What happens when you take a Disney Resort and drop it onto the island of Oahu, Hawaii?
Pure Magic!
Aulani is an amazing resort and must be seen to be believed. It is so relaxing, and exactly what you dream about when you think about a Hawaiian vacation. Let’s look at what makes this resort so special.
Aulani can be found at the Ko Olina Resort in Kapolei, Hawaii on the island of Oahu. That puts it about 24 miles west of Honolulu. From the moment you arrive at this lush property, you are enveloped in the Hawaiian culture. The lobby, and really the entire resort, show off artwork done by native Hawaiian artisans that bring their culture to life in a way only Disney can do. You can even take a tour of this amazing lobby, but every Cast Member is so proud of the resort that pretty much anyone you ask will be happy to tell you all about details not to miss. Like the Menehune that are hiding throughout the resort, and even have their own self-guided, interactive walking tour where you can discover their secrets.
The centerpiece of this resort is Waikolohe Valley, a mix of pools, splash and play areas, whirlpool spa, and a lazy river that winds its way through lush foliage and rock work. You can snorkel with fish, lay about in your own private cabana, float down a lazy river, enjoy a ride on a water slide, splash the day away with the Menehune, or just relax in a whirlpool spa. For those looking for a more quiet area, you can wind your way around to the secluded Wailana Pool. You can find snacks, drinks, and Hawaiian shaved ice in the Waikolohe Valley too!
You know who else is excited to greet you and have a little fun in the sun?
Mickey and his pals of course!
They can be found partying with guests poolside, walking along the hidden grottos, or telling stories by the fire pit. Mickey and his pals greet guests at Makahiki for breakfast or dinner.
At Makahiki you can enjoy a buffet-style meal where you can sample Eastern, Western, and Hawaiian fare. Looking for something a bit more upscale? ‘Ama ‘Ama is your place for contemporary island cooking that overlooks Ko Olina Beach and the ocean beyond. Just want a quick meal? Ulu Café is the resort’s main quick service location where you can enjoy any meal in their poolside eating space. Want a Luau? Who doesn’t look for one when going to Hawaii? The KA WA’A Luau allows you to experience the cultural history of Hawaii without leaving the resort.
What else is there to do while at Aulani other than swim or eat?
What about some time to relax?
The Spa at Aulani is amazing! The Laniwai Spa offers amazing treatments, an outdoor hydrotherapy garden, a fitness center, and salon services. You may ask, what is there for kids to do while the adults are at the spa? Well, children 3-12 can enjoy their own treatments and pampering at Painted Sky: HI Style Studio, or children 4-12 can head over to have fun at Aunty’s Beach House a kids club bursting with crafts, games, and supervised activities.
What about things to do as a family?
There are watersports galore down at the beach, ‘ukulele lessons among other activities at the Pau Hana Room Community Hall, the Menehune Adventure Trail interactive scavenger hunt, storytelling at the Mo’olelo Fire Pit, resort tours, shopping, and both island excursions and rounds of golf can be arranged through the hotel. Many of these activities are even included with your stay!
The accommodations here vary from standard hotel rooms with amazing views of the island, the ocean, or Waikolohe Valley, to villas for those larger and/or longer family vacations. Villas here range from Deluxe Studios to 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, and even 3-bedroom Grand Villas. All villas offer even more of the comforts of home with a kitchenette in the studios, and a full-size kitchen in the larger 1, 2, and 3-bedroom villas. This way you can enjoy family meals right in your own room.
If you haven’t been to Aulani, you truly haven’t been to the best Oahu has to offer. It is an experience you won’t soon forget, and a place you will want to visit again and again.
Whatever destination you choose, we at Part of That World Vacations are here to help you when you are ready to travel again.
So, what Part of That World would you like to travel to?
Contact Dana Birch at: danabirch@partofthatworld.com