My current plan is to do 6 nights in Maui and then island hop over to Aulani. Because of that, I can hopefully be to Aulani by noon, then have two nights there, and a 3pm flight home.
Given that we’ll already have had 6 nights of Hawaii, we’re adults with no kids, and we’re not going to leave the resort… think 2 nights is enough? I’m debating 3, but other than food, I’m not sure I need it. Help would be greatly appreciated!
First I completely understand that if this is your one and only chance to get to Hawaii that you want to add Aulani on, and I think for whatever nights you can, you should. It's an amazing place. I recently did 3 nights and it was great. I was able to get a good feel for the resort, and do my highlights, but I did not "do" everything and there wasn't much lazing about.
Here are a few things to consider. If you arrive at noon you may or may not be able to check into your room (check in is at 3pm I believe). That means you will have luggage to deal with. I was able to give my large bags over to the luggage services (bell hop) but chose to keep my carry on bag with me. In the past they have offered a luggage storage/shower/lounge room for early check in/check out guest but on my trip this was not offered. So keep this in mind in your planning. I arrived early in the morning (which is allowed) and we switched off bag watching so people could go swim until we got our room at 3pm.
Second, even with a 3pm flight on your last day, you will be leaving for the airport several hours ahead to deal with travel time (35 mins aprox) to the airport, security (long lines can be really common) and arriving the suggested 2 hours ahead. Meaning you may be leaving the resort around 12:00pm and maybe starting the "leaving process" (final shower to get off all the sand, pack the bags, check out etc) around 11:00am.
That really means your 2 nights could end up being 2 half days and one full. Is that enough? That totally depends on what your goal is. Do you have to ride all the slides, float the lazy river, snorkel, do the entire menehune trail, visit the spa, eat at all the restaurants at the resort and have time to visit coffee shop across the street? Also don't forget depending on what day of the week you visit many things are not offered (such as the Lua only being on 3 nights most weeks or the story telling only being a few nights a week) and depending on the activity schedule extending a third night may get you there on say a Tuesday night in order to see the Lua is thats important.
I know I just tossed out a lot of thoughts. I'm happy to answer any follow up questions.
Bottom line, if the idea of Aulani and what it has to offer appeals to you, go for as many days as you can work into your schedule. If Aulani only looks "ok" to you, but you want to try it and check it off your bucket list, 2 days will give you a taste to see if it's for you or not but will not allow you to experience everything.
