Looking for a family vacation destination that combines adventure, relaxation, and luxury all in one? Our family found the perfect paradise resort at Disney’s Aulani in Hawaii!
Nestled on the beautiful island of Oahu, Aulani Resort and Spa offers picturesque beachfront location, luxurious accommodations, an incredible amount of activities and entertainment, nods to Hawaiian culture and unmistakable Disney magic.
Sitting on 21 oceanfront acres, you’ll be able to gaze at the majestic mountains or take in the calming ocean waters. But beautiful scenery isn’t the only magical part of a stay at Aulani Resort; this resort truly has it all! According to my 5-year-old, “No kid could ever get bored here!”
Let’s dive into whether or not Aulani should be at the top of your family’s travel list.
Experience the Perfect Blend of Disney Magic and Hawaiian Ambience at Disney’s Aulani in Hawaii.
Disney’s Aulani Resort offers the unique blend of Disney enchantment and Hawaiian hospitality you won’t find anywhere else. Featuring the quintessential parts of Disney that help it shine as a family destination- poolside visits by characters, adorable Mickey-shaped foods, unexpected and unique doses of magic- you’ll feel the familiar Disney touch throughout.
However, Aulani is all about giving you that pure vacation experience. Picture yourself relaxing in grotto-style pools, zooming down two thrilling water slides, and winding through lush tropical landscapes and caves along a lazy river.
Ask yourself: Am I looking to enjoy the magic of Disney without the hustle and bustle of the theme parks in a unique tropical paradise? (Who doesn’t love the thought of rainbows, luaus and soft ocean breezes?). If the answer is yes, then Disney’s Aulani in Hawaii is for you!
Experience The Best Pools on Oahu at Disney’s Aulani Resort
I’ll be honest, when we started searching for great family-friendly resorts on Oahu I was looking for a beach AND a pool- and not just any pool. It needed to have plenty of options to entertain our daughter for the day. Aulani knocked this out of the park! After visiting several other resorts on Oahu, I can confidently say that Aulani’s pool complex is the BEST on the island.
Nestled between Aulani Resort’s two towers, the Waikolohe Valley is filled with thrilling water slides, refreshing pools, and even a snorkeling lagoon! (FYI- all the pools are heated, although the snorkeling lagoon is fairly chilly.)
The Waikolohe Pool, an 8,200-square-foot, zero-entry pool, offers something enjoyable for every member of your ‘ohana. Shake-A-Shaka Pool Party happens here each day, amongst other fun activities.
Ka Make Grotto is the infinity edge pool overlooking Ko Olina Beach (Hawaiian for “Place of Joy”). It has incredible ocean views! Don’t miss it at nighttime, when the cozy hot tub grotto lights up for the evening.
Next up, grab a tube and let the gentle current carry you through the Waikolohe Valley Lazy River. Designed with rock formations and natural details inspired by the island of Oʻahu, the course features caverns, fountain springs, palm trees, and sweet-scented tropical plants. Tubes are available for one and two people.
Older kids and adults can brave the two full-sized waterslides at Disney’s Aulani in Hawaii! Volcanic Vertical is an entirely enclosed dark tube slide that ends in the Waikolohe Pool.
My favorite, Tubestone Curl, is an open-air slide that allows you to ride a single or double innertube and ends in the lazy river. Our 5-year-old loved both!
Menehune Bridge is where we spent most of our day! With rope bridges, two mini waterslides, and fountains galore — kids of all ages love this water playground. Children 48 inches and under can use the mini water slides while everyone, even adults, are allowed on the actual structure.
Primarily for kids age 5 and younger, Keiki Cove Splash Zone features rainbow water jets, secret Menehune figures, and is adorned with a massive octopus. This splash pad offers endless fun for your kids to play.
There are also a total of five whirlpool spas at Disney Aulani in Hawaii sprinkled throughout the property.
Ask yourself: Is our family looking to spend hours happily splashing around an aquatic wonderland? If the answer is yes, then Aulani is for you!
