What are the DOWNSIDES to staying at Aulani?

[WinterSolider]

We came from TBI, but were in a condo in Kona, so never felt restricted by earlier hours for things.

Were you able to catch Kilauea? She started erupting while we were sitting at the beach in Waikoloa and we absolutely booked it to Volcano and it was a good thing we did because the episode while we were there only lasted about 12 hours.

I've never been so sick as going up and over Saddle Road from sea level twice in less than six hours.

 

[SomeImaginationHuh]

Were you able to catch Kilauea? She started erupting while we were sitting at the beach in Waikoloa and we absolutely booked it to Volcano and it was a good thing we did because the episode while we were there only lasted about 12 hours.

I've never been so sick as going up and over Saddle Road from sea level twice in less than six hours.

We landed on the 16th, unaware that there was major fountaining, so we enjoyed a leisurely lunch and shopping at Target and missed it. We did go back on Tuesday the 20th and saw the lava glow, but no fountaining.

I feel like I drove ALL OVER THE PLACE on TBI. So many miles and SO MUCH GAS.

We absolutely LOVED TBI. This was our first trip to Hawaii and the big island is what I pictured in my mind as far as what I thought Hawaii would be like. We liked oahu too, but I think the big island holds my heart for now.

 

[SomeImaginationHuh]

Were you able to catch Kilauea? She started erupting while we were sitting at the beach in Waikoloa and we absolutely booked it to Volcano and it was a good thing we did because the episode while we were there only lasted about 12 hours.

I've never been so sick as going up and over Saddle Road from sea level twice in less than six hours.

Where did y’all stay in Waikoloa? We are going back summer 2027 and I was considering staying in Hilo to be closer to volcanoes, but might also consider Waikoloa too.

 

[WinterSolider]

Where did y’all stay in Waikoloa? We are going back summer 2027 and I was considering staying in Hilo to be closer to volcanoes, but might also consider Waikoloa too.

Hilton Grand Vacation Club Kings' Land Waikoloa Village. It was absolutely fantastic. Large villa-style units with full kitchens, but also with housekeeping included if you were staying as a cash guest. We only drove through Hilo and it looked kind of dumpy. We did 5 days in Waikoloa and 3 days at a VRBO in Volcano itself, and I think that's how we'd do it again if we went back. Just know that there are basically zero tourist accommodations in Volcano so you would need to be committed to cooking for yourself and spending your days hiking at HVNP because you're not going to be sipping fruity drinks poolside.

I think I agree that I prefer Big Island to Oahu but it's close enough where the ease of a direct flight into Honolulu means I'll definitely be staying there more often.

 

[marmentrout85]

The lack of roller coasters/theme parks is the biggest downside for me.