Aulani & Why You Need To Visit | The DVC Show | 11/11/19

[@shaunhill925]

My wife and I ABSOLUTELY LOVED Aulani! We are from Cincinnati, OH and got married and honeymooned at Aulani in October 2017 (my profile pic is of our wedding on the Ama Ama Patio!) This is where the wheels started turning for us about DVC. Now we plan on becoming DVC members in March 2020, and will definitely return to Aulani for our 5 year anniversary in 2022!

[@nolanboys]

We went for the first time this summer. Stayed six nights in Maui and then 5 nights at Oahu. We jumped when we found airfare from Chicago through Seattle for $750. The layover broke the flight up. Loved Aulani and all our boys preferred Oahu over Maui. We also went to the store to save money on food and stock up on snacks - 4 teenage boys eat a lot. Did find the community hall hard to book, but that is more the schedule we were on as we slept in and did not want to deal with getting up early and waiting in the long line to book. From reading trip reports, we found Oahu Private Tours company. Highly recommend! Best thing we did. Jason picked us all up, found out what we wanted to do and took all around the island - cliff jumping, out of the way beaches, site seeing, local place to eat. He will customize it to whatever you would like to do. And the cost was $400 for all six of us for seven hours which I thought was reasonable. This was a bucket list trip to do as a family as our boys are getting older and none of us had ever been to Hawaii. When I compare it to Disney Cruises we have taken and even WDW when you factor in park tickets, it was similar.

[@amandah2935]

My parents own at the Marriott resort right next door to Aulani. Every few years they invite my family to join them. It is a really beautiful resort and we just love going there. The Marriott pool is to die for with multiple levels and caves and a water slide. My kids could literally spend the entire vacation in that pool. The Aulani pool is amazing as well. I’ve been inside the Aulani lobby and seen the pool and it is really beautiful. The only negative thing is that the Aulani lobby is kind of dark and I prefer a lighter brighter aesthetic. Alas I will probably never stay at Aulani since we stay at it’s lovely next door neighbor every few years. But that side of the island is just wonderful. You are a good distance away from Waikiki and it is just more quiet and relaxing. But the island isn’t too big so it really doesn’t take too long to get to places you’d like to go visit. The Polynesian Cultural Center is an absolute must do. We love the Dole Plantation, doing the maze and getting the pineapple split that we share as a family. Pearl Harbor is a must do if you’ve never done that. And we also try to do a good hike.

[@TinaPauHana]

We prefer to stay two doors down at the Marriott and I kinda like it better. (we’ve stayed at both ) We walk to the Aulani to visit and have dinner now and then, and visit with the characters. There are four lagoons, and are open to the public. It's not private, but only patrons can sit on the chairs, otherwise locals can swim there. Ko Olina has the best sunsets ever. Last, think about stopping at SF, and visit the Disney Museum.

[@ShanitaJay]

Just came back from my honeymoon. Stayed in the one bedroom ocean view was beautiful. The construction didn’t fully bother us. My husband wanted to have time in the lazy river. But all the food was amazing, and loved the calm waters of the beach. We cannot wait to return! One thing to mention was the Disney photographers. We did both the garden & beach sunset sessions and it was worth the money.

[@chelsealittlefield4905]

Aulani is the best experience ive ever had. Very expensive but very much worth it. The beauty is amazing. If you are a fan of the poly, you will love Aulani.

[@gregwoolley8932]

I have not stayed there but did stop and see it and have lunch there. Resort is beautiful. My issue, which may be slanted because we had stayed at Turtle Bay on the North Shore prior to visiting Aulani. After seeing natural rocks, and gardens and the beaches, seeing Aulani seemed very manufactured (aka fake). Yes it has the golf courses and other high end resorts but just felt like it could have been anywhere. That area of Oahu, in my limited experience, did not have a lot of things to see off property, without a good drive. The North Shore has it natural beauty. Waikiki (Yuck on the Hilton Village and the city atmosphere) at least has Diamond Head and is a little closer to Pearl Harbor. With that said if we go back to Oahu, probably would stay there for a few days when we dont plan on sightseeing the island.

[@barbarafritsche1686]

We have points there and love going there. The first time we went we took the entire family and did everything there at the resort and took our tours through them. Since that first visit, my husband and I go about every other year staying about 10 days to two week at a time. We usually tour the island taking in the culture and have done day trips to other islands. We don't really eat at the resort, I agree the food is not very good and certainly not up to expectations. In our adventures off exploring the island, we try to eat like the locals. I do usually fix breakfast in the room and most nights we go to the Oleo Room to eat appetizers and enjoy the music.

[@sandyramiscal2970]

I've seen humpback whales passing. I was there in January. You see the spouts. Once in a while, if you're lucky, you'll see one breaching.

