I just returned from my third trip to Aulani.
Rooms: Since you did not inform us on which view or size you you had reserved and I have had all three views 1 1br 2 2br and 1 Deluxe suite I feel I can answer you question some what. First there is no such thing a true full ocean view. all of my rooms have had a partial ocean view including the one that was booked as an ocean view. This happens due to the way the buildings are constructed the only way to get a true ocean view is to rent on of the 3br grand villas as they are located at the ends of the tower buildings and face the ocean directly.
Which Rooms I have had 6th floor twice 1 Br with Ocean view and 2 BR pool view which because it was far enough down the the hallway I still had a partial ocean view both of these rooms were not bad as decent views but I will tell you the pool area generates a lot of noise between Auntie coming out at 8 am every morning and blowing a conch shell horn and then shouting Yee Haw to get the morning started both of these are amplified, the pool area in general which will be open till 10 pm when you are there, then there is the nightly live entertainment at the Oleo lounge area its loud.
This past trip I stayed in a 2br ROOM 775 island garden view we could sit on our balcony each night and watch some form of entertainment family movie night or the Ka'waa Luau. We had our own personal luau every night the luau was on. In my never to be humble opinion the Luau at Aulani while it has a good show the price (most expensive luau on Oahu) food is lack luster, and unless you book even more cost the VIP experience you really get the feeling that your a second class citizen. They tend to make sure of it. In fact with regular admission to Luau your only beverage choices are tea and water anything else you pay for. The VIP get full beverage service plus alcohol. Really even Paradise cove next door does a better Luau for less money. Yes I have done both.
On this trip I additionally had 2 deluxe suites which were 473 and 479 Island Garden view the view from those rooms were a palm tree even though they looked into the entertainment lawn area you could not see any part of luau or movies.
Moral of the story ask for your room to be 7th floor or higher to clear any trees or vegetation or the water slide mountain (in the pool area), but don't be overly disappointed if they don't honor your request they have a habit of not. Last two trips I have asked for all of my room to be located on the same floor, not next to each other but on the same floor as we were family traveling together neither time was that honored. closest that I have come was this past trip where the 2 deluxe suites were on the 4th floor. My next trip I am going for Island Garden view again but I want rooms on the top floor. We really enjoyed the island garden view.
Food options: Pizza at the ULO cafe was really good runs $20 plus $2,50 for extra toppings. The character dinner buffet @ $57 dollars a person was so good that we went back a second night with out the kids. It had prime rib, snow crab clusters, peeled shrimp, Jonah crab claws, and the best mashed potato. Deserts were hit and miss but I enjoyed the pineapple cobbler. Doesn't sound all that good when you say it but it was so good. Across the road at the shopping area there were some good restaurants, but I would avoid the Monkey Pod it was not one of our favorites too hip for our taste.
Right up the road from the resort at exit 1 in the shopping area Costco and Target can be found there, we had some really good meals Ramen Ya and Ramen Bone, L&L Hawaiian BBQ, Kalapawai Cafe and Deli (better at lunch than dinner menu changes), and a very good surprise a funky joint that should have been on DDD POKE STOP (excellent Poke, soft shell crabs, burgers, crab cakes, Onion Rings, Garlic Tater Tots, garlic shrimp poke). As you can tell from my list these are all fine dining white linen table cloth type establishments. NOT they are funky neighborhood places locals go.
Then at exit 7 is where you can find a shopping center with FOOD TRUCKS OMG Laverne's, Dick's Lechon, and the Leonards Bakery Truck for MALASADAS can't explain them just try them even the one with Li Hing.
Traffic on this trip due to road work all over the island was the worst we have ever experienced every trip to the North shore took over and hour each way so it took up a lot of our day. The trips to the north shore that was worth the drive was:
Waimea Valley - Where Waimea Falls are awaiting you after a 3/4 of a mile walk through the most beautiful botanical garden ever. First time doing this and it will be part of every future trip.
Kualoa Ranch (Jurassic Park movie set) - Did the UTV ride here and the views were amazing. only downer here was it would been better if it had been narrated spend the extra money and get the tape recorded guide.
Climb Works Zip Line - Another amazing experience. 9 lines great views 7 year old grandson had a blast.
Seven Brothers Burgers - One of the better meals we had it is now on my list to return.
Mike's Huli Huli Chicken speaks for itself.
Giovanni's I have really liked this place in the past this time not so much I do believe that they have become just another tourist stop and because of its popularity the quality has dropped significantly. I will seek out closer placer to Aulani for this on future trips.
Matsumoto Shave Ice another place that its popularity has come back to haunt it in quality issues. Waiola Shave Ice in Honolulu has it beat now my go to standard for all shave ice in future.
We did a lot had a great trip already started planning for 2022 as we go every two years.
Also we did something new this time at Aulani we rented the lower Casabella's at A'Ma A'Ma for 3 days OMG, what a value private spot for us to enjoy with 6 people right on the beach again put on the list for next trip.
ALOHA SWAP MEET at Aloha Stadium NOT TO BE MISSED great place to pick up all those souvenirs you want to bring back at reasonable prices. Sat, Sun, and Wed
Also you can get you Macadamia nut supplies at Costco.
If you are catholic and are looking for a place for services St. Rita's Church 2.9 miles from Aulani is a very welcoming place.
My 2 cents feel free to reach out to me if you would like more information.