Aulani - A Disney Resort
Mahalo! Say Aloha to paradise! Disney is a hot button travel topic. I find either people love it or do not find the expense worth it. There is more to Disney that just Walt Disney World in Florida and Disneyland in California. Aulani is Disney’s 21 acre breathtaking resort in Hawai’i and in my opinion is absolutely worth it. But I will also let you know what I am not particularly keen on either!
Aulani is located on the Hawaiian island of O’ahu only a 30 minute drive from the Honolulu airport. The resort is inspired by rich Polynesian traditions and local scenery so guests can partake in an immersive Hawaiian experience without having to leave the resort; celebrating the stunning landscapes, culture and spirit of the island.
Family, or Ohana, in the Hawaiian language, is why Aulani is a perfect vacation resort. Accommodations, dining and activities focus on families of all ages creating memories to last a lifetime.
Stay in luxe accommodations ranging from cozy standard rooms to three bedroom villas all showcasing Hawaiian-inspired charm. Standard rooms are what you expect from a hotel room at any other resort, except with the magical Disney touch. Deluxe rooms come with kitchenette-like amenities. Mini fridge, microwave, toaster, kettle, coffee maker and dishes etc, are included, so making a basic meal, or heating up leftovers is convenient. Villas have a full kitchen, just like at home if you would prefer to cook some, or all of your meals. I think the deluxe rooms and above, while more expensive, allow you to decrease your food budget with the amenities they offer.
Aulani has 10 dining options. From full service sit down meals to grab and go snacks, there is always something to fill your belly! It is convenient that you can visit the website to preview all the menus. This is helpful for budgeting, but also creating excitement around tantalizing dishes you will want to try! The highlight of these dining options is Ka Aw’a, Disney’s Luau. General admission is $175USD for adults (10+), $104USD for children 3-9 and children 2 and under are free. There is also preferred seat and prices are $204USD and $124USD. The prices are higher than what you will find at other top rated luaus on the island, but the hassle of getting there is worth the extra fee for the Disney experience.
Another consideration for a luau is to spend the day at the Polynesian Cultural Center purchasing the Ali’i Luau Package that gives you the day at the POC, a luau dinner and the magnificent “HA: Breath of Life” show with premium seating. That package is $190USD for adults and $152 for children (4-11). This package also gives you the opportunity to go back as it includes a three day pass to tour the villages. This would be my personal choice. It was an incredible dinner and show with the additional time to spend meandering through the 7 Polynesian villages leaning about their customs and traditions.
There are a ton of engaging activities at this magical property. Of course there is the beach! Life jackets, bougie boards, sun loungers and umbrellas are complimentary and you can rent snorkel gear, paddle boards and cabanas or a sailing canoe excursion to enhance your ocean adventure. My personal favourite feature is Rainbow Reef; a man-made saltwater lagoon with high visibility where you can snorkel and swim without the worry of the waves and currents of the ocean. Rainbow reef has a fee, but at $45USD for adults and $35USD for ages 9 and under, for the length of your stay, I think there is great value. This is especially wonderful for those that are not strong swimmers. There are one day rates as well, but the value is certainly in the length of stay rates. There is a very large splash pad for the little ones, with two small slides, a climbing structure and interactive water elements. Waikolohe Stream is the perfect 900 foot long lazy river that you can cruise on a single or a double tube, plus Tubestone Curl a thrilling tube adventure that launches you into Waikolohe Stream. If you want to experience another thrill there is Volcanic Vertical, an enclosed extreme body slide that plunges you into the Waikohole Pool.
There is so much more to do at Aulani such as Disney character experiences and Hawaiian inspired events and also activities for adults only, but I encourage you to visit the website. https://www.disneyaulani.com
A Disney vacation would not be complete without a Photo Pass service. $99USD, but this does not include photos taken at dinner. $35USD for one Disney Dining experience.
Let me go over the things I don’t really care for.
You need to wear a wrist band to use the pools. And you have to get a new one each day. I just do not like wearing a wrist band and I find it inconvenient to have to get a new one every day. Not to mention the environmental impact.
Parking is $37USD per night. I find that a bit steep since it is not in a downtown hotel.
The Disney Photo Pass does not include photos taken at dinner. And the package they do have for dinner only covers one dining experience.
All in all I feel that Aulani provides a lot of value for a Disney vacation and a vacation in Hawaii. A bonus at Aulani is that there are no resort fees added like at other Hawaiian resorts hotels. These fees can be up to $65USD per night! There is so much to do at the resort, but excursions can be planned to visit other areas of the island as well. It is worth exploring Oahu during the day and returning to a magical home away from home!