What do I need to know in planning a trip to Aulani?

[RweTHEREyet]

What do I need to know about the seasons at Aulani? Is there a better time weather wise to go or is it pretty much consistent all year-round? We do not have to work around school schedules or anything like that, so we are pretty flexible.

I am looking at booking a trip next year some time, and hope to be able to book a two-bedroom at the 7-month window for 7 or 8 days. I am thinking it might be easier to do that now rather than later on when it is sold out. Am I on the right track here?

We will probably head to California and pick up my son and DIL, who live in Orange County, and then the four of us fly out of LAX.

I would love to hear from anyone that can share some insight on booking this trip.

I am also wondering how to best research things to do while on Oahu.

 

[dianeschlicht]

First of all, be sure you save enough points for that booking! I thought the points were pretty high.

There is a ton of things to do on Oahu, but most of it in the city. We like to hike Diamond Head (other side of the island from Aulani), visit the Polynesian Cultural Center (Even farther up the other side from Aulani), if it's surf time, visit the north shore and watch the surfers on the BIG waves.

If you are more into the city things, besides all the nightlife etc, there is the Bishop Museum that I think is a must do for everyone at least once. It's definitely the best for understanding the culture.

The Iolani Palace is another good tour. Don't forget to do all of the historic military sites as well like Punch Bowl, Arizona Memorial, the boats in the harbor etc. There is also a Sea Life park that we enjoy, as well as a small aquarium.

Bear in mind that most of this stuff is quite a hike by car or bus from where Aulani is.

 

[disneydenisel]

The Hawaiian Islands have pretty great weather all year long, but there is a rainy season, maybe January-February would be the wettest. It is generally a warm rain, so it has never bothered us. It just might not be as sunny at those times. Sometimes rain will just pass over an island and then the sun will come out.

Whale watching season is December-March, typically, though we have seen a lot of whales in April, too. We almost always go to Maui, but Oahu is great for sightseeing (Pearl Harbor is a must, I think).

Summers are typically humid and more crowded, so if you can go anytime, I would choose Spring or Fall. March, April, May or October and November.

Have fun planning !

 

[FoxberryJam]

Drive the perimeter of the island and stop to eat at the shrimp trucks!

 

[ChiSoxKeith]

Good job starting this thread up. Starting to plan out what we are going to do for our September stay!

 

[RweTHEREyet]

First of all, be sure you save enough points for that booking! I thought the points were pretty high.

There is a ton of things to do on Oahu, but most of it in the city. We like to hike Diamond Head (other side of the island from Aulani), visit the Polynesian Cultural Center (Even farther up the other side from Aulani), if it's surf time, visit the north shore and watch the surfers on the BIG waves.

If you are more into the city things, besides all the nightlife etc, there is the Bishop Museum that I think is a must do for everyone at least once. It's definitely the best for understanding the culture.

The Iolani Palace is another good tour. Don't forget to do all of the historic military sites as well like Punch Bowl, Arizona Memorial, the boats in the harbor etc. There is also a Sea Life park that we enjoy, as well as a small aquarium.

Bear in mind that most of this stuff is quite a hike by car or bus from where Aulani is.

I have the points, no problem, I just don't know if I can get a two-bedroom ocean view at the 7-month mark.

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. I wonder if Disney will offer any outings, like sailing excursions, etc.

 

[taaren]

One of the better books is Oahu Revealed.
Agree w/ PP's on seasons: I usually recommend Nov-Feb when I have friends/relatives visit for the whale watching though you do run the risk of a bit of rain (but rain is usually passing so you can usually get at least some beach time everyday). We're going on a whale watch on Sunday because I see so many on my commute I want my DS4 to get excited about them too. Summer tends to be hotter and more crowded (though the island breezes mean its still way cooler than Florida), so spring and fall are better than summer.
Aulani quite a drive from Honolulu where many of the main Oahu attractions are, so you will definitely need a car, but I'm looking forward to the isolated resort feel personally, hoping for a pool view studio when I go next March!

 

[RweTHEREyet]

So, in looking at the points chart for Aulani, it seems to me that they must have done the seasons based on holidays, and spring breaks, etc.

 

[snackyx]

Drive the perimeter of the island and stop to eat at the shrimp trucks!

Go to the North Shore and find a Giovanni's shrimp truck...and only order the HOT shrimp (no refunds, as posted) if you like it REALLY hot!

 

[dvc_john]

You might want to avoid Golden Week. (Major Japanese holiday). It might be difficult to book that week (last couple of days of April, 1st 5 days of May), and that week is Premier Season, while the week before and after are only Choice Season.

 

[dumbo_buddy]

my husband and i have been to maui three times and are going again with our almost 2 year old in may. we've been to oahu for one day when we did the LOST tour. not sure if you're into that show or not but it was an AWESOME way to see the whole island AND indulge in our favorite show!!

have fun! we love hawaii. sure, we're more familiar with a different island but, come on, paradise is paradise!!

 

[RweTHEREyet]

The Lost Tour, huh, I will definitely check that out. Watched it to the very end.

