Please share a recap of our stay at Aulani, the Disney Resort in Hawaii and if I think it’s worth it!
Hello friends! Happy Monday! How was the weekend? I hope you had a great time! Ours was quite busy but good. We are definitely still adjusting to going back to school and routine after two epic trips this summer. We went to Spain and Hawaii, and also spent some time at Aulani while we were there.
My story with Aulani is interesting because I got to visit the property for a press trip years ago. Our plane had to make an emergency landing – it was quite traumatic – and our niece was born on the same day! I ended up missing the trip and wanted to go all this time. The last time we were in Waikiki, we did a luau in the neighborhood (Paradise Cove Luau – the food was meh, but the entertainment was great) and we knew that when we came back, we would have to stay at Aulani.
Before the trip, I was hit with work trying to gather content, record podcast interviews, and check in on client calls so I could mostly unplug. I reached out to Laura to see if he would help book our trip and he made it SO easy. He also took care of our Aulani luau reservations. I highly recommend contacting her if you are looking for a travel agent and she specializes in family and international travel.
(My dress is sold out at Anthro here // P is here // Liv is wearing an older Madewell dress)
Aulani Disney Resort Review
Okay, let’s get to the Aulani review because it far exceeded my high expectations. We are definitely Disney people as we go to Disneyland or Disney World at least once a year (we went 10 times in the two years we lived in Valdosta…), have taken several Disney cruises (and have another one booked this fall !), and enjoy a Disney family vacation. Aulani offered the best of DIsney, which was the food, cleanliness, and service, and the best of Hawaii, which was the great view, ocean, scenery, and PEOPLE. The Aloha spirit combined with Disney customer service is an A+ all around.
From their private beach, to the snorkeling reef, multiple pools, dining options, and the luau, it was an incredible experience.
Let’s go into all the details:
Food options
Aulani offers a variety of dining experiences, catering for all tastes and preferences. From quick eats to full dining experiences, there is something for everyone.
Makahiki – The Bounty of the Islands: This is Aulani’s main dining area, offering buffet meals showcasing Hawaiian flavors. The character breakfast here is a hit with families, where kids can meet their favorite Disney characters while enjoying a hearty breakfast. Dining at Makahiki also features a mix of local and international dishes, with live entertainment bringing a touch of Hawaiian culture to your meal.
‘Ama’Ama: If you are looking for a more luxurious dining experience, ‘Ama’Ama is the place to be. Overlooking the ocean, this open-air restaurant offers an exquisite dining experience with a menu that highlights fresh, local ingredients. It is ideal for a romantic dinner or a special family meal.
Quick service options: For those days when you just want a quick snack, there are several quick service spots around the resort. Ulu Café offers diner options, pizzas, and breakfast items, while Mama’s Snack Stop is known for its hot dogs, fish and chips, and Hawaiian shave ice. The girls freaked out that they could get Dole whip tea and boba at a beach stand and went crazy for the Mickey-shaped musubi.
Pools and slides
One of the main attractions at Aulani is the large pool area, which caters to both thrill seekers and those looking to relax.
Waikolohe Valley: This is the heart of Aulani’s pool area, with a lazy river, waterslides and several pools for all ages. The Waikolohe Stream lazy river is a family favorite, offering a relaxing stroll through the lush gardens. For those looking for more excitement, they have two water slides. the girls loved both.
Keiki Cove: Aulani is incredibly family friendly and Keiki Cove is proof of that. This launch zone is ideal for younger children, with water jets, small slides and a fun interactive play area.
Infinity Pool: For adults looking to relax, the resort’s infinity pool is an oasis of calm. Overlooking the ocean, it’s the perfect place to relax with a cocktail and enjoy the stunning view.
Private reef for snorkeling
Aulani offers a unique snorkeling experience right on property with the Rainbow Reef. This private snorkeling lagoon is stocked with colorful fish, providing a safe and controlled environment for both beginners and experienced snorkelers. It’s a great way to introduce kids to snorkeling without worrying about ocean currents, and the staff are always on hand to provide assistance if needed.
