Aulani – Part One

Before I made my first trip to Hawaii, I asked my friends who had already visited for some advice. I received the same words of wisdom from them all. “Do not let a travel agent or tour operator talk you into visiting two or three islands in one week’s time. Each island has more than enough activities to fill an entire vacation and traveling from one island to another can eat up the better part of a day.” I took their advice and I am glad I did. While I lived in Los Angeles and San Francisco, I made six trips to the islands. I visited Oahu and Maui twice each and Kauai and Hawaii (the Big Isle) once each. Every time for a week.

Last month I visited Hawaii again, but this time on a Princess Cruise roundtrip from San Francisco. After four days of crossing the Pacific, I visited these same four islands again, each for one day – hardly enough time to experience what the 50th State has to offer. But then, I didn’t take this vacation to visit Hawaii, I took it to relax and enjoy an extended cruise (15 days). Since I had visited Oahu twice in the past, I decided to use my short time in this port to visit Aulani, a relatively new Disney Vacation Club (DVC). I wanted to see what all the hubbub was about and report back to you in a blog.

Before I get into my review, I need to post a disclaimer. I was only at Aulani for approximately three hours. During this time I did my best to soak up every bit of information I could and take as many pictures as possible. But please be aware, there are probably gaps in my descriptions and possibly errors in my information. Also, I did not visit any of the hotel’s guest rooms. If you have questions after reading this article, feel free to ask me. But I’m not sure that I will be your best source of information.

First let me give you some background as to Aulani’s location. This DVC property is part of a massive master-planned resort called Ko Olina, which is located about 27 miles northwest of Waikiki Beach. To create Ko Olina, a huge parcel of land was cleared and a marina dredged. In addition, four crescent shaped lagoons were cut into the earth, each with openings out onto the Pacific. Three to four hotels will eventually be built around each of these lagoons. In the first picture below you can see the overall layout of the resort. The second picture shows a close-up of Aulani and its neighbor, J.W. Marriott Ilihani. Aulani opened to the public on August 29, 2011. Its price tag is estimated to be around $800 million. Like the Boardwalk Resort at WDW, Aulani is a combination hotel and DVC (359 hotel rooms and 481 DVC units).

I’m sure that many of you want to know if Aulani offers the same atmosphere as the Polynesian Resort at WDW. Absolutely not! Even though they both share a Polynesian theme, it’s obvious that the Imagineers tried to create a completely different experience.

Before arriving at Aulani, you can see the massive hotel from the road. This view alone should convince you that this is not the Polynesian.

As you enter the Ko Olina resort, beautiful volcanic rock waterfalls greet you before you pass by a security booth and guard. I was not stopped or asked for any identification.

Several signs point the way to Aulani and I easily found the resort’s parking garage. The price of parking is $35 a day. However, I was able to have my ticket validated as I spent over $35 at lunch (more about lunch later). It was a short walk from the garage to the porte-cochère. Near the main entrance, cooling fruit flavored water is available for thirsty guests. Take a look at the citrus slices.

Many hotels in Hawaii have open-air lobbies and Aulani is no exception. Since the weather here is near perfect year-round, there is little need for protection from the elements. But of course, there is always the rogue storm so hidden retractable doors are available when needed.

The lobby is impressive. As you enter, you can see through this room and out to the massive playground the Imagineers have built for your amusement.

One can’t help but notice the architectural similarities to Kidani Village at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge at WDW.

In the lobby, tiki gods stand sentinel at ground level while Hawaiian legends are depicted in colorful paintings around the ceiling.

Flanking the lobby to the right and left are massive hallways with impressive ceiling arches.

Off of the right hallway you’ll find the concierge desks, the check-in desk, a sitting area, and a children’s waiting area.

The resort’s shop, Kālepa’s Store, can be found off of the left hallway. This mercantile offers a wide array of Aulani branded merchandise as well as a small selection of the typical souvenirs that we’re all familiar with at Disneyland and Walt Disney World.

