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AULANI – a Disney Resort and Spa
One of my absolute favorite places and spaces is Disney’s Aulani! I absolutely love Hawaii and Aulani is the best of two of my favorite things – everything I love about Hawaii, with just a dash of Disney magic. The vibe of the resort is relaxed and tropical and my family has had so much fun here on each of our trips to Oahu!
Aulani is located on the island of Oahu, in the town of Ko’Olina. Ko’Olina has four lagoons and Aulani is located on one of the lagoons, right next to the Four Seasons. The resort celebrates Hawaii and all of the beautiful culture, history, and traditions of the state. It is an ideal escape for all ages!
Room Types
There are 481 villas and 359 hotel rooms on property at Aulani. The villas include studios that sleeps 4 guests, one-bedroom villas that sleeps five and includes a full kitchen and washer and dryer (so valuable!), two-bedroom villas, and three-bedroom grand villas! My family of five always stays in one of the villas and having the extra space and kitchen is so nice.
There are also standard hotel rooms that are available at a more economical price point if having a kitchen isn’t a desire for your family. Your favorite Pineapple Escapes agent can help guide you to the ideal room type for your vacation!
Pools
Waikolohe Pool8,2000 square-foot, zero-entry pool is perfect for the whole family! Volcanic Vertical is a tunnel body slide that connects to this pool. Waikolohe StreamThis lazy river carries you through the Waikolohe Valley and around the Aulani property. The river is designed with natural details inspired by Oahu and features caverns and fountain springs. This is my favorite part of the Aulani pools!
Pu’u Kilo SlidesThere are two waterslides that look over the Waikolohe Valley – Volcanic Vertical and the Tubestone Curl. Volcanic Vertical is a body slide and Tubestone Curl is for one or two people on tubes (also used in the lazy river). Both are lots of fun! Keiki Cove Splash ZoneThis water playground area for kiddos ages 5 and under includes rainbow water jets, hidden Menehune, and fun aquatic creatures on the pool floor! Menehune BridgeThis fun play structure includes 2 water slides, interactive water elements, spinning gourds and Menehune! Wailana PoolLooking to relax and unwind? This quiet pool is the perfect spot! Whirlpool SpasFour whirlpools, 2 with spectacular sunset views (love them!) are the perfect place to unwind while the kiddos are at Aunty’s Beach House!
Rainbow ReefThis saltwater lagoon is a safe and fun snorkeling area for Aulani guests. This is the perfect spot for beginning snorkelers to test out their fins! The colorful marine life is so much fun and the viewing areas to see the fish are really neat too.
Menehune Adventure TrailThis interactive scavenger hunt is one of my trio’s favorites! We’ve been to Aulani three times and even as teens this is always a must-do. Obtain a special tablet from the Pau Hana community center to start the adventure! Pau Hana RoomA great spot for arts, crafts and other fun activities. Check the Daily ‘Iwa for times and activities during your stay. My kids enjoyed making their own Mickey ears and we always have at least one movie night with a DVD checked out from Pau Hana. Laniwai SpaThe spa is top-notch! The outdoor hydrotherapy area feels like you’re in a whole new world and is the perfect place to relax while the kiddos are at Aunty’s. One of the best massages of my life was at Laniwai!
KA WA’A This unforgettable luau includes a pre-show with interactive arts and crafts, a three-course plated dinner, and a traditional luau performance. This is not to be missed. Aunty’s Beach HouseWhen my trio was little, they LOVED Aunty’s Beach House. This service is included with your stay and is interactive and fun for the kids. It’s a great way for the kids to have fun and for mom and dad to relax. Comparable to the kids’ club on Disney Cruise Line, it’s a great spot for kids!
Restaurants and Bars on-Site
Bars
The ‘Olelo RoomThis is a great spot for appetizers and small plates and creative cocktails. On our first trip, Mike and I watched the sunset here while the trio was at Aunty’s. They had live music and just as the sunset they played Lucky by Jason Mraz (which I consider to be one of our songs!) and it is still one of my favorite memories.
Ulu CafeThis quick-service option offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. Favorites include poke bowls, flatbreads, and other grab-n-go selections. We recommend the poke bowls, chicken and avocado sandwiches, and Mickey brownies – preferably enjoyed poolside! Wailana Pool BarThis bar is a coffee bar in the morning with specialty coffee. However, I think the trek across the street to Island Vintage Coffee is worth it… 😉 Mama’s Snack StopA great place to grab a quick-bite poolside. Coconut shrimp, fish and chips, and chicken tenders are their specialties.
Little ‘Opihi’s This is the Dole Whip spot! They also have drinks!
Papalua Shave IceYou’re not really at Aulani until you’ve had Mickey-shaped shave ice. Delicious!
Off the Hook
This poolside restaurant offers appetizers, sandwiches, and salads, plus a variety of cocktails. It’s a great location to enjoy a bite!
Table-Service
Makahiki – The Bounty of the Islands
Held in Luau Cove, this open-air show features a traditional Luau experience and an all-you-can-eat family-style meal. There are two shows per night – 5:15 pm and 8:15 pm and the show is canceled if the temperature is below 50 degrees in the evening to ensure guest comfort. This is a great way to experience a luau and have a true Polynesian cultural experience.
Why We Love It
There is nothing like Disney’s Aulani. It is a pure Hawaiian paradise with just a touch of Dinsey magic that makes it a wonderful escape! For a perfect family vacation, Aulani is a true gem. My family has enjoyed all of our trips to Aulani and I can’t wait to make more memories there in the years to come!
Video About Disney’s Aulani
https://www.youtube.com/embed/ITQn0ZOt7R4Contact your favorite Pineapple Escapes agent today, or email us at info@pineappleescapes.com
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