Need some Aulani INFO ...

[goofynut41]

I am planning my trip to Aulani for 2019 ( I start early) its also gonna be my 60th birthday... What is the weather like in June and July? I am planning a weeks stay at the resort. Does Aulani pick you up at the airport like they do at Disneyworld? And what are some good excursions that my Husband and myself might enjoy to really get the most of the trip? Pearl Harbor is a must also... And does Aulani offer a dining plan? Thanks for any tips....

 

[DVCRSheridan]

I am planning my trip to Aulani for 2019 ( I start early) its also gonna be my 60th birthday... What is the weather like in June and July? I am planning a weeks stay at the resort. Does Aulani pick you up at the airport like they do at Disneyworld? And what are some good excursions that my Husband and myself might enjoy to really get the most of the trip? Pearl Harbor is a must also... And does Aulani offer a dining plan? Thanks for any tips....

1) We've been 3 times in July/August. We've never had an issue with the weather. It's hot, but (not to be cliche) it's a different kind of hot. In our experiences there's almost always a breeze. So yea, it's hot (80's usually) and the sun is strong, but it wasn't so hot that it stopped us from being outside and doing stuff all day. Just be prepared for it. Respect the sun. Stay hydrated, take some shade breaks and wear sunscreen.

2) Aulani does NOT pick you up at the airport like the Magical Express. This isn't a bad thing though. I would HIGHLY recommend renting a car. We rented from Budget right at the airport all 3 times and never had an issue. The cars were nice and the service was fine.

3) As for excursions, what are you guys into? Hiking, snorkeling, sightseeing, just chilling on a beach??

4) They do offer a dining plan, but we haven't done it any of the ties we were there. However, I'm not so sure I'd want to even do it. The restaurants are good (especially AMA AMA), but we also ate a ton across the street at MokeyPod Kitchen (as well as the pizza, mexican and sushi restaurants there). Roy's Ko Olina is also good and I've heard good things about the places at the Four Seasons resort (it was still under renovation last time we were there).

 

[Gorechick]

If you haven't already, check out the website. https://www.disneyaulani.com/

 

[goofynut41]

1) We've been 3 times in July/August. We've never had an issue with the weather. It's hot, but (not to be cliche) it's a different kind of hot. In our experiences there's almost always a breeze. So yea, it's hot (80's usually) and the sun is strong, but it wasn't so hot that it stopped us from being outside and doing stuff all day. Just be prepared for it. Respect the sun. Stay hydrated, take some shade breaks and wear sunscreen.

2) Aulani does NOT pick you up at the airport like the Magical Express. This isn't a bad thing though. I would HIGHLY recommend renting a car. We rented from Budget right at the airport all 3 times and never had an issue. The cars were nice and the service was fine.

3) As for excursions, what are you guys into? Hiking, snorkeling, sightseeing, just chilling on a beach??

4) They do offer a dining plan, but we haven't done it any of the ties we were there. However, I'm not so sure I'd want to even do it. The restaurants are good (especially AMA AMA), but we also ate a ton across the street at MokeyPod Kitchen (as well as the pizza, mexican and sushi restaurants there). Roy's Ko Olina is also good and I've heard good things about the places at the Four Seasons resort (it was still under renovation last time we were there).

Thank You for the info... I do not want to rent a car tho.. hate driving where I'm not familiar especially in high traffic.. just rather have a shuttle to the resort and take their excursions.

 

[DVCRSheridan]

Thank You for the info... I do not want to rent a car tho.. hate driving where I'm not familiar especially in high traffic.. just rather have a shuttle to the resort and take their excursions.

Fair enough, that's understandable. I wouldn't necessarily call it "high traffic" though unless you're in Honolulu/Waikiki often (which I doubt you will be) and navigating the island was a breeze. If you're set on not having a car though, then there is a Ko Olina shuttle available to and from the airport for a fee I believe. As well as car services obviously.

Enjoy the planning and anticipation! It truly is an amazing place and you're going to love it!

 

[amym2]

The weather in Hawaii is pretty much the same year-round! We were there in June and it was mid-80's every day.

No provided transportation to Aulani and it's 30+ min from the airport. We've always found it's less expensive to rent a car for our family of four than to pay for transportation, but we're DVC so parking is free. If not, you can reserve a shuttle or cab through various companies.

Aulani does offer limited excursions. I believe they are listed on their website. We did a surfing excursion with Hawaiian Fire years ago, and it was great. I don't think there's an excursion to the North Shore, which is worth a visit, but I could be wrong.

