Comments on: Aulani Resort & Spa Trip Planning Guide

By: Tom Bricker

Tom Bricker — Sun, 28 Sep 2025 16:51:45 +0000

In reply to Kelly D.. Thanks for sharing your perspective! All I can say is that I hope our daughter has tastes and a travel 'speed' similar to your kids, and we're doing everything in our power to instill that into her. I don't think any of that makes them "weird" (to the contrary!), just atypical of kids their age, maybe?

By: Kelly D.

Kelly D. — Sun, 28 Sep 2025 14:35:46 +0000

Tom, I seldom disagree with your perspectives, but “While we think Hawaii is a better couples’ destination than it is a family vacation spot..” felt SO off base!! My family took what we expected to be a “one and done” trip to Hawaii/Aulani in 2024, and my kids have not stopped talking about it since. Perhaps it’s because my kiddos are older, or, based on DTB commentary, a little weird, (they love the Muppets, Country Bears, the Simpsons, and historical/cultural experiences), but they keep pushing for another trip to Oahu.

We’d totally agree with your take on Aulani location, cost, and dining. We had a delicious, serene meal watching the sunset from our table at Ama Ama, but we constantly pine for a $16 North Shore food truck shrimp plate, salted plum malasadas from Leonard’s, and onigiri from the Musubi Shop.

Renting a car is critical to experiencing the island. We found as much enjoyment and value in grocery shopping in Foodland (the poke bar!!!) and speaking with locals about Hawaiian Culture as we did in enjoying surf lessons, Kualoa Ranch, the Polynesian Cultural Center, Pearl Harbor, Ka Wa’a Luau, the North Shore and getting lost in the mazes at the Dole Plantation. Hawaii is unique as a US destination in that it feels both foreign and fully American. My family had a lot of thoughtful discussions about how the way our states were acquired through colonization is so much more evident in Hawaii and what may be gained or lost in such circumstances.

My husband and I are surprising our kids on Christmas morning – in lieu of gifts, we’re flying the next day back to spend the holiday break in Oahu. Given the cost of NYC to Honolulu airfare and crazy rack rates at Aulani, we’ll be doing 5 nights in Waikiki and 3-nights at Aulani. We did not particularly care for Waikiki, but the 5-nights stay there will be cheaper than the 3 at Aulani! This trip will focus on a lot of what we missed the first time – hikes, whale watching, the Waimea Valley and Iolani Palace.

While I can understand that most readers of this blog may be coming from a parks-first perspective, I hard recommend getting a taste of the destinations and cultures that have inspired so many of our beloved park attractions!!

By: Ry

Ry — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 17:56:27 +0000

We are planning a split stay, Grand Californian and then off to Aulani. We are considering an Ocean view DVC room but could compromise to save money for excursions. Are the Ocean view rooms worth the extra cost? Garden or pool view would save hundreds of dollars.

By: Stefanie Pisarkiewicz

Stefanie Pisarkiewicz — Thu, 07 Mar 2024 20:47:48 +0000

have you tried the spa there? we are going this summer and I can’t decide if we should get a massage there.

By: Anouska

Anouska — Wed, 28 Jun 2023 21:07:21 +0000

Hi Tom
I am coming from the UK and to save costs I am looking at which cities in the US I could have one or two days in before a direct flight to honolulu which isn’t too expensive. I also want to do the Same on the way home but out of Kona. Any suggestions for city breaks each way that won’t break the bank. Seattle or Chicago? would love some ideas. thanks

By: Becky S.

Becky S. — Mon, 06 Dec 2021 12:09:01 +0000

Hi, Tom! We just made the decision to cancel our WDW plans for October, and we’re heading to Aulani instead! Our oldest is 12, and many of the activities Aulani offers to kids stops after age 12, so we decided this was the best time to go (and, when we canceled our tickets & resort reservations at WDW, Aulani ended up being about the same price).

Did you go on any of the Aulani excursions? We’re considering not renting a car and simply staying at the resort and using the Disney excursions for any off-site activities. It looks like they offer excursions like going to Pearl Harbor, swimming with dolphins, and zip lining. I was wondering if you did any of these, if you recommend them, or if you recommend venturing out on our own and paying for an Uber or something to take us to Pearl Harbor.