Aulani and Oahu Planning and Packing

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My Aulani and Oahu Planning Guide for July / August 2014

We are officially booked!  After 2 years of planning we have saved and set aside our Vacation Club points to take a 10 night stay in Hawai'i at Aulani Resort and Spa on Oahu Hawai'i.

July 30th - August 9th 2014

I will be traveling with my husband and 3 step children.  Twin 14 year olds and an 11 year old.

Like many of you looking for websites and blogs I am searching the internet already for tips, tricks and secrets to stay money savvy.  This will be my 4th trip to the Island of Oahu so I already have great insight on things to do around the island.  See Here from my Post on Oahu.  The big difference this time for me is having 3 kids in tow!  

We have booked a 2 bedroom Villa Garden View.  Again, we are Disney Vacation Club members so keep this in mind when reading this.  We figure not to use our points for next year that we would need to book an ocean or pool view but it is not the "standard" view.   We hope to at the least not be staring at a wall from our lanai.  Seriously.. staying in Waikiki just a couple years ago, the hotels are so close that many face each other by just feet!  Not very private!   Now I know that Aulani will offer a better view even at it's worst!  I plan to take pictures and I will share them here!  Until then words and links will have to do.  

Tips I've Learned of the Hotel 

-Wi-Fi is on available on all Aulani Property Grounds.  If you want to use it on the Beach you will need a password from the front desk
-You can use the spa for the day when buying any treatment or paying $45pp 

-Disney Movie Nights are Tuesdays and Fridays

-Daily Calendar Here

-In the Villas they do stalk them with basics.  Some dish soap, paper towels etc.  But if you are planning to stay more than a couple nights it will not get you through.   You will have to go to the store or order groceries.  Costco, Safeway and a Super Target are all a close drive.
-Maid service like other Disney resorts do not come every day to vacation Club rooms.  This is your home away from home!  We like it this way.   

-The loop around the 3 lagoons is 2.5 miles (I like to walk and my husband runs)
-If you are a Vacation Club member you do not pay the $35 a day parking fee
-Kid activities may fill up fast so look into it early (pre book if available not sure)
-Only 1 alcoholic drink at a time per adult.  So if you are thinking of grabbing 2, one for you and one for your spouse, think again!  (this is actually a common policy throughout Oahu)
-The Day Care Center is free for those with young ones.

Things I've learned so far of Aulani Immediate Area 

Walking Distance:

-Country Store ABC Store
-Paradise Cove Luau is walking distance on the other side of the Marriott next door.  Not to be confused with the other Marriott 3 lagoons down.
-There are pools for crabbing somewhere on the other side of the Marriott - so pack water shoes
-Monkey Pod Restaurant in walking distance
-There is a Starbucks in the Marriott right next door.

Things I've learned so far of the Ko Olina, Oahu area
-Costco, Target and Safeway all in this area
-There is a Historic Train that rides once a week to Ewa Beach

-Genki Sushi  Prices start at $1.50
-Kaneaki Heiau Ancient Hawaiian Ruins
-Ma ili Beach Park
-White Plains Beach Park Great beach for the day it has bathrooms!
Katie's Tip:  In the winter the waves are much bigger than in the calmer water summer months

My Packing List To Date
General not exact yet.  Because Hawaii can be expensive it is smart to pack some things that may cost a bit there.  Also we have a washer and dryer so I will have to keep this in mind with clothing.  Last, a first for me I am packing for 3 teen and pre teenagers.

Luggage 
-flip flops and comfy walking shoes
-water shoes for tide pooling with kids next to Marriott and around island
-sweater/sweatshirts I hear A/C is cold in rooms and restaurants
-a baggie of dishwasher tabs
-shampoo/conditioner
-lotion for sun dried skin
-sun block
-small first aid kit
-ear buds for pool
-sound proof head phones for airplane
-nail kit
-deodorant
-tooth paste, mouth wash and brushes
-hair brushes and accessories

Carry on
-snacks for plane
-games, books and magazines for plane
-hair elastics
-pen and paper (you have to fill out forms on the plane to enter Hawaii a pen comes in handy)

Here are a few of my favorite sites I have found so far that offer a unique and detailed look at the Aulani and surrounding area

Interactive area map

15 Things You Didn't Know About Aulani

Tips From The Disney Diva - Packing

Delicious Baby Answering Questions about Aulani

Centsational Girl Tour of Aulani

wdwinfo A Hawaii Resort Aulani

Disney Boards One Woman Discusses her Trip

Yesterland Side Trip To Aulani

Yesterland Aulani Neighborhood

Yesterland Aulani Opens

Pearl Harbor Official Website

Hidden Mickey's at Aulani - spoiler alert!

Trekaroo - Aulani and Hawaii Review

Discover Oahu - West

See here more Oahu and Vacation Posts

Please add comments to any info tips or thoughts!   Thanks

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