Question for anyone who has been to Aulani

[antree]

My brother wants to go to Hawaii for his 30th Anniversary and since he owns DVC he would like to go to Aulani.
The only thing that is stopping him from making the decision is not knowing what it is like. Meaning, he knows it is Disney owned and there are characters and kids but he also wants the Hawaii feel. Is there activities that are adult related that won't have characters and kids all the time. He doesn't mind having it but also wants a part that won't be so Disney. Such as meals and activities without characters. Did you feel you were at a Disney resort or did you feel you were in Hawaii...TIA

 

[AddieAidey]

We have been twice and have a third trip coming up. The first time we went as just a couple since we have points to burn before they expired. It is not Disney in your face. It is very Hawaiian feeling without seeing characters often. If you want to see them they come out at certain times in various places but as a couple trip we only saw them a handful of times in 5 days. There is only one restaurant that has a character breakfast. All the others are no characters. AMA AMA was amazing. Great views, excellent food...however it is pricey but worth it. The Oleo Room has live music at night and happy hour specials. The spa is outstanding! They also have some great fitness classes on the beach in the AM. Depending on when he is going, Four Seasons will be opening up next door (spring 2016) and will no doubt have incredible restaurants to visit. I would absolutely recommend going without kids. There is plenty to do and the option to leave property for excursions.

 

[antree]

Thank you AddieAidey, that is exactly what he is looking for. His anniversary is in Oct 2016. They love Disney but didn't want too much of the feel of a kid resort for their anniversary....

 

[Meemoo]

Very Hawaiian feel, they have many Hawaiian related activities even for adults. The tour of all their Hawaiian art, the Hawaiian Dance performance at night is something you would pay for at other hotels, just check which nights its on because I think its only twice a week.

 

[antree]

I am so happy to hear good things, He wants this special for her..

 

[carlbarry]

I was there when it first opened. Disney seemed very careful to not "adulterate" the Hawaiian culture by inserting Disney characters into it. For example, the Starlit Hui was 100% Hawaiian. Then it concluded, and only then did they bring out Disney characters for a "dance party."

 

[southerngirl528]

Absolutely agree with the other great posts, AddieAidey! I've been to Aulani 3 times and am returning next month! And every trip was sans kids. Disney's saying about Aulani is, "Big Hawaii, Little Disney". It is a magnificent resort with amazing detail to Hawaiian culture and lore. As said, the Starlit Hui is fabulous. Keali'i Reichel was one of the Hawaiian cultural consultants and he wrote the chants for Aulani you will hear being played while there, as well as shaping the Starlit Hui show. Oh, and I'm a longtime DVC member. I think Aulani is the most amazing resort Disney has ever built.

 

[Eeyore2142]

My husband and I did a couples stay at Aulani in September. It was amazing for just the two of us. Yes, there is Disney stuff, but I felt it was much more Hawaii culture versus Disney. In my opinion, if you wanted to seek out things like characters, they were there, but if you didn't, you didn't just run into Mickey randomly.

 

[antree]

Thank you everyone, this is exactly what we needed to hear. I can't wait to show him all your post tomorrow. He will be so happy that Aulani is what he hoped for.

 

[disBOBney]

My sister and I were just there in Feb and we were surprised at the number of young children that were there, but we never felt overwhelmed. We enjoyed adult meals on property and within walking distance off property (Monkey Pod). I think Aulani probably has a more stereotype Island feel than many of the other resorts we seen. There isn't a lot of night life (after 11pm) at Aulani or in the Ko Olena area, but if you have a car available Wakiki isn't too far if your looking of more activity. Hawaii really is about daylight so early to rise seems to be the norm. Of course since there are weddings happening just about every 90 mins during the day means there are a lot of newlyweds there as well. Aulani is a nice place to stay and not bad as a launch pad for Island touring as well.

 

[MissMet]

We went for our 1 year anniversary & loved it. It's the perfect mix of both. The spa is amazing. The food is great. It most definitely feels like you're in Hawaii. My suggestion is rent a convertible for the trip & explore the island on your own.

 

[antree]

Another question, can the hotel help him book excursions outside Aulani.

 

[MissMet]

Yes, he can book through the hotel, but I'd suggest going through RobertsHawaii.com. However, my biggest suggestion is to rent a car & do it on your own. It's the best! I've done a trip of all tours or renting a car- renting a car is much better! You can download a GPS tour guide app & explore the island at your pace but still "with" a tour guide. So much better & cheaper!! Best of both worlds!

 

[aymekae]

We went 3 years ago on a babymoon (booked the vacation, and then got pregnant!) It was AMAZING. Definitely not overwhelmingly Disney. I highly recommend a spa day, give yourselves plenty of time to enjoy the hot tubs and outdoor showers before your treatment of choice. I could have played in the showers for hours. (I think there were several different shower head experiences, this is all outdoor while you have swimsuits on. They come and collect you to give you a chance to get ready for your treatment.) To this day, that spa is my happy place.

We stayed 9 days, and rented a car from the airport. We went off on a different island touring adventure every couple days. Pearl Harbor was one day, snorkeling at Haunama Bay was another, and North Shore yet another, with little side trips thrown in for fun. I used TripAdvisor.com to narrow down our must-do's.

My biggest regret is the food. When we stayed, they had limited and expensive options on site. We just figured we'd wing it. We spent a lot of time roaming around looking for food, which was a huge waste of time. I understand they have more variety around the resort now, which I would rely on heavily next time. There were a few good options across the street within walking distance. We found some gems using Yelp and enjoyed eating as the locals do, though they were a greater distance. It didn't help that my DH is a very picky eater!

Pro tip: splurge on the ocean view room. Super romantic, and was my favorite place to start and end the days. Another great way to pass the time was splayed out on a lounge chair near the ocean's edge, especially at sunset. It was never crowded.

 

[Amw1064]

Yes, I agree. You can find Disney if you want but definitely more a Hawaiian feel. You will love it!

 

[JWG]

It was amazing. As Disney or as little Disney as you want based on your preferences, habits, and decisions on activities. We found out it be as neutral as the cruise line if not more so. My non-Disney wife who hates to fly wants to go back.