Even with our 4 night stay, I can't imagine having eaten every meal at Aulani. Ditto the suggestion for Monkey Pod- 10 min walk and 1/2 price appetizers and $9 pizzas every day 3-5:30. I think there's a quick service meal plan if you just want convenience, and the entrees do rotate, but there isn't a wide range of options. We do love the coconut shrimp at the snack place next to the shave ice!

 

[nkereina]

The more you research Hawaii, the more you will understand the importance of renting a car. Without a car, Aulani is not ideal for sightseeing. As mentioned, it's relatively remotely located and there are no attractions in walking distance. Public transportation isn't really an option. Most tour operators do not provide transportation from the Ko Olina area, and Aulani has a limited selection of excursions available which come at a high price point. Most points of interest are a 20-30 minute drive not including traffic, with other attractions like Kualoa Ranch being over an hour's drive away. It's certainly possible to stay at Aulani and still do sightseeing without a car, but you just have to be flexible with plans, manage expectations, and bring your checkbook!

We had never rented a car on any vacation before and were nervous about driving, but we were convinced to do it during our Aulani stay and were glad we did. We knew rush hour would have the most traffic, so we avoided driving during those times. Otherwise, it was no different than driving back home in Upstate NY and the roads (other than the highway) were often one lane, very easy scenic driving. Having a car saved us money, gave us flexibility, and allowed us to maximize our sightseeing. We also were able to stop for toiletries and snacks for the room, and eat off property which was crucial since we were beginning to get sick of Aulani's dining options.

Another tip if you want to go without a car - consider staying in the Waikiki area for a night or two as well. We stayed in Waikiki for 3 nights prior to our Aulani stay, before we had our rental car. Many things are walking distance in Waikiki so we took advantage of that as well as the Waikiki Shopping Trolley. We also booked organized tours to Diamond Head and another to Pearl Harbor, which provided transportation from most Waikiki hotels.

 

[alldiz]

Hi,
We are going to Aulani for the 1st time next week for 5 nights., with a few day stop in Disneyland on the way. After Aulani we cruise around the Islands after so we will do a lot of sightseeing then.

I have chosen not to rent a car as well.

From airport we will take a taxi to Aulani. (maybe Charlie taxi fixed rate)
We will walk to ABC store across street for snacks, alcohol etc.

I plan on trying AMA AMA for breakfast, lunch and dinner add Character Breakfast, a luao and a night or 2 with appetizers at Oleo room (live music). Besides quick lunch by the pool/beach.
That covers a lot of meals. Add monkeypod and maybe Marriott and four season restaurant and you don't have to leave or cook if you don't want.
As for excursions, think about what you definitely want to see. I knew I wanted to go to north shore. Aulani has excursion on tues. I called to check if this is very popular and how often it gets cancelled. Turns out 40 percent it gets cancelled they need 10 people. Soooo I booked a private excursion there for cheaper with Oahu private tours. They pick up at Aulani.
I would call Aulani excursion desk and see how popular the tours you want are. I am taking Pearl Harbor with ship on way to airport so I didn't ask them about that one.
Happy planning
Kerri

 

[cgattis]

Hi,
We are going to Aulani for the 1st time next week for 5 nights., with a few day stop in Disneyland on the way. After Aulani we cruise around the Islands after so we will do a lot of sightseeing then.

I have chosen not to rent a car as well.

From airport we will take a taxi to Aulani. (maybe Charlie taxi fixed rate)
We will walk to ABC store across street for snacks, alcohol etc.

I plan on trying AMA AMA for breakfast, lunch and dinner add Character Breakfast, a luao and a night or 2 with appetizers at Oleo room (live music). Besides quick lunch by the pool/beach.
That covers a lot of meals. Add monkeypod and maybe Marriott and four season restaurant and you don't have to leave or cook if you don't want.
As for excursions, think about what you definitely want to see. I knew I wanted to go to north shore. Aulani has excursion on tues. I called to check if this is very popular and how often it gets cancelled. Turns out 40 percent it gets cancelled they need 10 people. Soooo I booked a private excursion there for cheaper with Oahu private tours. They pick up at Aulani.
I would call Aulani excursion desk and see how popular the tours you want are. I am taking Pearl Harbor with ship on way to airport so I didn't ask them about that one.
Happy planning
Kerri

We just did the cruise June 10-17, so post or PM if you have any questions I might be able to answer!

