Disney’s Aulani Resort

Disney, Hawaii, USA Travel

Aulani

On the island of Oahu. Beaches of Ko Olina. Aulani means Messenger of the Chief.

What makes Aulani stand out from other Hawaiian resorts? The stories and traditions of Hawaii are passed along to guests with a bit of Disney magic, and since no resort does it like Disney (unless you want an adults only resort), Aulani is going to be the best in quality and entertainment!

Aulani is all about serenity in nature and everything that celebrates Hawaiian culture. Disney made a big effort to make sure Aulani respects and honors the Hawaiian culture, so you can rest assured you are getting the most authentic experience!

This is a luxury destination with amazing experiences for guests of all ages! The location is exquisite as well – right in the middle of the exotic leeward coast of O’ahu on the gorgeous beaches of Ko Olina. Disney boasts that Aulani is far enough away to be secluded but close enough to the best attractions of the island – and only 17 miles from the airport.

Perfect for All Ages

Disney wanted to create a place for families to enjoy this beautiful island, but they also understand the importance of having a kid-free vacation.

Adults can escape the kid-friendly areas with exclusive pools, lounges, and restaurants. There are entire sections of the resort dedicated to adult only conveniences and luxuries, so do not let kids stop you from this breathtaking experience!

You can even get married at Aulani! They have a full service wedding and special events team. I can help you with that!

Parents can enjoy the adult-exclusive amenities with peace of mind while their kids enjoy (included) arts and crafts time, hula lessons, and other entertainment at Aunty’s Beach House, supervised by dedicated Youth counselors.

There is a also water park located between the two sides of the resort with activities for kids and adults.

Resort Activities

Surf Lessons from expert locals

Scenic ride on a Catamaran Sunset Cruise

Hike through exquisite nature trails

Private snorkeling on Rainbow Reef

Ko Olina Lagoon

Cabana Rentals

Maka’ika’i Guided Tours

Shopping, Golf, Paddleboarding

Island Activities

Kualoa Ranch

North Shore Beach Surf Competitions

Pearl Harbor Tour

Dole Plantation Tour

South Shore of Waikiki

Catamaran Cruise

Hidden Waterfall Hike

Explore the Stars

Pool & Water Activities

Aulani Water Park

Ka Make Grotto Family Pool

Keiki Cove Interactive Splash Zone

Menehune Bridge

Waikolohe Pool and Stream (Lazy river)

Wailana Adult Exclusive Pool

Rapid Adventures Water Slides

Infinity edge pools & Whirlpool Spas

Entertainment

Aunty’s Beach House for kids

KA WA’A

Fire Pit Storytelling with Uncle

Moana Mania

Disney Movie Nights

Community Hall

Starlit Hula hosted by Uncle

Don't Forget!

Do not forget about the towel station and wristbands per day to enjoy the different water and resort activities. Make sure to get a new one each day as the colors change! so you will have all day access!

Accommodations

Aulani accommodations were built to create a perfect environment for families but to also provide a romantic oasis for couples. Designed with Hawaiian authenticity and true elegance, they managed to master both while also offering untouched comfort. You will find Disney touches throughout for an extra bit of magic. There are several room types within the 359 guest rooms including 14 parlor suites and 2 signature suites, and they are classified by view options. Below is a list of amenities that are available in each room, no matter which view you choose.

Room Types

Oceanview
Partial Oceanview
Poolside Gardens View
Islands Garden View
Standard View

Amenities

Refrigerator
Deep soaking tubs
Raised beds for storage
Private balconies (lanai) Complimentary wi-fi

Fun Extras

Hidden Mickeys
Hawaiian Art
Disney style service
Ocean & Mountain Vista Views

Villas (1, 2, 3 Bedrooms)

If you can splurge and want the amenities of home (plus more luxury and VIP treatment), you can choose one of Aulani’s villas. Fully equipped with a kitchen, master suite, and even washer and dryers! This is a huge perk because you can pack less, avoid laundry when you get home, and everything stays fresh. I also love deep soaking tubs and ability for more people to get ready simultaneously. Any time I can choose a 1-3 bedroom villa for the whole party to stay together, it is worth it. This is how to get that family feel. Villas make the most sense for extended families or multiple families traveling.

