One Night Cheap- Possible?

[CaliAdventurer]

Ironically, I only go to the beach maybe once a month if that. I live in Honolulu where tall buildings block my view of the water, and my "sunset" consists of me watching the sun sink under the highway, not the beach or the mountains like many people assume.

Moving on, how are you defining "a lot" of locals? Regardless, they are not the norm. If you ask any local about this resort, the vast majority of them will immediately say how expensive it is. They won't talk about the character breakfast, the pools, Ama Ama, or any of the other things it offers. It's literally how much it cost, and a lot of times they won't even further the conversation after that. There's nothing to talk about if they can't afford to go.

I actually want to clarify that I am indignant on behalf of people I know who would love to stay at this resort but cannot afford it. I am a single woman with no children, so it's fairly easy for me to just go to another island for a long weekend when I want to get away. Even if I could stay at Aulani, I wouldn't.

I would define it as a noticeable amount. I've struck up conversations with a few and I personally have several friends who live in Oahu who have gone for weekend stays. They are all military though admittedly officers.

It would be nice if we all could afford to do anything we would like without cost consideration. Most people will never know the beauty of the Hawaiian Islands. My grandmother swore she would take me to Hawaii before she died all through my childhood. She passed away before she got there and so I take her in my heart every time. Of course it was because of money. Aulani may be out of reach for many locals but somewhere in the desert on the mainland a housewife dreams to be them on any given Sunday.

 

[Midoria]

I would define it as a noticeable amount. I've struck up conversations with a few and I personally have several friends who live in Oahu who have gone for weekend stays. They are all military though admittedly officers.

It would be nice if we all could afford to do anything we would like without cost consideration. Most people will never know the beauty of the Hawaiian Islands. My grandmother swore she would take me to Hawaii before she died all through my childhood. She passed away before she got there and so I take her in my heart every time. Of course it was because of money. Aulani may be out of reach for many locals but somewhere in the desert on the mainland a housewife dreams to be them on any given Sunday.

When HTA released a report a while back, they actually stated that places like Florida and Mexico are a concern because their landscape is so similar to Hawaii when it comes to beaches. Another member here stated that she didn't feel like she was in Hawaii at a non-Aulani resort because it was basically like Florida.

Of course, if you go to cultural, educational, and historical sites on Oahu, like Iolani Palace, The Bishop Museum, Queen Emma's, Pearl Harbor, Chinatown, etc. It will be very clear you are not in Florida or Mexico. But a lot of people the want the fantasy and the romance. Aulani can provide that in one setting, so people often feel as though they are getting the full "Hawaiian experience" by staying there and have no desire to see anything outside of the resort.

I currently work with the homeless population, and a big reason why housing is so hard to find is because the state is inviting corporations to rip up parts of land for expensive hotels and resorts when they could use it for affordable housing for people who actually live here. So not only do these resorts make it difficult for the average local person to afford, but they are taking up precious land space that could be used to house lower income people who have lived here for generations. I make jokes to my friends by saying Hawaii will eventually be one big resort, and everybody who lives here will be an employee. Lol

I am only saying this to give a better perspective on why my attitude towards resorts is lukewarm. While Hawaii has a lot of problems, it has so much to offer people at the same time, so I like hanging out here to assist folks who plan on visiting the state and actually leaving their resort to get some local experiences.

 

[blondietink]

I follow the local KITV news feed on Facebook and it seems like there are quite a few "affordable" housing units being built, but "affordable" is in the eyes of some developers apparently. Being from the mainland, I just laugh at what is considered "affordable' in Hawaii. I could never in a million years afford to live there. Well, maybe I could, but then we could not afford food, utilities, a car or gasoline, lol.

 

[Midoria]

I follow the local KITV news feed on Facebook and it seems like there are quite a few "affordable" housing units being built, but "affordable" is in the eyes of some developers apparently. Being from the mainland, I just laugh at what is considered "affordable' in Hawaii. I could never in a million years afford to live there. Well, maybe I could, but then we could not afford food, utilities, a car or gasoline, lol.

There's not enough. Trust me, I work in a housing program for homeless/at risk families. We literally have the worst per capita homeless population in the country. Hotels and business people in Waikiki paid local organizations to basically get all the homeless out of Waikiki because it didn't fit the image of the island paradise with happy people. They were so desperate that that started paying for homeless mainlanders to go back there.

