's over. But I originally booked them for early evening with the thought we would have a full day at the beach/pool. Still debating!

 

[AcuraTL]

Curious as to why you'd opt for more morning beach/pool time for the next trip? I ask because we've been on the fence about when to book massages at the spa for - I ended up booking them first thing in the morning with the thought we could enjoy the rest of the day with no commitments once it's over. But I originally booked them for early evening with the thought we would have a full day at the beach/pool. Still debating!

Morning time at the beach and pool is so nice, not too hot, quiet, less people and just the smell of the morning beach. Plus, water is always calmer in the morning at the beach.