Just checked into Aulani (5/19/21) First observations.

[greenkai3000]

We arrived at the resort at around 8 am. We got checked in in less than 5 mins. No temp check, no flower or kukui nut lei greeting , no fresh fruit infused iced water at the entrance either. Our room became available at around 3 pm, though check in is officially at 4pm.

We booked a DVC studio which was enough for us, but alas we were put on the lobby level right by the kids pool area . Our room didn’t have the Mickey shaped towel on the bed, nor the complimentary plumeria flower women can put in their hair. However toiletries, disposable cups, and utensils were available aplenty.

The Pool, and beach areas were nearly empty from 8am until about 11. Plenty of chairs on the beach available. Extremely crowded from then on. While guests are expected to wear wristbands to get access to the pool area, no one seems to be enforcing that. We noticed lots of people without them on, both on deck, and on the beach. Same with masks, half the people were wearing them in the lobby and hallways, as well as walking throughout the property. The other half, however…

For those wanting to know, the refillable mugs aren’t available anymore. Only popcorn buckets.

On to the shop to see what all merch is available. TBC.

 

[CaptainAmerica]

For those wanting to know, the refillable mugs aren’t available anymore.

I don't know if I'd phrase it that way. "Anymore" makes it seem permanent. I think the general expectation is that this is still a temporary COVID measure.

 

[LovintheLodge]

Thanks so much for posting this information! I’m very interested and will be following along since I’ll be there in July.

 

[Mark Thornhill]

We'll be there in two weeks, more updates please!!!!

 

[greenkai3000]

I don't know if I'd phrase it that way. "Anymore" makes it seem permanent. I think the general expectation is that this is still a temporary COVID measure.

Universal Orlando did have them available last time we stayed on property though. Both at the resorts and the parks

 

[greenkai3000]

Update on the shops. Aulani face mask have been gone for a long time. No sign of them getting replenished. Most of the cool spirit jerseys I wanted weren’t there last night, or this morning. For those interested in the irredescent, Moana, and Duffy and Friends Loungefly backpacks…Gone too. Most of the Hawaiian shirts at Hale Manu are only available in SM, m, and 3XL. Cast members aren’t sure if, or when they’ll be getting more sizes In.

 

[CaptainAmerica]

Update on the shops. Aulani face mask have been gone for a long time. No sign of them getting replenished. Most of the cool spirit jerseys I wanted weren’t there last night, or this morning. For those interested in the irredescent, Moana, and Duffy and Friends Loungefly backpacks…Gone too. Most of the Hawaiian shirts at Hale Manu are only available in SM, m, and 3XL. Cast members aren’t sure if, or when they’ll be getting more sizes In.

Plexiglass still up at the registers?

 

[CaptainAmerica]

Universal Orlando did have them available last time we stayed on property though. Both at the resorts and the parks

Florida rules and Hawaii rules are extremely different.

 

[greenkai3000]

Plexiglass still up at the registers?

Yes, but they no longer have anyone wait outside when it gets full.

 

[greenkai3000]

Florida rules and Hawaii rules are extremely different.

What I’m saying is they could still have someone refill the mugs for people while wearing gloves, keeping social distance, etc. Seems like they’re losing money by not having them around

 

[greenkai3000]

Dining Update

We keep going back to the ABC / Island Market across the street for groceries, and our meals. Food at Aulani as y’all may know is EXPEN$IVE!!

We just ate at Makahiki, their character breakfast, this morning. It’s is not all you can eat, btw. You get a fruit plate, a bread basket, drinks, and ONE entree. It was $45 pp before tax and tip. The food is good, though Not the best I’ve ever had.

You also. get to take as many maskless pics you want outside with Mickey and Minnie in their Hawaiian outfits, but only using Photo Pass. inside, we saw Goofy and Pluto in their chef outfits. You cannot take off your masks , but you can take your own selfies, or have someone in your party take pics with your own camera.