Funny enough, we've worked with Ko'olina area facilities to help our clients find gainful employment so they can maintain proper housing. But there is that dichotomy of someone who is at risk/homeless working in an expensive resort that's built on land where they could be living reasonably. Very tangled web. But I want to make it clear this is the fault of local government. They have made us so dependant on tourist dollars that they have lost sight of helping the people who make Hawaii their home.

It's not fair to get annoyed with the tourists, but they are often seen as the visible face of Hawaii's choice to over-tourist the state instead of finding ways for Hawaii to generate income that's not so hard on the aina, locals, wildlife, and the general environment.

 

[CaliAdventurer]

When HTA released a report a while back, they actually stated that places like Florida and Mexico are a concern because their landscape is so similar to Hawaii when it comes to beaches. Another member here stated that she didn't feel like she was in Hawaii at a non-Aulani resort because it was basically like Florida.

Of course, if you go to cultural, educational, and historical sites on Oahu, like Iolani Palace, The Bishop Museum, Queen Emma's, Pearl Harbor, Chinatown, etc. It will be very clear you are not in Florida or Mexico. But a lot of people the want the fantasy and the romance. Aulani can provide that in one setting, so people often feel as though they are getting the full "Hawaiian experience" by staying there and have no desire to see anything outside of the resort.

I currently work with the homeless population, and a big reason why housing is so hard to find is because the state is inviting corporations to rip up parts of land for expensive hotels and resorts when they could use it for affordable housing for people who actually live here. So not only do these resorts make it difficult for the average local person to afford, but they are taking up precious land space that could be used to house lower income people who have lived here for generations. I make jokes to my friends by saying Hawaii will eventually be one big resort, and everybody who lives here will be an employee. Lol

I am only saying this to give a better perspective on why my attitude towards resorts is lukewarm. While Hawaii has a lot of problems, it has so much to offer people at the same time, so I like hanging out here to assist folks who plan on visiting the state and actually leaving their resort to get some local experiences.

As Mainlanders, we tend to view Hawaii as another of the 50 states, one that we are entitled to travel to as we would Nevada or New York, it belongs to us all. But it's easy to forget that barely more than one lifetime ago, white business men with the help of the US military straight stole your nation. That the thousands of years of rich history that we love to explore and the powerful energy from islands that rose from the sea is because of the Hawaiian culture. You have every right to be frustrated. Thank you for steering us to authentic places to learn the history and possibilities of these incredible islands and for fighting to preserve your heritage. Please remember that though we forget or dont know, we appreciate your culture and home. Thank you for sharing it with us. We mean well.

 

[Midoria]

As Mainlanders, we tend to view Hawaii as another of the 50 states, one that we are entitled to travel to as we would Nevada or New York, it belongs to us all. But it's easy to forget that barely more than one lifetime ago, white business men with the help of the US military straight stole your nation. That the thousands of years of rich history that we love to explore and the powerful energy from islands that rose from the sea is because of the Hawaiian culture. You have every right to be frustrated. Thank you for steering us to authentic places to learn the history and possibilities of these incredible islands and for fighting to preserve your heritage. Please remember that though we forget or dont know, we appreciate your culture and home. Thank you for sharing it with us. We mean well.

Ha, I’m not Hawaiian, but I see how I come across that way at times. I’m so into the culture, history, and mythology as well as being social worker has molded me into somewhat of an activist. It’s partially because I love what I do and where I live, but partially because I’m around people who value the same things I do, so culture, heritage, etc. are always on our minds.

I saw a lot of over-developing in my area back in Southern MD because it’s so close the DC and a cheaper option than staying in the city. I saw what it did to the people and to the land. Part of the reason I hate going back there is because the farmlands have been decimated to make room for a casino and National Harbor. It sucks because now I’m here and it’s the exact same thing. I’ve been applying for jobs on other islands in more rural areas (even Lanai which everyone has warned me against, but I'm game lol), so hopefully, I’ll land one soon. I’m sure it’ll be easier to be positive.

 

[olafLover]

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[Midoria]

I would love to get some insides from you a bit closer to our travel date We're visiting Hawaii for our honeymoon, staying only 3 nights in Aulani and even then we probably leave to do some snorkeling. We really want to embrace the culture and see all the beautiful nature Hawaii has to offer. We're staying on Oahu (3 nights, wakiki, 3 nights Aulani), Maui, Kauai and Big Island (all 5 nights)

Just message me or quote me. It'd be a privilege to help you.

