Would you rather...?

[Finerfam]

First trip to Hawaii and Aulani next year! We are a family of 4 - 2 adults and 2 kids (age 5 and 10). Original plans just got a little derailed when Aulani sent out an email stating that the main pool area would be under construction April 13-May 8 (we were originally planning to be at Aulani 4/12-4/17 ), so I'm trying to figure out the best new situation. We already had hotels and flights booked so option 1 wouldn't require any flight changes.

SO would you rather stay 4 nights at Aulani...

Option 1 - At the end of Easter week - 4/8-4/12 (Weds-Sun)?
Option 2 - During Memorial Day weekend - 5/20-5/24 (Weds-Sun)?

Easter is 4/5 and Memorial Day is 5/25. Price difference is $750-800 more during Easter week (depending on what type of room we book).

Follow up questions:

1. Would the weather be about the same mid-April vs. late May?
2. Should we expect Aulani to be much more crowded at the end of Easter week vs. Memorial Day weekend
3. Is an Island garden view room really worth $300 more than a standard view room? (We rarely hang out in the hotel room on vacations, but I appreciate a pretty view!)

I'm sure I'm overthinking this, but appreciate any thoughts or advice!!

 

[pjacobi]

What time zone are you flying from? For me, flying from the East coast for just 4 days in Hawaii is not long enough to get order the jetlag. If you are flying from California, then you have an advantage, and 4 days would be my minimum.


-Paul

 

[jimmymc]

1. Weather will be nice both times. May will be a little warmer, but you'll be very comfortable in the pools and ocean in April.
2. I'd expect it to be more crowded over Easter, but both weekends will be pretty full.
3. For $75 per day, I would personally go with the standard room. But some island garden view rooms have partial ocean or luau views, which might be a factor for you.

 

[Finerfam]

What time zone are you flying from? For me, flying from the East coast for just 4 days in Hawaii is not long enough to get order the jetlag. If you are flying from California, then you have an advantage, and 4 days would be my minimum.


-Paul

We'll actually be there for 9 days! Just split with 4 at Aulani and 5 in Waikiki.

 

[Finerfam]

3. For $75 per day, I would personally go with the standard room. But some island garden view rooms have partial ocean or luau views, which might be a factor for you.

Thanks for the insight! I always try to think of whether I'd be happy in the worst possible room in any given category even though I hope for the best. I tried finding some photos or videos of standard views and only found a handful which didn't seem too bad.

 

[Tigger's ally]

We were just there over Memorial day weekend. The weekend itself was really busy, then Tuesday through Friday were righteous! Thinking alot of locals were using the pools on the weekend.

 

[GrimGrinningGuy]

Do you have a copy of that email?

 

[Finerfam]

Do you have a copy of that email?

Here you go!


June 2025

Aloha Guest,

We are delighted you have chosen Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, Ko Olina, Hawaii as your vacation destination.

To help you better plan your visit, we want to let you know that your stay falls within a necessary refurbishment period. From time to time, certain maintenance is required to keep our amenities and offerings updated and in line with Disney standards. As part of these efforts, the Waikolohe family pool, Waikolohe whirlpool spa, and Volcanic Vertical body slide will be unavailable from April 13 – May 8, 2026.

We invite you to make a splash at any of the other fun water features, including Waikolohe Stream lazy river, Ka Maka Pool & Grotto family pool, Keiki Cove children’s splash zone, Tubestone Curl tube slide, Menehune Bridge water play structure, several whirlpool spas, and the Ko Olina beach area. In addition, Wailana Adult Pool and ‘Alohi Point whirlpool spa will continue to be available for guests and DVC Members ages 18 and over to enjoy.

While we work our magic, it is possible that you may see or hear construction work, but rest assured noise should not be heard between dusk and 8 a.m. Please know your comfort and enjoyment are our top priorities.

Should you wish to modify your reservation, please contact your original booking agent.

For reservations made through the Disney Reservation Center or DisneyAulani.com, please call (866) 443-4763 between the hours of 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. (PT).

The Cast Members at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, Ko Olina, Hawaii look forward to welcoming you home to Aulani.

Sincerely,
Disney Destinations, LLC

 

[Finerfam]

We were just there over Memorial day weekend. The weekend itself was really busy, then Tuesday through Friday were righteous! Thinking alot of locals were using the pools on the weekend.

