Aloha Aulani: Where Hawaiian Paradise Meets Disney Magic

We’ve got the scoop on some fabulous new deals for Disney’s tropical oasis in Hawaii! First, we’ll share all the details on these exciting offers. Then, we’ll whisk you away to explore the stunning Aulani Resort, Disney’s most luxurious tropical getaway, and all it has to offer.

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Disney’s Aulani Getaway Special Offers

For a limited time, you can save up to 30% on stays of 5 nights or more for travel from most nights August 21 – November 23 & November 30 – December 20, 2024. If you’re looking to stay just 4 nights, you can also save up to 25% for travel most nights from July 29 – August 20, 2024. 

 

Here’s an example of the pricing for the Aulani special offer through your MiceChat link:

 

 

Get more info including offer terms and limitations at our link: 

Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa Special Offer HERE

 

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Aloha Aulani

Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa on the Hawaiian island of Oahu, is not “Disneyland Hawaii;” however, the 351-room resort (plus 481 Disney Vacation Club units) does provide an authentic Hawaiian vacation experience with a generous helping of Disney magic.

Aulani was built in 2011 on Oahu’s west side (about 20 miles from Honolulu International Airport) through a partnership between Hawaiian cultural experts and Disney Imagineers – most notably former WDI SVP Joe Rohde and current WDI VP Jeanette Lomboy – with the goal of creating an authentic Hawaiian experience for guests.

During a panel at D23 Expo 2019 called “Immersive Worlds: Bringing Stories to Life in Disney Parks” (which included both Lomboy and Rohde), Lomboy pointed out that many people who visit Hawaii have ideas about the destination based on what they’ve seen on TV or in the movies (I’m looking at you, “Hawaii 5-0”), but she said, sometimes those preconceived notions about Hawaiian culture are incorrect, so Disney set out to tell an accurate Hawaiian story.

“The name ‘Aulani’ expresses a connection to tradition and deep storytelling,” Rohde said in 2010, when the resort’s name was announced. “We want this resort destination to reflect the vibrant culture that surrounds it.”

Hawaii with a Capital H; Disney with a Lowercase D

Disney always strives to immerse guests in every experience, but in the case of Aulani, it’s immersing them in authentic Hawaiian culture rather than a fictional location from a story – and since guests are actually in Hawaii (and not at a theme park version of Hawaii), even the Disney characters at Aulani are on Hawaiian vacations (except those who live in the islands, like Moana and Stitch).

“At Aulani, the mo‘olelo, or storytelling, begins from the moment guests set eyes on the building, which is inspired by Hawaii’s traditional canoe house,” explains Aulani General Manager Kimberly Agas. “The stories of Hawaii fill their senses through art, architecture, music, food and, of course, the people who make Hawaii so special and unique.” 

The Olelo Room

One reason Disney puts Hawaiian culture at the forefront of the Aulani experience is to provide many opportunities for guests to learn, starting with a working Lo’i (pronounced lo-ee) – a pond where taro (a starchy root vegetable) is cultivated – at the resort’s entrance.

However, one of my favorite examples is The Olelo Room (pronounced oh-leh-low), named for the indigenous island language Olelo Hawaii.

In this lounge, dozens of wooden carvings are identified by their Hawaiian name (including a few familiar Disney faces), so guests can learn how to say table (pakaukau) or chair (noho) while they’re enjoying their snacks (pupus).

Cast members working in The Olelo Room also speak Hawaiian, so guests can further immerse themselves in local culture by learning a few Hawaiian phrases, which is very fun (le’ale’a loa). A big plus of this dining location is nightly live Hawaiian music on the patio (weather permitting).

Ka Wa‘a – A Luau

Another learning opportunity (this time disguised as entertainment) is Ka Wa‘a – A Luau, which tells the story of canoe (waʻa) exploration that brought ancient Hawaiian voyagers to Ko Olina.

The three-hour experience begins with pre-show cultural activities (like lei-making and taro pounding), followed by a delicious buffet dinner featuring island dishes like fresh local seafood and produce, sea salt-crusted prime rib, and traditional Hawaiian desserts. Bento boxes are also available for kids (keiki). After dinner, guests are treated to a Hawaiian history lesson through song, dance, and storytelling, including a spectacular fire knife performance.

General Seating includes a Hawaiian lei and all beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic). Preferred Seating includes everything from General Seating, plus early check-in, a complimentary digital photo download, and priority up-front seating. Advance reservations are required and can be made online or by phone.

Important to Note: This is not a “Disney show” (although characters do appear briefly to greet guests). Other than that, it’s an authentic luau experience with Hawaiian dancers and musicians, so if kids are expecting a theme park-style show, they won’t see it here.

Disney Characters at Aulani

While Aulani is not a theme park, guests can still meet Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, Pluto, Daisy, Chip and Dale, Stitch, and other favorite characters, all vacationing in colorful “Aloha” outfits.

In addition, Moana often stops by (when she’s not out wayfinding, of course), and Aulani is also the only place in the U.S. to meet Duffy and Friends, including Olu Mel.

Aulani Activities

Every Hawaiian vacation includes fun in the sun, and it’s certainly in no short supply at Aulani.

The Beach

The resort is located at the largest of the Ko Olina area’s four man-made lagoons, which it shares with its next-door neighbor, the Four Seasons Resort Oahu. Thanks to geography, the water is calm and the waves are small, but that doesn’t mean guests won’t have fun splashing, swimming, snorkeling, and boogie boarding in the clear Hawaiian waters. You might even see a friendly sea turtle passing through.

