New Atlantis to share Aulani lagoon?

[lorenni]

I realize all beaches are open to the public in Hawaii, but the reality is that an Atlantis size hotel sharing the lagoon will drastically increase the number of people at the beach every day.

Not to mention listing to construction for three years - supposedly starting in April.

We’re making our first trip to Aulani in May, and if all this is true, it may be our only.

 

[disneynutz]

I didn't think that it was Disney's lagoon but a lagoon shared by the three resorts property owners, Disney and the resorts on each side of Disney. If so, yes we can expect the occupancy to increase.

Bill

 

[keaster]

I found this recent aerial overview of the area next to Aulani where Atlantis will be built. While I think there will be additional usage on the Aulani side, I think Atlantis guests may tend to use the other lagoon more in front of the Ko Olina Beach Villas Resort.

 

[juncker]

I'm not too worried about the beach being to busy. The issue with traffic congestion becomes much more of an issue with the pool area. I could always find a chair at the beach, not so at the pool. That won't get any worse with a new location next door.

Having construction for a couple of years will be a bummer, but not so bad that I'll stay away from Hawaii. Once it's complete, we'll probably have a few more dining options to choose from.

 

[DenLo]

I agree that in 8 years or so when Atlantis opens that Lagoon 4, where Aulani is located, will be impacted. However, based on looking at an article for Hawaii Business Magazine, http://www.hawaiibusiness.com/big-plans/, it appears the property could easily be using Lagoon 3 more than Lagoon 4 where Aulani and the Four Seasons are located. Right now the lagoon is under used. Most families spend the majority of their time in the pools at Aulani. Sure they might do a beach day sometimes but not often daily and not all day.

 

[tjkraz]

Atlantis hotels are known for their elaborate pool facilities. I can't speak to how crowded the lagoons currently are, but I suspect only a small fraction of each hotel's guests are using the beach at any given time. And as the photo above illustrates, the area was designed to provide beach access for a lot more guests.

 

[rg35]

Most families spend the majority of their time in the pools at Aulani. Sure they might do a beach day sometimes but not often daily and not all day.

I have never been to Hawaii (long flight anxiety), but in any case why go all the way there just to sit in a pool? Are these lagoon areas not that great? Is the water too rough for children? I'd much rather be in the ocean.

 

[wdrl]

I have never been to Hawaii (long flight anxiety), but in any case why go all the way there just to sit in a pool? Are these lagoon areas not that great? Is the water too rough for children? I'd much rather be in the ocean.

The lagoons are man-made sheltered inlets. As such, they are not rough, don't have much wave action, and are really good for children. At the same time, because they are so sheltered, they don't offer the same experience that you can get if you were actually on the ocean.

The lagoons are good for swimming, wading, playing on the beach, and learning how to snorkel, paddle board or kayak. But if you really want wave action, or to see some colorful tropical fish while snorkeling, you need to have more direct access to the ocean shoreline.

I think an Atlantis property at Ko Olina will be very good for Aulani's guests. There should be more dining options within walking distance of Aulani. Plus, assuming Atlantis offers day passes for its resort like it does in Nassau, The Bahamas, it will attract some Aulani guests, thereby relieving some of the crowds at Aulani's pools, not to mention give Aulani guests another recreational option. To me, it will be a win-win situation for everyone.

 

[DenLo]

I have never been to Hawaii (long flight anxiety), but in any case why go all the way there just to sit in a pool? Are these lagoon areas not that great? Is the water too rough for children? I'd much rather be in the ocean.

I don't really know why people fly all the way to Hawaii and basically have pool days. Many never leave the resort expect to dine at a cheaper restaurant.

The local DVC owners call it a staycation, and I understand why they stay at the resort and the pool and ignore the lagoon, as the water in the lagoon is considered too tame for them. They want surfing and action. The lagoons at Ko Olina are not natural formations. And they were needed because the ocean off of the shoreline is somewhat rough and not for those that are not excellent swimmers and used to swimming in Hawaiian waters.

 

[rg35]

Thanks both for your replies.

 

[bobbiwoz]

Will Atlantis be squuzed between Aulani and the resort that already exists?

We have been to Aulani twice, and me and my friends love spending time in that lagoon, and it never has seemed crowded. The pools? Well, they have been super crowded when we have been there.

We are hoping to return in September, 7 month booking in February! Hoping for availability. Never thought we would travel to Hawaii so much, but we seem to like going ever 18 months!

 

[keaster]

Will Atlantis be squuzed between Aulani and the resort that already exists?

We have been to Aulani twice, and me and my friends love spending time in that lagoon, and it never has seemed crowded. The pools? Well, they have been super crowded when we have been there.

We are hoping to return in September, 7 month booking in February! Hoping for availability. Never thought we would travel to Hawaii so much, but we seem to like going ever 18 months!

Yes, on that picture i posted Atlantis will go between Aulani and those white buildings.

No matter what resort you go to, the pool chair situation is always a hot mess. I'm with you, when we go Aulani we always grab chairs/umbrellas on the beach and never have an issue! Looking forward to going there for Christmas this year!