[@shawnafinley1703]

As an Alaskan, it’s not only an easy 6 hour flight for us but can be a pretty cheap flight too! We are going in February also and I got tickets for just under $400 each. That was a great deal as they are usually between 500 to 600. The problem with staying at Aulani is that it’s hard to stay anywhere else after. We are doing a split stay this time. Aulani and a rental house on the North Shore. Spendy but what a perfect vacation! Now I just need to buy DVC to make it cheaper.

[@deancoffman8150]

I stayed in a 2 bedroom Villa in 2012. It had only been opened for a year and I still count it as one of my best Disney Experiences ever. I agree about the food not being great, except 'AMA'AMA which was fantastic when we went.

[@BoomerSooner1966]

We used our 200 VGC points last year and went to Aulani. It was the best vacation ever. The airfare sucked, but that’s the only downside. The upside is tremendous.

[@stephaniedecamp2362]

I own there and still have not been back in years. The airfare can be so expensive. And remember your going to pay a lot more at the grocery store. But it is beautiful! I live in upstate NY and went in February beautiful weather if you can afford to go.

[@nickfranceschine4172]

I had a magical breakfast at Ama Ama. Hot strong coffee, pancakes with a vanilla macadamia syrup, and thick bacon - with a spectacular open-air view of the ocean. Every time I think of it, getting hungry again.

[@JC-ct7wp]

Pete , I ageed with everything you said EXCEPT Ama Ama. That was an amazing meal for us. The food was fabulous, and the view at sunset was breathtaking. I can't wait to go back. My favorite hotel so far.

[@michelle1]

I'm in the middle of the country in Dallas...but there are often deals to get domestic flights to Orlando for around $250-350. However, flights to Hawaii are always over $1000 each! Auliani would be great, but the cost is prohibitive when travel is included for a family.

[@kellykristine1238]

We are going n July! Fingers crossed that we are able to book the grand villa next month for our trip!

[@jagron11]

Great topic. Really surprised so many on the show had not been. Seems like it should be a requirement for this crew. We actually bought at Copper Creek in order to use points at Aulani this past summer. With a family of six, we knew we were going to Hawaii and Aulani was on the must do list, and we knew we wanted (needed) a 2br, so it made sense to take what i was going to pay cash and apply it to a contract. And we were able to use our 18 and 19 points since we bought in Dec ‘18. The resort and surrounding areas are gorgeous. The Spa was so great. My wife and I didn’t want to leave. Food was pricey. Kids didn’t love it as much as our hotel in Maui, but I think that was just a Maui vs Oahu thing. They wanted more action and waves then what the protected lagoon provided. But for the youngers, the lagoon was perfect. Hope to go back, but need a date with our home resort first.

[@bobbafett1971]

Lived outside philly..dvc member, ap. Go to wdw 1-5 times a year because it's relatively easy trips with spirit air. I live in Portland now and will be going to aulani now...always wanted to go but flight time and price was too much. Can't wait to go.

[@HandburglarPro]

Jerry, your son is old enough. Our son is also 5 and absolutely loves Aulani! Best thing about Aulani for parents is Aunty’s Beach House. It’s really well run, it’s for kids aged 3-12, and it’s free. Our son won’t leave it! They do movies, arts and crafts, educational items, etc. And you can sign your kids up for lunch or dinner for $10. That’s a deal right there. We get to Aulani once every 18 months and we’re here now. Did a tour of the grand villa and it’s 1000% amazing. Sleeps 12. Absolutely best view of the cove (which is a public beach but you have to have an Aulani wrist band to use the Aulani lounges). AMA AMA is great if you get the steak and Brussel Sprouts. Fantastic meal right there. Ulu Cafe is QS and just meh. And I actually prefer the Makahiki breakfast over the dinner.

[@minnermousetravels]

Perfect timing with this video. I’ll be there for Thanksgiving. Staying in Waikiki for a basketball tournament 🙄 but will stay an extra night to experience Aulani for the first time. One night only due to a ton of refurbishments going on right now. It’s my excuse to go back and experience everything at a later time. I got a flight from Dallas RT for a little less than $700.

[@erinwright1979]

What is your recommended length of stay?

[@angelas9467]

OK all you nor'easters. I live in Houston which isn't a whole heck of a lot closer but we do a Southwest night flight to somewhere on the West Coast that Hawaiian air flies out of . It varies based on time frame but sometimes it's San Jose , sometimes San Diego, you get the idea. Overnight in a nice hotel near the airport and take 1st class Hawaiian air from there. It is beautiful and leisurely and if you can get free Southwest flights or whatever discount Carrier you prefer, it's actually not that expensive.

[@dee_mcgee11]

Pete is really talking me into adding Aulani to my Disney bucket list!

