Visiting Aulani Resort (or, more properly, Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawai'i) has somehow become a family tradition. We originally took my mom to celebrate turning 70, and just went back again to celebrate her 80th! It's a stunningly beautiful place, full of Hawaiian art and culture, and ready for you to relax, explore, and enjoy. Whether you're planning your first trip or looking for new adventures on a return visit, Aulani has something special in store!
A Warm Hawaiian Welcome
From the moment you step into Aulani, the staff greets you with the warm aloha spirit. Balanced between mountain and sea, the resort is a perfect blend of Disney magic and Hawaiian culture. You're constantly surrounded by beautiful artwork (created by Hawaiian natives by the way), from the murals circling the grand lobby to the paintings in the hallways to the feathered kāhili standards crafted to represent Hawaiian chiefs. Everywhere you look, there are beautiful details and touches that make you feel like you've truly entered a tropical paradise. A great game to play everywhere throughout the resort is "Spot the Menehune!" These mischievous craftspeople of Hawaiian legend are hiding everywhere -- look up at the rafters, in the gardens, throughout the pools, and even (no joke) inside a secret keyhole!
Fun and Relaxation
One of the best things about Aulani Resort is that there's something for everyone. If you're traveling with kids, they’ll absolutely love Aunty’s Beach House. This is a supervised kids' club where children can play games, do crafts, and enjoy all sorts of fun activities while you relax. Some special activities require a fee and advance reservation, like "Kakamora Chaos," a Moana-themed three hour event that includes hangout time with the titular star, plus special activities and a take-home specially-decorated oar! Adults can unwind in the pools, grab a drink, stretch out in a beach chair, or truly relax at the Laniwai Spa, which offers a variety of treatments, including traditional Hawaiian massages. Kids and teens even get their very own spa, Painted Sky, offering some sparkly makeovers and elaborate braids to get ready for the lu‘au.
If you love marine life, you have to check out Rainbow Reef, Aulani’s private snorkeling lagoon. It’s teeming with colorful fish and is a great way to get up close and personal with some of Hawai‘i’s amazing underwater creatures. Rainbow Reef an enclosed lagoon that isn't connected to the ocean, and gear is provided, so it's a safe and fun activity that might serve as an introduction to snorkeling for smaller adventurers. If you don't want to get in with the fish, you can also sign up for one of the feedings, and enjoy the fish popping up to the surface to meet you instead! Just below the reef, you can also find an underwater viewing area if you'd prefer a more aquarium-inspired experience.
Splashing Around Waikolohe Valley
The heart of Aulani is Waikolohe Valley, a stunning area filled with pools, waterslides, and a lazy river. Seriously, one of my top happy places in the entire world is that lazy river, Waikolohe Stream. There’s nothing quite like floating along, soaking up the sun, winding through the center of the resort, in and out of waterfalls and hidden grottos. It takes about 15 minutes to make one full loop, and after one loop you'll definitely want to go for loops two or three (or more, shhhh I won't tell!) For a bit more excitement, the Volcanic Vertical waterslide jets you through a mountain in the dark, and Tubestone Curl is a raft ride that shoots you out right into the lazy river. Our six year old couldn't get enough of the Menehune Bridge, a splash zone and slide area for kids 48" or shorter. Bonus: this is unsurprisingly a great place to play Spot the Menehune!
Delicious Dining Options
Now, let’s talk about the food – because what’s a vacation without indulging in some delicious eats? Aulani offers a variety of dining options, from casual to fine dining. To start your day, you can't beat the Character Breakfast at Makahiki. Not only is the menu packed with local favorites and classic breakfast foods, but you also get to meet some of your favorite Disney characters. Personally I loved the loco moco, a stacked dish with white rice, a hamburger patty, brown gravy, and a sunny-side up egg that blends it all together!
For lunch, we usually grabbed a bite at Ulu Cafe. They have a selection of fresh poke bowls, sandwiches, salads, cupcakes, and some hot options like pizzas, mac and cheese, and rotating daily specials. Mama's Snack Stop, in the center of the pool area, has quick bites like hot dogs and coconut-breaded fried shrimp -- and don’t forget to try the famous Pāpālua Shave Ice! It’s the perfect Mickey-shaped treat to cool down in the Hawaiian heat! (I highly recommend getting the condensed milk on top!)
When dinner rolls around, ‘AMA‘AMA is the place to be. This oceanfront restaurant offers stunning views and a prix fixe menu filled with contemporary island cuisine. Obviously the seafood dishes were incredibly fresh and particularly amazing, and having a date night dinner while watching the sun set over the sea was a truly magical experience.
Evening Entertainment
The big event for evening entertainment at Aulani Resort is the KA WA‘A lū‘au. It’s a wonderful way to learn about Hawaiian culture through music, dance, and storytelling, all while enjoying a delicious buffet! Before the show even starts, everyone gets a kukui nut lei, and there are stations for family photos, ukulele lessons, traditional tattoos (don't worry, here they're just washable stamps that look super cool!) and other traditional arts and crafts. The kalua pork was spectacularly good, plus there's a range of other dishes including vegetarian options and plenty of desserts. The performances are beautiful, and you can learn some of the dances along the way. I will say that at three hours, it can be a trifle long for the kiddos, so be prepared to carry those sleepy bundles up to your room afterward!
A lower-key way to get your fix for Hawaiian storytelling is to join storytime at the Mo‘olelo Firepit. Overlooking the beach, Uncle's magical tales unfold while you relax under the stars.
To wind down the day, you can head over to the ‘Olelo Room for some live music and tropical cocktails, plus lessons in the native Hawaiian language from the bartenders. For a more rustic feel, head to Off the Hook, a beachside shack with tiki drinks, plus TVs overhead to catch up on sports.
Exploring Beyond the Resort
While Aulani has plenty to keep you entertained, don’t forget to explore the island of O‘ahu! The resort offers excursions to some of the island’s most popular attractions, like Pearl Harbor, the Dole Plantation, surfing lessons, ziplining, and the beautiful beaches of the North Shore. The staff at the Holoholo Tours desk are happy to help, or you can do it yourself with a rental car and a sense of adventure!
The Magic of Aulani Resort
Aulani is not just a resort – it’s an experience. Whether you’re looking to relax by the beach, explore Hawaiian culture, or have a fun-filled family adventure, the combination of Disney magic and Hawaiian hospitality creates a unique and unforgettable vacation. I'm already looking forward to our next visit when mom turns 90!
