Hurricane Lane was downgraded to a Tropical Storm on Friday and its indirect path into the Ko Olina area has left Aulani, Disney Vacation Club Villas largely untouched.
Late last week Hawaii’s concerns turned from wind damage to flooding as the storm weakened in strength. Dramatic video, mostly from the big island, shows landslides and washed out roads as the storm dropped more than 40 inches of rain in some areas.
The storm’s track avoidsd much of the island of O’ahu—home to Aulani—and the resort’s location on the western side of the island further insulated it from the worst of the storm.
Online reports indicate that the resort was forced to close many amenities and events including pools, kids’ club and the scheduled luau. Resort staff members did their best to entertain guests with activity sheets and movie rentals for children. Public beaches adjacent to Aulani remained available to guests willing to “swim at their own risk”, though beachfront businesses and services were typically closed.
The last hurricane to hit Hawaii was Iniki back in September 1992.
Thus far there are no indications of storm damage or flooding impact in the Aulani area.
The latest official update from Disney, dated August 24, indicates that the resort is operating under normal conditions. Disney Vacation Club’s hurricane policy would be in effect for guests with upcoming reservations. The policy states that normal cancellation restrictions are lifted for any stays within 7 days of a hurricane warning in the O’ahu area, between the dates of June 1 and November 30.
Guests with upcoming trips planned to Aulani would be wise to monitor the status of air travel carriers and any planned island excursions as these services may be disrupted by storm damage.
