Disney’s Hawaiian Resort Might Be Its Best Property Yet (Yes, I’m Talking About Aulani)

If you thought Aulani was just another Disney resort, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Aulani is not a theme park; there are no rides, lands, worlds or kingdoms to explore. It’s a Hawaiian beach resort, but unlike every other hotel on the block, it’s powered by the immersive storytelling and top-notch hospitality that Disney is known for. 

To use a totally cliché metaphor: If the history and traditions of Hawaii are the ocean, Disney is the undertow; a constant yet subtle current that sits right below the surface, undoubtedly felt as you move through the resort but never so strong it fully pulls you under. Yes, you’ll still spot multiple Disney characters roaming around the grounds—like Moana, Goofy or Stitch—but just like the guests, they too are off the clock and on vacation (unlike the other theme parks, to which they call home).

The vacation community of Ko Olina on the island of Oahu, Hawaii is where Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa calls home. A quick 30- to 45-minute car ride from the Honolulu airport, Aulani is located on the western coast of the island (west of Waikiki and south of North Shore, if you’re up to date on your Hawaiian geography). The drive from the airport is a bit lackluster; palm trees dot the freeway while suburban homes stacked like LEGOs seem to double in the distance. But as you approach Ko Olina, concrete ramps are replaced by sprawling green gardens and towering hotels.

When pulling up, you’re first met with Aulani’s iconic curved, thatched-style roof that instantly feels like a Polynesia of yore—only extremely well-kept and luxurious. Like the friends you keep, Aulani has some pretty impressive neighbors, including the Four Seasons Resort, of which it shares the shore of its massive manmade lagoon—though don’t worry, there’s plenty of room.

Next up, the lobby. As you grab your luggage and head inside, prepare to be awestruck by this open-air atrium. With its high, vaulted ceilings, the Maka‘ala (or eyes wide open) lobby is designed to resemble a Polynesian canoe house. While one end faces the mountains, the other frames the ocean, pulling you forward into the resort, like a gust of sea wind catching the sail of a catamaran.

Stunning views aside, the Maka‘ala shares stories of the past, present and future of Hawaii through the art and murals that line the inside of the building. You could spend hours here taking in the details—in fact, Aulani offers a free guided walking tour to showcase it. But for now, the check-in desk is to your right, and the beach awaits.

Aulani has multiple housing options to fit a range of families’ needs. Standard hotel rooms (think two queen beds or one king bed plus a queen sleeper sofa) are great for groups of up to four people. There are also deluxe studios that include a kitchenette, plus suite options for parties up to five.

Being a Disney Vacation Club resort, Aulani also offers one-, two- and three-bedroom villas, the largest of which can sleep up to 12 people. These villas are great options for longer stays or larger, multi-generational families since they include a full kitchen, in-unit laundry and a dedicated living and dining space. What’s more, you don’t have to be a DVC member to stay in a villa at Aulani. You can book directly through the Disney website, or go through a third-party vendor, like David’s Vacation Club Rental, where travelers can “rent” unused DVC points at a fraction of the price. If you’re eyeing a villa, this booking method could save you a ton.

Speaking of price, room rates at Aulani typically range from $600 for the most basic accommodations to more than $4,000 for a multi-bedroom villa. Aside from room layout, rates are typically impacted by seasonality and view. If you’re traveling during high season and have your heart set on an ocean view, expect to spend more.

Additional sneaky costs you should factor in include Hawaii state taxes as well as parking fees (around $40 per night). The good news? Unlike other luxury hotels, Aulani doesn’t charge a daily resort fee, and there are plenty of free activities to enjoy on site.

The two grab-and-go services are both located in the pool area: Ulu Café and Mama’s Snack Stop. Ulu Café features breakfast, lunch and dinner options including flat-bread pizzas and local-inspired bowls (think acai, poke and soba noodles). Disney favorites, like Dole Whip and popcorn, are also available should a craving hit after your third waterslide run. Mama’s Snack Stop is a fun, walk-up shack featuring island comfort foods like coconut shrimp and fish sandwiches, as well as an under-the-radar Disney favorite: corn dog nuggets. Fans of Casey’s Corner in Magic Kingdom will feel right at home.

For a seated meal you can roll up to in your swimsuit, head to Off the Hook, an open-air poolside lounge and bar featuring tropical cocktails and casual bites. At lunchtime, start with the Maul-style onion rings before diving into a crab cake BLT or swing by in the morning on your way to the beach to grab some Mickey waffles with a side of garlic Spam fried rice. And don’t forget to check out their rotating selection of specialty coffees—the banana bread latte will not disappoint.

Other bar options include Wailana Pool Bar, located at the adults-only pool, as well as The ‘Ōlelo Room, an indoor-outdoor lounge that serves up craft cocktails and sushi alongside live Hawaiian music played nightly. If your room is close enough, you can even enjoy the acoustic tunes from the comfort of your balcony, no reservation required.

