If you are looking for something a little bit different for your next Disney vacation, look no further than Aulani! Located in Ko Olina on Oahu, this resort offers a luxury Disney resort experience, located in beautiful Hawaii. Catering for visitors of all ages in true Disney fashion, this is the perfect base for an unforgettable vacation.
Designed by well-known Disney Imagineer Joe Rohde, the resort is reminiscent of his other work including the Animal Kingdom Lodge at Walt Disney World. Located beachside with its own private beach in the Ko Olina Resort area, this quiet location is Disney’s third standalone hotel without a theme park attachment.
The resort is set over 21 acres and has over 820 guest rooms and villas. Rooms vary from standard hotel rooms to spacious two and three bedroom villas perfect for the whole family. Rooms are spaced out over two 15-story towers and the resort offers stunning scenery and design throughout. Below we share some of the highlights of the resort and what you can expect to enjoy during your stay.
Pool and Beach area
The highlight of the resort is the expansive pool and beach area. The sprawling Waikolohe Valley pool area is the centerpiece of the hotel and is perfect for all ages. Offering two water slides, a lazy river, a private snorkelling lagoon (additional charge applies, an infinity-edge pool and an adult-only pool, you could happily spend your whole vacation enjoying this area! Kids will love the Menehune Bridge with their own smaller slides, and the Keiki Cove Splash Zone. If you are looking to enhance your day at the pool, consider one of the Poolside Cabanas, where your whole family can relax and enjoy personal food and drink service all day long.
Heading past the pool we arrive at Aulani’s private white-sand beach, where you can choose to spend your day on one of the loungers. If you are looking to be a little more adventurous visit Makiki Joe’s Beach Equipment Rentals where you can rent a boogie board or paddleboard. Fitness classes are also offered each morning at the resort and some of our favorites include the stand-up paddle fitness class and beach yoga.
Dining
As you may be spending a lot of time at the resort, make sure you check out some of the fantastic dining options Aulani has in store for you. It wouldn’t be a Disney trip without a character meal, and that is held at Makahiki. Offering a character breakfast or dining experience, this buffet offers a delightful selection of fresh and local foods. If you are celebrating a special occasion we recommend open-air ‘Ama’Ama which offers views over Ko Olina beach. Hawaiian cuisine has a modern twist here, and this spacious dining room is perfect for watching the sunset whilst you dine in paradise. As well as offering lunch and dinner, don’t miss the breakfast here, especially the macadamia nut pancakes!
If you are looking for a quick service option, head to Ulu Café, open all day. Offering flatbreads, poke bowls and a fresh bakery, this is the perfect spot for lunch if you are spending the day at the pool. Enjoy a sunset cocktail and live music at The Olelo Room, which offers creative Hawaiian cocktails in a relaxed atmosphere. And of course, don’t forget to try a Mickey-shaped shaved ice at Paplua Shave Ice – add condensed milk on top to make it the perfect poolside treat!
Spa
Laniwai is the onsite spa which offers dozens of unique treatments and a relaxation garden for before and after your treatment. The signature Lomilomi or the Lilinoe water massage come highly recommended and offer a unique Hawaiian experience. There is a spacious onsite gym and salon, and kids can even receive their own fashion transformation at Painted Sky.
Special Experiences
Of course, being a Disney resort, there is plenty of entertainment and special offerings available during your stay at Aulani. Characters are available for daily meet and greets around the resort, kids can enjoy spending time at Aunty’s Beach House and the Menehune Adventure Trail is an interactive scavenger hunt throughout the resort that kids of all ages will love. The Pau Hana Room is a community hall that offers various activities and crafts throughout your stay, and don’t miss Uncle’s Mo’Olelo Fire Pit Storytelling at the end of each day. Every day you will receive the Daily ‘Iwa with updates on what is on each day, so make sure you check it out to plan your days accordingly!
One not to be missed experience in Hawaii is a Lu’au, and Disney has their own with Ka Wa’A. This dinner show is a highlight of any stay at Aulani and reservations are strongly recommended before your stay. This three-hour event starts with pre-show activities and then an incredible buffet and Lu’au performance.
Exploring Oahu
If it’s your first time in Oahu we highly recommend you take some time out to explore the island further. Join excursions from the resort or rent a car for the day or your stay to explore further afield. Don’t miss Pearl Harbor near Honolulu, the famous shores of Waikiki or Kualoa Ranch, the home of Jurassic Park. Whatever you choose to do, Aulani offers the perfect base for a Hawaiian adventure.
If you are looking for something different for your next Disney vacation, Aulani is an incredible resort that will provide you with a lifetime of memories for you and your family. If you need any help or more information regarding Disney’s Aulani Resort please don’t hesitate to contact us and we will be more than happy to help!
