Visiting without staying?

[Photobee]

On our trip to Hawaii in a couple years, we will be saving money by staying at my parents timeshare, not Aulani. Is it still possible to go to the resort, maybe eat at a restaurant, but at least just see the area? I know we couldn't use pools or anything, but are there options for us to be able to experience this Disney resort?

 

[ehrawn]

Yes, exactly what you said. You will only be restricted from the pools/slides, rainbow reef, Auntie's, gym. You are free to walk the grounds and eat where ever you wish.

 

[Photobee]

Thank you ehrawn!

 

[NancyDVC]

We met a couple who relocated here from the mainland and live nearby. They were enjoying a snack at the Ulu Cafe and shared their table with us. They said that they come by to eat a restaurant or just visit. Remember all beaches in Hawaii are public so the public can visit the beach. There are gates from the beach that require a room key to re enter the resort. If you visit the parking is for guests only so you would have to pay for valet parking. But they do welcome people visiting the restaurants.

 

[mrspark812]

We stayed at my parents Marriott time share when we went in April and for my birthday we walked down to the Aulani to have breakfast.

 

[alohamom]

Be sure to get your parking validated if you make a purchase or eat/drink at the following

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.

 

[happymommy]

When we lived on Oahu, we used to have most of our nicest meals and cocktails at resorts. They're all open for anyone, not just guests of the hotel!

Definitely go walk around, shop, have a drink or snack or meal if you please. They're more than happy to make more money! I love checking out resorts!

 

[nkereina]

There are gates from the beach that require a room key to re enter the resort.

FWIW, the gates never actually locked while we were there in late September. Maybe late at night they did, but we never had to use our keys during the day or early evening. So, OP, you could still walk around and check out the grounds, you just would not be permitted to use the pool deck, beach chairs, pools, etc.

I'd recommend going for a spa treatment there. The spa was amazing and the hydrotherapy gardens, which are part of the spa, was a really relaxing way to spend some time there.

 

[Diznygrl]

^^I was there in late September too and never understood the point of those room key gates, as they were always open all day and even at night, both weekdays and weekends. You're right though, maybe they only lock them during the wee hours. Otherwise I can't think of a scenario where locking them during the day would be necessary.

 

[ktlm]

Be aware that you will not be allowed to do any character meet and greets (unless you book the character breakfast). Character meets are restricted to resort guests and they checked to be sure we had a room key or pool bracelet on every time.