Tips for Disney's Aulani
We recently returned from an amazing trip to Hawaii, where we stayed at Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa. We had the most incredible time, our kids really enjoyed it, they can’t stop talking about it. It was our first time in Hawaii so, everything was new to us. We decided to stay out entire trip to Oahu at the Disney Resort. We traveled during the pandemic, the safety measures taken at the resort as well as Hawaii in general were exceptional. Hawaii’s travel policy might change in the future, please visit Hawaii’s safe travel site for the latest travel information.
Here’s our list of 10 tips for visiting Disney’s Aulani Resort & Spa.
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Aulani Shuttle Bus
Please note: Due to COVID-19, the shuttles will have reduced capacity. As a result, guests may experience longer than normal wait times when waiting for shuttle service.
There are different types of transportation you can take from the airport to the resort. Car rental, taxi service, uber, public transportation or shuttle. We decided to take the shared shuttle provided by the hotel, the Hele Hele Shuttle. It is $24 per person (age 3 and up) and $10 per child (2 and under). We found it to be very convenient for us, we had a good experience overall. Here are all of the parking and transportation options provided by the resort.
2. Pools, pools and more pools!
There are 6 pool areas, do I need to say more? The pools are perfect for children and for adults to enjoy. The pools might be one of the best features of the entire resort for a reason, with pools, spas, water slides, splash pad, a water zone, and a lazy river, you can swim and play all day! It can get very crowded at the pools, make sure to wake up early to save seats at the pool.
Access to the pool is exclusive to those staying at the Aulani Resort. You will need a band to gain access. This band comes in different colors. The colors indicate which days you are staying at Aulani. You will pick up your bands at a booth near the children’s splash pad.
Towels are provided for the pool area. You will pick up your towel in the same place you get your bands.
After a full day filled with fun activities, at sunset, you can relax in the serenity of an infinity-edge pool—you definitely could get used to this!
3. Disney Aulani Character Breakfast
You can begin your day with the Disney Character Breakfast, a popular buffet for guests and locals at Makahiki restaurant (since the pandemic started, it is no longer a buffet but a preset 3-course breakfast). You’ll get to meet Mickey, Minnie, and their friends before getting to your tab;e. You even get to hear Aunty play the ukulele. This is a must-do with the family when you’re staying at Aulani. It runs daily for 4 hours (7 am-11 am) so be sure to make reservations as it gets booked.
The photos of with Mickey are not included on your Photopass card, and a Cast Member will come around with a copy of the photos while you eat to see if you’d like to purchase them.
4. Daily Activities
Go snorkeling in the Rainbow Reef
This was something that my kids were too small for this trip, but definitely something we’d love to do with them if we’re lucky enough to go back. The Rainbow Reef is a 3,800 square foot pool with a huge variety of fish and other sights to explore.
It’s a great introduction to snorkeling for those just getting started since it’s much calmer than the ocean, and the fish in there are all friendly. For those too small to snorkel, there is a viewing window across from the Lava Shack where you can get an underwater view of the fish.
Make your own Mickey Mouse Ears
You can also make your own Mickey Mouse Ears at the Pau Hana Room ($25 plus tax).
Kāpala Ki'i - t-shirt stamping
You can tell your own unique story with Kāpala Ki'i—stamping designs on fabrics based on the art of Native Hawaiian kapa printing.
( Adult T-shirt sizes: $18.00, children's t-shirt sizes: $15.00, canvas apron $23.00, canvas Tote Bag $18.00 plus tax).
5. Private Lagoon
Soak up the sun or boogie board (complimentary) in beautiful Ko Olina Lagoon
The public beach that is located steps away from Aulani is a fun lagoon. Kids can build sand castles, snorkel, or rent paddle boards. Equipment is available to rent at the beach.
Ulu Cafe
On this poolside restaurant, you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner at a venue that offers fresh poke bowls, flatbread sandwiches, hot meals, and grab-and-go selections. I really recommend the pizza, it is bomb! Here is the menu.
Off the Hook
Savor casual cuisine, where you can grab a quick lunch or an evening bite like salads and sandwiches and taste delicious tropical cocktails. Serving the poolside menu.
Wailana Pool Bar
This coffee bar serves specialty coffees from 6:00 AM to 10:30 AM. Poolside “To Go” menu is also available.
The ‘Ōlelo Room
Enjoy savory appetizers and creative cocktails at this Hawaiian language-inspired lounge. It features sushi and chef crafter appetizers.
Pāpālua Shave Ice
Cool off poolside with fruity and refreshing shave ice. You can choose from a variety of tropical flavors.
Mama's Snack Stop
You can grab a quick bite on the go at this walk-up shack that serves kid-friendly food like chicken tenders, fish and chips, coconut-breaded shrimp, and more.
*This was closed when we went because of the pandemic.
Little ‘Opihi's – Beachside Kiosk
This kiosk allows you to enjoy food service on the beach from your lounge chair, or you can order a variety of light fresh and frozen treats at the snack shack counter.
Go Grocery Shopping
While there’s a lot of dining options at Aulani, it can get quite pricey. If you have a fully equipped kitchen in your villa then you can do grocery shopping at Kalepa’s Store, located on the same floor as the main lobby. There is also a convenience store with a full breakfast and lunch menu you can order from and also already prepped meals that you can just grab and go. It is just across the street, around a 7 min walk.
7. Characters Meet and Greet
Character meet and greets have different times every day. Depending on the day, character meet and greets end before 4 pm.
The location to meet the characters varies from the character breakfast, on the poolside bridge, and in the same area where the Luau is located. It is on the backside of the resort. It is a long walk and hidden. We ended up relaxing in the area and waiting for the characters to come.
8. The Menehune Adventure Trail Activity
Solve riddles, search for statues and discover enchantment at every turn along the Menehune Adventure Trail. This interactive treasure hunt is complimentary to guests staying at Aulani Resort.
The Adventure Trail Scavenger Hunt is a really fun activity that is included in your stay. You can check out a special tablet and that is where the adventure begins. The tablet will play videos and displays interactive clues as you walk along the trail. There are different markers located throughout the property. At each location, something magical happens.
9. Attend the KA WA’A – A Lū‘au
You can experience an exhilarating and enchanting journey through Hawaiian history—and discover its deep cultural roots in canoe (waʻa) exploration, which brought the first ancient explorers to the shores of Ko Olina.
It’s fun for the entire family, the best part, seeing Disney friends dancing the luau! Book early if you want to attend the luau. It fills up fast, try booking at least booking 2-3 months ahead of time.
Since the pandemic started, some activities and experiences have been impacted and are subject to change, I suggest checking the website for the latest information.
*Pro tip
If you want to save some money, you can watch the show for free if you book a garden view room! You can watch the entire show from the balcony. You may actually have a better view of the show than those seated at the luau.
10. Rent a car and explore the island of Oahu
This is something we did, and so glad we did! If you’re renting a car for your whole stay, bear in mind that parking is $35 a day at Aulani. What I would recommend doing instead, is renting a car from Alamo for just a day or two to explore; there is an Alamo facility right at Aulani so it’s very convenient, and we thought the rates were pretty good. We got an upgrade on our car for free, we got so lucky!
There are plenty of places to go and explore; from catching waves at Waikiki to eating malasadas from the famous Leonard’s bakery to hiking on Diamond Head to snorkeling on Shark’s Cove. There is definitely something for everyone to enjoy.
Needless to say, this trip was an absolute dream, the kids won’t stop talking about it. We give it a 10/10.
