“Disney Goes Hawaiian” is how this family sees Aulani, the company’s first themed beach vacation resort not related to an amusement park.

“This is AWESOME!”  I crane my neck over the swells to see my 12-year old son. Will, ride the rolling blue water. Then my husband Bob pops up on his board and holds that Hawaii Five-0 theme song pose, looking real cool surfing all the way into Barbers Point Beach.

Now it’s my turn to catch the wave surging behind me. One, two, three, four paddles to get ahead of the curl, then push up my chest, swivel my legs underneath sideways, stand upright, feet parallel, knees soft and I fly head-first into the salty froth again, and come up laughing.  My son yells, “Wipe Out!”

Thanks to Disney for an Unforgettable Hawaii Vacation

If anyone would have told me I’d be thanking Disney for these fun family memories and bruised shins, I would have told them they’re high on pixie dust.  But here we are surfing with Honolulu’s Hawaiian Fire Surf School on a Disney vacation.

This seems unbelievable because we aren’t the textbook, or should I say storybook, family regularly spending our vacation dollars making Disney memories.  Until now we had only two Disney chapters in our family’s travel photo albums, both when Will was 7-years old and he truly believed he could fly like Peter Pan.

As the years passed, the pixie dust wore off and I figured our Disney days were done. The End.  That’s until Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa appeared on a Hawaiian island far, far away.

After our two-hour lesson, Will dug his toes in the warm sand and said, “My favorite thing about surfing was finding my balance.”

And that’s what Disney’s Aulani has succeeded doing on the west coast of O’ahu. Furthermore, the only hotel-vacation club resort not located in a theme park delicately balances Disney magic and Hawaiian culture.  No lines in paradise to ride a wave made Disney doable again for me and my ohana (that’s family in Hawaiian).

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Hawaiian culture is the star attraction at Aulani

While Disney imagineers certainly helped shape the Aulani guest experience, the mighty Magic Kingdom actually stepped down from the throne to pay homage to the legendary Hawaiian Kamehameha Dynasty, the royal family that ruled the Kingdom of Hawai’i from 1810 to 1872.  Wisely, when designing Aulani (which means “messenger of a chief”), Disney consulted with the archipelago state’s chief cultural experts. 

The family beach resort’s architectural style, artwork, dining menus, entertainment, family programming and off-resort excursions feel genuine. They authentically express Hawaiian culture, traditions, history, beliefs and island life today.

Seventy noteworthy Hawaiian artists created Aulani’s decor and museum-quality artwork throughout the resort. Aulani claims to have the world’s largest collection of contemporary Hawaiian art. 

Hand-crafted, graphic tapa cloth panels decorate the walls of the lobby’s soaring triangular-shaped space. As many buildings do, it evokes the shape of a hale (house) for outrigger canoes and village gatherings.

The open-air lobby separates the hotel’s two wings. Decor follows the Hawaiian belief in pono, or natural balance that’s infused in all existence. Each hotel wing represents male and female energy symbolized by the water features, mural artwork, and natural construction materials. The front desk is backed by a montage of stunning island images photographed by local children.

Smiling staff greet and wreath arriving guests with leis. Women receive fragrant white-yellow centered, tubular flowers. Men get handsome leis of dark chocolate brown kukui nuts.  Will said, “This is like a heavy necklace of giant milk duds.”  The greeter promptly explained the nut’s history as kukui oil-fueled flaming torches. 

Artistic representations of kukui appear throughout the lushly landscaped resort. Along with a cultivated patch of taro plants to make poi, one of the islanders’ century-old, staple foods.

Hidden Mickeys & Characters Encounters are Quiet Reminders of Disney

Wandering Aulani’s manicured gardens and groomed beach, it’s easy to imagine entire Disney theme park-scapes and movie sets embedded in the palm frond beauty. 

Guests have to keep a sharp eye to findtraces of “Moana,” the blockbuster animated film about a Hawaiian girl that adds that signature Disney dazzle to the resort.  

No doubt, the resort’s half-moon, swimming-snorkeling cove protected from pounding surf by lava rock boulders is  perfect inspiration for Moana’s seafaring adventures.

Kids love doing cannonball splash dives off the floating dock shaped like a silhouette of a giant Mickey Mouse head floating in the lagoon’s center.

