That first night

[scoobdoo]

Historically, we have always done Ama Ama on that first night. It's a wonderful way to kick-start the vacation, and close by and easy after a long day of travel. Now of course that is not an option. Where have people been dining now on that first night given that in-house options are so thin on the ground...is it Makahiki or bust now?!

 

[CaptainAmerica]

Eat the jet lag and go to bed at 6pm, then use the next morning to do a sunrise hike at Diamond Head or Ka'ena Point.

 

[FinnFogg]

Historically, we have always done Ama Ama on that first night. It's a wonderful way to kick-start the vacation, and close by and easy after a long day of travel. Now of course that is not an option. Where have people been dining now on that first night given that in-house options are so thin on the ground...is it Makahiki or bust now?!

Mina’s (next door at Four Seasons) is wonderful.

 

[tidefan]

You people are in a higher price range than us! We usually just grab a pizza at Costco (along with the Chocolate Covered Caramel Macadamia Nut Clusters...)

 

[SueInBoston]

I am planning on Makahiki, hoping the buffet will return by my trip in August.

 

[Lew]

Is the COVID situation on O'ahu so much worse than Maui that Disney cannot be fully up and running at Aulani? We arrived on Maui on January 18th and find just about everything in operation. Restaurants and other businesses are strictly following COVID protocols, but they're operating.

What's Disney's problem?

 

[scoobdoo]

Is the COVID situation on O'ahu so much worse than Maui that Disney cannot be fully up and running at Aulani? We arrived on Maui on January 18th and find just about everything in operation. Restaurants and other businesses are strictly following COVID protocols, but they're operating.

What's Disney's problem?

using Covid as an excuse to cut corners

 

[TreAntDeu]

We usually just get food at the various locations around the pool abd then go to the Olelo room on the 1st day.

But if you are looking for something more in the vein of AMA AMA, id reccomend NOE or Mina's at the 4 seasons next door or Longhi's at the Marriott 2 lagoons over(bit longer walk for this one)

For me, of these 3 NOE was the best on our trip last week. But all were good.

 

[hawnstyln]

If you're looking forward to starting off your stay with some "fireworks," I'd start with Mina's next door at Four Seasons. Next choice, Roy's across the resort at Ko Olina golf club. Also popular, Longhi's at the Marriott beach club. It's opposite the resort at the neighboring lagoon. Super nice strolll during the evening sunset. My recommendation, after a travel day would to check out Monkeypod Kitchen. All very good in my opinion. Cant go wrong with any if you wish to splurge for your first decent meal once you get settled in.

 

[CaptainAmerica]

using Covid as an excuse to cut corners

Do you honestly think that Disney is *saving* money by keeping their signature restaurant closed and not selling kids programs?

Lack of daily housekeeping for cash guests, I'm with you. Unacceptable and absolutely "COVID as an excuse to cut corners." But they badly WANT to open Aunty's and AMA AMA.

 

[cgattis]

Is the COVID situation on O'ahu so much worse than Maui that Disney cannot be fully up and running at Aulani? We arrived on Maui on January 18th and find just about everything in operation. Restaurants and other businesses are strictly following COVID protocols, but they're operating.

What's Disney's problem?

Cone to the Maui thread and give us a trip report when you get back!! Have a great trip!!!

 

[Lew]

Cone to the Maui thread and give us a trip report when you get back!! Have a great trip!!!

Will do! We're having a wonderful time.

 

[PetePanMan]

Do you honestly think that Disney is *saving* money by keeping their signature restaurant closed and not selling kids programs?

Lack of daily housekeeping for cash guests, I'm with you. Unacceptable and absolutely "COVID as an excuse to cut corners." But they badly WANT to open Aunty's and AMA AMA.

what is the issue re: opening - Is it difficulty finding staff or ….?

 

[EveV]

We usually do Ama Ama the first night and last night, but did Makahiki the first/last night these past two trips instead. 2nd night is Noe, 3rd Mina's, 4th Longhi's, and 5th Monkey Pod, and back to Makahiki (6th) to finish out the trip. Hoping Ama Ama is back by end of this May!