Notes after 3rd visit

blondietink

DIS Veteran
Joined
Jun 22, 2008
Just left AULANI and are now on Maui. Thoughts are we like Hawaii better in the fall than in the spring. Warmer water in the ocean and lower crowds. Never had a problem finding a lounger, or 4 together by the pool, even as late as noon. By then many families were leaving for lunch and there was even more of a choice. Never saw anybody checking or tagging chairs.

We opted to stay longer and booked an island view 1 bedroom.. Assigned 16th floor villa 1653 and couldn't be happier. Had a view of the mountains, ocean on the right and Diamond Head in the distance.

Went to Paradise Cove for the luau and had a blast. Used the coupon out of the Entertainment book for 25% off.

Only saw movie night once on the lawn on the schedule all week. The rest of the time it was either their luau or the lawn was empty.

Lazy River closes at 6 pm. Pools close at 8 pm. Both too early for us.

Still don't like the barbeque area and the limited times and utensils.

Photos photographers were great and around all the time. Pools, lazy river, beach, characters, scenic shots. We had over 200 pictures taken. The DVC card also gives you a 10% discount on the photopass.

Still say the lighting in the bathrooms is not good. Way too dark for shaving, applying makeup, etc. Wish they would at least put in a lighted mirror.

Did online check in and when we arrived at 2 pm our room was ready. No waiting in line at the front desk. Our flight arrived late so we stayed at the Best Western at the airport to save on points. We will do this again in the future if we have a late arriving flight. Hung out at the hotel pool til checkout time at noon, then drove to Costco before heading to Aulani. The Alamo car rental is literally a block away, so next time we would get the hotel shuttle from the airport and then pick up the rental car the next day to save the $15.00 parking fee and a days car rental also.
 
Last edited:
I'll be interested to hear if most everything on Maui is open. I tend to think of things as seasonal WRT our seasons at home; may be more year-round there. As soon as we left Hawaii this June, I declared we are going back in five years for my "big" birthday, which incidentally is tomorrow :) If rates and airfares are better in September, maybe we should go then instead of the summer right before! (May be tough with kids school schedules though.) Doing just Maui and Kauai next time, so I'll be watching for more info! Have fun!!
 
I'll be interested to hear if most everything on Maui is open. I tend to think of things as seasonal WRT our seasons at home; may be more year-round there. As soon as we left Hawaii this June, I declared we are going back in five years for my "big" birthday, which incidentally is tomorrow :) If rates and airfares are better in September, maybe we should go then instead of the summer right before! (May be tough with kids school schedules though.) Doing just Maui and Kauai next time, so I'll be watching for more info! Have fun!!

We were on Maui and Kauai this week last year and everything was open as normal. Weather was the same as high season. Had no issue with seasonality closures whatsoever, and crowds were low to boot. Perfect time to visit Hawaii IMO!
 
Went to Paradise Cove for the luau and had a blast. Used the coupon out of the Entertainment book for 25% off.

We're heading to Aulani next year for our first visit there, or Hawaii for that matter, and are considering the Paradise Cove luau as well. How far in advance did you book it? Where did you find the entertainment book? and how long is the walk to Paradise Cove?

Thanks!
 


We're heading to Aulani next year for our first visit there, or Hawaii for that matter, and are considering the Paradise Cove luau as well. How far in advance did you book it? Where did you find the entertainment book? and how long is the walk to Paradise Cove?

Thanks!
I didn't use the coupon, but we did it in June. I booked it way out because I wanted the best chance at front row seats (for my short kids and my photography fetish) and got them. The walk was like 5 minutes straight down the sidewalk.
 
Mauis biggest customer is west coast families, they get a big drop off in visitors after labor day. September and May are great months to travel
 
Ok good to know, thanks. Looks like I can buy the entertainment book online so that might be the way to go.
 


Mauis biggest customer is west coast families, they get a big drop off in visitors after labor day. September and May are great months to travel
Excellent! I actually just did the math and realized both my kids will be in college by then (OMG...), so September probably won't work :( BUT! Maybe we can do fall break instead, which is usually the second week of October. How is that time usually? Much more rain by then?
 
Excellent! I actually just did the math and realized both my kids will be in college by then (OMG...), so September probably won't work :( BUT! Maybe we can do fall break instead, which is usually the second week of October. How is that time usually? Much more rain by then?
Depends on what side of the islands you're staying on. Hawaii has a lot of microclimates.
 
I literally booked the luau the day before we went. Called on Monday, went on Tuesday. They let people in a little before 5 pm and before any buses got there. We went straight to the tables and picked out great seats. We got the Orchid package. I ordered the Entertainment book online when they had a $10 sale and free shipping.
 
So far everything has been open. Iao Valley yesterday was great but they told us they are closing again mid October for more repair work. Went to South Maui today and all the shops and kiosks were open.
 
So far everything has been open. Iao Valley yesterday was great but they told us they are closing again mid October for more repair work. Went to South Maui today and all the shops and kiosks were open.

Thank you for all your info so far:) We will be at Aulani in Nov and Maui.

Was hoping to visit Ioa Valley. Did they mention how long they would be closed down for?

Where are you staying in Maui?
 
No, they did not say how long Iao Valley would be closed.

We are staying in Ka'anapali at the Westin Ocean Resort Villas North on the west side.
 
OK, t
No, they did not say how long Iao Valley would be closed.

We are staying in Ka'anapali at the Westin Ocean Resort Villas North on the west side.


Ok, thank you!

That's exactly where we were going to stay but then switched to the new Westin beside you- Westin Nanea. How do you like it?
 
Question about Aulani...

Can we get towels whenever we need them? Pool towels I mean?

We will be doing a lot of beach days etc, and I wasn’t sure whether I should bring my own or if we can get some from the pool at the hotel?

Their will be 4 of us. Do they only give you 4 or can I ask for more?

And, same with life jackets? Can I borrow 2 for my boys and return them at the end of the day?

Thanks:)
 
Question about Aulani...

Can we get towels whenever we need them? Pool towels I mean?

We will be doing a lot of beach days etc, and I wasn’t sure whether I should bring my own or if we can get some from the pool at the hotel?

Their will be 4 of us. Do they only give you 4 or can I ask for more?

And, same with life jackets? Can I borrow 2 for my boys and return them at the end of the day?

Thanks:)
You can only get towels when the towel stands are open, same hours as the pool. One of you will need a pool wristband to get them, but you can get as many as you want. If you plan on going down early, I'd suggest getting some towels the night before. There is usually a line at the stands during the day, especially right at open. Alas, I could never remember to do that :/

When you say beach days, I'm thinking you mean away from Aulani. We brought our own lightweight towels (like swimmers towels) for excursions, but usually took a set from the ship (we cruised too) or Aulani to sit on in the car in case we weren't totally dry. So yes, nobody will stop you from taking them offsite.
 

GET A DISNEY VACATION QUOTE

Dreams Unlimited Travel is committed to providing you with the very best vacation planning experience possible. Our Vacation Planners are experts and will share their honest advice to help you have a magical vacation.

Let us help you with your next Disney Vacation!










Top