scrappydew
l wish I were at Aulani!
- Joined
- Jul 15, 2016
Enjoying your report!
First Trip to Hawaii / Aulani - Our Trip Report
- Thread starter JM735
- Start date
THanks for the Pearl Harbor REport. We are tackling this day while staying in Waikikki. I plan to reserve the free tickets ahead of time bC I think my only real interest is the Arizona Memorial. Is there more to do here than just this if I take the Misssouri and the Bowfish off the table? Sorry if I butchered those names...not sure if there were any other free exhibits to look at while you waited for your time slot etc. for the Arizona. I was BUDGETING 3 hours. Does this sound about right?
JM735
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Jul 23, 2015
A Cabana and a Luau
Friday, January 12, 2018
Apparently being succinct will not be a theme for this trip report… We will just accept that most posts will be longer than I originally planned!
This was our first resort-only day; no driving someplace or even walking across the street, just all Aulani, all day!
We had decided to get a cabana at the adult pool and I made the reservation approximately six months before our trip. I knew from other discussions that these cabanas are pretty far removed, and some say unnecessary, but we decided to give it a try. We were assigned Cabana 6, which is in the back corner of the adult pool and was the only cabana in this group of three occupied that day. Throughout the day there were always chairs available around the adult pool, however we appreciated having a home base.
The cabana had a lockable drawer, fridge stocked with mini water bottles, television, Beats speaker, ceiling fan, sofa/chaise lounge, two lounge chairs and a couple tables.
Our home for the day (from top left): view from the cabana in the morning, adult pool from the end by the cabanas, view from the cabana in afternoon, view from the adult pool looking back towards the cabana area, our cabana for the day.
Pam had a manicure and Dave had a shave scheduled at 10:30 a.m. and Brad had a haircut at 11:30 a.m. We realized the day before how close the spa is to the adult cabanas and we strongly encouraged Pam to abandon her idea of going back to the room after her manicure before coming to the cabana. She actually took our advice! Pam and Dave went to their appointments and Brad and I hit the lazy river.
After a few laps in the lazy river we decided to try the water slide that requires a tube, which was fun and longer than I expected. After I went down I waited for Brad; I saw him at the very end of the slide but then all I saw was a raft floating. He later said he knew it would not be a graceful ending based on how fast he was going. Somehow his raft abandoned him once he exited the slide and gravity did its thing, dunking him. I was far more amused than he was.
After that fun, we went back to the cabana. Dave was back from his appointment and Pam returned shortly. This is also when the server stopped by to introduce herself and said she’d be back with our fruit tray (included with the cabana) unless we wanted it later. There may have been a round of drinks ordered but I don’t remember for sure. Which may confirm there were drinks...
Brad went to his haircut and I went to try the other slide and I believe Pam and Dave stayed at the cabana. Around 12:15 p.m. our server gave us a heads-up that the lunch rush was starting a bit earlier than normal and it would probably be closer to 45-minute wait for food. I appreciated her letting us know and we ordered food and then hit the ocean. We didn’t stay too long but everyone at least got his or her feet wet.
I don’t think I’ve mentioned water temps yet – nothing scientific since I didn’t have a thermometer, but these are my observations... The lagoon/ocean was chilly when you first entered, but your body would adjust quickly. Waikolohe Pool (family pool) was the warmest. Waikolohe Stream (lazy river) was slightly cooler than the family pool - comfortable and refreshing. Wailana Pool (adult pool) was almost perfect, somewhere between the lazy river and the family pool. Ka Maka Grotto pool was very cool; we never stayed in it very long, and we didn’t get in the grotto hot tubs. The dual-level hot tub (if it has an official name I have no idea what it is) was a good temp; sometimes hot tubs can be too hot, but this one wasn’t. Brad and I spent more time in that hot tub than I expected. Watching sunset from here was hard to be beat!
Random pics of some of the pools/water areas (from top left): dual-level hot tub, Minnie at a pool party, Mickey at a pool party, floating around the lazy river, more lazy river, the Grotto.