 

[carstinsmom]

Although it is a beautiful location, just be aware that the resort is pretty much outside of town away from everything so hopefully you will have a car. In addition to all the information you have been given, the Swap Meet is fun, like a giant souviner shop at the Aloha Stadium across from Pearl Harbor, usually on Wed. Sat. and Sunday, very reasonable prices, they have the same things downtown at the International Marketplace and they are much higher. The Kuola Ranch is also a nice place to visit, they offer atv rides, horseback rides and the movie tour of all the movies filmed at the property. Don't forget to schedule a luau, not sure if they are offering one on property but we did the one located next door, can't remember the name. We didn't like the luau at the Polynesian Cultural Center but the show Breath of Life was incredible. The shrimp shacks are a must too, dont' let their looks scare you away, they are delicious. One other thing that surprised us was the water isn't really warm, we've been in June, November and December. Have fun!!!

 

[RweTHEREyet]

Although it is a beautiful location, just be aware that the resort is pretty much outside of town away from everything so hopefully you will have a car. In addition to all the information you have been given, the Swap Meet is fun, like a giant souviner shop at the Aloha Stadium across from Pearl Harbor, usually on Wed. Sat. and Sunday, very reasonable prices, they have the same things downtown at the International Marketplace and they are much higher. The Kuola Ranch is also a nice place to visit, they offer atv rides, horseback rides and the movie tour of all the movies filmed at the property. Don't forget to schedule a luau, not sure if they are offering one on property but we did the one located next door, can't remember the name. We didn't like the luau at the Polynesian Cultural Center but the show Breath of Life was incredible. The shrimp shacks are a must too, dont' let their looks scare you away, they are delicious. One other thing that surprised us was the water isn't really warm, we've been in June, November and December. Have fun!!!

For a while, years ago, we traveled to St. Maarten, and we used to stop at the chicken shacks there. Surely the shrimp shacks can't be as scary as those, and the chicken shacks/trucks, were some of the best eating you can imagine.

I have been to the Polynesian Cultural Center, back in the 70's, and wasn't overly impressed with the show then. I would think it might be even more commercial now. I have heard that the luaus put on by the churches are some of the most authentic ones to go to, but not having been to one, I can't speak from experience.

 

[Minnie824]

We also would like to plan a trip next summer sometime and hopefully get a 2 bedroom ocean view at the 7 month mark...has anyone successfully done that yet? Our dates our flexible, as are the days of the week we're there, so I'm hoping that will help.

 

[fijidoc]

I agree that Pearl Harbor is a must do. But if you have never been or it's been years since you have been(it has changed), an FYI.

Don't expect to just drive up and go in to visit Pearl Harbor. Almost have to go with a tour group to take you to visit. They only sell a limited number of tickets (like less than 50) to people that walk up and they sell out first thing in the morning.

Disney may have tour groups that go there from the resort if not need to book with another tour group. Also the tour groups fill up very fast. Want to book either before you go or as soon as you arrive. Also need to see if tour group will pick you up from the resort if not then will have to drive to somewhere to meet and be picked up by the tour bus.

sounds like a lot of work but it is definitely worth it.

 

[ChiSoxKeith]

my husband and i have been to maui three times and are going again with our almost 2 year old in may. we've been to oahu for one day when we did the LOST tour. not sure if you're into that show or not but it was an AWESOME way to see the whole island AND indulge in our favorite show!!

have fun! we love hawaii. sure, we're more familiar with a different island but, come on, paradise is paradise!!

Which LOST tour did you do? I see there are a couple of them available and would love to do a LOST tour....

 

[pthuhges2]

Hi,

We are booked to go to Aulani 11/19-26 THANKSGIVING!!!

I have stayed at Ko'Olina before (in 2007 at Marriott Vacation) and like how quiet the area is (compared to Waikiki). the nearby city of Kapolei (5 mi away) has a Costco and grocery stores and typical city restaurants.. You DEFINITELY need a car for this resort.

Having been to the Disneyland Thanksgiving Feast, I am really hoping they do something similar on Thanksgiving Day.

Pat

 

[Presley]

As others have said, Ko Olino is pretty much in its own little area. There isn't anything close or convenient to go to without a car or tour bus. That being said, I think it is an awesome place to have the resort.

Waikiki is a must see if you haven't been to the island before. It is very touristy and I don't recommend doing any of the tours around there. I strongly recommend that you do NOT do the atlantis submarine tour. It was the biggest waste of money that I have ever spent on any vacation in my entire life.

If you rent a car, spend a day or two on the North Shore part of the island. Not only is it more beautiful, it will have less crowded beaches. I was there last June and there were sea turtles right up on the shore. There is also an exceptional Botanical garden on the North Side.

Hilo Hattie is a great store to buy hawaiin print clothing. They have matching clothes for the whole family as well.

The Polynesian Cultural center is something that gives a glimpse into what different south sea islands/cultures are like. Before I ever went to Hawaii, I was told time and again that it was a must see. After seeing it, I disagree. However, I am not a big fan of artificial nature. I love Hawaii for the nature, not for anything else. Well, and the fact that the ocean water temp is so much better than here in southern California.

 

[Alliekat79]

Hi,

We are booked to go to Aulani 11/19-26 THANKSGIVING!!!

I have stayed at Ko'Olina before (in 2007 at Marriott Vacation) and like how quiet the area is (compared to Waikiki). the nearby city of Kapolei (5 mi away) has a Costco and grocery stores and typical city restaurants.. You DEFINITELY need a car for this resort.

Having been to the Disneyland Thanksgiving Feast, I am really hoping they do something similar on Thanksgiving Day.

Pat

We'll see you there! We're booked 11/16-24 (leaving Thanksgiving Day)
Hopefully they'll have a nice T-giving luncheon so we can take part.