One day visit - what do I need to see

[jack87891]

I’m in Oahu on business and have a free day. I thought we’d visit aulani. What do I need to see?

Thanks

 

[TinkAgainU]

I like to walk all the way down the three (four?) lagoons with either a cup of coffee or a cup of wine (depending on the time, of course, but I'm not judging, you do you). Honestly, just get your toes in the warm water and sand with the water breaking in the background, take a deep breath. Everything else is a bonus. Aulani is nice, but (I know some of you will hate this) not the star of that show. Walk once around the pools and look at Rainbow Reef if you want to feel like you "saw" it. I would definitely book a night there if I had kids to take to the pools ... and it does have a (sometimes cold?) lazy river that I enjoy. Last time I was there, they had easy to view DVC rooms off the pool, so you could check those out if you are thinking about DVC. On the DVC note - the rooms are 4 people occupancy, so a family of 5 needs at least a 1 bedroom there

 

[supercarrie]

Given the pools are off limits to day guests, I'd just walk through the lagoons, wander around the pool area to see it, grab a shave ice by Rainbow Reef or a meal at Ulu Cafe or Off the Hook. You can also walk past the Four Seasons to the "secret" beach.

Also, spend some time in the lobby checking out all the Hawaiian art and artifacts.

There are DVC model villas in both buildings, down by the pool area, so you could pop in to tour a 1 bedroom as well.

 

[VGCgroupie]

If Disney is the goal not Hawaii, just keep in mind that characters are for guests with reservations only. But if you really want to see Mickey you can book breakfast at Makahiki

 

[jimmymc]

If you have the time, you can get a reservation at Ama Ama, then take some time to explore the shops and walk along the beach. If you're interested, they may also be offering DVC room tours.

 

[Noodlez]

I love Aulani, but if I only had one free day on Oahu it wouldn't be my choice. To answer the question it would be helpful to know a few things. How long are you there and are you familiar with the island? Will you have time to explore the other things of interest? What is it that makes you want to go to Aulani for one day? Is it just a way to relax after a very busy business trip or are you trying to get a bit of Disney fun?

 

[jack87891]

We were in Oahu for 5 days and stayed near Waikiki beach. The conference schedule allowed us to see lots of Oahu. Since the flight on the last day was around 6 pm we had several hours and thought we’d visit Aulani. It was beautiful and nice to walk around for a bit before leaving hawaii

 

[maxbuffmelvin]

Aulani gift shop is my favorite. I spend more there than any WDW, DL park, or resort gift shop.