One thing that surprised us was how slippery parts of the pool decks and walkways were. More than once I was sure I’d end up on my backside after getting out of the hot tub or pools. Luckily, no mishaps for us, but I do recommend water shoes or flip-flops. Brad claimed his feet were more slippery because they removed the traction from his feet during his pedicure!
Lunch arrived soon after we got back to the cabana. It was similar to most Disney poolside / counter-service options. The menu had some diversity, including things like tacos with fish, pork or shrimp. In my experience, counter service food quality can be hit or miss but this meal was good. The fries still warm and my only complaint was the quesadilla was very greasy. Overall, it was convenient and I’m glad we didn’t waste time trying to go back to the room or pack food for lunch. Our server was very friendly and attentive, checking on us throughout the day.
Lunch (from top left): kalua pork tacos, quesadilla, fruit tray, shrimp tacos, dessert tray.
The rest of the afternoon was spent relaxing: hot tubs and pools, napping in the cabana, lazy river laps, etc. Oh, and we enjoyed the dessert tray that was also included with the cabana. We left the cabana soon after 4:00 p.m. since we had a luau that night.
We all thought it was great having the cabana. Yes, it was an added expense and the crowds weren’t so bad that chairs became a problem, but it was one of those things that made the day even more enjoyable.
For ease and convenience, we decided to go to the luau at Aulani. After everyone rinsed the pool and sunscreen off, we put on our Hawaiian shirts and went downstairs. The VIP entrance was right next to the elevators for our tower. After they checked our tickets we were given wristbands and leis and then we got in line for pictures with two of the performers.
As they walked us to our seats, they showed us where the bar was and explained the activity stations. Brad and I went to get a round of drinks for the four of us and then walked around looking at the activities. I’d say 10 minutes after we were seated they started seating the non-VIP guests. We did a few of the activities, but it was not our focus. Instead we enjoyed having drinks and talking while listening to the live music. There was a photopass photographer taking pictures with an Aulani frame for you to hold up, basically the same concept as what they often have in front of the Tree of Life at Animal Kingdom. Before dinner, Mickey, Minnie and Moana all made appearances on stage.
Around 6:00 p.m. they announced that the food was ready. They released each table to avoid a mad rush and lines at the buffet. We thought the food was very good (especially the pig skin – salty but amazing). I think we each made two trips (maybe three for some of us). There was a good balance of local foods and the staples you expect on a buffet. During dinner they stopped by to show us the photos they took with the dancers before being seated. There were some good ones (and who knows if we will ever again all be wearing Hawaiian shirts) so we decided to purchase the CD (I think it was $35). They took a room key and came back with a receipt and told us where to pick up the CD after the show. I forgot to use the DVC card for the discount, but we went to the gift shop after the show and they applied the discount.
The show started at 7:00 p.m. and was VERY entertaining. Expectations were high since I feel this type of production is where Disney should excel, and they did not disappoint. My best recollection (I failed at taking good notes during the trip so we are winging a lot of this from memory!) is that the show lasted around 40 minutes. Pam’s comment after the show was ‘there were a lot of cute butts up there.’ I think her son nearly fell out of his chair laughing at this unexpected observation.
Most of the performers were available for photos after the show. We were glad we went with the VIP experience, but I would not consider it a necessity to thoroughly enjoy the luau. The VIP benefits included early check in, preferred seating, complimentary adult beverages and ‘enhanced’ leis.
Our resort day was relaxing, just as we wanted it to be.
Coming soon… the North Shore!
Friday, January 12, 2018
Apparently being succinct will not be a theme for this trip report… We will just accept that most posts will be longer than I originally planned!
This was our first resort-only day; no driving someplace or even walking across the street, just all Aulani, all day!
We had decided to get a cabana at the adult pool and I made the reservation approximately six months before our trip. I knew from other discussions that these cabanas are pretty far removed, and some say unnecessary, but we decided to give it a try. We were assigned Cabana 6, which is in the back corner of the adult pool and was the only cabana in this group of three occupied that day. Throughout the day there were always chairs available around the adult pool, however we appreciated having a home base.
The cabana had a lockable drawer, fridge stocked with mini water bottles, television, Beats speaker, ceiling fan, sofa/chaise lounge, two lounge chairs and a couple tables.