For a more adventurous ocean experience, the resort offers excursions with Hawaiian Ocean Adventures onboard an authentic Hawaiian sailing canoe (just like Moana’s). The price is $119 (plus tax and gratuities) for ages four and up; kids three and under are free. Reservations are recommended.

Pool Areas

Aulani has many pools and interactive water play areas to keep cool in the hot Hawaiian sun, including:

The Waikolohe Pool with zero-entry, water slides (including the Volcano Vertical tunnel body slide), and the Waikolohe Stream lazy river.

Keiki Cove Splash Zone with squirting jets and the Menehuene Bridge (named for the magical “little people” of Hawaii) with two slides and a play structure

Rainbow Reef, a saltwater snorkeling lagoon where guests can swim with colorful tropical fish.

And plenty of hot tubs and smaller pools, many with interesting views. 

Laniwai – A Disney Spa

As if a Hawaiian vacation isn’t relaxing enough, Aulani has a full-service spa, salon, and Painted Sky: HI style studio.

When guests first enter the spa, they’re asked to select a stone engraved with a word that’s meaningful to them and place it in the affirmation pool to set their intention. It’s a lovely way to release any worries (after all, we can still worry on vacation) and thoroughly enjoy the experience.

Among the many options on the spa menu are the resort’s two signature treatments:  The traditional Hawaiian “Lomilomi” massage that incorporates warm river stones and the Kilikili (fine gentle rain) full-body exfoliation followed by a massage applied under jets of warm water.

Laniwai also features Oahu’s only outdoor hydrotherapy garden, which includes a reflexology path to massage feet and lower legs, private soaking pools, a cold water therapy plunge pool, six unique waterfall rain showers, and whirlpool jet spas.

Kids ages 3 to 12 can bibbidi bobbidi their way to Painted Sky for fun transformations – and, of course, a little pixie dust. Who knows? They might even want an island-style makeover to look like a certain wayfinding Princess or demigod.

Meet Aunty and Uncle

Kids ages 4-12 can learn about Hawaiian culture, art, and music at Aunty’s Beach House, the resort’s supervised kid’s club (which is complimentary). While at the Beach House, kids can participate in interactive experiences, see their favorite Disney movies, learn Hawaiian arts and crafts, and play in Aunty’s secure backyard. In addition, the house features enchanted fireplaces and magical portals depicting Hawaiian scenes. Plus, Disney friends often pop in for visits.

Some experiences require an additional fee, including Kakamora Chaos with Moana, the Surf’s Up character dance party, and a lesson about ocean creatures with ‘Olu Mel.

In the evening, Uncle invites guests of all ages to gather for Mo’olelo Fire Pit Storytelling to listen as he shares legends of the islands. This activity is held on select nights (weather permitting), and seating is limited, so it’s recommended to arrive early.

Additional Dining at Aulani

All the dining locations at Aulani present Hawaiian flavors with a Disney flair, including the resort’s popular character breakfast.

‘Ama’Ama

The signature oceanfront restaurant features a recently-reimaged four-course prix-fixe dinner-only menu that highlights Hawaiian flavors and locally-sourced ingredients. ‘Ama’Ama is open 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Wednesday through Monday (closed Tuesdays). Restaurant reservations are recommended. The four-course dinner is $125 per person (wine pairing is $55). Plant-based and keiki (if you’ve forgotten, that means kids) menus are available.

Makahiki

The family-friendly restaurant named for the traditional Hawaiian harvest celebration offers a daily three-course character breakfast (7 a.m. to 11 a.m.) with live entertainment from Aunty or Uncle (the resort’s resident storytellers). The character breakfast is $49 for adults and $29 for keiki ages nine and under (plus tax and gratuity). A three-course dinner is available from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. (a keiki menu is available).

Off the Hook

Designed to represent a Hawaiian fisherman’s seaside shack, Off the Hook is located poolside and serves breakfast from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. daily (including Mickey waffles) and a casual lunch and dinner menu from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Mobile ordering is also available.

Ulu Café

The poolside quick-service location is a perfect spot for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, with both cooked-to-order and grab-and-go items, including bagel sandwiches, flatbreads, and acai and poke bowls. This is also one of the locations where guests can find the iconic Disney treat: Dole Whip. Ulu Café serves breakfast from 6:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., with the all-day menu available from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Take out available).

Mama’s Snack Stop

Located near Rainbow Reef, Mama’s serves family-friendly favorites like fish & chips, an ono (Hawaiian fish) sandwich, coconut shrimp, chicken tenders, and mini corn dogs. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Papalua Shave Ice

Right next door to Mama’s is the always-popular stand serving the icy Hawaiian specialty with island flavors like mango, pineapple, coconut, lilikoi, guava, and more served alone or coupled with ice cream or sweetened condensed milk. To add some Disney flair, Papalua serves their shave ice in a Mickey shape. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Little Opihi’s

You have to travel ALL the way to the beach for Opihi’s, but it’s worth it for sweet treats like ice cream bars, Boba Milk Teas, and Aulani’s famous Mickey, Minnie, Moana, and Stitch Dole Whip sundaes. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Guest Rooms at Aulani

Aulani features standard hotel rooms and one- and two-bedroom suites as well as one-, two-, and three-bedroom Disney Vacation Club (DVC) villas, which offer separate sleeping and living spaces, full kitchens, and a washer and dryer. There are also Deluxe DVC Studios available.

Let’s Hear From You!

Are you ready to pack your bags and join Mickey and Minnie for your first Hawaiian vacation? Which restaurants, activities, or experiences would top your Aulani wish list? If you’ve visited Aulani, what’s your favorite part of staying there? Let us know in the comments below!