Last updated on March 2nd, 2024 at 06:01 pm
Looking for Disney Aulani reviews to help plan your trip?
I have a love/hate relationship with Disney Aulani Resort on the Hawaiian island of Oahu ā or as it is officially named, Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa.
Perhaps because I wanted to visit for so long, by the time we actually made it to this Disney Hawaii resort for the first time it was built up pretty big in my mind. But upon arrival, all things considered, I have to say our stay was more meh than magical.
Since then, we have been back many times. On our most recent trip, we spent two nights at Disney’s Aulani Resort. Rather than write a traditional Disney Aulani review, Iāve put together this list of ten things we loved and seven things we hated about Disney Aulani. (I wanted to do 10 and 10, but in all fairness I really couldnāt come up with three more things to dislike!)
Here are our honest Disney Aulani reviews of ten things to love ā and seven things not so much. I hope you find it helpful in planning your vacation!
10 Things to Love About Disney Aulani
1. Abundant Hawaiian Culture
Disney Aulani prides itself in celebrating Hawaiian culture. In fact, the name Aulani itself in the Hawaiian language means āmessenger of a chief.ā
When you visit Aulani Resort, you are not just going to enjoy a Disney Hawaii experience; youāll be immersed in Hawaiian art, architecture, and history.
The resort’s design is seeped in Hawaiian culture. Inspired by a canoe house design, the iconic arched lobby is a great visual nod to the spirited canoe tradition of Hawaii. Open to mountains on one side and the sea on the other, the soaring lobby expresses “the spirit of aloha.”
Contemporary Hawaiian art and design can be found throughout this Disney Hawaii resort. Even Aulaniās myriad of activities showcase Hawaiian cultureāfrom fireside storytelling to ukulele lessons to hula dancing to an available Hawaiian Sailing Canoe Adventure excursion.
2. Location
Disney Aulani Resort is located on the island of Oahu in Hawaii. You’ll feel like you’re in a remote, tropical destination, but this paradise is only a half hour away from the airport in Honolulu and about 40 minutes from Waikiki Beach.
While its remoteness is definitely part of its charm, Disney Aulani is located pretty far from the rest of the world. Stay here if the beach and all the resortās amenities are your main vacation goals, but if you are looking to experience the whole of Oahu this may be a bit more challenging.
If you love the idea of a remote, family-friendly beach resort, Disney Aulani resort is for you!
3. Amazing Pool Area
Disney Aulani has a fantastic array of swimming pools and water play areas ā eight pools plus four hot tubs to be exact!
The pools at Aulani resort are truly the crown jewels of the resort. Offerings include everything from Waikolohe Pool – the main pool with 8,200 square feet of fun – to Keiki Cove, an interactive splash zone for little kids. There is also an adults-only pool hidden off the beaten track.
My favorite thing was sitting in one of the hot tubs overlooking the beach – so relaxing and the perfect place to unwind after a long, fun day.
There are two fantastic water slides from atop Puāu Kiloāthe pool areaās volcano centerpiece, as well as an infinity pool overlooking the beach, and a zero-entry, 8,200 square foot pool with caves.
With the exception of the lazy river at Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas, the lazy river at Disney Aulani is the best weāve ever experienced. Waikolohe Stream, the resortās 900-foot-long lazy river, winds through misty caverns, under bridges and around the resortās lushly-landscaped grounds.
Because of Waikolohe Streamās exceptionally long length, the water never feels crowded as it can hold so many people. It also takes a while to make your way around, which makes it very relaxing.
The lazy river has several points of entry, including a zero entry area. This feature makes it easy for small kids to get in and out (and makes getting into a tube a breeze, too)! Aulaniās tube water slide will deposit you right into the lazy river, so thereās no rush to get out of the water like at so many water parks.
Finally, Rainbow Reef is a man-made saltwater lagoon at Aulani Resort, home to hundreds of tropical fish. For an additional cost, you can swim among the marine life in this private snorkeling lagoon near the pool!
All in all, the pools are the star of the show at Disney Aulani Resort, and likely where you will spend the majority of your time.
4. The Beach
The beach at Disney Aulani Resort is fairly large and lined with lounge chairs and beach umbrellas, use of which are included with your stay.
The water is sheltered which makes it very calm (no big waves!), perfect for little kids. Disney will even loan out sand toys and boogie boards at no extra charge.
You can also rent snorkel equipment and stand-up paddle boards from a vendor right on site.
5. Family-Friendly Rooms
Standard hotel rooms at Disney Aulani resort are well-appointed and family-friendly. Whether you choose a standard room or one of the Disney vacation club villas with full kitchens and separate bedrooms, every room includes a balcony, fridge, and coffee maker.