Our home for the day (from top left): view from the cabana in the morning, adult pool from the end by the cabanas, view from the cabana in afternoon, view from the adult pool looking back towards the cabana area, our cabana for the day.
Pam had a manicure and Dave had a shave scheduled at 10:30 a.m. and Brad had a haircut at 11:30 a.m. We realized the day before how close the spa is to the adult cabanas and we strongly encouraged Pam to abandon her idea of going back to the room after her manicure before coming to the cabana. She actually took our advice! Pam and Dave went to their appointments and Brad and I hit the lazy river.
After a few laps in the lazy river we decided to try the water slide that requires a tube, which was fun and longer than I expected. After I went down I waited for Brad; I saw him at the very end of the slide but then all I saw was a raft floating. He later said he knew it would not be a graceful ending based on how fast he was going. Somehow his raft abandoned him once he exited the slide and gravity did its thing, dunking him. I was far more amused than he was.
After that fun, we went back to the cabana. Dave was back from his appointment and Pam returned shortly. This is also when the server stopped by to introduce herself and said she’d be back with our fruit tray (included with the cabana) unless we wanted it later. There may have been a round of drinks ordered but I don’t remember for sure. Which may confirm there were drinks...
Brad went to his haircut and I went to try the other slide and I believe Pam and Dave stayed at the cabana. Around 12:15 p.m. our server gave us a heads-up that the lunch rush was starting a bit earlier than normal and it would probably be closer to 45-minute wait for food. I appreciated her letting us know and we ordered food and then hit the ocean. We didn’t stay too long but everyone at least got his or her feet wet.
I don’t think I’ve mentioned water temps yet – nothing scientific since I didn’t have a thermometer, but these are my observations... The lagoon/ocean was chilly when you first entered, but your body would adjust quickly. Waikolohe Pool (family pool) was the warmest. Waikolohe Stream (lazy river) was slightly cooler than the family pool - comfortable and refreshing. Wailana Pool (adult pool) was almost perfect, somewhere between the lazy river and the family pool. Ka Maka Grotto pool was very cool; we never stayed in it very long, and we didn’t get in the grotto hot tubs. The dual-level hot tub (if it has an official name I have no idea what it is) was a good temp; sometimes hot tubs can be too hot, but this one wasn’t. Brad and I spent more time in that hot tub than I expected. Watching sunset from here was hard to be beat!
Random pics of some of the pools/water areas (from top left): dual-level hot tub, Minnie at a pool party, Mickey at a pool party, floating around the lazy river, more lazy river, the Grotto.
One thing that surprised us was how slippery parts of the pool decks and walkways were. More than once I was sure I’d end up on my backside after getting out of the hot tub or pools. Luckily, no mishaps for us, but I do recommend water shoes or flip-flops. Brad claimed his feet were more slippery because they removed the traction from his feet during his pedicure!
Lunch arrived soon after we got back to the cabana. It was similar to most Disney poolside / counter-service options. The menu had some diversity, including things like tacos with fish, pork or shrimp. In my experience, counter service food quality can be hit or miss but this meal was good. The fries still warm and my only complaint was the quesadilla was very greasy. Overall, it was convenient and I’m glad we didn’t waste time trying to go back to the room or pack food for lunch. Our server was very friendly and attentive, checking on us throughout the day.
Lunch (from top left): kalua pork tacos, quesadilla, fruit tray, shrimp tacos, dessert tray.
The rest of the afternoon was spent relaxing: hot tubs and pools, napping in the cabana, lazy river laps, etc. Oh, and we enjoyed the dessert tray that was also included with the cabana. We left the cabana soon after 4:00 p.m. since we had a luau that night.
We all thought it was great having the cabana. Yes, it was an added expense and the crowds weren’t so bad that chairs became a problem, but it was one of those things that made the day even more enjoyable.
For ease and convenience, we decided to go to the luau at Aulani. After everyone rinsed the pool and sunscreen off, we put on our Hawaiian shirts and went downstairs. The VIP entrance was right next to the elevators for our tower. After they checked our tickets we were given wristbands and leis and then we got in line for pictures with two of the performers.