Aulani’s Beach: My Top Pick for Kid-Friendly Fun in the Sun on Oahu
While all beaches in Hawaii are open to the public, Aulani’s beach feels like your own private oasis. Tucked away in a secluded cove, the lagoon (1 of 4) offers a sense of exclusivity and tranquility, allowing you to unwind without the crowds. Here, you can lounge on the soft, golden sands, soak up the warm Hawaiian sun, and listen to the gentle lapping of the waves.
Not looking for your 3 year old to catch the big waves on their surf board? Then the lagoon at Disney’s Aulani in Hawaii is the perfect option. The surf was nonexistent in both September and May when we visited. Even in the winter when the big waves start churning on the North Shore of Oahu, the lagoons at Ko’Olina offer protection with natural rock barriers that calm the surf.
We also found that Disney’s Aulani in Hawaii goes above and beyond to ensure that your beach experience is nothing short of extraordinary. Makiki Joe’s, the resort’s beach equipment rental service, offers everything you need for a day of fun in the sun. From boogie boards and life jackets to snorkel gear and stand-up paddleboards, you’ll find a wide range of equipment available for rent from 8 am to 5 pm.
We grabbed sand toys each day for our daughter to use on our trips down to the ocean. With complimentary lounge chairs and umbrellas provided, we always had a comfortable spot close to the water’s edge.
Ask yourself: Is your family looking for a beach destination that offers calm waters where you can unwind away from the crowds? If the answer is yes, then Disney’s Aulani in Hawaii is for you!
Immersive Hawaiian Culture at Disney’s Aulani in Hawaii
While Disney characters make appearances at Aulani, the focus here is on celebrating Hawaiian culture. Families can participate in hula lessons, watch traditional performances, and even embark on guided excursions to explore the island’s natural beauty. It’s a chance for kids to learn about Hawaii’s rich heritage while having fun.
One of the highlights of our family’s stay at Aulani was the enchanting luau. We found the luau to be the perfect length to keep our daughter entertained while still allowing us to immerse ourselves in the festivities. Disney’s expertise in storytelling was evident throughout the evening, as they skillfully brought the legends and lore of ancient Hawaii to life through song, dance, and theatrical performances.
The pre-show experiences were a favorite with my daughter and included demonstrations of traditional arts such as flower arranging and taro pounding. She even got a chance to play the ukulele! (We ended up bringing a toy version home with us.)
We were then treated to a buffet-style dinner featuring authentic island fare, including sea salt-crusted prime rib, fresh local seafood, and decadent desserts. My daughter received a kid-friendly bento dinner box.
The entire experience, from seating to conclusion, lasts approximately 3 hours with the main show lasting only an hour. The music, fire dancers and a guest appearance from Mickey and Minnie keep my daughter enthralled throughout the entire show! This must do if you’ve never been a to luau before!
Ask yourself: Are you looking for a family vacation destination where immersive cultural experiences allow your kids to learn about Hawaii’s rich heritage while having fun? If the answer is yes, then Disney’s Aulani in Hawaii is for you!
Adventures beyond the Resort Disney’s Aulani in Hawaii
While there are plenty of activities to keep your family entertained at Disney’s Aulani in Hawaii, there’s also plenty to see and do in the local area. Oahu is known for its stunning natural beauty, and there are tons of attractions that are worth a visit. For example, you can take a hike to the top of Diamond Head for panoramic views of the island. Or drive to the famous North Shore to catch a glimpse of Hawaiian green sea turtles, hike to a waterfall at Waimea Valley (stroller friendly trail), or grab shave ice at Matsumoto Shave Ice. (Our family’s favorite shave ice on the island!)
There are also several cultural attractions to explore in the area. The Polynesian Cultural Center offers a chance to learn about the history and culture of Hawaii and other Pacific Island nations, while the Bishop Museum features exhibits on Hawaiian history and natural science.
Take a short drive to discover the mesmerizing Pearl Harbor or let the kids get their energy out on a rainy day at Hawaii Children’s Discover Center. Oahu’s vibrant city life and rich cultural heritage offer endless possibilities for exploration, ensuring your family can experience the best of both worlds—Disney’s magic and Hawaii’s natural wonders.
Should Disney’s Aulani in Hawaii Be Our Family’s Bucket List?
Ask yourself:
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