Disney's Aulani Hawaii

A trip to Hawaii is a dream for many. But a vacation at Disney’s Aulani, a resort that combines resort luxury, impeccable Disney service and gorgeous Hawaiian vistas makes the ultimate, unforgettable getaway. Opened in 2011 as Disney Vacation Club’s third stand-alone resort, this beachside resort is the perfect place for a romantic or family vacation. 

Designed around Hawaiian culture, traditions and customs, a visit to Aulani is nothing short of an immersive experience. From the architectural design, to the art and music, to the employees who speak Hawaiian, guests at Aulani are sure to learn and love the spirit of Hawaii. Hawaiian cultural experts and local elders were included in the design process to ensure that guests would not only feel the Disney spirit but feel the true Hawaii upon stepping foot inside.

Winner of many tourism awards and accolades, Aulani is a true luxury experience with a sprinkle of Disney. Yes, there are still character meet and greets, Disney shaped food, and character dining experiences, but at Aulani there is so much more.

This massive 21-acre resort features bountiful amenities and activities for the whole family.  A total of 460 DVC villas overlook the breathtaking Ko Olina lagoon where guests can take in gorgeous nightly sunsets. If the beach is not what you’re looking for, jump in the lazy river, cool grotto or saltwater snorkeling lagoon on your perfect getaway.

Accommodations

Room Types

Hotel Room

Deluxe Studio

One-Bedroom Villa

Two-Bedroom Villa

Two-Bedroom Lock-off Villa

Three-Bedroom Villa

Available Views

The majority of units at Disney’s Aulani have the option of Standard, Island Gardens, Poolside Gardens or Ocean views. The exceptions are the Hotel Rooms which only have a Standard View option and the 3-Bedroom Villas that come with either Standard or Ocean Views.

View Descriptions

Standard View
View of the conference center, parking lot or parking garage from the room or balcony

Island Gardens View
Minimum of a partial view of the mountains, spa or landscaping from the room or balcony 

Poolside Gardens View
Minimum of a partial view of the pool, courtyards, water features, or landscaping from the room or balcony 

Ocean View
Minimum of a partial view of the ocean from the room or balcony 

Resort Dining

Being a massive resort, Disney’s Aulani has a wide range of dining options. While some can be quite pricey, there are also several casual dining options perfect for the whole family.

ʻAMAʻAMA – Contemporary Island Cooking

The resort’s one fine dining location, ‘Ama ‘Ama offers a delectable selection of Hawaiian classic entrees for breakfast, lunch and dinner in an open-air dining setting.

Makahiki – The Bounty of the Islands

A grand buffet of Hawaiian favorites is served daily at Makahiki. This is the one dining location that also offers a Character Breakfast with your favorite Disney characters decked out in their best Hawaiian leisure wear.

Mama’s Snack Stop

A great place to stop in for a quick meal while hanging by the pool. Mama’s offers snacks and meals like fish and chips, chicken tenders, and sandwiches.

Ulu Cafe

A favorite at Aulani, Ulu is a must visit quick-service dining location that is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. With grab and go items like salads and sandwiches available throughout the day as well as hot items like eggs and poke bowls. Everyone in your party will find something delicious at Ulu’s that won’t break the bank.

Little ʻOpihi’s

Little ‘Opihi’s serves meals and cocktails beachside throughout the day. No need to lift a finger. Just lay back in your lounge chair and order up salads, sandwiches, snacks and drinks while you enjoy the warm sand and ocean breeze.

Papalua Shave Ice

Yes, of course there’s Mickey-shaped shaved ice! Located adjacent to Mama’s Snack Stop by the main pool, kids, and kids at heart, can go wild with all the fun combinations of flavors available.

Lava Shack

Located just across from Mama’s Snack Stop, the Lava Shack is a sundries store that also stocks drinks, chips and has refillable mugs. 

The ‘Ōlelo Room

Overlooking the koi pond, unwind after a long day in the sun at this swanky lounge. 

Off the Hook

Off the Hook is technically a lounge but this dining location also serves burgers, sandwiches and appetizers during the day. Stop by if you’re at the pool for a hearty meal or swing by in the evening for your favorite cocktail.

Wailana Pool Bar

If you’re 18 or older and enjoying a peaceful day at the adult only Wailana Pool, grab a meal and a frosty drink at the Pool Bar. Pizza, burgers, wraps and more are served throughout the day.

Amenities

DVC Resorts tend to offer many amenities to their guests and Disney’s Aulani is no different. Of all the DVC Resorts, Aulani may actually offer the largest number of activities and amenities. While the beach and lazy river may be the first items to come to mind, Aunty’s Beach House is the real star of the show at Aulani.

Aunty’s Beach House

What is Aunty’s Beach House? It is a free (well, included in the price of your stay), all-day kid’s club on property! Those with children know how pricey childcare can be so the fact that Aunty’s is included in your stay is a huge benefit to parents. 

Pools

Pools, pools and more pools. There is no shortage of amazing pool options at Aulani.

Waikolohe Pool
The Waikolohe Pool and Stream would be considered the main pool area at Aulani. They include a zero entry pool with a slide, a lazy river and rapids.

Wailana Pool
For guests over 18 years old, Wailana Pool is the place to hang out and relax if a relaxing retreat is what you’re looking for.

Ka Maka Grotto
This cave like pool located near the beach is great for a relaxing day or evening under the twinkling lights inside.

Keiki Cove Splash Pool
One of two interactive kids play areas. 

Menehune Bridge
The second play area for kids, the Menehune Bridge has slide and a play structure.

Rainbow Reef
Explore underwater sea life in this saltwater snorkeling lagoon where you can swim with fish. (fees apply)

Beach
Of course you can’t come to Hawaii and not enjoy the beach. Thankfully, Aulani is perfectly situated along a calm lagoon where guests can enjoy full days on the sand admiring the natural beauty of Hawaii or enjoying water activities.

Pau Hana Room
Aulani’s version of the DVC Community Hall, Pau Hana is where to go to play games, rent movies and participate in other activities.

Hawaiian Entertainment
Don’t leave Hawaii without catching a Luau! A variety of traditional Hawaiian entertainment shows are available for the whole family.

Excursions
If you’re hoping to venture off property to see more of the beautiful island of Oahu, sign up for an excursion. These group or family tours are special and unique adventures where you’ll see and learn more about Hawaii.

LaniWai Spa
This 18,000 square foot mega-spa will wipe away any of your stresses. With its unique hydrotherapy garden, steam rooms, and spa services, you are bound to leave more relaxed than when you arrived.

See the full list of Aulani’s amenities here.

Pros

• Free childcare provided to all guests at the resort.
• Located along the gorgeous Ko Olina lagoon on Oahu.
• One of a kind resort experiences like the onsite lazy river and enormous spa. 
• Many dining options.
• A variety of Character experiences throughout the resort.

Cons

• Points per night, rates and food can be a bit pricey.
• May not be as laid-back as a non-Disney Hawaiian vacation.