As they walked us to our seats, they showed us where the bar was and explained the activity stations. Brad and I went to get a round of drinks for the four of us and then walked around looking at the activities. I’d say 10 minutes after we were seated they started seating the non-VIP guests. We did a few of the activities, but it was not our focus. Instead we enjoyed having drinks and talking while listening to the live music. There was a photopass photographer taking pictures with an Aulani frame for you to hold up, basically the same concept as what they often have in front of the Tree of Life at Animal Kingdom. Before dinner, Mickey, Minnie and Moana all made appearances on stage.
Around 6:00 p.m. they announced that the food was ready. They released each table to avoid a mad rush and lines at the buffet. We thought the food was very good (especially the pig skin – salty but amazing). I think we each made two trips (maybe three for some of us). There was a good balance of local foods and the staples you expect on a buffet. During dinner they stopped by to show us the photos they took with the dancers before being seated. There were some good ones (and who knows if we will ever again all be wearing Hawaiian shirts) so we decided to purchase the CD (I think it was $35). They took a room key and came back with a receipt and told us where to pick up the CD after the show. I forgot to use the DVC card for the discount, but we went to the gift shop after the show and they applied the discount.
The show started at 7:00 p.m. and was VERY entertaining. Expectations were high since I feel this type of production is where Disney should excel, and they did not disappoint. My best recollection (I failed at taking good notes during the trip so we are winging a lot of this from memory!) is that the show lasted around 40 minutes. Pam’s comment after the show was ‘there were a lot of cute butts up there.’ I think her son nearly fell out of his chair laughing at this unexpected observation.
Most of the performers were available for photos after the show. We were glad we went with the VIP experience, but I would not consider it a necessity to thoroughly enjoy the luau. The VIP benefits included early check in, preferred seating, complimentary adult beverages and ‘enhanced’ leis.
Our resort day was relaxing, just as we wanted it to be.
Coming soon… the North Shore!
JM735
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Jul 23, 2015
It seems the advance tickets (60 days out) are only available for tours at 11:00 a.m. or later. I didn't think this was the case when I first started planning, but was the case the last few months. I haven't looked lately to see if it is currently like that. I imagine they are keeping the earlier tickets for day before or walk-up distribution. But this is just my speculation...
I agree the Arizona is a must-do. However, the Bowfin is in the same area as the Arizona and I believe is $15 for adult admission and $7 for children. This may be an add-on to consider because it is fun to see up close.
Regarding time, yes, I'd say three hours is a good estimate for the Arizona tour and other free exhibits, which includes two museums and items of interest in the harbor area.
So enjoying this trip. So far what you have done I have planned - first class airfare, VIP luau, Cabana rental. Check! I rented my cabana NOT a the adult pool simply b/c I read the views were better elsewhere HOWEVER the crowds were heavier at the non adult areas. Since we are there inJuly, and I predict, crowded, would you think the Cabana would be a must do? I reserved it with the hesitation of "maybe I will cancel" but I have all of ONE resort day planned and figured I would make I a comfortable one....And I saw your post on another thread with your tours with Oahu group...I booked those as well can't wait for more detail on that. Thanks again for the report and answering questions. Trying to determine if the resort was CROWDED when you were there or more off season...
DreamRunner1
may the Force run with You
- Joined
- Sep 14, 2016
Brad here. A.k.a. the iPhone photographer for the trip. They aren’t the best but it was starting to get dark and buffets are never easy to photograph. Especially with a bunch of hungry ppl!
The food was great; especially the roast pig. We even had poi but there’s no way to photograph a gray sauce-like food. I really liked the salads, too, since they had more local items as toppings like taro bread croutons.
alohamom
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Oct 31, 2003
Honestly, it was so smart of you to photograph the food! I have seen a ton of the dancers but hardly any of the other aspects of the luau.
I hear you about the poi. Not only does it look un appealing, it is just so paste-y and bland. Gotta try it at least once though!
