Wow! This resort dominates the landscape on this side of the island. We have to admit that we’re not Disney groupies, so we had our biases going into this review. And it took us longer to see this resort from top to bottom than any other resort in Hawai‘i. But Aulani does things well on every level, and while we’re not ready to be Mouseketeers (geez, does that reference date us?) you can now count us among its fans.
First things first. This resort sits on 21 acres fronting one of Ko Olina’s coves. The resort consists of mostly Disney Vacation Club timeshare units with only 351 rooms devoted to the hotel, and those rooms all reside in the Wai’anae Tower. They’ve also started renting rooms in the Ewa Tower (where the timeshares are), which they call Villas. They consist of studios with kitchenettes or 1/1s up to 3/3s with full kitchens. All rooms are decorated in a dark, old-world Hawaiian style with modern touches like hand-held shower heads in the baths (a must for your little ones) and, of course, hidden Mickeys. Their suites are amazing with fairytale beds, large steam showers and whirlpool tubs that the whole family can fit in. But let’s face it—Disney is not about the rooms.
We’ve stayed at other Disney resorts, and the motto of this one is “big H, little d,” meaning that Disney does not scream at you from every corner. This resort embraces the “big H” of Hawaiian culture (in sort of a touristy way), including local artists whose art hangs throughout the resort—even the tapa patterns on the ceilings. If you are a “hidden Mickey” fan, you may have a hard time finding them (think square ears), and because it’s Hawai‘i, there are 300 hidden menehune scattered about the property. Each section of the resort tells a story. Their lounge, the ‘Olelo Room (meaning language), hires only fluent Hawaiian speakers, and everything in the room is labeled with Hawaiian words. There are over 2,000 “cast members” (employees) to serve you, and they all seem very happy.
The resort has three pools. One is a quiet, adults-only (18 years and older) pool. Another consists of an inner tube slide and a waterslide that begins at a large lava rock mountain and flows down to a 900-foot-long meandering river and large family pool. The third is a picturesque infinity-edge beachside pool with sounds of whales and dolphins piped underwater. Keiki Cove and Menehune Bridge are fun water play areas where keiki can get wet but not swim. There are four whirlpool spas scattered about. Cabanas by the pool are available for a mouse-choking price and among the most expensive in Hawai‘i. They include fruit platter, water, seating for six, fridge and TV. Casabellas (two chairs with awning) are more reasonably priced by the beach. There is a snorkel pool stocked with reef fish and a glass viewing area for those who don’t snorkel. They call it their Rainbow Reef, and it comes with snorkel gear (life vest required) that you can book by the day or the stay.
Their children’s program facility (called Aunty’s Beach House) for kids 4–12 is free for 1.5-hour blocks, but you must reserve it in advance of your trip. Hours vary. They have premium activities for an additional fee. Each room and backyard offers a unique experience for the keiki. (We actually didn’t want to leave either.) They also have a community room with activities for all, such as ‘ukulele lessons and a variety of crafts. There is a hospitality suite for late checkouts with computers, showers, TVs, etc. Activities go on all day and night long, and Disney characters can be seen at special times for photo ops like at the popular breakfast buffet.
Their Laniwai Spa is the adult spa with extensive services and an amazing 7,000-sq.-ft. hydrotherapy garden with plunge pools, whirlpools and showers. They have specific teen treatments, too. Kids (3–12) have their own style studio called Painted Sky, where they can get a “fashion transformation.” They offer packages like “luau bound” or even a Moana costume makeover. Fathers can get away to the state-of-the-art fitness center (those were the only people we saw in there). And many fitness classes from yoga to tai chi are offered around the resort, some free, some for a fee.
We could go on and on. This is not the place to go and get away from kids, though, and it felt crowded and noisy to us. But if you’re a Disney fan—or even if you’re not—this place is a lot of fun and makes us smile. Rooms are 382 sq. ft., suites are 764–1,910 sq. ft. Villas are studios at 356 sq. ft. up to 3/3s at 2,174 sq. ft. (with full kitchens and washer/dryer in unit).
92-1185 Aliinui Dr, Ko Olina