Aulani, Disney Resort & Spa
A Hawaiian Escape with Disney Magic
Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa brings together the beauty and spirit of Hawaiʻi with the magic of Disney. Located in Ko Olina on the island of Oʻahu, Aulani offers a resort experience where families can enjoy the beach, pools, activities, dining, entertainment, and Disney Character experiences—all without a theme park schedule.
Aulani can be as active or as relaxing as you want it to be. Spend the morning at the beach, enjoy the pools and water activities, meet favorite Disney Characters, participate in a cultural activity, or simply slow down and enjoy the resort. You can also venture beyond Aulani to explore more of Oʻahu.
Whether you're planning a family vacation, a multigenerational getaway, a couples trip, or a Disney vacation with a Hawaiian twist, Aulani offers a very different Disney experience.
What Makes Aulani Different?
Aulani isn't a Disney theme park resort. There are no parks to tour or attractions to check off your list. Instead, the resort is designed around enjoying your surroundings, spending time together, and experiencing Hawaiʻi while still enjoying Disney touches throughout your stay.
Hawaiian culture is incorporated into the resort's design, activities, entertainment, and storytelling, while Disney Characters and familiar Disney details add something special for families and Disney fans.
That combination makes Aulani a good option for travelers who want a Hawaiian vacation with the added magic of Disney.
Pools, Beach & Resort Recreation
There's plenty to do without ever leaving the resort.
Aulani features multiple pools and water experiences, including Waikolohe Valley, a lazy river, waterslides, and areas designed with younger guests in mind. The resort also has a private beach area on Ko Olina's coastline.
Guests can enjoy snorkeling at Rainbow Reef, participate in resort activities, and find plenty of opportunities to spend time in and around the water.
One of the best parts of an Aulani vacation is having the freedom to choose your pace. You can fill your day with activities or simply find a spot by the water and relax.
Disney Characters & Family Activities
Disney magic is woven throughout the Aulani experience.
Families may have opportunities to meet favorite Disney Characters, including Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and Moana, as well as enjoy character dining and other Disney experiences.
Younger travelers can also take part in activities designed specifically for kids, while families can explore the resort together through experiences such as the Menehune Adventure Trail.
Aulani also offers opportunities to learn more about Hawaiian culture through activities and entertainment, making the resort experience about more than just Disney.
Relaxation for Adults & Couples
Aulani isn't just a vacation for families with children.
Couples and adults can enjoy the resort's beautiful surroundings, dining, beach, pools, entertainment, and opportunities to relax. Laniwai – A Disney Spa offers a variety of spa experiences for guests looking to add some relaxation to their vacation.
Whether you're traveling without children or simply want some time away from the family, Aulani offers spaces and experiences that allow adults to enjoy the resort at their own pace.
Choosing Your Aulani Accommodations
Aulani offers a variety of accommodations, from standard hotel rooms and studios to larger villas designed for families and groups who want additional space.
When choosing your accommodations, you'll want to consider the size of your travel party, the amount of space you need, the type of view you prefer, and whether a villa with additional living space and kitchen amenities would be useful for your trip.
Your accommodations can also influence how you experience the resort, particularly if you plan to spend a significant amount of time at Aulani rather than using the resort primarily as a place to sleep.
Dining at Aulani
Dining is part of the Aulani experience, with options ranging from casual meals and snacks to table-service dining and character experiences.
Makahiki – The Bounty of the Islands offers character dining, while other locations throughout the resort provide options for meals, snacks, drinks, and special occasions.
If there's a particular dining experience you'd like to include, it's worth considering it when planning your vacation rather than waiting until you arrive.
Exploring Oʻahu
While you could easily spend your entire vacation enjoying Aulani, you're also staying on one of Hawaiʻi's most diverse islands.
Aulani's location in Ko Olina gives you the opportunity to combine resort time with exploring Oʻahu. Depending on your interests, you might visit beaches, experience Hawaiian culture, explore natural attractions, enjoy outdoor adventures, or visit other parts of the island.
Some travelers prefer a mostly resort-focused vacation, while others want to spend several days exploring Oʻahu. Your travel style and the length of your stay can help determine the right balance.
Who Is Aulani For?
Aulani can be a great fit for several different types of travelers.
Families can enjoy the pools, beach, Character experiences, kids' activities, and resort recreation.
Couples and adults can enjoy the scenery, dining, spa, beach, and slower pace of a resort vacation.
Multigenerational families can find activities and accommodations that work for different ages and interests.
Disney fans can enjoy familiar Characters and Disney touches while experiencing something very different from Walt Disney World or Disneyland.
Aulani can be especially appealing if you want a vacation that combines the relaxation of a Hawaiian resort with the magic of Disney.
Planning Your Aulani Vacation
An Aulani vacation involves different planning considerations than a Walt Disney World or Disneyland vacation.
You'll want to think about your accommodations, travel dates, resort activities, dining, transportation, and whether you want to explore Oʻahu during your stay.
The length of your vacation can also make a difference. A longer stay may give you more time to enjoy the resort without feeling like you have to choose between Aulani and exploring the island.
Our travel advisors can help you compare your options, understand the resort, and plan a vacation that balances the experiences you want with the amount of time you have.
Planning Aulani With a Travel Advisor
Aulani may be easier to plan than a theme park vacation in some ways, but there are still plenty of choices to consider.
Our travel advisors provide destination knowledge, research, recommendations, and practical planning guidance to help you understand your Aulani options. We can help you compare accommodations, consider resort experiences and dining, and look at how exploring Oʻahu could fit into your vacation.
The goal is to help you make informed choices so you can spend less time sorting through options and more time looking forward to your Hawaiian getaway.