 

[olafLover]

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[keighttf]

Just a note on the original discussion of the thread. Renting DVC points at Aulani is much more difficult that WDW. I've tried three times with no luck. So don't plan on it.

 

[olafLover]

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[alohamom]

Just a note on the original discussion of the thread. Renting DVC points at Aulani is much more difficult that WDW. I've tried three times with no luck. So don't plan on it.

This is very true, especially for holiday periods like Christmas/New Years.

What I did the last time we booked was made sure I had a back up plan and I rented points around the 10 month mark before the planned vacation time. I also allowed for flexibility with the level of studio I was booking and the days I was looking at so that I could move a few days on either side if needed. That doesnt mean you will get what you are hoping for but I think if you try to book before the 7 month mark you have a much better chance of securing what you want.

 

[BayGirl22]

Just saw this military discount for the fall. Is that new? Looks like its only for weekdays, but still would work for shorter stayshttps://www.disneyaulani.com/aulani-hawaii-resort/rooms-offers/special-offers/us-military-fall-discount/

 

[Midoria]

Just saw this military discount for the fall. Is that new? Looks like its only for weekdays, but still would work for shorter stayshttps://www.disneyaulani.com/aulani-hawaii-resort/rooms-offers/special-offers/us-military-fall-discount/

Offers for kamaaina and military rotate. Right now there are offers for both:

https://www.disneyaulani.com/rooms-offers/special-offers/

But this deal starts after kids are in school and ends before Christmas vacation. I'm not sure how many families would be willing to pull their kids out of school. May work for couples with no children, but it seems like the best bang for a local or military buck would be to take the kids.

 

[BayGirl22]

Offers for kamaaina and military rotate. Right now there are offers for both:

https://www.disneyaulani.com/rooms-offers/special-offers/

But this deal starts after kids are in school and ends before Christmas vacation. I'm not sure how many families would be willing to pull their kids out of school. May work for couples with no children, but it seems like the best bang for a local or military buck would be to take the kids.

Right, I have the same issue (kids in school) but that's pretty much the case for all low season discounts. Once you have kids in school you are stuck with the high season for Disney, unless you pull them out.
Just making sure those on this thread saw it, since it was stated up thread there were no military or local discounts available.

 

[Midoria]

Right, I have the same issue (kids in school) but that's pretty much the case for all low season discounts. Once you have kids in school you are stuck with the high season for Disney, unless you pull them out.
Just making sure those on this thread saw it, since it was stated up thread there were no military or local discounts available.

Yes, at the time I made that statement it was correct. I checked before I typed what I did, so they must've put up the discounts after I said that.

 

[Halloweenqueen]

We have been in Aulani a couple of times now and prefer to rent a home on the North Shore for a week, then end our vacation with a night or two at Aulani. I rent points directly from an owner I found on a website of DVC owners who offer their extra points for rent. We used to stay in a two bedroom, but since we don't need the kitchen we opt for two studios. Another way to save money. We are going next week and we saved almost 60% from paying directly.

 

[nkereina]

This is really interesting, thank you! Are we able to check out the grounds if we go there to have lunch? Just not go into the pool area?

Yes! You would not be able to use the pools, but you are free to walk the grounds, check out the pools, etc. Disney identifies guests of the resorts with wristbands and only those folks are permitted to use the pools. But Disney does not discourage non-guests from visiting - they want you to dine/drink there and check it out, to hopefully entice you to stay there next time! I have also read that if a non-guest has a meal at one of the restaurants at Aulani, they will validate your parking so you do not have to pay for parking either.

 

[Midoria]

Yes! You would not be able to use the pools, but you are free to walk the grounds, check out the pools, etc. Disney identifies guests of the resorts with wristbands and only those folks are permitted to use the pools. But Disney does not discourage non-guests from visiting - they want you to dine/drink there and check it out, to hopefully entice you to stay there next time! I have also read that if a non-guest has a meal at one of the restaurants at Aulani, they will validate your parking so you do not have to pay for parking either.

They'll also validate your parking if you spend more than $50 in their shops (I've always taken advantage of that when shopping for my mainland friends) or get a spa treatment.

 

[nkereina]

They'll also validate your parking if you spend more than $50 in their shops (I've always taken advantage of that when shopping for my mainland friends) or get a spa treatment.

Yes! I should have clarified that any non-guests who are patronizing the resort can get parking validated.