Torn On a Split Stay

[Pyxie]

I need help deciding what to do because I just can't make up my mind lol.

We are traveling October 25-31 this year to Oahu (this is the max number of days my husband can take off). I wanted to stay at Aulani for the entire trip, but since we booked this on sort of a short notice, availability was kind of slim at the time. We took advantage of the current 30% promo, but were only able to book October 27-31 at Aulani with a garden view studio (I don't care about view and went with this for budget purposes). The only rooms available October 25-27 are 1 bedrooms or more which we don't need and are a bit out of budget. We can rent DVC points for a little less, but this is still more room than we need for the price.

So I decided to book 2 nights in Waikiki at the Outrigger Beach Resort. I got a TA discount on the rooms and was able to book club level for less than those 2 nights would be in a 1 bedroom at Aulani. This is our first time to Hawaii so I figured we would use these 2 nights to explore Waikiki and do things like Pearl Harbor before we check in to Aulani.

I'm still torn on whether I should stick with this plan, though, or go ahead and rent DVC points for those first 2 nights.

Pros of renting DVC for 2 nights:

• Would rent a car for those 2 days since parking would be free as a DVC guest (currently we have a car rented for only 1 day so we don't have to pay for parking).
• We would not have to switch resorts, but we would have to switch rooms.

Cons:

• It wouldn't be quite as easy to explore other parts of the Island if we stayed at Aulani the entire trip (however, having the car for 2 days may make up for this).
• It would cost about $500 more overall since we would have to book a 1 bedroom.

What would you do in my situation?

 

[Mle8308]

I'd do the split stay, especially since Aulani is at the end of your trip. See other parts of the island and then relax!

 

[LoveToDisney]

I think the split stay sounds great. Get to see the touristy side of the island and then relax at Aulani.

 

[Van@Disney]

If you are booking a cash room and then booking on dvc points you may have to pack up and switch rooms. just another thing to consider

 

[jimmymc]

I would stick with the split stay. I think there is enough to do in Waikiki that you'll be happy there for two nights, then you won't need to worry about it for the Aulani portion.

 

[Pyxie]

If you are booking a cash room and then booking on dvc points you may have to pack up and switch rooms. just another thing to consider

Yes, I would definitely have to. That is one thing I noted.

 

[lilsonicfan]

I agree about the split stay. If you don't really need the 1BR and there are no other rooms at Aulani available then it seems to me that you are not really getting a ton of benefit - you still have to move rooms and you are paying more for a room where you won't really use the facilities.

We did a split stay too, 5 nights in Waikiki and 4 at Aulani. I didn't mind this at all, it was a really fun way to see the rest of the island, and then we enjoyed our relaxation time at Aulani.

 

[Great3]

if you have to switch rooms anyways, that to me is pretty much a split stay, which I absolutely hate and prefer to stay in the same room if possible. Since you can't really stay in the same room, than to me, the split resort stay doesn't matter. In fact, it's preferrable, as traffic from Aulani to anywhere is horrible in the morning to go out, and in the evening to come back. While I don't like Waikiki the area as much, it has lots of good food/dining options, and better traffic (but can still be bad) to go see other parts of the island.

So I would do the split resort stay, especially if it costs less.

Great3

 

[VandVsmama]

We did this exact thing earlier this month. 2 nights in Waikiki and then the rest of the time at Aulani and it worked out great.

 

[Van@Disney]

remember, however you time your trip, you can use the Aulani pool area as soon as you check in, even if you don’t have a room yet. And, when you check out for the whole day after you give up your room. There is even a lounge you can ask to use to take a shower on your check out day, if you stay.

 

[barrbarr25]

I may be in the minority here, but I prefer staying at 1 resort. I really think it comes down to your preferences. I prefer to stay at the hotel most days (because it is Aulani) & explore the island 1-2 days of the 7. I also much prefer the quite of Ko Olina vs Waikiki. Yes you will have to pack up, but drop your bags at bag check & spend the whole day at the resort. I don't think it will feel that inconvenient. I wouldn't want it to feel like another travel day eating into my vacation. Either way, you're in Hawaii, so I'm sure you'll be happy with whatever decision you make. Enjoy!

 

[Pyxie]

I think I've decided to keep the split stay (unless those 2 nights open up with the same promo and I can modify my reservation). I did switch from the Outrigger to the Royal Hawaiian though. I think I like the vibe of that resort more.

 

[Mle8308]

I think I've decided to keep the split stay (unless those 2 nights open up with the same promo and I can modify my reservation). I did switch from the Outrigger to the Royal Hawaiian though. I think I like the vibe of that resort more.

Have a great trip!!!

 

[barrbarr25]

I think I've decided to keep the split stay (unless those 2 nights open up with the same promo and I can modify my reservation). I did switch from the Outrigger to the Royal Hawaiian though. I think I like the vibe of that resort more.

Great! Enjoy! We've done a couple of Hawaii trips in the Fall. We loved it! Less crowds since the kids are in school plus we took advantage of the 30% too! Win win.

 

[OKW Lover]

We've done a split stay a few times. Coming from the east coast we sometimes book a couple of nights in the Waikiki area before heading to Aulani for an extended stay. It's a bit about conserving points but also about using the time to adjust to the time difference/jet lag.

 

[AstroBlasters]

I think I've decided to keep the split stay (unless those 2 nights open up with the same promo and I can modify my reservation). I did switch from the Outrigger to the Royal Hawaiian though. I think I like the vibe of that resort more.

The Royal Hawaiian and then Aulani…. Niiiiiice!

 

[Pyxie]

The Royal Hawaiian and then Aulani…. Niiiiiice!

It's our 20th anniversary so I'm trying to go big.

 

[AstroBlasters]

It's our 20th anniversary so I'm trying to go big.

I like your style!

 

[panfan2507]

I see you switched to RH , we LOVE the split stay !! We usually split between Ko Olina , Turtle BAy and Waikiki when on Oahu . Every area has its special qualities. Before our first trip so many people told us we would hate Waikiki .. but we LOVE IT !! We also LOVE the Outrigger Beach but its right next door to RH. You can't go wrong with that area of Waikiki . Enjoy . Also .. you dont need a reservation for Dukes like everyone says !! Just walk up from the beach onto the pool bar and it's the BEST!! We usually stay at the Outrigger so its " home base " for us !!

 

[varsityboyz]

If you're going to be spending time venturing around split it!