Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, blends Hawaiian beauty with Disney magic. Nestled on Oahu’s Ko Olina coast, it promises relaxation and adventure. Families flock here for stunning pools, kids’ activities, and character experiences. But is it worth the price tag?
During my recent stay, I explored everything Aulani offers. From lazy river floats to beachfront sunsets, the resort delivered unforgettable moments. I’ll share what stood out, what could improve, and if this Hawaiian escape lives up to Disney’s reputation.
Booking
Room accommodations at Disney’s Aulani Resort cater to various group sizes and needs. Standard rooms sleep up to four guests, offering a comfortable option for smaller families. Larger groups can book 1- and 2-Bedroom Suites, which sleep up to six and provide extra space with separate living areas. Disney Vacation Club Villas offer even more amenities, including full kitchens, in-room laundry, and layouts that sleep up to 12 guests—perfect for bigger families or extended stays.
Guests can reserve all room types with cash, but only Disney Vacation Club Members or those renting points from third-party vendors can book DVC Villas using points. As Disney Vacation Club Members, we used our points for a five-night stay in a 2-Bedroom Villa. Due to limited availability at the time of booking, we stayed in three different view categories—Ocean View, Island Garden View, and Standard View. This unique experience allowed us to compare the various room offerings firsthand, a contrast to our first visit when we enjoyed an Ocean View Villa for the entire stay.
Aulani Location
Disney’s Aulani Resort sits on Oahu’s sunny west coast in the Ko Olina resort community. The resort lies about 20 miles from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), making the drive around 30-40 minutes depending on traffic. Ko Olina’s peaceful atmosphere feels worlds away from the hustle of Waikiki, creating a more relaxed vacation setting.
Popular attractions like Pearl Harbor stand just 18 miles away, offering a short 30-minute drive. The resort’s location makes exploring the island’s west and central regions convenient. Grocery stores, shopping centers, and dining options sit within a 10-minute drive in nearby Kapolei. Aulani’s beachfront location on Ko Olina Lagoon provides calm waters and stunning sunsets without ever leaving the property.
Check-in
Arriving at Aulani feels like stepping into paradise. Bell services greet you with a smile and handle your luggage immediately. The open-air lobby welcomes you with sweeping views of the resort’s lush grounds and the dual waterslide volcano framed by the sparkling Pacific Ocean. Warm ocean breezes drift through the space, instantly setting the tone for relaxation.
The check-in process feels seamless thanks to the well-staffed front desk. Cast Members explain the resort layout and answer any questions with friendly aloha spirit. They provide room keys, a resort map, and helpful directions to your room. Any wait time stays brief, letting you start your vacation without delay. From the first moments, Aulani makes every guest feel like ohana.
Aulani Rooms
The moment you step into the 2-Bedroom Villa at Aulani, Disney’s signature attention to detail surrounds you. Hawaiian-inspired décor blends warm wood tones, tropical patterns, and subtle Disney touches. The spacious layout offers plenty of room for families to relax. The main living area features a fully equipped kitchen with stainless steel appliances, including a refrigerator, oven, microwave, and dishwasher. Cabinets come stocked with pots, pans, dishes, utensils, and even a rice cooker—perfect for preparing meals. The kitchen also provides paper towels, dish soap, and dishwasher detergent, making it easy to settle in.
The living room invites relaxation with a large flat-screen TV, DVD player, and ample seating. A queen-sized sleeper sofa and a twin pull-out chair offer extra sleeping options. A convenient half bath sits near the entrance, along with a closet housing a stacked washer and dryer stocked with detergent. On either side of the living space, the villa’s two bedrooms provide privacy and comfort. The master bedroom features a king bed, jacuzzi tub, separate rainfall shower, and a spacious bench. The second bedroom includes two queen beds and a full bath with a shower-tub combo. Every room connects to the balcony, offering outdoor seating perfect for enjoying morning coffee while soaking in views of the resort’s lush gardens or ocean backdrop.