Laniwai Spa

The Laniwai Spa features over 150 different service options, a vitality pool, hot tubs, Outdoor Hydrotherapy Garden, Salon Services, and even a fitness center. Aulani also features the only teen spa in Hawaii at Painted Sky featuring hairstyles such as Minnie Mouse buns, Mermaid Hair, Moana Beach Bun or Wave, Surfer Style, and Luau!

Dining Options

The dining at Aulani is everything you would expect from Disney! They have fancy table service that require reservations, quick and easy self serve stations with abundant flavor, and also some eccentric lounges to explore all the tastes of Hawaii! And I know you are surprised by this revelation… but you can also take part in character dining! Mickey, Minnie, Moana, Lilo, and Stitch… to name a few. Aulani grows their own food and catches their own fish when possible, and they work with local farmers to outsource and support the local community, so you know everything is fresh… YUM!

'AMA 'AMA

Signature fancy island cooking with oceanfront, indoor/outdoor dining areas. Celebrate local cuisine with incredibly talented chefs described as "loving what they do" by the Cast Members that describe each dish in great detail. Dinner only, Reservations recommended.

Makahiki

For breakfast, Aunty puts on a Character Celebration! It is a bit more classy for dinner, but just as fabulous! This has a more streamlined menu, and it is more Americanized than 'AMA 'AMA. The food is delicious, and the portions are huge! Reservations recommended.

Off the Hook

The restaurant by the pool. They serve full meals and also have a full bar. Open 11am-9pm, but they have a few select breakfast items. You can also order from a poolside menu. This food is fabulous!

The Olelo Room

Adjacent to Makahiki, this is a lounge that serves appetizers and drinks, so it is great for a pre-meal, a late night snack, or a light dinner.

Little Ophi's Beachside Kiosk

Sweet treats with alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. You can even get beachside service from this little gem.

Mama's Snack Stop

This has your greasy poolside food. It is located beside Papalua Shave Ice. This is an idea if you do not want to go to Off the Hook, but I recommend the poolside menu or Ulu Cafe over this. It is good, but not great. Just a quick option with a shorter line.

Papalua Shave Ice

The best shaved ice ever! You can get as many flavors as you want, and you can even put ice cream in it as well! The Mickey ears on top are the perfect addition!

Ulu Cafe

This is a Grab and Go, but they have everything. You can get meals, popcorn, ice cream, fruit, and everything in between. Most of the food in this place is really good, and their system is really organized.

Wailana Pool Bar

This pool bar also has plenty of savory snacks like pizza and wraps, so you never go hungry at the pool at Aulani!

Daily IWA

The equivalent of a daily itinerary. It shows entertainment, dining, character meet and greets, operation hours, and much more.

Photopass locations are listed on the IWA, and there are Photopass cast members around the resort to snap those amazing photos of your trip. Rental cars can be rented at Aulani, but you must make reservations at least 24 hours in advance, and you can do that on the IWA!

Daily IWAs are located in the app, on the Aulani website, and in paper form in your rooms at the resort, guest services, and other select locations around the property. Download the Aulani app, called “Aulani Resort.” The IWA is listed here as well as other information so you can make choices before your trip!

Luana Lounge

Luana Lounge is an great idea from Disney because of how the flights are usually laid out in Hawaii. Usually, you are leaving late in the afternoon or early in the evening, but you may not want to swim because you will have to check out of your room before you are able to shower and change. Luana Lounge solves this problem with a full service changing facility, fully equipped with showers, and lockers for all of your stuff. This is a huge amenity that takes Aulani to the next level of convenience and customer care.