Questions about visiting Aulani for the day

[pam775]

Planning a visit for early November and we will be renting a home on the North Shore. If we wanted to visit Aulani for the day to walk around and maybe get some lunch will we be allowed to park there? I know there is a large parking fee involved. Also, will we be able to get down to the beach area? I know it is a manmade lagoon area and there are several of them so I think anyone can use them. Please let me know if I am mistaken? Thank you.

 

[buffettgirl]

From the Aulani website:
"Parking Validation for Day Guests
The following parking fees apply for day Guests visiting Aulani:

• Valet parking for day Guests is $37* per day
• Self-parking for day Guests is $12 per hour—or a maximum of $37* per day

Enjoy complimentary self-parking or valet parking at Aulani for up to 4 hours when you spend $35* or more at the following venues:

• ‘AMA‘AMA – Contemporary Island Cooking
• Makahiki – The Bounty of the Islands
• The ‘Ōlelo Room, valid for purchases made between 5:00 PM and 11:00 PM
• Off the Hook, valid for purchases made between 5:00 PM and 9:00 PM
• Laniwai - A Disney Spa, when you spend $35 or more
• Merchandise locations, Kalepa's or Hale Manu, when you spend $50 or more

To have your parking validated, please bring your parking ticket and purchase receipt to 'AMA'AMA, Makahiki or Laniwai – A Disney Spa.

However,

If you go early in the morning you can probably find one of the free lots open with spaces, especially during the week. There is a small lot next to aulani, or a larger lot at the end of the lagoons at lagoon 4. Also, the marina lot usually has space, and that's only $10 I believe. You can park in Aulani for (I believe 4 hours) for something like $35 which can be reduced with a purchase. This map shows parking locations http://www.koolina.com/Portals/1/Files/ko-olina-directory-map-20160222.pdf
All the beaches are open to the public and there are public use bathrooms at most of the parking locations. You just cannot use the beach chairs from the resorts, or use the pools and other facilities.

 

[ofcabbagesandkings]

Oh that's great to know - planning to stay in north shore also but was hoping to bring littles to breakfast character buffet once during stay.