Quick Review from a first Aulani visit, long time Disney guy

[Michael623]

I don't mean this to sound snobby, but what is the appeal of the Swap Meet ? Do you really want to waste Hawaii time at a flea market?
What am I missing?

Yes, yes I do. To each their own.

 

[LittleStinkerbelle]

Thanks for your review! Not going to lie, I'm a little nervous about the pool chair situation .

 

[cgattis]

For mommy2mee the Swapmeet starts winding down by noon so going after Pearl Harbor may not be in your best interest.

I can say that the beach here is all ground coral as apposed to the beach at Aulani and as a result is murder on your feet.

Thanks SO much for both of these bits of info!! We've already been shopping for sandals for just such an occasion. But this is the first I've heard about the swap meet winding down by noon on a Sunday; I would've guessed it didn't even start until noon in Sunday! We were planning it after Pearl Harbor too, so we'll have to plan around that. Thanks!!

 

[aulanidreamer]

The pool chair situation was crazy. I got up to exercise must days and was downstairs by 6ish and there were plenty of chairs, but all the ocean view were gone and a lot of the umbrella ones were gone. In many cases people were occupying them and not just leaving stuff. (Even parents with their kids that early) The one morning I was up extra early I was surprised the ocean view ones I wanted were already gone at 4:45. I wonder if the staff remove towels if people stay up late and put towels out at midnight??? That said, I did see them following their policy and remove towels/ belongings every day. They come by and remind you of the policy often. I am baffled why they don't put in some cubby space for people who really just want a drop spot for towels and sunscreen.

 

[alyssa810]

I don't mean this to sound snobby, but what is the appeal of the Swap Meet ? Do you really want to waste Hawaii time at a flea market?
What am I missing?

What my DH forgot to mention the most important thing: the swap meet had the cheapest souvenirs on the island! It also was more "new" items, not the typical flea markets I've been to. If you're looking for Hawaiian shirts, muumuus, magnets, key chains, ukuleles, beach towels, floral bags -it's the place to go! My DS is a key chain fiend and we found booths with the plastic key chains for as little as 12 for $5, then we found a vendor selling two bunches (24) for $9!! He bought enough to give out to his whole class. They also had a lot of fresh fruit and nuts vendors, and artists as well - there were a couple of carvers that were making the most beautiful and intricate designs. Also, post cards as little as 6 for $1 (although I also bought the 10 back at Aulani for $8).

And going back to the pool chair situation, we did have a couple of families that did give up a chair or 2 for us on a couple of days, which was nice.

 

[CampbellzSoup]

The pool chair situation was crazy. I got up to exercise must days and was downstairs by 6ish and there were plenty of chairs, but all the ocean view were gone and a lot of the umbrella ones were gone. In many cases people were occupying them and not just leaving stuff. (Even parents with their kids that early) The one morning I was up extra early I was surprised the ocean view ones I wanted were already gone at 4:45. I wonder if the staff remove towels if people stay up late and put towels out at midnight??? That said, I did see them following their policy and remove towels/ belongings every day. They come by and remind you of the policy often. I am baffled why they don't put in some cubby space for people who really just want a drop spot for towels and sunscreen.

Two times they folded my towels in the "set up to takeaway" position, and one time they actually did. They took my stuff and had it where the towels were location...I didn't even think I was gone that long to be honest; we did the water slide, then water tube. I always try to think of others when doing things, and to be considerate, however I guess the two lines must have been that long!

 

[aulanidreamer]

I think sometimes if people keep pestering them and pointing out chairs, they are quicker to remove them. With 4 adults this trip, luckily we usually had someone hanging out at the chairs.

 

[NUHuskies#1]

Can you buy a couple of chairs at Target and bring them in? Honestly, between the cost of cabanas and the stress of finding a chair everyday I'd be willing to spend the $$ for the convenience. We are renting a condo on the North Shore for five days prior and it would be worth for us to purchase some chairs.

 

[Gorechick]

Can you buy a couple of chairs at Target and bring them in? Honestly, between the cost of cabanas and the stress of finding a chair everyday I'd be willing to spend the $$ for the convenience. We are renting a condo on the North Shore for five days prior and it would be worth for us to purchase some chairs.

The chairs by the pools are so close together, I don't know where you'd add your own without blocking walkways or other areas. I doubt they'd let you. You might be able to use them by the lagoon or on the grassy point.

 

[nkereina]

Can anyone speak to the casabellas either on the Ama Ama decks or on the beach? Wondering how quickly they book up. I plan to reserve one in advance for the Ama Ama deck, but it's my understanding the beach ones can only be booked day-of. Will I need to be at the stand at 8am when they open to book one?

For those who came from the East coast, how long did it take you to adjust to the time difference? I have plans for Diamond Head and Pearl Harbor on our first two days, since I'm assuming we'll be up early. Hoping we will be adjusted after that.

 

[alyssa810]

For those who came from the East coast, how long did it take you to adjust to the time difference? I have plans for Diamond Head and Pearl Harbor on our first two days, since I'm assuming we'll be up early. Hoping we will be adjusted after that.

We flew in from Boston; we had a 5:45 am flight to Dallas, were delayed there for 5 hours and got to HNL around 9 PM local time. We didn't sleep much on the flights so by the time we settled into our room we were probably asleep by 10:30, up around 5:30 am. The first few days we were up around 6 am, and I think the latest we slept all week was 7, 7:30. We were asleep by 10 most nights, if not earlier.

IMO, Pearl Harbor and Diamondhead early on your first few days is a smart move. We made the mistake of going to a basketball game on our first night (after arrival day), and DS and I were falling asleep in our seats, much to DH's dismay. Then the next night we had the luau, and DS was falling asleep at the table, with DH not far behind, and it was only about 8:15.

 

[cgattis]

What my DH forgot to mention the most important thing: the swap meet had the cheapest souvenirs on the island! It also was more "new" items, not the typical flea markets I've been to. If you're looking for Hawaiian shirts, muumuus, magnets, key chains, ukuleles, beach towels, floral bags -it's the place to go! My DS is a key chain fiend and we found booths with the plastic key chains for as little as 12 for $5, then we found a vendor selling two bunches (24) for $9!! He bought enough to give out to his whole class. They also had a lot of fresh fruit and nuts vendors, and artists as well - there were a couple of carvers that were making the most beautiful and intricate designs. Also, post cards as little as 6 for $1 (although I also bought the 10 back at Aulani for $8).

And going back to the pool chair situation, we did have a couple of families that did give up a chair or 2 for us on a couple of days, which was nice.

Please tell me you saw some good old cheesy dash dolls--you know, the ones that hula while you drive?? I NEED to pick one up for a friend who brought me one twenty years ago (good grief I'm freakin old--but so is she then!! LOL).