It’s also in the lobby area where you’ll encounter your first menehune, a mischievous, troll-like creature native to Hawaii. Menehunes are tricky fellows and have hiding places all over the resort. It’s great fun to try and discover some of their more concealed locations. This is Disney’s Hawaiian version of finding Hidden Mickeys.

Below the lobby is Makahiki. This buffet restaurant is open for breakfast and dinner and offers character dining. While I was there, Minnie and Goofy were making the rounds but I understand Donald, Chip & Dale, and Lilo & Stitch also make appearances at the resort. This eatery offers both indoor and outdoor seating.

As you exit Makahiki, Mickey can be found in a lovely courtyard and is available for pictures. Just like at Disney World and Disneyland, a photographer is on hand to capture the moment. He can use his Disney camera or your own. Although I wandered through the exit accidentally after taking pictures of the restaurant, Mickey was more than willing to pose with me.

Hawaiian-themed works of art can be found throughout the resort, both inside and out.

Here are a few pictures of the hotel’s towers where the guest rooms are located.

The two tower buildings of Aulani create a horseshoe shape that wrap around the pool area. As with any hotel, some rooms have better views than others. Since everyone who comes to Hawaii wants to see the ocean, it’s common for hotels here to have angled openings out onto the balconies to maximize views. Aulani is no exception and used this architectural design on many of its rooms.

Within this horseshoe, the Imagineers have created a Hawaiian paradise of sights and activities. “Water” is definitely the theme here. Take a look at the koi pond found on the doorsteps of Makahiki restaurant.

Perhaps the most unique feature of Aulani is their 8,200 square foot pool complex. Here you’ll find two slides, an artificial snorkeling lagoon, a combination jungle-gym/splash area, and a “lazy river” reminiscent of Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach (only shorter in length). Here are a few pictures of Waikolohe Stream, the lazy river.

When I stumbled across Menehune Bridge, the jungle-gym/splash area, I said out loud “Wow!” This is a magnificent water play area for kids that makes adults envious of their children’s youth. I know I wanted to run beneath these pylons and get wet.

Rainbow Reef is where guests can get a taste of snorkeling. An underwater viewing area allows for some great photos of your friends and family.

Rainbow Reef is not free. One-day use is $15 for adults (10 and up) and $10 for children. Length-of-Stay use is $20 for adults and $15 for children.

As nice as Rainbow Reef is, PLEASE, do not go back to the mainland and tell your friends that you went snorkeling in Hawaii if this man-made lagoon is all you’ve experienced. There are too many real snorkeling adventures available in the islands that are far superior to this Disney offering.

Here are a few pictures of Waikolohe Pool, the family fun pool.

The “infinity” pool makes it look like this body of water goes on and on forever and connects with the Pacific Ocean. But this is just an optical illusion. The fresh water and sea water are actually quite a distance apart.

The Ka Maka Grotto is another jaw-dropping feat of engineering. The Imagineers did a fantastic job of making a man-made structure look natural and oh so inviting.

Tucked away in the corner of this massive swim area is an adult’s only pool and bar. Although nice, compared to the other pools, it lacks imagination.

At the other end of the age-scale is a splash area designed especially for toddlers. The kids I saw here were having a great time.

There are a few poolside cabanas that can be rented for your own private group.

Located around the pool are a number of food stands and bars where you can grab a quick bite to eat or drink. One of the more interesting of these is The Lava Shack. This establishment is tucked into the man-made volcanic mountain and is themed to be a Hawaiian surf shop of the 1930’s.

If you want more than just a snack, check out Ulu Café. This spot offers a wide variety of food options and features a grill where you can order a hot breakfast or lunch. You can opt to eat at tables near the restaurant or take your food back to your lounge chair. Ulu Cafe is comparable in concept to Captain Cook’s at the Polynesian at WDW.

Since I wasn’t an actual guest of Aulani, I wasn’t sure if I would be allowed onto the property. To insure that I could check things out legitimately, I made advance reservations to eat lunch at ‘AMA ‘AMA, the resort’s fine dining establishment. As it turns out, Disney doesn’t care who stops by, just as long as you can afford the $35 parking fee.

