Two questions: First, will you have access to a car while you are at Aulani? And Second, how many people are in your traveling party?
If you have access to a car, then you'll be able to drive to eateries in the immediate Kapolei/ Ko Olina area, or even further out to Pearl and Honolulu. Thus, you wouldn't have to be dependent on paying the high prices for food at the resort.
We had only a studio for our 7 nights at Aulani and it worked out well for us. The mini-fridge had more than enough space to hold fruit, sandwich meats, condiments, milk, yogurt, etc., which allowed us to eat breakfast and lunch in our room. I know some people love to cook, but we certainly didn't miss having access to a stove or oven for 7 nights.
Aulani has two laundry rooms, one in the Waianae Building near villa #112 and one in the Ewa Building near villa #170. They are steps away from the pool and lazy river area, so its easy to do a load of laundry while sitting out by the pool. DVC members staying on points get free tokens for the laundry. There are three washers and six dryers in each laundry room.
If its just you and another person, then you'll find Aulani's studios have plenty of room. One thing we liked about the studio bed is that it had ample storage space beneath it, so we could put our suitcases under the bed.
If you are traveling with another couple, then its really your call whether you'll enjoy being that close to someone else for 8 days.
Views are so subjective that its hard to offer advice on whether you should get an Ocean View or downgrade to a cheaper view. We had a Pool View Studio (#304) last year and we loved overlooking the Waikolohe Valley, the name for Aulani's main pool and lazy river area. Its great sitting on our balcony and listening to the morning chant and the music during the day. We are going back to Aulani in October 2014 and I am willing to pay more for another Pool View or even Ocean View. But, like dianeschlicht says, Aulani has some Island View villas that offer limited views of the ocean.
Good luck on deciding what you want. Aulani is a great resort and well worth the visit!