Just got back from a week over Memorial Day weekend! We rented points through David's DVC rental and had an ocean view studio. Aulani really is an incredible resort and we had a great stay. My husband and I were there for our honeymoon. Here are a few of my observations since I found this thread so helpful prior to our trip!
- Pool chairs were not as hard to come by as I expected. Over Memorial Day weekend, it was much more crowded than during the week. If you wanted a prime ocean view from the pool area, you had to get those seats by 7-730am. Otherwise, it was easy to find two shady seats with an umbrella at 8am. We weren't picky about where we were. On days where we came to the pool later in the morning, we just dumped our stuff on a free chair and then moved around as other chairs opened up. Lots of people leave around 4-5 so spots opened up then.
- We ate a lot of meals at Aulani since we wanted to try the restaurants. The food does get boring quickly, so I wish that we did more research on nearby restaurants. We brought some breakfast supplies with us so we ate in the room a few days, but I wish we would have done that more. Ulu cafe is a like a tiny version of a cafeteria at WDW. A few menu items change daily, but otherwise it is the same stuff each day. It was never crowded when we went. We did the character breakfast and the dinner at Mahakiki. Both were really good and I would recommend them. We also did one dinner at Ama Ama. The views were incredible for sunset. The service was also really nice - they let you take your time instead of rushing you. We loved the food too! We went to the Olelo Room for happy hour once and while the menu is small, everything we ate was really flavorful and worth the price. The live music was a really nice touch as well. Our room was near Olelo Room too, so we could hear the music from the balcony at night which was really enjoyable.
- We did the indoor luau and were pretty disappointed. The food was good, but it otherwise felt like a cheap dinner show. You sit so close together. The show is really more for kids than adults. I wouldn't go back, but I've read mixed reviews on almost every luau, so I'm not sure that there is a really good one!
- We got a couple's massage at Laniwai Spa and it was as incredible as everyone describes. If you feel like splurging, I would definitely do this again. We spent an hour before the massage in the garden/showers/hot tubs and then stayed for an hour afterwards. I honestly could have stayed a lot longer. It is so relaxing and calm. Bring a change of clothes because you can shower and get ready after your massage. I wish that we had planned for a nice dinner right after the massage because the bathrooms had EVERYTHING you could possibly need. It was all a really amazing experience.
- Definitely go to the beach behind Paradise Cove to see the sea turtles. It is incredible how close they get to you! Walk through the parking lot and then you'll see a little path down to the beach. It is public so don't be shy! We had to ask a woman who was the security guard in the parking lot how to get there, but she was very friendly.
- There are a few places to eat across the street. We weren't a fan of Monkeypod (they charged us $9 to add chicken to a salad!) but Island Grounds Coffee was really good! They have a small breakfast and lunch menu and everything was fresh and delicious. I highly recommend the Acai bowl!
- I do wish we had done more of the activities listed in on the Daily Iwa (tours and crafts, etc) but we just loved sitting by the pool or the beach! One of the premium activities was stargazing and it was $40/adult for only 45 minutes. That price was absurd. Lots of things were free though.
- Luana Lounge was an awesome benefit to have. Our flight left at 11pm, so it was so nice to be able to shower before a long night of travelling. There were only two other people using the lounge when we were there around 6pm.
- I'd recommend bringing your own snorkels. We did and we used them a bunch out on the beach and in Rainbow Reef. I wish we had bought one of the snorkeling life vests too because they made it really easy to keep your head above the water. If you go to Rainbow Reef for the fish feeding, there is a photopass photographer there who will let you hold the fish food and take pictures of you. The pictures are awesome!
- The photopass photographers are readily available - just look for their shirts. They are all over the pool and beach, and they are willing to take pictures with your personal camera too.
What I wish I would have brought with me:
- More sunscreen: we went through a ton and it is expensive at the resort!
- More breakfast/snacks for the room: see above - food options got a little boring
- Snorkel life vests to use on the beach
- Cheap sunglasses that I don't mind getting wet in the pool or the ocean. It is SO BRIGHT and I didn't want to wear my nice sunglasses in the water.