 

[floribr1]

You also. get to take as many maskless pics you want outside with Mickey and Minnie in their Hawaiian outfits, but only using Photo Pass, Now inside, we saw Goofy and Pluto in their chef outfits. You cannot take off your masks , but you can take your own selfies, or have someone in your party take pics with your own camera.

Wow, this is a big change from just last week... We went to the Makahiki character breakfast on Friday, May 14, and we were definitely required to keep our masks on.

 

[Paul Stupin]

We arrived at the resort at around 8 am. We got checked in in less than 5 mins. No temp check, no flower or kukui nut lei greeting , no fresh fruit infused iced water at the entrance either. Our room became available at around 3 pm, though check in is officially at 4pm.

We booked a DVC studio which was enough for us, but alas we were put on the lobby level right by the kids pool area . Our room didn’t have the Mickey shaped towel on the bed, nor the complimentary plumeria flower women can put in their hair. However toiletries, disposable cups, and utensils were available aplenty.

The Pool, and beach areas were nearly empty from 8am until about 11. Plenty of chairs on the beach available. Extremely crowded from then on. While guests are expected to wear wristbands to get access to the pool area, no one seems to be enforcing that. We noticed lots of people without them on, both on deck, and on the beach. Same with masks, half the people were wearing them in the lobby and hallways, as well as walking throughout the property. The other half, however…

For those wanting to know, the refillable mugs aren’t available anymore. Only popcorn buckets.

On to the shop to see what all merch is available. TBC.

Did you book a pool view?

 

[CaptainAmerica]

We arrived at the resort at around 8 am. We got checked in in less than 5 mins. No temp check, no flower or kukui nut lei greeting , no fresh fruit infused iced water at the entrance either. Our room became available at around 3 pm, though check in is officially at 4pm.

We booked a DVC studio which was enough for us, but alas we were put on the lobby level right by the kids pool area . Our room didn’t have the Mickey shaped towel on the bed, nor the complimentary plumeria flower women can put in their hair. However toiletries, disposable cups, and utensils were available aplenty.

The Pool, and beach areas were nearly empty from 8am until about 11. Plenty of chairs on the beach available. Extremely crowded from then on. While guests are expected to wear wristbands to get access to the pool area, no one seems to be enforcing that. We noticed lots of people without them on, both on deck, and on the beach. Same with masks, half the people were wearing them in the lobby and hallways, as well as walking throughout the property. The other half, however…

For those wanting to know, the refillable mugs aren’t available anymore. Only popcorn buckets.

On to the shop to see what all merch is available. TBC.

Note on the wristbands, they're not required on the beach. That's public property.

 

[greenkai3000]

Did you book a pool view?

I got a view of the pool gardens. Basically a view of the main Lobby, Makahiki restaurant, and lazy river areas

 

[LovintheLodge]

I got a view of the pool gardens. Basically a view of the main Lobby, Makahiki restaurant, and lazy river areas

So how was your trip and Aulani overall? I’ve been reading mixed reviews lately. Thanks!

 

[tamu91]

Did they stop the flower or kukui nut lei greetings due to COVID or they stop greeting guests with lei after certain time?

 

[CaptainAmerica]

Did they stop the flower or kukui nut lei greetings due to COVID or they stop greeting guests with lei after certain time?

Both. I think the old cutoff was roughly 10pm. Currently, nobody is getting them.

 

[tamu91]

Both. I think the old cutoff was roughly 10pm. Currently, nobody is getting them.

thanks. we're going in August so maybe by then, fingers crossed.

 

[ajjonesehc]

We just got back and had a great time. We were a bit disappointed that some things weren't open, but it forced us to spend more time exploring the island instead of living at the resort. The vacation was just what the doctor ordered after a tough year. I think if you're prepared to not have all of your previous experiences equalled, you'll still have a good time, and you might even find something new to love outside the resort. I think our experience is that we had as good of a time as previous trips, but just had to be willing to make up for the closures at Aulani.