Good question. Actually because of the way Aulani is set up (sort of in a giant horseshoe) there isn't really one part of the resort that feels farther out and removed from the action.... like say AKL where you walk forever to get to the lobby if your room is at the end of the hall. Aulani is not like that at all, its taller so it can be more compact but also makes you more reliant on the elevators (6 in each tower that are centrally located). In that sense either building is equal, so it really does just come down to the views, at least for me. On our first visit in 2012 we were in a 5th floor poolview (that category is 5th floor and lower) in the Wai'anae tower. Loved being able to open our slider and feel like we were part it all. With the Island View category you don't get that great view of the Wiakoloa Valley pool area, but it's less points which is great. For our last stay we were in the EWA tower and I think I will request that side from now on (not that I didn't like Wai'anae) being able to watch Starlit Hui from our balcony and see the ocean was a great perk for the "cost" Island View points. The Wai'anae Tower Island view category rooms in general don't have as good of a view what with the Marriot next door blocking out what would be a really great view of the sunset.