Iamaplanner
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- May 11, 2014
Awesome trip review! So appreciate you taking the time to post this. Quick question for you - if we decide to do the Photopass, would we get our pics from the luau as part of that? Also, is the only option to get your pictures via CD??
JM735
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Jul 23, 2015
Thanks! It's my first review, but I'm enjoying sharing it.
Regarding the photos, we didn't purchase the Photopass, so I cannot speak from personal experience, but my understanding is that the specialty photos (including Makahiki character meals and some from the luau) are not included with the Photopass purchase. However, there was at least one Photopass photographer at the luau taking pictures that would be included; it just wasn't the photos with the dancers.
And yes, a CD is really the only option - which is crazy; I'd think flash drives would be easier for everyone.
buffettgirl
The whole tag thing, so 1990's internet.
- Joined
- Dec 26, 2008
"Aloha shirts" you were wearing "Aloha shirts" just going off your picture....
Hawaiian shirts are these Don't insult yourself by confusing the two.
Hawaiian shirts are these Don't insult yourself by confusing the two.
JM735
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Jul 23, 2015
"Aloha shirts" you were wearing "Aloha shirts" just going off your picture....
Hawaiian shirts are these Don't insult yourself by confusing the two.
Really??? Clearly, I didn't know there was difference. Based on your example, I'm glad we got Aloha shirts. Thanks for the clarification!
JM735
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Jul 23, 2015
North Shore Tour… and a Ballistic Missile Alert
Saturday, January 13, 2018
I ‘ve seen numerous mentions of how much busier Aulani can be on the weekends. With this in mind, we decided to make plans that were not centered around the resort pool areas for Saturday and Sunday.
Early in the planning, we stumbled across Oahu Private tours (no idea what thread I was reading but thanks to whomever I should be crediting!). We decided we would spend two days with them – one day for the north shore and another on the south shore. And we would only be doing the guided tour; none of us would be jumping, diving, snorkeling, or traversing the terrain. Jason is the owner of the company and he was great to work with. I had several questions throughout our planning and he was always very responsive and helpful.
Our pickup time was 8:00 a.m. and I received a text around 7:45 a.m. from our guide, Kenny, letting us know he would meet us at the main entrance. We did introductions and then jumped in the van to start our day. Little did we know there would also be an unplanned test of the emergency broadcast system in Hawaii.
As we were driving I saw the alert on my phone and sat there for a moment wondering, ‘what do I do with this information?’. My instinct was that we’d get an all-clear message and we’d move on with our day. When Brad, who was sitting in the front seat, looked back at me, in the back row, I knew he saw the alert also. About that time my phone rang and it was Jason who asked me to pass the phone to Kenny. After several yes’s and okay’s, Kenney passed the phone back to me. Jason explained the alert and said Kenny would take us back to Aulani while everyone figured out what was going on. So, we turned around and went back to Aulani. When we pulled up there were probably 30-40 people standing on the sidewalk by the driveway entrance.
The valet said to leave the car there, gave us a ticket and kept the keys. We went into the lobby, which was relatively crowded. There was a lot of emotion there; the anxiety was palpable. Kenny went to the restroom and when he returned he said that the information he was seeing via twitter from local news indicated it was a false alarm. About this time Jason called again and said the same thing and gave Kenny the go-ahead to resume, or actually start, our tour. Jason and Kenny handled a stressful and uncertain situation wonderfully.
I know there is at least one discussion thread about the false alarm, so I’ll try to keep this trip report on our experiences and refrain from entering into areas that could cause debate. But I’ll share my opinion; there are opportunities for Aulani to improve planning and communication for different types of emergencies. However, it is always easy to judge after-the-fact and my experience is that Disney often learns from situations and adapts their policies and procedures.
At any rate, we got back on our way exploring the North Shore of Oahu. First stop: Leonard’s! Okay, not the actual Leonard’s bakery storefront, but one of their food trucks that is in the Lowe’s parking lot not far from Aulani. On some level, malasadas are just donuts; but the texture of the dough was lighter and there was a lot of filling inside, in our case custard. They were so good. Spoiler alert: we did not make it back to Leonard’s and this ranks as one of my regrets for the trip.