We stayed in a standard view room and were pleasantly surprised to find we still had a bit of an ocean view from our balcony. The room was a nice size and very comfortable, with two queen beds and a spacious bathroom. There were some extra thoughtful touches for a family vacation, like space to store luggage under the beds and small table and chairs.
āŗ Travel Insight
Ask for a high floor for the best views! Even if you have reserved one of the standard rooms, you will likely get a nice view of the mountains or water in the distance.
6. Disney Touches Everywhere
From the subdued Mickey Mouse lamp bases in the hotel rooms to the array of available character experiences, Aulani provides just enough Disney magic to let you know youāre at a Disney property, but without it getting too in your face.
Think of Aulani as everything Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort at Walt Disney World in Florida strives to be, but on an actual Hawaiian island (but without the Magic Kingdom across the lagoon!).
7. Disney Snacks
Pineapple Dole whips, Mickey ice cream sandwiches, and shave ice with Mickey Mouse ears. Just some of the Disney snacks that make this resort unique!
8. Disney Service
One of the things that make all Disney theme parks and resorts unique is its impeccable service. Not only is everyone friendly, but they go above and beyond to be helpful and accommodating.
From the moment you pull into the valet until the moment you check out, a Disney cast member will be there to greet you with a smile. And if you ask for directions, chances are pretty good youāll receive a personal escort to walk you over to wherever you are trying to find.
9. Live Hawaiian Music
Each evening beginning at sunset, live music is performed at Aulani Resort. The line-up ranges from contemporary to jazz to classic Hawaiian songs.
The stage is set on the lanai at Makahiki, Aulaniās signature restaurant. But you donāt have to dine there to enjoy the show. The music can be heard throughout the outdoor areas of the resort.
āŗ Travel Insight
Grab a seat on the balcony off the resortās main lobby on the first floor. It overlooks the Makahiki restaurant patio below and it’s a great place to enjoy the show for free.
10. Endless Activities
While Disney Aulani is not an all-inclusive resort, it does feature numerous activities included with your stay (and no resort fee!) as well as many you can do for an extra fee.
Aulani offers more than 30 fun activities, and that is in addition to its fantastic beach and pool amenities. Some of the family-friendly options at this Disney Hawaii resort include ukulele lessons, storytelling, snorkeling, paddle board and kayak rentals, Disney character experiences, and fitness classes.
One word of warning though ā many of these activities require sign-ups in advance, so be sure to plan your day ahead of time or risk missing out.
One of the biggest perks of staying at Disney Aulani resort is the kids club, Aunty’s Beach House, which is 100% free for guests. Kids of all ages will love playing games, making crafts, and meeting other kids their age while parents get to enjoy some adult time.
7 Things to Hate About Disney Aulani
1. Itās Expensive
Letās start with the obvious. Disney Aulani is expensive.
This is Disney, so of course you are going to pay a premium for their beach resort experience. Room rates can easily go north of $1,000 dollars per night, with an average standard room around $600-700.
Dining at Disney Aulani is expensive, as well. More on that below!
Unless you are a Disney Vacation Club member, there is a daily parking fee. If you donāt have a car, youāre going to have to pay for some form of transportation to the resort, as Disney does not offer shuttle service. These fees can really add up.
Many first-timers ask, is Aulani all inclusive? While it may feel like one in many aspects, Aulani is not an all-inclusive resort. Unlike a Disney cruise, for instance, you will have to pay for all your food and activities at Aulani on top of your room rate and other fees.
On a related note – guests are no longer greeted with leis upon arrival, an amenity which used to really help kick off the mood for your Hawaiian vacation! This might have been a decision originally made due to Covid, but not bringing the leis back is for sure a cost-saving measure.
2. The Beach
Why is the beach included in this article twice? Because all the things that make it great can also suck if you are looking for a more authentic Hawaiian beach experience.
The beach at Disney Aulani is a man-made lagoon, located in a tranquil cove. Perfect if you want calm waters for your little ones, but definitely not perfect if you are seeking something more adventurous.
So if you picture turquoise waters and waves crashing on the beach, prepare to be disappointed at Aulani.
We drove up to Oahuās North Shore, and the beaches there are more what youād expect in Hawaiiāhuge waves, surfers, and beautiful, natural vistas. If this is more what you like in a day at the beach, you’re going to have to leave the resort to find it.
3. Wristbands
I get that Disney doesnāt want people sneaking into the pool when they are visiting Aulani on a day trip, but I also get that I donāt want tan lines around my wrist.
Also, you need to visit the towel hut every morning to get a new band, as the colors change colors daily. This can range from slightly annoying to super annoying, depending on how long the line gets. (Not to mention all those wristbands in the trash are bad for the environment!)
