Disney's Aulani Resort Guide

Overview

Disney's Aulani is a Disney Vacation Club resort located in Ko Olina, Hawaii (Oahu). Unlike Disney parks, Aulani focuses on creating an authentic Hawaiian experience with subtle Disney touches rather than being heavily Disney-themed. The resort emphasizes Hawaiian art, activities, crafts, and island excursions while immersing guests in Hawaiian legends and culture.

Accommodations

Standard Hotel Rooms

• Sleeps up to 4 guests
• Approximately 382 square feet
• Two queen beds OR one king bed + one queen sleeper sofa
• Private porch or balcony
• Basic hotel amenities included

Suite Options

One-Bedroom Suite

• Approximately 764 square feet
• Sleeps up to 5 guests
• Separate master bedroom and living room area

Signature One-Bedroom Suite

• 1,528 square feet
• Two full bathrooms
• Full kitchen (fridge, sink, dishwasher)

Signature Two-Bedroom Suite

• 1,910 square feet
• Sleeps up to 6 guests
• Three bathrooms total
• Full kitchen amenities

DVC (Disney Vacation Club) Options

DVC Deluxe Studio

• Smallest room option
• Sleeps up to 4 people

DVC One-Bedroom Villa

• Sleeps up to 5 guests
• One bathroom
• Full kitchen area
• Washer and dryer

DVC Two-Bedroom Villa

• Sleeps up to 9 people
• Accommodates larger travel groups

DVC Three-Bedroom Grand Villa

• Sleeps up to 12 people
• 2,174 square feet
• Three full bathrooms
• Extra-large private balcony
• Washer and dryer
• Full kitchen amenities
• Robes and slippers included

Room Views

Available view options include:

• Ocean views
• Poolside garden views
• Island garden views
• Standard views (parking garage, parking lot, conference center)

Note: Not all rooms include ocean views. Review specifications carefully before booking if view preference is important.

Dining Options

Premium Dining Experiences

KA WA'A: A Lū'au (Luau)

• Location: Halawai Lawn (rear left of resort when facing lobby)
• Time: Pre-festivities at 5:00 PM, official start at 6:30 PM
• Multi-hour experience combining dinner and cultural entertainment
• Buffet featuring Hawaiian favorites: Kalua pork, poi, passion fruit cake, traditional Hawaiian foods
• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks included
• Pre-festivities include crafts and activities (flower arranging, poi pounding)
• Evening entertainment features hula dancing, ukulele music, and Hawaiian history storytelling
• Reservations required (book 30 days in advance)
• Note: Food quality is good but not exceptional; the cultural experience justifies the price

'AMA'AMA

• Beachside location with upscale ambiance
• Features mosaic designs, fountain, reflecting pool, and Hawaiian fish basket-inspired light fixtures
• Four-course prix fixe dinner
• Focus on high-quality, locally sourced ingredients, fish, and produce
• Menu may include: smoked salmon pâté, pork belly, scallops, lamb, coconut flan
• Known for immaculate views, fantastic service, and elevated Hawaiian cuisine

Makahiki

• Three-course prix fixe available for breakfast and dinner
• Character dining during breakfast (Mickey, Chef Goofy, Max)
• Live ukulele music from local Oahu residents (Auntie or Uncle)

Breakfast Options:

• Starters: fruit, malasadas (Portuguese sugar donuts)
• Entrées: Kalua Pig Omelet, Hawaiian Loco Moco, Punalu'u Sweet Bread French Toast

Dinner Options:

• Three courses: starter (soup/salad), entrée (salmon, local catch, pasta, steak), dessert
• Signature dessert: roasted pineapple cobbler
• More upscale, elegant atmosphere (no character dining)
• Note: Breakfast preferred for character interactions; dinner similar to other elegant resort options

Quick Service & Casual Dining

Ulu Café

• Location: First floor near Lana Pool
• Hours: Breakfast 6:30-11:00 AM, All-day menu 11:00 AM-9:00 PM
• Made-to-order and self-serve items
• Menu: breakfast items, poké bowls, sandwiches, açai bowls, pizza
• Mix of familiar favorites and Hawaiian-inspired specialties

'Olelo Room

• Location: First floor of resort lobby, near Makahiki
• Upscale bar with grab-and-go options
• Morning: malasadas, specialty cocktails, coffee, tea
• Evening appetizers: poké, sashimi, sushi, tacos, sliders, desserts
• Mid-range pricing (happy medium between casual and $100+ per person dining)
• Fun fact: "'Olelo" means "word" in Hawaiian; bartenders can help with language

