We visited Aulani, in Oahu, HI with zero children in tow. You may be wondering if it is worth the costs for adult couples with no kids. Here is my honest take on Aulani, but the quick answer is YES, but not for the same amount of moolah, cause this place is expensive, ya’ll! Check it out.
Check In: It is roughly a 45 minute drive from the Honolulu airport (HNL), and that drive, ya’ll! It’s like driving in New York City, with palm trees! Not relaxing, at all! However, when we arrived, an attendant opened my car door for me, and directed us where to go to check in. Check in was easy, efficient, they gave us our wrist-bands and they brought our bags to our rooms.
Rooms: We booked a Standard Room, King-size bed, which was perfect! The room has a small lanai (that’s fancy Hawaiian-talk, for a balcony), with a table and two chairs. We could see the a bit of the ocean and overlooked the lazy river. Room notables, the details (like the carved wooden lamp) are fantastic, they leave a welcome letter with a flower, that wound up in my hair later. And I would be COMPLETELY REMISS if I didn’t talk about that AH-Mazing shampoo, conditioner body wash!! This stuff smells so friggin good! I brought back everything that I had not used. OH! And they also have Joffrey’s coffee pods in the room!
Food/Drinks: Abundant, delish, and plentiful. I got the fruit plate one morning for breakfast and this thing felt like it weighed 6 lbs.! It was fresh, cold and too much for one person. There is also adult beverages to purchase (Thank God!)
Shopping: The shops here have very unique items that can not be found on the mainland. Like my Aulani T-shirt, that I am wearing as I type! Ha!
Pool: The POOL(S)!!! Ohhhemmmmgeeeee!!! Let’s start with the lazy river, because that is EXACTLY where we started, after we unpacked! This, in my opinion, is the most amazing feature! We floated on this thing for countless hours! And they have two, awesome water slides attached, so you know I went down those too!
There is also a very cool play area, that we never went in, (remember, no kids with us), that looked incredible.
AND….one more notable item, if other peoples kids become too much, there is an 18 and older pool, conveniently located next to a pool bar. Important Note: The pool water here, for whatever reason fades bathing suits. Not only did we have a problem, but we talked to several people who had the exact same issue. Just a word of caution.
Beach: White, soft, sand. Gentle waves and clear blue water in a lagoon-type setting. What more could you ask for? This is a perfect beach. Ask an employee to show you where the secret beach is.
Spa: I did not visit the spa while there, which means I MUST return! 🙂 What are the best spa treatments here?
Parking: $40 per day (includes valet) – This seems excessive to me, and something that Aulani should revisit charging, especially with the cost of this property.
Luau: This was also expensive, but a lot of fun, and a Hawaiian island rite-of-passage, especially for first-timer visitors to the islands. At $209 per person, the benefit are that you are onsite, and already at your property when you are ready to go, and all of your alcohol was included (which is NOT typical of luau’s).
Notes: No smoking, of any kind on property at all. If you want to puff-puff-pass, you will have to walk down the hill a bit.
Final verdict: (If you didn’t catch it at the top):
Check In: 8
Rooms: 9
Pool: 10
Beach: 10
Food/Drink: 8
Entertainment (Luau for us): 9
Parking: 3
Total Price: 5
Would we stay here again for the money. Not for the SAME amount of money, but definitely – someone send me a coupon, and we will do a Round Two! We enjoyed it immensely, but there are others places on Oahu, that we want to check out. Like Marriotts Ko’Olina Beach Club.
Have you stayed at either? Would you go again?