āŗ Travel Insight
If staying multiple days, ask for multiple wristbands at once and then tear off the outdated once each night. That way you won’t have to stop each morning to ask for a new one.
4. Limited Dining Options
Itās not that Aulani doesnāt have a good number of dining options to choose from, but even the most basic quick service spots are going to cost a pretty penny.
There are ten places to eat at Aulani, including full-service restaurants, lounges, and snack bars.
The resortās main restaurant, Makahiki ā The Bounty of the Islands, offers a character breakfast daily, and a pre-set 3-course dinner. It calls itself a ācasual, family-friendlyā restaurant, but with the breakfast priced at $49 for adults and $29 for kids, and their 3-course dinner priced at $75 for adults and $30 for kids, I have a hard time labeling this a casual eatery.
On the more affordable end of the spectrum you will find Ulu Cafe, the resortās quick service restaurant, and several walk-up coffee and snack bars. But still, you can easily drop $25 for a plate of eggs and coffee in the morning, or $20 for chicken fingers to eat by the pool.
The best deal I found was ordering a pizza at Ulu Cafe. For around $25, the pizzas were large and thick and can easily feed a family of four. It makes a great poolside lunch or better yet, carry one down to the beach for dinner and watch the sun set.
For easy reference, here is a list of restaurants at Disney Aulani Resort:
- āAMAāAMA ā Contemporary Island Cooking – Upscale dining overlooking Ko Olina Beach
- KA WAāA ā A LÅ«āau on OŹ»ahu at Aulani – Family-friendly luau
- Makahiki ā The Bounty of the Islands – Main restaurant with Disney characters at breakfast
- Ulu Cafe – Quick-service Menu
- Off the Hook – Laid-back bar and restaurant by the pool
- The āÅlelo Room – Cocktails and appetizers
- Wailana Pool Bar – Poolside bar off the beaten track
- Mama’s Snack Stop – Fast food to eat by the pool
- PÄpÄlua Shave Ice – Cool off with this popular Hawaiian treat
- Little āOpihi’s – Beachside Kiosk – For snacks and drinks on the beach
5. Everything Closes Early
Want to grab a cocktail? A late-night Dole Whip? Pick up some aspirin at the gift shop? Better do it before it gets too late! The majority of venues close at 8 or 8:30.
One loungeāThe Olelo Roomāis open until 10pm, but as we found out the hard way, last call is 9:30 and they donāt make any exceptions!
Off the Hook, Disney Aulani’s poolside bar and lounge, closes at 9pm.
Pools close at 8pm, with the water slides and lazy river actually closing at 6.
On the flip side, the beach is open 24 hours a day. Although youād never guess from the looks of it, Disney does not own the beach. In fact, DIsney Aulani resort shares its beachfront with a handful of other hotels, including the Four Seasons Resort Oahu and Marriott’s Ko’Olina Beach Club.
Bottom line: Disney Aulani is a family resort, and if you go plan on spending your evenings in the room with your kids. This is not a destination for late night fun.
6. Disney Aulani Resort Mobile App
In theory, the Aulani Resort Mobile App should be a very helpful tool, but we found it a bit clunky and missing some key information. Besides, who wants to drain their phone battery while sitting out by the pool?
Before the resort reopened post-Covid, Disney Aulani distributed the daily Aulani ‘Iwa, a printed calendar providing the Aulani Daily Activities Schedule, much like what you’d receive on Disney Cruise Line (or any cruise ship!). While a digital schedule is still posted in the hotel lobby, guests are now encouraged to download the app.
We found it useful for some things, like having a resort map handy and online check-in, but overall did not use it much while staying at the resort.
7. Disney Vacation Club
If youāre a Disney Vacation Club member, lucky you! The resort caters to DVC members who call Aulani their home away from home and even offers discounts and perks like free parking.
But if youāre not, Disney wants to make sure you know how to become one. Much of the lobbyās real estate is dedicated to selling you on a time share membership. There are even models of the villas open to tour and a friendly cast member standing poolside ready to show you around.
Kudos to Disney for not making their sales pitch too obnoxious, but the opportunity to buy in is never far away.
A Note on Transportation
Disney Aulani Resort is located at 92-1185 Ali’inui Drive, Kapolei, Hawaii. The resort is 21 miles away from the Honolulu Airport (HNL), or an approximately 30 minute drive.
We always recommend renting a car in Hawaii so you can explore the island, but ride share service and taxis are available, too (and will save you the $37 per day for parking!). Disney Aulani does not provide airport shuttle service.
Final Thoughts: Is Aulani Worth It?