It wouldn’t be a Disney resort without at least one character dining experience. Breakfast at Makahiki is a can’t-miss event. Mickey, Minnie, Pluto and more don their island best and make the rounds as you enjoy a delectable three-course meal. I loved how spontaneous each character interaction felt. (Pluto played fetch, Goofy taught us the Hawaiian shaka and my one-year-old left with a major crush on Minnie.) In between bites, we had plenty of time to snap our pics and enjoy some laughs, and of all the Disney character dining experiences I’ve been to over the years, this one felt the least rushed.

Culinary highlights include the malasadas (Portuguese sugar donuts that are beloved in Hawaii), the Kalua pig omelet and the Punaluu sweet bread French toast—and don’t forget to order a glass or two of POG juice.

For fine dining options, ‘AMA‘AMA is an oceanfront, open-air restaurant with the most stunning sunset views you’ll find on property. At this dinner-only hot spot, the four-course, prix fixe menu features contemporary Hawaiian cuisine that will leave a lasting impression. To this day, I still daydream about the Kabocha squash soup, island ceviche and Paniolo Waygu filet, not to mention the Kona coffee mousse with hidden chocolate Mickey’s.

Even the keiki menu was impressively balanced, featuring kid classics like grilled cheese and spaghetti and meatballs combined with island favorites like Mickey & Minnie-shaped Spam musubi. In addition to our adult desserts, we ended the meal with a signature Disney “grey stuff” tart and surprise birthday shout-out. What a way to turn one, am I right?

For the armchair sommeliers out there, ‘AMA‘AMA also offers an optional wine pairing package, where four curated glasses of wine are served alongside each course of your meal.

Pro Tip: Reservations are a must, and I highly suggest timing your meal to start about 60 to 90 minutes before the sun is due to set. That way, you can enjoy the sprawling sunset views over the lagoon as you wrap up your entrees and hunker down for dessert.  

The KA WA‘A Lū‘au was one of the most memorable experiences I had at Aulani: authentic, enchanting and totally immersive. It’s without a doubt a must-do when visiting—and it sells out months in advance, so be sure to make your reservations soon after booking your trip.

Aulani’s take on a Hawaiian lūʻau combines music and storytelling with a little Disney magic. Hula dancers take the stage accompanied by traditional island instruments, and as the sun sets, fire knife dancers tell the legendary story of how Maui, the demigod, wrestled and captured the sun. It’s a family-friendly event that’s truly awe-inspiring—with Mickey and Minnie making a brief but notable appearance just as you sit down to eat.

The buffet-style feast features traditional island fare, including kalua pig, ahi poke, taro macaroni salad, traditional poi and the catch of the day. For the littles aged three to nine, kid-friendly bento boxes are served with favorites like chicken tenders, vegetables and mac and cheese. 

The three-ish hour lūʻau experience takes place right on property, so it couldn’t be more convenient. Plus, the doors open well before the show starts, so there’s plenty of time to enjoy the multiple pre-show activities Aulani offers, including welcome leis, taro pounding, flash tattoos and ukulele lessons—plus, for the parents, an open bar.

Let’s be honest, you’re not flying all the way to Hawaii just to stay indoors. If easy beach access is a must on your vacation bucket list, Aulani checks all the boxes. Just a short walk from the main building sits the Kohola Lagoon and its white sand, crescent-shaped beach that, even during high season, never felt too crowded.

As a parent, I was a little apprehensive about how rough the Pacific waves would be, but the manmade lagoon was engineered to provide a calm water environment that’s perfect for kids as well as water activities like snorkeling and paddleboarding. Hunkered down with a rotation of complimentary lounge chairs, boogie boards and sand toys, you could easily spend multiple days here without getting bored. (And yes, the beach access is stroller-friendly and ADA-compliant!)

Mirroring the beach, Aulani is shaped like a giant horseshoe, and at the heart of it all is the Waikolohe Valley, home to the resort’s multiple water features including three main pools, a volcano water slide and splashpad and a 900-foot lazy river: a kid’s paradise, in a nutshell. Towels and children’s life vests are available for use throughout your stay, but if you prefer to bring your own flotation devices, the lifeguards won’t give you grief. (This pool lounger plus canopy helped make water time so much more enjoyable for both my baby and me.) Of all the water amenities, the lazy river was by far my favorite; a simple way the whole family could lounge, cool off and enjoy the sights and sounds of the resort.

One thing to remember: To access the pool, you’ll need to visit a towel station and present your room key or MagicBand to receive the daily wristband. (The wristband colors change to ensure access remains exclusive to resort guests.)  

If you’re looking for a little more action outside of the resort, Aulani offers several Hawaiian excursions for all kinds of travelers. For the adventure seekers, take a zipline tour through Coral Crater Adventure Park, or if you’re a history buff, book a moving visit to Pearl Harbor to learn all about this historical U.S. Navy base during World War II.