Next, we went to Green World Coffee Farm, which is a local place that roasts their coffee on-site using beans from a variety of sources, including their farm as well as the other Hawaiian islands. It was cool having options that were 100% grown and roasted on Oahu. They have an espresso bar, store and several coffee samples available. Brad and Dave bought numerous sample-sizes of ground coffee to make in the room and take home. In hindsight, they wish they had purchased more. This is a good time to remind anyone who wants to make coffee in their room to take coffee filters. Disney provides the pre-portioned packets in a filter. If you have your own coffee, you will need filters, but if you forget them, they have some at the ABC store...
Now it was time hit the beach! This particular weekend was a surfing competition, which we didn’t see, but it did increase traffic in the area. Also this weekend there were extremely large waves, which were amazing to see. However, we learned it is nearly impossible to capture the beauty, scale and power of them with our cameras. But it didn’t stop us from taking tons of pictures! Coming from the Midwest it was a new experience to see dedicated surfing channels on TV and have wave predictions as part of the news/weather report.
We hit several beaches, including Banzai Pipeline, Waimea Bay and Laie Point. The beaches were intermixed with other stops throughout the day. I don't have much detail on the individual beaches, but all of the photos in this report are from our North Shore day. Because the waves were so massive, some beaches were closed or had no surfing signs posted. We saw a lot of people, both visitors and locals alike, staring in awe at the never-ending waves. We enjoyed seeing the ocean from several different perspectives.
Oahu Private Tours suggested comfortable shoes since we would be doing some walking. However, we wish we had also taken flip-flops for some of the beach walks. On one of the beaches, Kenny offered to take pictures of us with the water behind us. As things go, a wave much larger than any of the ones in the previous five minutes hit the shore, soaking us in the process. As the most vertically challenged of the group, Pam was drenched from her waist down. I almost lost a shoe to the ocean and Pam almost pulled Brad down when she grabbed hold of his belt, hanging on for dear life. It was quite comical and one of those things we will all remember from the trip.
We drove up to a hilltop temple called Pu'u O Mahuka Heiau. This is an amazing historical site that allows visitors to experience a bit of ancient Hawaiian culture. The vibe and connection with this place is unexplainable. It is truly a site to behold.
Center picture below is Pu'u O Mahuka Heiau.
Along the drive we stopped at a roadside fruit stand that had extremely fresh fruit. There were three different vendors in a row and they each had some of the same things but each also had their own ‘signature’ items. Dave had a coconut that he first drank the water from and then they opened it up and gave him the fruit from inside. We also had banana lumpia, which Brad, Pam and Dave all enjoyed. I’m pretty particular about bananas so I passed (don’t ask, it’s a texture thing!).
We had a late lunch at a group of food trucks in Haleiwa. Funny story about lunch... Brad handed out the shrimp and Kalbi meals since they came from the same truck (Honos). After finishing his meal, he commented that it wasn't as spicy as he expected, to which Pam said she could hardly eat hers because it was burning her mouth. We then realized that the 'S' on top meant spicy, not shrimp!!
Lunch (from top left): Tuna Poke, Savory Crepe, Spicy Shrimp, Kalbi (Short Ribs), (non-spicy) Shrimp.
The last stop was McDonald’s so I could get an apple pie. In Hawaii, McDonald's still has the traditional fried pies - not the baked ones that they have on the mainland. I should have grabbed a few while I was there! Finally, Kenney drove us back to Aulani. It was a great day and there were several things that I know we would not have seen or experienced had we tried exploring on our own.
We had a few hours before our dinner reservation so everyone just relaxed. I think Brad and I hit the pools and Pam and Dave stayed in the room. Roy’s was the plan for dinner. Initially, we planned to go the original location, but when I posted our tentative plan on the boards I received feedback that would be an unnecessary drive. Thank you for that advice! We drove to Roy’s, leaving around 7:00 p.m. for our 7:15 p.m. reservation. Dave was pacing, sure we would be late.
Roy’s was another great meal. This was a slightly later dinner, so we were not able to see much of the golf course view, but after all of the other sights we saw that day, it wasn’t an issue for us. We were seated indoors, which was also fine. Service was strong; the menu had many great options and the food tasted great.