This was a family favorite and we bought passes for the duration of our stay. There were SO many fish. you almost had to avoid the fish while swimming. It was a fun experience.
Character greetings
No Disney resort would be complete without character greetings, and Aulani is no exception. Characters such as Mickey, Minnie, Moana and Stitch can be found throughout the resort, often dressed in their Hawaiian attire. Character meet and greets are well organized and tend to be less crowded than at other Disney parks, giving kids more time with their favorites. The characters also appear in special events and dining experiences, making every moment at Aulani feel magical.
Private Bay (with rowing and kayaking)
Aulani’s location on the beautiful lagoons of Ko Olina is one of its greatest assets. The resort’s private bay offers calm, clear waters perfect for paddling, kayaking and simple ocean swimming. Guests can rent gear directly from the resort and the staff is very helpful in getting everyone ready, regardless of experience level. The bay is also a great place to relax on the beach, build sandcastles or enjoy a peaceful sunset.
A review of KA WA’A Luau
We’ve done a few luaus in the past, and this was by far the best we’ve experienced. KA WA’A Luau at Aulani is an exciting experience that combines Hawaiian storytelling, music and dance with a delicious buffet dinner.
photos courtesy of Disney Aulani (were included in our photo package)
The performers are incredibly talented and the production values are top notch, making this a highlight of the stay. The luau is family-friendly, with plenty of activities to keep the kids entertained before the show begins. We played the ukulele, Pilot and P got temporary tattoos, and we ground taro root into poi.
It’s worth noting that the luau is an additional cost and reservations are strongly recommended as it tends to sell out quickly. They sell out well in advance, so if you know you’re headed to Aulani, make your luau reservations as soon as possible.
One of my favorite things about the luau is that it was quality over quantity. The show was on the shorter side, but it captivated you for every.single.second. The food was hot, fresh and so delicious. The chef kindly took me to the buffet to introduce the gluten free options (there were many!) and also had grilled fish with ginger onion broth and a gluten free brownie on our table. Above and beyond.
(I never eat pork here in the states, but I had it almost every day in Spain, so I tried the pulled pork at the luau. It was amazing)
Pros and cons of staying at Aulani
Advantages:
Activities and Benefits: Aulani offers a wide range of activities aimed at all ages, from fun by the pool to cultural experiences like lei making and hula lessons. The resort is designed to entertain everyone, whether you are traveling with toddlers or teenagers.
Employee hospitality: The staff at Aulani are known for their warmth and attentiveness. From the moment you arrive, you are treated like ohana (family) and the level of service is exceptional.
Cleanliness: The resort is meticulously maintained, with clean rooms, manicured grounds and spotless facilities. You will always find a member of staff arranging or tending to guests’ needs, which adds to the overall luxury experience.
Here is a picture of our room:
Disadvantages:
Price: Aulani is undoubtedly a luxury experience and comes with a price tag to match. The cost of rooms, dining and activities can add up quickly, making it a significant investment for a family vacation.
Distance from town: While Aulani’s location on the Ko Olina coast is beautiful and peaceful, it’s a short drive from the hustle and bustle of Honolulu. If you plan to explore the city or other parts of the island, be prepared for some travel time.
Final Thoughts
Disney’s Aulani Resort & Spa is a magical destination that offers the perfect combination of relaxation, adventure and Disney charm. With incredible amenities, a stunning location, and top-notch service, it’s easy to see why families fall in love with this Hawaiian paradise. While cost may be an important consideration, the experience of staying at Aulani is truly unforgettable. If you’re looking for a Hawaiian family getaway that goes above and beyond, Aulani is worth considering. We will definitely be back!
What is your favorite family or all-inclusive vacation spot? Please share the products in the comments section!
xoxo
