Hello all-knowing Liners. I have floated the idea of an Aulani trip next summer to celebrate our anniversary. I know almost nothing. DW says to ask for advice. Please tell me everything you know about a trip to Aulani. I would need to book at the 7 month mark as we are not direct Aulani owners. Probably just the two of us, although we would consider bringing our two young adult children. I have flexibility in timing anytime in July and August. Any help would be appreciated.
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This might give you some good information! ( @Jeff_AZ writes excellent trip reports.)
https://forum.touringplans.com/t/welcome-to-our-tropical-hideaway-an-aulani-trip-report/101860
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Aw thanks! 
This shouldn’t be too difficult as long as you are flexible about room type and dates. The more expensive ones are easier to get (ocean view, garden view). Some dates are harder than others depending on season, but later in August will be easiest. I would wait to book flights till you have your nights. Definitely book a Waitlist if you don’t get what you want right away. Availability tends to pop up over time, especially when you get inside 3-4 months.
Here is an availability chart – these are not very accurate lately but it will give you an idea.
You will love it! Aulani is fantastic.
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I was there a few years ago in late August and it was not too crowded. I thought it was a great time to go.
One question for planning is - do you want to go and just stay at the resort (which you certainly can!) or are you also interested in seeing Oahu? Oahu is not particularly big, so it is easy to do some day trips.
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The trip report is a fun read. Thanks for sharing it.
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Thanks, @Jeff_AZ sharing your trip with everyone. I have enjoyed reading through your vacation.
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I don’t know. DW likes the feel of the Disney bubble, but I like to explore. Do you have any thoughts on how Aulani compares to a Disney World resort for safety and security? Same question for touring around the island.
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Aulani feels very safe and secure and in its own bubble.
We stayed on a different part of Ohau for part of the stay and drove around the Island. I felt safe everywhere.
You can book excursions through Aulani, but not all of them pick you up from there. Some do, so those might give you the best “bubble” feel while doing some exploring. If you are interested I recommend speaking to someone at Aulani to get recommendations.
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The last time we were there was four years ago (2nd trip), but my son, DiL & DGD were there a week ago on our points. My TR: “Aloha!” Aulani Sept 5-15, 2022 (completed TR) - Disney Vacation Club - TouringPlans Discussion Forums
some details new to me: DGD is 4 and LOVE it! Auntie’s Playhouse is free but requires a reservation. My DS did a walk up, and Lilly-bug (DGD) loved it, but my son only let her stay 45 min since they didn’t allow parents access to the kid areas. His words, “I don’t feel comfortable letting my child go where I’m not allowed to go”. He thought the food was overpriced, he’s active-duty mil, and lives 15min away; they drove home one night to cook at home instead of paying $20 for a hotdog. I’m just sharing their thoughts. We all know Disney has gone crazy w/ their price tags.
It’s a beautiful resort. Enjoy your stay!
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Aulani is gorgeous. I own dvc there. But I would encourage you to explore the island. There is so much to see and do off resort. I may be a bit harsh but I don’t think it’s worth all the time and money to get there if you aren’t going to leave the resort. Plenty of closer gorgeous and cheaper places to visit. we once took the kids there for 9 days and I thought it was way too long to stay at aulani and I wished we had island hopped
I also don’t think you can compare it to the Disney bubble. There are Disney touches and character opportunities but is a very different feel.
That said I love it (I will be there in September so I’m not saying it’s a bad resort) and I think you will have a great trip.
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Absolutely - I second this! Oahu has plenty of options whether you like nature hikes, museums, snorkeling, ocean excursions, beaches, or historical / cultural sites. Take your pick, or choose a sampling from each category.
Some highlights:
- Pearl Harbor Memorial. Everyone must see this at least once.
- Hanauma Bay (snorkeling)
- Waikiki (mostly for dining and shopping)
- Punchbowl cemetery of the Pacific
- Ililani Palace
- Waimanalo Beach (my favorite beach for surf and swimming)
- Pali Lookout
- Halona Blowhole
- North shore / Pipeline
- Polynesian Cultural Center
- Dole Pineapple Plantation
- Valley of the Temples / Boydo-In Temple
- Kualoa Ranch (filming location with tours)
- Haleiwa (dining and market)
- Bishop Museum
FYI the beach at Aulani is beautiful but lame. It’s in a protected bay so there is zero surf. You can walk out to the rocks and watch the waves but you should not swim beyond the barrier.
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We disagree! We went snorkeling almost every day we were there and saw all kinds of colorful fish. I agree w/ not swimming beyond the barrier.
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I don’t snorkel but I’m merely referring to the fact that there are no waves.
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yes, No waves is true…. it’s a lagoon and protected area which makes it a great place for safe swimming, snorkeling and that standing board thing…
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“That standing board thing” made me laugh 
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It’s a good name for it
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