Dinner at Roy's Ko Olina (from top center): Cocktails and Edamame, Trio of Treasures (Swordfish, Scallop, Shrimp), Shrimp Special, Blackened Ahi, Kamikaze Roll (not on the menu but recommended by the server), Filet Mignon.
After dinner, Brad and I had drinks at the Olelo Room, and were again reminded we were truly in paradise.
Up Next: Sunday Brunch and the Spa
Saturday, January 13, 2018
I ‘ve seen numerous mentions of how much busier Aulani can be on the weekends. With this in mind, we decided to make plans that were not centered around the resort pool areas for Saturday and Sunday.
Early in the planning, we stumbled across Oahu Private tours (no idea what thread I was reading but thanks to whomever I should be crediting!). We decided we would spend two days with them – one day for the north shore and another on the south shore. And we would only be doing the guided tour; none of us would be jumping, diving, snorkeling, or traversing the terrain. Jason is the owner of the company and he was great to work with. I had several questions throughout our planning and he was always very responsive and helpful.
Our pickup time was 8:00 a.m. and I received a text around 7:45 a.m. from our guide, Kenny, letting us know he would meet us at the main entrance. We did introductions and then jumped in the van to start our day. Little did we know there would also be an unplanned test of the emergency broadcast system in Hawaii.
As we were driving I saw the alert on my phone and sat there for a moment wondering, ‘what do I do with this information?’. My instinct was that we’d get an all-clear message and we’d move on with our day. When Brad, who was sitting in the front seat, looked back at me, in the back row, I knew he saw the alert also. About that time my phone rang and it was Jason who asked me to pass the phone to Kenny. After several yes’s and okay’s, Kenney passed the phone back to me. Jason explained the alert and said Kenny would take us back to Aulani while everyone figured out what was going on. So, we turned around and went back to Aulani. When we pulled up there were probably 30-40 people standing on the sidewalk by the driveway entrance.
The valet said to leave the car there, gave us a ticket and kept the keys. We went into the lobby, which was relatively crowded. There was a lot of emotion there; the anxiety was palpable. Kenny went to the restroom and when he returned he said that the information he was seeing via twitter from local news indicated it was a false alarm. About this time Jason called again and said the same thing and gave Kenny the go-ahead to resume, or actually start, our tour. Jason and Kenny handled a stressful and uncertain situation wonderfully.
I know there is at least one discussion thread about the false alarm, so I’ll try to keep this trip report on our experiences and refrain from entering into areas that could cause debate. But I’ll share my opinion; there are opportunities for Aulani to improve planning and communication for different types of emergencies. However, it is always easy to judge after-the-fact and my experience is that Disney often learns from situations and adapts their policies and procedures.
At any rate, we got back on our way exploring the North Shore of Oahu. First stop: Leonard’s! Okay, not the actual Leonard’s bakery storefront, but one of their food trucks that is in the Lowe’s parking lot not far from Aulani. On some level, malasadas are just donuts; but the texture of the dough was lighter and there was a lot of filling inside, in our case custard. They were so good. Spoiler alert: we did not make it back to Leonard’s and this ranks as one of my regrets for the trip.
Next, we went to Green World Coffee Farm, which is a local place that roasts their coffee on-site using beans from a variety of sources, including their farm as well as the other Hawaiian islands. It was cool having options that were 100% grown and roasted on Oahu. They have an espresso bar, store and several coffee samples available. Brad and Dave bought numerous sample-sizes of ground coffee to make in the room and take home. In hindsight, they wish they had purchased more. This is a good time to remind anyone who wants to make coffee in their room to take coffee filters. Disney provides the pre-portioned packets in a filter. If you have your own coffee, you will need filters, but if you forget them, they have some at the ABC store...
Now it was time hit the beach! This particular weekend was a surfing competition, which we didn’t see, but it did increase traffic in the area. Also this weekend there were extremely large waves, which were amazing to see. However, we learned it is nearly impossible to capture the beauty, scale and power of them with our cameras. But it didn’t stop us from taking tons of pictures! Coming from the Midwest it was a new experience to see dedicated surfing channels on TV and have wave predictions as part of the news/weather report.