‘AMA ‘AMA is a beautiful, open-air restaurant. Tables on the lanai are afforded a stunning view of the lagoon in the foreground and the Pacific Ocean in the background. ‘AMA ‘AMA serves both lunch and dinner.

I mentioned menehunes earlier. It seems that two of these little trolls have hiding spots in the ‘AMA ‘AMA rafters. I have to be honest, I had the hostess help me find them.

For lunch I had a pulled-pork sandwich which was served on a special Hawaiian bread. Each of the three mini-sandwiches offered a different, distinctive flavor. My friend Donald had a Caesar Salad with grilled shrimp. We were both more than pleased with our selections.

For dessert we shared a pineapple crème brûlée. Although it was attractive to look at and large enough for two, we were both disappointed with the flavor and the fact that it didn’t have a caramelized topping. Overall, it was pretty bland.

By the way, if you think prices are high at WDW, they’re just as high if not higher in Hawaii. A note to Disneyland and Walt Disney World cast members, bring your cast ID, you get a discount here.

First time visitors to Hawaii are often struck by the large amount of Japanese tourists they encounter here. As it turns out, the islands are a major vacation destination for our Asian friends. In fact, many signs and advertisements in the islands are written in both English and Japanese. I understand that rice cookers are a standard kitchen appliance in the DVC units at Aulani.

Next door to Aulani is a beautiful wedding chapel (not run by Disney). While enjoying lunch, I spotted Japanese newlyweds on the beach, posing for pictures. I was so struck by the romance of the moment, I just had to snap a few pictures. I used my telephoto lens as to not intrude.

Also while enjoying lunch, I got to watch the Navy conduct exercises from nearby Pearl Harbor. This ship passed by several times during my visit.

Near ‘AMA ‘AMA is a large fire pit where Hawaiian tales are told in the evening.

The white-sand cove is shared by all of the resorts that line its boarders. Currently, this is just Aulani and the J.W. Marriott Ilihani. A resort room key is needed to open a gate for reentrance back onto Aulani grounds from the cove. Fortunately for me, this security measure was not working on the day I visited. This allowed me to enter the beach area and take pictures without getting trapped out there.

A long grassy area separates a meandering walkway from the sugar-sand beach. Wooden lounge chairs are available for sunning.

A Beach Rentals shop is nearby for guest who wish to rent a variety of flotation devices and surfboard-type craft.

Several floating “islands” are anchored a short distance from the shore for additional fun.

The wave action in the crescent lagoon is minimal. This is a very calm body of water.

Pay attention to what I have to say next. You cannot access the ocean from this cove. A warning rope blocks your path. And even if you could get to the ocean, you would find the jagged volcanic rocks more than you would want to contend with. So if it’s your dream to frolic in the waves, surf, or bodysurf in Hawaii from your resort’s doorstep, Aulani is not a good choice.

(Note, I photoshopped the above picture by adding additional buoys. I wanted to accentuate the cove boundary as the rope was not obvious in the picture. However, the line that I have created here is accurate.)

Also found in the cove area are a number of stone markers. These contain the names of the original Aulani DVC members. A similar recognition can be found at Bay Lake Tower at WDW.

As with all DVC’s, Aulani features a Community Hall. Known as the Pau Hana Room, this spot offers an abundance of activities for DVC members. Some of these include hula lessons and beginner Hawaiian language classes.

Here is what an Aulani cast member name tag looks like. I found it interesting that it is the same shape and size as a WDW name tag, but has an entirely different look and feel.

Aulani is a beautiful hotel. It’s obvious that Joe Rohde and his team of Imagineers wanted to create an all-inclusive destination resort and they pulled out all the stops to do so. Only the most jaded of persons would not be impressed on some level with their efforts. Click here for the official Aulani webpage.

That’s it for Part One of my Aulani overview. Check back tomorrow when I’ll answer the $64,000 question, “Would I recommend Aulani?” My answer might surprise you.

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