[@mnb9162]

Are the commissions through the roof for this place? It looks like a good hotel and I haven't been but looking at it Im still not quite sure what majorly sets it apart from other Top class Hotels around the World. Especially if the signature and breakfast is not very good and you say you are better off going and getting groceries. Not sure about this. Kind of sums it up that half of the round table hasn't been and I get a feeling they may never will. (Unless its comped in some way of course).

[@richardconger9078]

I was psyched to view the video given it's title. Though it should have been called "Why haven't you been to Aulani?" Of course the answer is Hawaii is a long trip and costly to get to. And no one had been there except Pete. We are going in February for a week and then to Lahaina for 4 days. We still want to know what to look forward to at Aulani, please?

[@multidayticket]

We’ve stayed there every year since 2013. It is a very nice resort, but definitely not the best resort we’ve stayed at. It is exceptionally beautifully designed and built. The rooms/units are very nice, and are generally holding up over time. The service is generally very good. They have some nice music in the evenings. The restaurants and food are consistently disappointing. The pool/water park area is too small for the size of the resort - literally every seat can be occupied by mid to late morning. The lagoon is okay, but not a surfing or snorkeling location. We are not going in 2020, but I’m sure we will go again.

[@robertsestito6821]

I love east coasters complaining about airfare. Welcome to everyone west of the Rockies trying to get to WDW.

[@CatholicAmanda]

Exactly. I hear all of this talk about cheap flights to WDW but the cheapest I can get to Orlando is just shy of $1000 per ticket. And that does not even include theme park tickets or hotel rooms.

[@LARKXHIN]

@@CatholicAmanda I live in North Florida and it still took me 530$ to fly to Orlando 😂 Your situation is far worse, it's so ridiculous.

[@shawnafinley1703]

Yup. Try flying from Alaska.

[@BoomerSooner1966]

We never wanted to leave the resort. The eastern side of Oahu has nothing. Anything to do is a 30 to 60 minute drive. Aulani is so special you won’t want to leave.

[@gregwoolley8932]

Thats why someone going to the island for the first time may be better off staying somewhere better located for sightseeing.

[@xWhereswaldo]

I have a question about Aulani, is there a good way to get there from the airport? is there some sort of shuttle or do you HAVE to rent a car?

[@Jeff-bv1ek]

I used Speedi Shuttle to/from Aulani twice. They are fantastic!

[@Jeff-bv1ek]

Speedi Shuttle

[@bobschu24]

I’m with Jerry ... waiting for my youngest to get alittle older and we are making the trip.

[@TonyOneto]

I'd love to visit Aulani. Maybe one day.

[@jessif.]

Great show, thank you.

[@mothernature4895]

Great video. One comment though, Pete, your audio goes up and down when you turn your head to speak to guests. Try an overhead boom mike or put the desk mike centered on your table. Thanks.

[@suechun8871]

Hawaiian airlines is a great value and now Southwest services Hawaii also....

[@KathyBayne]

Moved to Oahu six years ago and Aulani is my Disney fix. I've had character experiences ( my favorite was Lilo and Stitch) and sometimes go out there just to catch the hotel tour and listen to a local talk story. If you go outside the resort and across the road Monkey Pod Kitchen has food and entertainment. On Saturday afternoon Shawn Garnett (cousin Flippa from Hawaii Five 0) plays there and he is worth checking out.

[@kathyromack395]

OMGosh....we booked a trip to Aulani for May 2020! I cannot wait :)

[@atropos0754]

I’ll go to Aulani as soon as Disney builds a walkway to the magic kingdom.😂

[@priscilladietrich556]

320 days till we visit Aulani. I can't wait!

[@KatDizfan]

I love when elitist people diss the rest of the island. FYI - Ko Olina was not the rich part. It was the cheap part that no one lived in nor wanted to and money hungry developers went and bought cheap land to put a bougie resort where mainland people who don’t know any better would pay $700 a night. The island isn’t only Ko Olina and Waikiki. There’s a whole island, and people and culture in between an overpriced hotel and Waikiki. Pete needs a friend from Hawaii so he can stop saying ignorant things about the rest of the island. There’s also a little thing called the “Hawaii visitors bureau” you can check out. I would never drive to Ko Olina to find “good food.” Fake tourist overpriced food? Yes. Real Hawaii food is between Waikiki and Aulani.

[@kellyspina1419]

On my bucket list

[@rebeccasalzman352]

I am here in Maryland and know I have to do a jump from LA to Hawaii -distance and also $$ is what has been keeping me away. I am planning a trip in 2021 for our 20th Anniversary..

[@alethaw1406]

Hmmm... not the most informative video. Maybe next time the panel should be mostly people who have actually been there. Also not any information on other things to do while you are there.

[@Gandalfs_Grey_Hat]

Low key miss the original sponsors.

[@Raivere]

Hawaii is the best place to ever go but keep your rudeness at home. Aloha is worth it.

[@mothernature4895]

Try not to sneeze anywhere near Pete our he will shame you.