Another subtle reference to Walt’s world stands in the lobby’s corner — a replica of an ancient royal Hawaiian feather standard called a kahili made of Mickey’s black, white and red colors.  Hawaiians are known for their quilt craft so Disney demonstrates this in the guest rooms, but with an understated circular pattern of mouse ears quilted into the bedspread that serves as a subtle reminder that guests are enjoying Hawaiian surf on Mickey’s turf.

But don’t dismay die-hard Disney fans!  Mickey and his gang hang out at Aulani. The staff assured me, “The characters are here — but they’re on vacation too.”  Guests of all ages who desire the iconic Disney encounter reserve seating at the special character breakfasts (up to six are scheduled each week).

Also, characters appear for photo opportunities at designated resort locations at scheduled times announced in the resort’s daily ‘Iwa newsletter. Feeling nostalgic, I posed with Will with Lilo & Stitch, then with Minnie wearing a snazzy, flowered muumuu.

Aulani is a World Apart, But in the Center of O’ahu

The Aulani is centered within a 652-acre resort-residential area called Ko Olina Resort & Marina on O’ahu’s leeward side.  Disney shares Ko Olina beachfront with two Marriott hotels, a condominium complex, some residential properties and the locals, as all beaches in Hawai’i are public.

From our room’s balcony overlooking the Ko Olina Golf Club course, our bellman pointed out the small shopping center across the street, a two-block walk.  

Aulani’s free shuttle circles Ko Olina, stopping at the shops and renowned Hawaiian Chef Roy Yamaguchi’s restaurant Roy’s next to the golf course.  Our second day we shopped the center’s ABC store for flip-flops, sunscreen, breakfast basics, PB & J, bread, and ate a tasty Mexican lunch at Just Tacos.

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Aulani Restaurants Go Local

Aulani restaurants fit diverse family appetites. Choose items from poolside burgers and Hawai’i’s famous shave ice dessert (a combination fruit syrup-snow cone-like treat) to prime-aged steaks, crab legs, and chocolate lava cake.

For the greatest value, families chow down at the Makahiki Restaurant all-you-can-eat buffet. At dinner, a strong mix of traditional Hawaiian cuisine and all-American dishes fill the serpentine buffet.  A full sushi, soup, and salad bar precedes entree selections including prime rib, Hawaiian-style barbeque ribs, pastas, pizzas, vegetable sides and desserts. Will downed roast meats, oysters and peach cobbler.

While I went back for sushi seconds, I feasted my eyes on the dining room’s vibrant, Gauguin-esque murals picturing pre-missionary, bountiful Hawaiian life.  On the way back to our room, we stopped into the cool ‘Olelo Room. A cool cocktail bar with appetizers, it offers a visual language lesson. The intimate lounge’s koa wood carvings tucked into a giant shadow-box displayed above the bar depict Hawaiian words.

Young families dine at the beachfront ‘AMA’AMA during a lively ukulele troupe’s performance. Couples and families with older kids favor the gourmet restaurant’s contemporary island cuisine in later hours when soul-soothing sounds of surf serenade candle-lit conversations. 

We shared a scrumptious shellfish seafood platter, ceviche, and ahi tuna poke appetizers. A glass of sauvignon blanc paired beautifully with my grilled opah (moonfish). ‘AMA’AMA chefs showcase locally sourced food products such as the Moloka’i black sea salt and make the udon noodles and multigrain taro bread in Aulani’s on-site bakery.

These are only a few of 10 eateries at Aulani to accommodate guests who never seem to want to leave the resort.

LAID BACK OR LOTS TO DO, FAMILIES PLAY DAY & NIGHT AT AULANI RESORT

We started off our three-day stay in “Hawaii Five-0” mode spending a half day surfing at a beginners’ beach. Surfing is one of several Adventures by Disney off-resort, island excursions including horseback riding, kayaking, rainforest hikes and catamaran sails.

Then we dove into Aulani’s Rainbow Reef pool snorkeling with tropical fish, wound our way around the lazy-river pool and selectively participated in resort organized fun.

Aulani offers a full schedule of free activities from sunrise yoga and hula lessons. Then hip surfer-themed pool parties, volcano explosion science fair-style sessions and star gazing. Pools with playful water features keep families slathering on sunscreen all day long.

Evening ohana activities include outdoor Disney movies, a hula show, and live ukulele music.  We liked the more low-key nighttime storytelling seated around a blazing beachside fire pit listening to a local storyteller share legends of Hawaiian fire goddess Pele.

