Aloha Natasha, and thanks for bringing your question to planDisney. I recently got back from a similar Hawaiian vacation, and relaxing at
Aulani after exploring the island of Maui was the perfect combination!
Now, let’s chat about where to store your bags while you’re on your Maui adventure. Bell Services is intended for
assisting with and holding luggage on your check-in and check-out dates, so I confirmed with a Cast Member that you aren’t able to leave your bags when you’re not at the resort.
I’d recommend using a luggage storage service while you’re away. There are many third-party companies that offer this service around Oahu, including a location right at the Daniel K. Inouye (HNL) airport. I stored my luggage here when I had a long layover in Honolulu earlier this year. It was really convenient, just be sure to check the operating hours to make sure they’re open before your flight and give yourself enough time to go between the luggage storage counter and your gate. Depending on your airline, they may be located in different terminals.
You’re going to have so much fun when you get to Aulani! Don’t forget to download the
Aulani Resort Mobile App, if you haven’t already, so you don’t miss out on any of the activities! I recently discovered a handy feature where you can easily view everything you’re interested in attending. After you link your hotel reservation in the app, you can go into the Daily Activities schedule, click on specific offerings, and press Add to Plans. That’ll add that activity to a list where you can see everything you want to do that day. I also like to look at the schedule before my stay to get an idea of which activities are typically offered and when. Keep in mind that each day’s
character meet and greets don’t show up in the schedule until the morning (in my experience, it’s typically between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.).
Some activities need to be reserved through the
Pau Hana Room page, currently up to 45 days in advance. My family’s favorites are the Family Fun Animation classes and ‘Ohana Ho’okani Pila ‘ukulele lessons. They’re very popular, so be sure to reserve them as soon as your booking window opens. Learning to play Disney songs on the ‘ukulele is one of my family’s core memories!
Safe travels, and I hope you have the most magical stay at Aulani! If you have any other questions, we’d love to have you back at planDisney.
JoAnna