As a nature lover, my family and I took part in the Palehua Ridge Guided Hike (yep, baby carrier and all). A casual hike with minimal elevation, we got to meander through the mountainside with panoramic views of Oahu as the island vog (volcanic fog) rolled in over the valley. Along the way, our local guide shared fun facts about the Hawaiian landscape and culture. As my son’s first huaka'i iki (hike), it was a memorable experience; the perfect way to fully immerse ourselves in more of what Hawaii had to offer.

In Hawaiian, Laniwai means freshwater heaven, which couldn’t be a better name for Aulani’s signature spa. A relaxing oasis just steps away from the Waikolohe Valley pool area, Laniwai offers several relaxing treatments, from HydraFacials to its signature Hawaiian Lomilomi massage. After a ten-hour flight with baby in tow, I opted for the Lomilomi, which features a gentle, rhythmic massage technique that focuses on lengthening and relaxation. It was one of the best massages I’ve ever had; the ultimate treat as a tired mom.

All full-service spa treatments come with access to Aulani’s outdoor hydrotherapy garden, Kula Wai; a relaxing, private oasis surrounded by nature (with complimentary drinks and snacks). Unwind by the whirlpools while you take in the peace and quiet, or, if you’re like me, do a little DIY contrast therapy with an alternating dip in both the cold plunge and hot tub. Before your masseuse or esthetician calls you in, rinse off in one (or all) of the six rain-style showers, then stroll over the reflexology foot path to stretch out your feet.

There are tons of family-friendly activities offered at Aulani, all viewable (and most bookable) through the resort’s app. Here are a few of my favorites:

• Rainbow Reef: Located on the north side of the pool area, Rainbow Reef is a saltwater lagoon home to hundreds of tropical fish. Here, guests can grab some snorkeling gear and get up close and personal with the local marine life (or hang back and take photos, if fish aren’t their thing). Beyond snorkeling, families can also participate in scheduled fish feedings to learn more about the lagoon and its inhabitants.
• Aunty’s Beach House: This on-site kids' club for ages 4 to 12 is the perfect place to let your mini-me’s explore Hawaiian culture (with supervision) while you take a dip in the adults-only pool. Pre-registration is required, and while most activities are complimentary (like arts and crafts and hula lessons), some premium offerings come with an additional fee (like Wayfinding with Moana and the Galactic Games sporting event). With only so many spots available, Aunty’s Beach House fills up fast, so be sure to reserve as early as possible. Booking is available up to 45 days ahead of your desired date.
• Community Hall (Pau Hana Room): Since Aulani is a DVC resort, it also has a Community Hall where guests can relax or grab books, board games and DVDs to enjoy in their room. In addition to free craft stations, the Pau Hana Room also has premium classes including guided painting parties, T-shirt stamping and Make Your Own Mickey Ears.
• Menehune Adventure Trail: Uncover the legend of the Menehune with this free interactive tablet-led scavenger hunt. Solve riddles, discover clues and seek out the Menehune statues scattered around the resort (think Hawaiian hidden Mickeys) for a family-friendly activity that kicks off in the Pau Hana Room.
• Painted Sky Style Salon: The island equivalent of the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, this children’s salon provides kids ages 3 to 12 with a fun fashion transformation (thanks to a little bit of Disney pixie dust).
• Character Meet-and-Greets: Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy and more love to vacation at Aulani (can you blame them?). As you roam the resort, you’re bound to run into one of these beloved characters, but if you prefer to map out your meet-and-greets ahead of time, check the app for additional details on timing and location.

Even when the sun sets on Aulani, the fun doesn’t have to stop. Stargazing is available for an additional fee, and parents can up the ante on bedtime with the complimentary Mo'olelo Fire Pit Storytelling, where families gather around a fire pit to hear “Uncle” share traditional Hawaiian legends and lore, often accompanied by music and special guests like Moana.

• Download the app: The Aulani app is free to download and will be your guide throughout your stay. Here is where you’ll manage your reservation, book dining and experiences, browse the daily activity schedule and place mobile food orders. It also has an interactive resort map that will be helpful as you get to know your way around.
• How to save money on food: As a remote island, it should come as no surprise that Hawaii is expensive (that whole import, export thing). On top of that, travelers will need to factor in the Disney premium. If you’re a numbers person, here’s a good example: A banana from your local grocery store costs about $0.20. A banana from Disney World costs $2.50. A banana from Aulani costs $4—makes sense? To save money on meals during longer stays, many visitors take advantage of Ko Olina Station, a walkable shopping complex with convenience stores and restaurants—including Monkeypod Kitchen, a local favorite.
• How to save money on rooms: One insider tip that could save you hundreds? Booking through a third-party DVC rental company like David’s Vacation Club Rental. Hopeful vacationers can utilize a member’s unused points to book DVC accommodations at a fraction of the regular cash rate—typically 40 to 60 percent off. (Note: This excludes standard, non-DVC rooms.)