DISNEY RESORT’S HAWAIIAN ACTIVITIES BY AGE GROUP

Younger kids love playing the free Menehune Adventure Trail high-tech scavenger hunt-style game. Learning about Menehune, Hawaiian folkloric little people known for magical building skills and making mischief.

Guided by interactive game consoles, kids wander the resort populated with 200 Menehune wood and stone figures solving mysteries born of Menehune-mayhem.  Along the way, they learn about Hawaiian history, topography, and culture.

Parents

Parents like the balance Aulani offers between family time and adult alone time.  Aunty’s Beach House keeps young kids busy from 10 am to 9 pm doing Hawaiian-related crafts, karaoke, and games in the vintage-style beach house.

Teens

Teens gather in the sunny lounge at teen spa Painted Sky, at the D.I.Y. perfume and face mask mixology bar and on the private patio eating frozen yogurt concoctions made at the yogurt and elixir bar. In the salon, they have mani-pedis, facials, and massages. Will hung out a few hours playing computer games and taking a ukulele lesson while I got a massage at the Laniwai Spa.

Laniwai – A Disney Spa means “freshwater heaven,” and the spa lives up to its name.  Before pampering begins in treatment rooms identified by types of Hawaiian rainbows, guests relax in O’ahu’s only outdoor, hydrotherapy garden.  I loved soaking in the scented pools and standing beneath the multi-fountain rain showers of misting, pelting, spraying and cascading warm water. 

Of the 150 spa therapies offered, I chose the traditional Hawaiian lomilomi healing massage. Cocooned between warm heated pads, I felt surfing soreness subside as my muscles eased and became pliant for the skilled masseur’s hands rhythmic strokes. That’s what I call magic.

Aulani’s dialed-down Disney atmosphere, stellar service and authentic Hawaiian experience made my family want more Disney vacation memories ever after.  Now, I even believe that next time with a sprinkle of pixie dust I can surf like Lilo and Stitch.

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Trip Planning Tips for an Aulani Family Vacation

Aulani features a large, themed family pool with a misty grotto and an after-dark experience with glittering lights. A kids’ splash zone designed to resemble a tidal pool; and additional deck space, chairs, chaises, and cabanas. Moreover, the Ulu Cafe serves three meals indoors and out, plus a beachside, quick-service eatery.

Aulani Disney Spa & Resort rates start at $494. For a standard view with 2 queen beds or 1 king bed and 1 queen-size sleeper sofa. For larger families looking to splurge, Parlor Suites with partial ocean views start at $1,029. With a King bed and Queen-size sleeper sofa, and one bunk-size pull-down bed or one King bed and one Queen-size sleeper sofa and a bunk bed.

In other words, you’ve got tons of space, views, and creature comforts on your Hawaiian vacation. Our spacious, king standard guest room opened to an adjacent TV-dining area with a Murphy bed. Includes a coffee maker, mini-refrigerator and small dining table.  Conveniently, there’s a coin-operated laundry in the hotel.

Rates include most on-site activities like Aulani pool parties with Disney character appearances. Moreover, Kid-friendly fun at Aunty’s Beach House. Also include Cove splash zone, live entertainment, adventure trail, fire pit storytelling, Disney movie nights, and ukulele lessons. For an additional fee, guests can indulge salon services and embrace their inner adventurer like sailing canoe excursions.

Experience the convenience of traveling between Aulani Resort and other island destinations, like Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), using their shuttle service.  If you require airport transportation, find additional details here.

Booking ahead, especially during school holidays, is essential, as Aulani books up quickly. For more information about Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, call their agents at 714/520-7001 or visit the Aulani website.

FAQs about Aulani Disney Resort Hawaii

1. What are the accommodation options at Aulani Disney Resort Hawaii?

Aulani offers a range of accommodations, including hotel rooms, suites, and villas, providing options for couples and families of various sizes.

2. Are there dining options available within the resort?

Yes, Aulani features a variety of dining options, from casual to fine dining, offering a diverse culinary experience for guests.

3. Can you tell me about the activities for kids at Aulani Disney Resort?

Aulani offers an array of supervised kids’ activities, including character experiences, water play areas, movie nights and storytelling adventures.

4. Is there a beach nearby where guests can enjoy the ocean?

Absolutely, Aulani is situated along Ko Olina’s beautiful lagoon, providing direct access to a stunning sandy beach.

5. Are there any special offers or packages available for guests?

Yes, Aulani often features special offers and vacation packages that can include discounts, dining credits, or other perks for a memorable stay.

photos by Kit Bernardi