Aulani Stitch Hug
  • On Aug 24, 2024
    Genevieve from CA Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    Hello! What’s the best way to get to Aulani from the Bay Area, California? What time is check in? Can you use the resort before check in?

    Aloha Genevieve, welcome to planDisney!

    Thanks for visiting today with a great question about Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa. My family visited the resort last year and fell in love! The resort is a perfect blend of the incredible Hawaiian culture with the detail of Disney Storytelling; there is so much to take in!

    Our journey to O’ahu was long from Canada but luckily for you, your trip will be much quicker. You have several options when it comes to airports but it looks like San Francisco International Airport has a few direct flights per day with different airlines. Guests arriving on O’ahu will land at Daniel K Inouye International Airport (HNL) and then use a car rental, ride share, taxi, shuttle or public transportation to get to the resort. The resort recommends the Hele Hele Shuttle and Platinum Limousine Services, Inc. (both can be booked on the resort website). 

    Good news, Genevieve, don’t worry if you arrive before the 4pm Villa check-in (the hotel side’s check-in is 3pm) and your room is not ready. You are considered a resort Guest the entire day of check-in! You can leave your luggage with Bell Services (I recommend keeping a small bag with you with any necessary medication plus a swimsuit) and you can begin to  explore the resort right away. If the temperature’s on the warm side, I recommend heading straight to the Waikolohe Valley Pool area where you can hop on a tube and fly down a slide that drops you straight into the Waikolohe Stream, a wonderful lazy river with amazing views of the resort. Keep your eyes peeled - while floating, you may even spot Moana and friends saying hello to fellow Guests!

    If you’re feeling hungry, you can head to any of the restaurants on-site for a bite to eat. My family loved stopping by the poolside Ulu Cafe. We all found something we liked whether it was a delicious self-serve item or a cooked-to-order specialty. If instead you’d like a popular Hawaiian treat, head to Pāpālua Shave Ice - it’s so yummy!

    Now, we’ve discussed arrival day so let’s skip ahead to departure day (for the sake of planning!). Aulani Resort has everything you need for a smooth departure! If you have a late flight, you can make the most of your last day in paradise and have a place to freshen up before heading to the airport. On your check-out day, you can use the Luana Lounge, exclusively available to departing Guests. The lounge can be reserved for a one-hour time slot, with reservations made in person at the Front Desk beginning at 6:00 AM. Lounge hours are from 11:00 AM until 8:00 PM (the last booking is at 7:00 PM). Inside, you’ll find showers, towels, toiletries, lockers, comfortable seating, a TV, and even a printer for your boarding pass. The lounge is right next to the Pau Hana Room - Community Hall

    Genevieve, I hope this information is helpful to your vacation planning. You’re going to have the best time visiting Aulani! My family is dreaming of when we will visit next - I hope it’s not too far off. If you have any other DVC or vacation planning questions, please visit us again at planDisney. We are happy to help make your vacation memorable!

    A Hui Hou, (this means until we see each other again in Hawaiian)
    Candace
thumbnail image for Candace

Meet the Panelist: Candace, Ontario

Bonjour! I'm Candace, mom to four daughters, wife and Early French Immersion teacher from Ottawa, ON, Canada. We're a family of explorers who are full of curiosity and seek to find the magic in the smallest moments of the day. The Disney Vacation Club allows us to explore many Disney Destinations with the flexibility to choose a Resort that fits our travel party whether traveling with family or friends. I can't wait to help you plan an adventure of your own! Learn More About Candace

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