Island Garden View
We started our stay in the Island Garden View room, the first of three rooms we experienced. This room delivered the perfect mix of view, location, and value. The balcony offered a partial ocean view along with lush garden scenery. One night, we enjoyed a unique bonus — a clear view of the luau dinner show stage, turning our balcony into a private entertainment spot.
Standard View
The second room of our stay, room 561, offered the Standard View and the most affordable price. I expected to spend little time in the room, but it quickly became my favorite. The shaded balcony overlooked an interior courtyard filled with lush greenery. During one lunch break, we discovered a surprise — a laid-back Moana show happening below. Watching the performance from above felt special, and our kids loved waving and interacting with the actors. This unexpected experience made the room feel like more than just a place to sleep.
Ocean View
Our final room, the Ocean View room, offered the most stunning view of our stay. Set just above the palm trees, the balcony framed endless blue Pacific waters. Mornings started with sunlight dancing on the waves, while sunsets turned the sky into a colorful show. The peaceful ocean breeze and gentle sounds of the surf made this room the perfect ending to our Aulani experience.
Food and Beverage
Aulani offers 10 dining options, including quick-service spots, sit-down restaurants, and a buffet luau experience. For a poolside lunch, we ordered Chicken Fingers and Fries from Mama’s Snack Stop for $18. While the price reflected typical resort rates, the generous portion size and crispy, flavorful chicken made it a great value. One afternoon, we treated ourselves to Dole Whip soft-serve from Ulu Café—Disney’s iconic pineapple dessert that perfectly hit the spot on a warm day.
Most of our meals came from the convenience of our villa’s kitchen. We easily stocked up on groceries through Walmart’s free delivery service using Walmart+, a benefit included with my American Express Platinum card. The service made it simple to have breakfast, snacks, and drinks on hand without leaving the resort. For dinner, we often walked across the street to Island Country Markets. The market offered a variety of hot meals, including Hawaiian, Asian, and American dishes at affordable prices. Along with prepared food, the store carried groceries, liquor, and souvenirs—making it a one-stop shop for both meals and essentials.
Amenities
Disney’s Aulani Resort stands out with its unmatched amenities, creating more than just a place to stay. The resort’s water activities offer something for every age. Two exciting water slides wind through a volcano-themed structure, while the lazy river invites guests to float through lush tropical scenery. Families can cool off in two pools or let little ones splash in the Keiki Cove splash zone. Four whirlpool spas, including two adult-only options, provide the perfect spot to unwind. The resort’s private cove beach offers calm waters, making it ideal for swimming, paddleboarding, or simply soaking in the Hawaiian sun.
Beyond the water attractions, Aulani delivers endless activities that go far beyond a typical resort. Character meet-and-greets bring Disney magic to life, letting families take photos with favorites like Mickey, Minnie, and Moana. Auntie’s Beach House, the resort’s kids club, hosts interactive experiences like our Stitch drawing class one evening. In the Pau Hana Room, craft workshops like Mickey Ear Headband making let kids create unique souvenirs. Whether joining a scavenger hunt, playing ukulele, or attending outdoor movie nights, the resort’s daily schedule makes boredom nearly impossible. Our family rarely chooses resorts for vacations, but Aulani’s thoughtful mix of fun and relaxation created an experience we could enjoy every day—even after a full week.
Overall Impression Of Disney’s Aulani Resort & Spa
Disney’s Aulani Resort captured our hearts with its incredible amenities, thoughtful room designs, and top-notch guest service. Every day brought new experiences, from relaxing by the pools to enjoying character meet-and-greets. The resort’s activities kept our family entertained while still offering plenty of space to unwind. The attention to detail in every corner made Aulani feel like more than just a hotel—it felt like a destination.
The room layouts impressed us, but the Standard View room truly surprised us with its unique balcony experience. Watching the Moana show from our balcony created one of our favorite memories. Aulani’s friendly Cast Members went above and beyond to make our stay special, welcoming us with warmth and aloha spirit. We can’t wait to return to this magical Hawaiian paradise. If you want us to plan your perfect Aulani vacation, fill out the form on our Plan Your Trip page!
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