That makes sense that it would be more locals that weekend specifically there for the pools. I priced out that Tuesday-Friday and it's just about as expensive as Easter week unfortunately.

 

[GrimGrinningGuy]

Here you go!


June 2025

Aloha Guest,

We are delighted you have chosen Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, Ko Olina, Hawaii as your vacation destination.

To help you better plan your visit, we want to let you know that your stay falls within a necessary refurbishment period. From time to time, certain maintenance is required to keep our amenities and offerings updated and in line with Disney standards. As part of these efforts, the Waikolohe family pool, Waikolohe whirlpool spa, and Volcanic Vertical body slide will be unavailable from April 13 – May 8, 2026.

We invite you to make a splash at any of the other fun water features, including Waikolohe Stream lazy river, Ka Maka Pool & Grotto family pool, Keiki Cove children’s splash zone, Tubestone Curl tube slide, Menehune Bridge water play structure, several whirlpool spas, and the Ko Olina beach area. In addition, Wailana Adult Pool and ‘Alohi Point whirlpool spa will continue to be available for guests and DVC Members ages 18 and over to enjoy.

While we work our magic, it is possible that you may see or hear construction work, but rest assured noise should not be heard between dusk and 8 a.m. Please know your comfort and enjoyment are our top priorities.

Should you wish to modify your reservation, please contact your original booking agent.

For reservations made through the Disney Reservation Center or DisneyAulani.com, please call (866) 443-4763 between the hours of 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. (PT).

The Cast Members at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, Ko Olina, Hawaii look forward to welcoming you home to Aulani.

Sincerely,
Disney Destinations, LLC

Thanks
Ug that stinks.
I do gotta give them props for a decent heads up at least. We just got back last month and the splash park was closed but they didn’t announce that until like 2 weeks before we got there, my son was disappointed.

 

[Finerfam]

Thanks
Ug that stinks.
I do gotta give them props for a decent heads up at least. We just got back last month and the splash park was closed but they didn’t announce that until like 2 weeks before we got there, my son was disappointed.

I know, I was happy they gave me plenty of time to adjust my plans! I feel like if they are giving so much of a heads that the work is going to be REALLY noticeable and disruptive.

 

[GrimGrinningGuy]

I know, I was happy they gave me plenty of time to adjust my plans! I feel like if they are giving so much of a heads that the work is going to be REALLY noticeable and disruptive.

Yesh it must be a big one!! We go back in 2 years so I hope before i book if anything else happens we get a heads up too. I wonder when the lazy river will be due….

 

[WinterSolider]

We'll actually be there for 9 days! Just split with 4 at Aulani and 5 in Waikiki.

I've been to all the Hawaiian islands and Waikiki is the worst part of all of them.

It's a city on a beach, you might as well go to Miami and save thousands of dollars.

 

[Finerfam]

I've been to all the Hawaiian islands and Waikiki is the worst part of all of them.

It's a city on a beach, you might as well go to Miami and save thousands of dollars.

Very aware that Waikiki is a city on a beach. We'll have a rental car for length of stay and have plenty of excursions planned around the island, so not worried about our choice of island.

 

[WinterSolider]

Very aware that Waikiki is a city on a beach. We'll have a rental car for length of stay and have plenty of excursions planned around the island, so not worried about our choice of island.

I didn't say anything about your choice of island.

 

[cedricandsophie]

We have been there over Memorial Day. Quite busy. Lots of locals and armed forces families because aulani offers discounts. Not really a problem except some families would get up at 6 to save every chair in a row, sometimes two rows.

 

[Dis_Yoda]

Personally - I would go with the option that doesn't force you to change airline tickets (unless you have free changes)

Both will be busy - however, my first trip to Aulani was over 4th of July back in 2016. It was manageable and we were in a Cabana on that day. I suspect Thursday and Friday will be a lot more enjoyable for the pool than Saturday but there will be plenty to do!

 

[Finerfam]

Personally - I would go with the option that doesn't force you to change airline tickets (unless you have free changes)

Both will be busy - however, my first trip to Aulani was over 4th of July back in 2016. It was manageable and we were in a Cabana on that day. I suspect Thursday and Friday will be a lot more enjoyable for the pool than Saturday but there will be plenty to do!

Thank you! After 2 days of crunching the numbers on every possible scenario, I went ahead and moved Aulani to Easter week to avoid the pool closures and keep our original flights. I'll pack my patient pants, and I'm just not going to think about the price difference