Off the Hook

• Location: Open-air bar between main pool and Auntie's Beach House, in front of 'AMA'AMA
• Extensive drink selection: cocktails, wine, beer
• Appetizers: flatbreads, pork dishes, poké
• Entrées: salads, sandwiches, pasta (Huli Huli chicken, salmon)
• Limited desserts
• Breakfast options: coffee drinks, espresso, avocado toast, French toast, Mickey waffles, garlic spam fried rice
• Best spot for specialty coffee drinks in the morning

Papa Lua Shave Ice

• Iconic Mickey-shaped shave ice
• Unique flavors: green tea, lychee, guava, haupia (Hawaiian coconut pudding), lilikoi (passion fruit)
• Add-ons available: sweetened condensed milk, vanilla ice cream

Little 'Opihi's

• Location: Beachside kiosk next to Makiki Joe's on Ko Olina Beach
• Shared beachfront location with Four Seasons Resort
• Menu: character-inspired Dole Whip bowls, fruit on a stick, boba tea, Mickey ice cream sandwiches
• Counter ordering or beachside service to lounge chairs available

Weather Considerations

Typical Conditions

• Light rain/drizzle is normal for Hawaii
• Outdoor areas, pools, and bars remain open during light rain
• Closures only occur with lightning or torrential downpours that risk flooding

Rainy Day Activities

• Pau Hana Room: indoor family activities and crafts at select times

Storm Impact on Dining

• Major storms may cancel outdoor dining reservations
• Resort provides alternative reservations (e.g., 'AMA'AMA guests relocated to Makahiki)
• Alternative restaurants may be more crowded due to consolidated reservations

Pools & Water Activities

Waikolohe Pool (Main Pool Area)

• Largest pool at resort
• Features: Volcanic Vertical Slide (tunnel body slide), daily pool parties
• Waikolohe Stream: lazy river for floating
• Tubestone Curl: open-air tube slide that exits into lazy river
• Tower station location for daily wristband pickup (required for pool/beach chair access)

Wailana Pool

• Adults only (18+)
• Quieter atmosphere
• Adjacent to Wailana Pool Bar

Rainbow Reef

• 3,800 square foot saltwater snorkeling lagoon
• Located near center of Waikolohe Valley
• Various marine life for snorkeling alongside
• Pricing (subject to change):
  • Single visit: ~$30 per adult (10+), ~$25 per child (9 and under)
  • Multi-day pass: ~$50 per adult, ~$40 per child

Ko Olina Lagoon Beach

• Calm water beach shared with Four Seasons Resort
• Ample space for all guests
• Activities: snorkeling, swimming, paddleboarding, relaxation
• Makiki Joe's Beach Rentals: located on beach walkway behind Aulani
• Free boogie board rentals for Aulani guests
• Additional rentals available: snorkel sets and more

Important Note

Daily wristbands required for pools, pool chairs, and beach chairs (overnight guests only). Pick up at tower station in main Waikolohe pool area.

Spa & Wellness

Laniwai, A Disney Spa

• Full slate of spa and salon services

Kūla Wai Outdoor Hydrotherapy Garden

• Premium 5,000 square foot outdoor area
• Features: whirlpool spas, six rain showers, cold water plunge pool
• Access requires booking a body treatment, massage, or facial
• Salon services (hair, nails) do not include hydrotherapy garden access

Fitness Center

• Free for all Aulani guests
• Select premium fitness classes available (book ahead through Aulani website)

Additional Activities & Entertainment

On-Site Activities

• Menehune Adventure Trail: interactive adventure experience
• Mo'olelo Storytelling: gather around fire pits for Hawaiian stories
• Ukulele Lessons: complimentary, no extra fees
• Golf at Ko Olina Course: Kids 17 and under golf free after 3:00 PM with paying adult
• Gift Shops: numerous shopping options for tropical souvenirs

Off-Site Excursions

• Available for extra cost through Aulani website
• Options include: zip lining, volcanic crater exploration, Pearl Harbor tours, and more

Important Resources

Free Aulani Guide: Available at DisneyFoodBlog.com/Aulani for comprehensive details on all experiences, dining, and activities.

Key Takeaways

Aulani offers a distinctly different Disney vacation experience focused on authentic Hawaiian culture rather than traditional Disney theming. The resort emphasizes relaxation, cultural immersion, and natural beauty while maintaining the quality and service expected from Disney properties.