We hit several beaches, including Banzai Pipeline, Waimea Bay and Laie Point. The beaches were intermixed with other stops throughout the day. I don't have much detail on the individual beaches, but all of the photos in this report are from our North Shore day. Because the waves were so massive, some beaches were closed or had no surfing signs posted. We saw a lot of people, both visitors and locals alike, staring in awe at the never-ending waves. We enjoyed seeing the ocean from several different perspectives.
Oahu Private Tours suggested comfortable shoes since we would be doing some walking. However, we wish we had also taken flip-flops for some of the beach walks. On one of the beaches, Kenny offered to take pictures of us with the water behind us. As things go, a wave much larger than any of the ones in the previous five minutes hit the shore, soaking us in the process. As the most vertically challenged of the group, Pam was drenched from her waist down. I almost lost a shoe to the ocean and Pam almost pulled Brad down when she grabbed hold of his belt, hanging on for dear life. It was quite comical and one of those things we will all remember from the trip.
We drove up to a hilltop temple called Pu'u O Mahuka Heiau. This is an amazing historical site that allows visitors to experience a bit of ancient Hawaiian culture. The vibe and connection with this place is unexplainable. It is truly a site to behold.
Center picture below is Pu'u O Mahuka Heiau.
Along the drive we stopped at a roadside fruit stand that had extremely fresh fruit. There were three different vendors in a row and they each had some of the same things but each also had their own ‘signature’ items. Dave had a coconut that he first drank the water from and then they opened it up and gave him the fruit from inside. We also had banana lumpia, which Brad, Pam and Dave all enjoyed. I’m pretty particular about bananas so I passed (don’t ask, it’s a texture thing!).
We had a late lunch at a group of food trucks in Haleiwa. Funny story about lunch... Brad handed out the shrimp and Kalbi meals since they came from the same truck (Honos). After finishing his meal, he commented that it wasn't as spicy as he expected, to which Pam said she could hardly eat hers because it was burning her mouth. We then realized that the 'S' on top meant spicy, not shrimp!!
Lunch (from top left): Tuna Poke, Savory Crepe, Spicy Shrimp, Kalbi (Short Ribs), (non-spicy) Shrimp.
The last stop was McDonald’s so I could get an apple pie. In Hawaii, McDonald's still has the traditional fried pies - not the baked ones that they have on the mainland. I should have grabbed a few while I was there! Finally, Kenney drove us back to Aulani. It was a great day and there were several things that I know we would not have seen or experienced had we tried exploring on our own.
We had a few hours before our dinner reservation so everyone just relaxed. I think Brad and I hit the pools and Pam and Dave stayed in the room. Roy’s was the plan for dinner. Initially, we planned to go the original location, but when I posted our tentative plan on the boards I received feedback that would be an unnecessary drive. Thank you for that advice! We drove to Roy’s, leaving around 7:00 p.m. for our 7:15 p.m. reservation. Dave was pacing, sure we would be late.
Roy’s was another great meal. This was a slightly later dinner, so we were not able to see much of the golf course view, but after all of the other sights we saw that day, it wasn’t an issue for us. We were seated indoors, which was also fine. Service was strong; the menu had many great options and the food tasted great.
Dinner at Roy's Ko Olina (from top center): Cocktails and Edamame, Trio of Treasures (Swordfish, Scallop, Shrimp), Shrimp Special, Blackened Ahi, Kamikaze Roll (not on the menu but recommended by the server), Filet Mignon.
After dinner, Brad and I had drinks at the Olelo Room, and were again reminded we were truly in paradise.
Up Next: Sunday Brunch and the Spa
buffettgirl
The whole tag thing, so 1990's internet.
- Joined
- Dec 26, 2008
I must have hundreds and hundred of wave photos after my 3 years here and I still keep trying. The best I’ve come is when I get a surfer or a body boarder in the water Otherwise that 30 foot wave just looks like any other wave. I told my husband that from here on in I’m just going to try to remember them. I give up trying to take photos
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