Aulani Resort in Oahu, Hawaii

Updated November 3, 2026

Are you ready to Disney in a whole new way?

Aulani offers all the magic of Hawaii with the special Disney service we know and love at Disney Parks.

Let’s see what it’s all about.

Before We Get Started

Planning a trip to Aulani? Consider Get Away Today for discounts and the best service. Check them out at this link.

In business since 1990, they provide wholesale prices along with the best service for Disney Parks, Disney Cruise Line, Aulani, Universal, Royal Caribbean, and more. I can’t say enough good about this group of people!

Overview of Aulani

Per Disney, “Walt Disney Imagineers worked hand in hand with local artisans and cultural experts to create Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa. Inspired by the natural wonders and rich traditions of Hawai‘i, Aulani Resort is the ultimate family getaway—celebrating the beauty, history and welcoming spirit of the island.”

Simply put, Aulani is a resort in Hawaii run by Disney with all the familiarity and wonderful service found at domestic Disney Parks.

How to Get There

Located on Oahu, Aulani is accessible via the Honolulu airport.

Arrange transportation to Aulani from the Honolulu airport by:

• Shuttle – $25 adult, $10 child one way
• Lyft or Uber (about $60)
• Car rental
• Turo
• Taxi on site

***Parking on site at Aulani is $40 a day.

Hotel Towers

They include….

• Ewa Tower – East side; Disney Vacation Club villas
• Wai’anae Tower – West side; Regular rooms and suites and some DVC

Dining at Aulani

There is an abundance of dining options at Aulani. Let’s dive in.

Table Service:

• Makahiki – Breakfast with characters and dinner, indoors and outdoor seating
• The Olelo Room – High end lounge with live music in the evening
• AMA‘AMA – Dinner, four course prix-fixe menu with oceanfront views, closed Monday and Tuesday

***Make reservations ahead for anything above. Reservations may be made 45 days in advance.

Counter Service:

• Ulu Cafe – Casual restaurant with self-serve, grab and go options
• Off the Hook – Full bar, causal island restaurant
• Wailana Pool Bar – Near the adult pool, pizza and wraps, full bar
• Mama’s Snack Stop – Island fare, fish & chips, offers snacks like mozzarella sticks
• Little ‘Opihi’s – Beachside kiosk and food near the ocean
• Papalua Shave Ice – Shaved ice, Disney style!

Aulani Pool Tips

There are several pools and bodies of water to explore on property. Wristbands are required for all guests and can be picked up (after 3pm for the next day) near the towel kiosk in the center of the pool area.

Grab a wrist band the day before in order to be first out to claim your favorite chairs near the pool you like.

Aulani Pools & Water Areas

They include:

• Waikolohe Pool – 8,200 square feet zero entry main pool
• Waikolohe Stream – lazy river
• Wailana Pool – adult pool with nearby bar
• Whirlpool Spas – there are four hot tubs
• Rainbow Reef – 3,800 square feet private lagoon filled with native Hawaiian fish; pricing includes:
  One-Day Access: $30 per adult (ages 10 and up); $25 per child (ages 9 and under)
  Length-of-Stay Access: $50 per adult (ages 10 and up); $40 per child (ages 9 and under)
• Menehune Bridge – kids’ play structure with tipping water buckets
• Keiki Cove Splash Zone – shallow, interactive water play area for families
• Aulani Beaches – rent paddle boards, beach toys and more for this calm beach with low or no waves

Note: Interested in a break from the kids? Drop them off at Aunty’s Beach House and enjoy! This offer is open to all resort guests. Reservations are necessary and start 45 days out! Bring MagicBand+s for the kids because they need them to attend. You can borrow them, too, for a fee.

Luau at Aulani – KA WA‘A

Disney shares:

“The festivities start with delightful pre-show activities. Then, get ready for approximately 3 hours of exhilarating song, dance and storytelling as you enjoy delicious island fare.

Highlights include:

• Pre-show demonstrations, including traditional arts such as flower arranging and pa’i ai taro pounding
• Luau introduction and oli (chant) welcome
• Buffet-style dining featuring authentic island fare, including sea salt-crusted prime rib, fresh local seafood and produce, decadent desserts and many other Hawaiian favorites—as well as a kid-friendly bento dinner for the keiki
• Luau performance—an enchanting, often breathtaking production that brings the legends and lore of ancient Hawaii to life”

Pricing and reservation info can be found here. Bookings start 6 months out and it will sell out! Book asap.

Around Oahu

The Aulani Resort can help you with all sorts of excursions including zip lining, island tours, surf lessons, Pearl Harbor, kayaking and more. This link shares all of your options with pricing.

Also consider taking care of the details yourself. The following are off-site destinations you can drive to or uber to on your own:

• Pearl Harbor – Grab tickets ahead of time here. You can keep this simple with a boat ride out to the USS Arizona Memorial or choose a pricier guided tour.
• Diamond Head State Park – Make reservations to hike and pay for parking ahead of time here.
• Dole Pineapple Fields – Enjoy a Dole Whip in Hawaii and see how the fruit grows! Info here.
• North Shore – Made famous by its waves, the North Shore offers the best surfing on the island. Stop by its popular shrimp trucks for a tasty bite while you’re up there.
• Oahu shopping – Kalakaua Drive is the Rodeo Drive of the Pacific, the International Marketplace offers touristy shopping in the heart of Waikiki, and the Ala Moana Center in Honolulu is the closest thing to a suburban mall that you’ll find on the island.
• Sunset Cruise – Cruises set sail from Waikiki and closer to Aulani, too. This is a fun way to get out on the water to see more of the area. You can find lots of sailing options in the Ko Olina area or Waikiki.
• Waikiki – This is the heart of the island, the most touristy area, and also a ton of fun. Walk along the beach, see the famous Duke Paoa Kahanamoku Statue, cross the street to shop and dine and lots more.
• Snorkeling – Take your own snorkeling gear around the island for impromptu expeditions.
• Dive with Sharks – My daughter’s mission – I’ll keep you updated on this!
• Waimea Valley and Waterfall – Hike 1.5 miles round trip to see this waterfall. Open Tuesday through Sunday, 9am-4pm. Adults $26; Child $18; book here
• Manoa Falls Trail – Hike through a rainforest to find this gorgeous 150 foot waterfall. Packages start at $50; info here
• Polynesian Cultural Center – I’ve never been but many people love this for a day of culture and Hawaiian tradition; info here

Aulani Specific Tips

• Looking for hidden Mickeys? Change that to
  Menehune statues. There are over 300 at Aulani hidden into the design. You can also hear them in the lazy river! Listen closely.
• Use mobile ordering just like you do at the parks.
• MagicBand+ can open your hotel room door, charge to your room, access the parking garage, access the fitness room, and access the laundry facilities.
• Shop for groceries at Costco, Target, Safeway (all a few minutes away) or across the street at the Island Country Market inside the Ko Olina Shopping Center, which is walkable from Aulani.
• There is ALWAYS something happening somewhere at Aulani. Get to know the Aulani app before arriving. And then check the Daily Activity Schedule for specifics for each day while you’re on site.

Additional Resources

Remember, check with Get Away Today for discounts at this link. They offer wholesale rates for Disney Parks, Universal, Disney Cruise Line, Aulani, Royal Caribbean and more.

Looking for more info? Let me know what you need and I’ll find it! Contact me via email at Casey@DisneylandDaily.com.