 

[Psymonds]

we rented a car for the week and used it twice, once for groceries and once to go to the dole plantation. we were not DVC so it was spendy.

if you're not DVC I'd look into shuttle/taxi and then on site rental for any day trips, maybe for 1 or 2 days lumping together.

we had plans to go more places and ended up wanting to stay at the resort more.

we had young kids so we did the dole plantation and nothing else. everyone but the kids has been to Waikiki and Pearl Harbor and Oahu multiple previous times, so we skipped it this time.


dining plan: I wouldn't want to be tied to the ulu café. it's good but there's so much more.

 

[alldiz]

We just did the cruise June 10-17, so post or PM if you have any questions I might be able to answer!

Thanks I am so psyched!!

Ok a few questions. Are there pool chairs with shade where you can see the ocean?
Will CM bring umbrella to chair if one isn't there?
Any activities at Aulani that are must do. I was thinking of Uncle stories, possible star gazing and lei making. I'm hoping DD 15 participates in some teen activities.

POA. Did you love it? How is the buffet seems on this ship it is on one side, most ships I have been on they have a repeat buffet on both sides of ship. Was it hard to get seats?
Any must see shows? Entertainment? Did you eat any any specialty? I have Cagney and Hibachi booked.
Did you do any ship excursions? We planned all on the ship, we are a family of 4 and a lot of days we are splitting up so it just seemed easier.
Is there a walking track that goes around entire ship?

Also I have been so focused on Hawaii that I am freaking out over DL. My 1st time so used to magic band and preplanned fastpass at WDW......I feel like a total newbie and I have no idea of my plan of attack
Hmmmm any other tips
Thanks
Kerri

 

[alohamom]

As for excursions, think about what you definitely want to see. I knew I wanted to go to north shore. Aulani has excursion on tues. I called to check if this is very popular and how often it gets cancelled. Turns out 40 percent it gets cancelled they need 10 people. Soooo I booked a private excursion there for cheaper with Oahu private tours. They pick up at Aulani.

This was very smart of you! We prefer to self tour but this is a great option.

Also I have been so focused on Hawaii that I am freaking out over DL. My 1st time so used to magic band and preplanned fastpass at WDW......I feel like a total newbie and I have no idea of my plan of attack

Have you read any of the posts on the Disneyland section of these boards? I find the trip reports especially helpful
https://www.disboards.com/forums/disneyland-trip-reports.27/

Disneyland is awesome. I love both WDW and DL but Disneyland/California Adventure is charming and easy to tour because it is so compact. The food is kind of different and there are all the rides that dont exist in WDW like the Matterhorn, Indiana Jones etc that make it worth the trip. Plus Pirates is longer, Haunted Mansion is different as is Splash Mountain. You will love it, it is great!

 

[alldiz]

This was very smart of you! We prefer to self tour but this is a great option.




Have you read any of the posts on the Disneyland section of these boards? I find the trip reports especially helpful
https://www.disboards.com/forums/disneyland-trip-reports.27/

Disneyland is awesome. I love both WDW and DL but Disneyland/California Adventure is charming and easy to tour because it is so compact. The food is kind of different and there are all the rides that dont exist in WDW like the Matterhorn, Indiana Jones etc that make it worth the trip. Plus Pirates is longer, Haunted Mansion is different as is Splash Mountain. You will love it, it is great!

Thanks so much, I will read up on those threads for my sunday readin

Ok I guess I don't want to find myself on a scary ride. I don't like roller coasters or scary. I can handle BMTRR and Test track and star tours. No Tower of Terror, Rock n roll or Everest for me and the drop on Splash is all I can handle for sure
Besides Matterhorn and space mountain. What else should I avoid?
Thanks
Kerri

 

[BayGirl22]

We're doing a few days in Waikiki, then the Pride of America Cruise around the islands, then a few days at Aulani. We don't plan to rent a car while at Aulani, but we'll have plenty of sight seeing out of the way before we get there. We'll also have a 1bdr villa so won't eat out for all meals. I think its possible to go without a car IF you adjust your expectations to only sit around the pool/beach and pay a bit more for meals on site or within walking. There's the Four Seasons next door too for restaurants, so its not like there are not enough places for 5 days of meals, it just gets pricey.

If you want to see the Island it seems to make more sense to stay elsewhere for a few days or rent a car. Just not worth it for us since this will be the relaxing part of our trip. Rental car + parking on site would not be cheap - I don't understand how its much cheaper for people. A shuttle each way to the airport is only $75ish and UberXL is about $100. Even with a corporate discount a rental car is about $250 for 5 days plus $35/day for parking for non-DVC members. So at best for DVC its close to break even for a 5 day trip.

