Hi Everyone,
Totally new to Aulani here but today on some apparent outer body experience, I 'accidently' booked a 1-bedroom villa for Christmas 2023!
Has anyone spent Christmas in the resort? I have booked a week over Christmas day but leaving before New Year. It will be myself, my hubby and my 5 year old. Grateful for views you might have as well as any hints and tips on dining, excursions etc?
...will it feel Christmassy (weather aside)?
Best
K.
Aloha from Honolulu! Being a local, I hope that I can give you some valuable insight into your upcoming trip albeit a year away! Hopefully, it'll get here soon enough! After just wrapping up our 3rd staycation at Aulani (1st- After Xmas, 2nd- 4th of July, 3rd- This past Monday), it was more about getting our keiki (children: 4yrs, 1yr) to have another great time during the Fall Break! We have 2 more reservations booked during NYE and then again, 4th of July 23 so we can take advantage of the Fireworks (hopefully they have them) instead of burning our money buying our own and celebrating with family, which is a long-standing Hawaiian style tradition. Anyhow, to answer your questions, Christmas in the resort is beautiful as it can be in a tropical climate and property. There are the Christmas decor, most characters would have the Santa hats if I recall correctly, but yes, I do know there are tons of Christmas trees that are decorated along with lighting. The weather will be cooler for "Hawaii standards" meaning mid-70's and possibly rainy and windy. That is cold for us locals but I'm sure to our mainland `ohana, it's a walk in the park. Even if the sun is out, the temperature will rarely get above 80 but again, being on the west side of the Island, rain is scarce but during the winter months, it does come around more often. Last year the wind swirled around the water playground area just how the property opens up to the winds and it all depends on where your chairs are located, it can be a long and gusty time at the pool, but again, for you guys it'll be nothing to worry about. It is more crowded during this time as it is DVC peak season. Not as nuts as 4th of July, but with the sun coming up later, you don't need to reserve your beach chairs as early as those summer months with the sun coming up around 530 or so... During this time, sun will be rolling up around 7ish so around 7:30 am or so, you should be making your way down to reserve your seating area. On your first morning, I'd go earlier just to play it safe!. Other than that, I know it'll be a beautiful trip for you! A 5-year old just needs to play in the pool or on the beach with some beach toys. He'll be able to make some friends in the water park playground as my son did these past 2 stays and it'll be memorable to watch him go nuts! Hopefully, you're not one of those parents that are too overprotective but just watching and making sure your keiki is playing nicely is all any parent can ask for! One kid told me that my son cut in front of him but next thing you know, they're playing together and waiting for each other over the next 20 minutes. =) To be young!
Have a great trip and if you have any more questions, please don't hesitate to ask! Lastly, hopefully your room is of adequate size for you to enjoy as that is probably the next most important thing!
Aloha,