You can read tons of Disney Aulani reviews, but the bottom line comes down to one question: Is Aulani worth it? Think of Disney Aulani Resort as an upscale, kid-friendly, beautiful beach resort with a touch of Disney, rather than a Disney resort.
When you do that, does it still sound appealing?
If you are looking for more of a Disney-centric experience, one of the Disney Deluxe Resorts at Walt Disney World remains your best bet. And if you want an amazing Hawaiian beach experience and Disney theming doesnāt matter much to you, there might be better options on Oahu.
But if the idea of a remote, tranquil, and family-friendly resort with just a sprinkle of Disney magic appeals to youāand you have the budget to splurgeāAulani, a Disney Resort and Spa just might be the perfect destination for your family.
āŗ Looking for more thoughts, opinions and Disney Aulani resort reviews from hotel guests? Check out Disney Aulani reviews on TripAdvisor.
How to Find Disney Aulani Resort Discounts & Special Offers
If you are looking to save money on your Aulani vacation, there are a number of options.
Standard room rates if you book direct start at a minimum of $500 per night and vary depending on the time of year. Go during the school year for the best chance of finding lower off-season rates. This Hawaii Disney resort has the highest rates during the summertime, holiday season and spring break.
Aulani offers special rates and packages during the off-season. For instance, they have a winter offer for 25% off room rates for stays of five or more nights plus a $150 resort credit. Check their website for details and new offers throughout the year!
Travel sites are another great option for finding good deals. You can book a discount room rate through VRBO, Expedia or even TripAdvisor.
Costco members can take advantage of discounts and packages that include airfare through Costco Travel. Many airlines offer packages, as well.
Finally, check out Aulani discounts and vacation packages from authorized Disney seller and our trusted partner, Get Away Today. Get Away Today sells discount tickets to Disney theme parks as well as vacation packages to Aulani and many other popular destinations. They will even assist with all your vacation plans with their free concierge service!
Save this Disney Aulani Review for Later!
Planning a family vacation to Hawaii? Pin the image below for future reference!
David Voros says
I was very disappointed that Disney did not welcome us with leis as in the past. I donāt buy the Covid excuse for everything. Also, the main restaurant along the beach was closed. Finally, there is no longer a quiet, adults only pool. Every pool had screaming children. It would have been nice, especially for the money paid out, if the above three items were in place.
Cyndee Kane says
What no leis on arrival. What a bummer.
Laila says
Couple of notes from a local who likes to take my kid on occasional staycations at Aulani – Yes, it does feel somewhat remote. I remember thinking that when went came for vacation the first time, but it’s also why it’s a nice staycation. If you are looking for more food options, just across the street is a shopping area including a really good restaurant, Monkeypod (try the Mai Tais) as well as other food options. Island Country Markets is good for room supplies, snacks and souvenirs. It’s run by the ubiquitous ABC stores. It’s still a resort town price wise, but Starbucks is pretty much the same price anywhere in the country and generally the prices are better than on Disney property. Hawaii isn’t a raging party location, no matter where you are on the island, but these places often close later. No one owns the ocean front. It’s public so feel free to wander down the lagoons as long as you don’t use non Aulani lounge chairs.
Maya Koontz says
Thank you for your honest and very helpful review. Do you know if the rooms have microwaves? I understand they come with a mini fridge but curious if the standard and deluxe rooms have microwaves.
admin says
Hi! So glad you found the article helpful. I don’t believe standard rooms have them, though suites and villas with kitchens do! You can contact the hotel as sometimes they have ones to borrow!
Alishea says
Thanks so much for the information! Especially for times things close. We like to swim late and are booked first time in July so good to know that ahead of time.
admin says
I hope you an amazing trip! Glad you found this info helpful š
N Phillips says
I’m a DVC Member and also have a love hate relationship with Aulani…it’s a great resort, but we just returned from our now 3rd visit there (the first in several years), and wow, have the prices for food gone through the roof….it honestly felt at times that we were truly being taken advantage of, and that’s a feeling no one wants to have, especially on vacation. They can and should do better for guests who are already there shelling out a substantial amount of money with them, and candidly, I would think they would want to encourage more spending for meals at their restaurants than to send many of us away seeking more favorably priced options. I was happy they offered a mobile ordering option but that quickly was diminished by the fact that they charged an 18% automatic gratuity…..for a mobile pick up order??! That blew my mind…I am happy to tip servers who help me, but to tack on 18% automatically on already pricey food options, when I am literally taking the food to eat it in my room, is wrong…Ironically, Costco is nearby and has managed the keep their prices the same for consumers as they do on the mainland….Disney has the buying power to pass along some savings to guests there. I shared the same in my review and I hope they do better by their guests and DVC members, who have spent a substantial amount of money upfront for future vacations with Disney.