AllDiz definitely check out the Disneyland board, a lot of good info there. We go to DL more since we live in CA and it really is a different experience than WDW. If you are a Disney fan try to check out the historical parts.

 

[alohamom]

Ok I guess I don't want to find myself on a scary ride. I don't like roller coasters or scary. I can handle BMTRR and Test track and star tours. No Tower of Terror, Rock n roll or Everest for me and the drop on Splash is all I can handle for sure
Besides Matterhorn and space mountain. What else should I avoid?
Thanks

well I am not a fan of "Mickey's Fun Wheel" on the DCA side. It looks like a regular ferris wheel but some of the cars are on tracks that rock. It can be really scary if you dont like heights. Then there is the roller coaster right there called California Screaming. It is a great ride if you like coasters but terrifying if you dont!

 

[cgattis]

Thanks I am so psyched!!

Ok a few questions. Are there pool chairs with shade where you can see the ocean?
Will CM bring umbrella to chair if one isn't there?
Any activities at Aulani that are must do. I was thinking of Uncle stories, possible star gazing and lei making. I'm hoping DD 15 participates in some teen activities.

POA. Did you love it? How is the buffet seems on this ship it is on one side, most ships I have been on they have a repeat buffet on both sides of ship. Was it hard to get seats?
Any must see shows? Entertainment? Did you eat any any specialty? I have Cagney and Hibachi booked.
Did you do any ship excursions? We planned all on the ship, we are a family of 4 and a lot of days we are splitting up so it just seemed easier.
Is there a walking track that goes around entire ship?

Also I have been so focused on Hawaii that I am freaking out over DL. My 1st time so used to magic band and preplanned fastpass at WDW......I feel like a total newbie and I have no idea of my plan of attack
Hmmmm any other tips
Thanks
Kerri

Let me see what I can answer...

There are some chairs down a level from the pool deck, down the stairs toward the beach--some behind/above Little Opihis and some below AMA AMA/the fire pit. Some had umbrellas. Never saw a CM move one but I never asked either.

We never got around to doing any of the activities--always just too busy laying by the pool, slides, or lazy river!! LOL

There is free lei-making on the ship most every day, and we got back on one day (Kona I think) to do kukui nut ones. That was fun and we got a free souvenir.

As far as the cruise, yes I think it accomplished exactly what we wanted--seeing multiple islands without the packing and unpacking and multiple airport hassle. I didn't really find anything to complain about on the ship except the difficulty in getting water. We even had trouble trying to get our butler to bring ice and water, the ONLY things we ever asked for (and her too reflected that). Definitely take your own refillable bottles, but be prepared for some hassle. The ship was nice and clean, and the crew was nice. The food was about on par with the Disney cruise food--fine but not spectacular overall. Desserts were overallthe most meh part.

There is only one buffet, but most of the lines are mirrored. The pasta bar is not, so that can back up a bit. We were in a suite, so we could have breakfast and lunch free at Cagneys every day. We didn't use that most days, as we spent every possible minute in port. However on the days we did, it was delicious! We also paid for dinner there on our anniversary night and it was very good. (The lady on the phone who booked my dining talked me out of the Brazilian steakhouse, saying she eats all three meals at Cagneys when she's on that ship...) Did the Skyline one night and the service was painfully slow, portions very small, and taste just meh. Only my son liked his. The ceviche was pathetic, and was totally upstaged by the seafood salad on the buffet (which was WOW good).

We didn't book any excursions, just rented a car in every port (except Kona). Used Enterprise and they were SO nice at all the locations. (The call center doesn't know jack about the actual rental locations, so if you have any questions there, PM me!)

I'm not sure if there was a track per se, but I think you can walk around the deck that is one level above the pool (10?). We did enough walking off the ship LOL There are two ping-ping tables on the pool deck that my kids enjoyed.

We didn't do any shows. The only one I was interested in was the Aloha Polynesia show on the first night, but we'd had a busy day, and planned to head to Hana as early as possible the next morning, so we missed it Heard people saying it was really good.

Just a tip for Kona--there is NO shade in the tender line except right around the bag screening area. It was overcast when we were in line, with a breeze, but if it were a hot day, that could've been an issue. Just wanted you to know in case you have anyone who can't tolerate that. If you do, I'd mention it to a crew member; they were all very helpful. Also, our suite had a big golf umbrella in the closet, which I thought was pretty thoughtful in case you ran into a rainy day.

Anything else, just ask!