Photo: Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa
Photo: Bonnie Trefren
Photo: Sticwitit
Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa
★4.6(13,631 reviews)$$$Activity
🕑 Multi-day resort stay (typically 4-7 nights)👶 Best for ages 2-12, though teens enjoy it too. Toddlers love the gentle Menehune Bridge water play area and character breakfast meet-and-greets, while older kids thrill at the Volcanic vertical tube slide and snorkeling in Rainbow Reef. The teen-only Painted Sky spa and beach activities keep older kids engaged.🧡 Saved by 150+ families
About
Aulani brings the magic of Disney to Hawaii's stunning shores, offering families an all-in-one paradise where kids can meet beloved Disney characters, splash in elaborate pool areas with water slides and lazy rivers, and participate in cultural activities like ukulele lessons and storytelling. The resort seamlessly blends authentic Hawaiian experiences with Disney's trademark attention to detail, making it perfect for families who want both beach relaxation and endless entertainment without leaving the property.
Highlights
- ✓Waikolohe Valley pool complex with lazy river, water slides including the thrilling Volcanic vertical drop, and splash zones
- ✓Daily character meet-and-greets with Mickey, Minnie, Stitch, and Moana in tropical attire
- ✓Rainbow Reef snorkeling lagoon with tropical fish included for guests
- ✓Aunty's Beach House complimentary kids club (ages 3-12) with Disney-themed activities and cultural crafts
- ✓Private lagoon beach with calm waters perfect for young swimmers and water sports equipment rentals
Pro Tips
- 1.Book character dining experiences and Aunty's Beach House kids club as soon as your reservation opens,they fill up quickly, especially during school breaks
- 2.The complimentary cultural activities (lei making, Hawaiian language lessons, stargazing) are hidden gems that kids love and help you experience authentic Hawaii beyond the Disney magic
- 3.Arrive at the Waikolohe Pool area early to claim family cabanas or prime loungers, as the pool complex gets crowded by mid-morning
- 4.Download the Aulani app before arrival to check activity schedules, make dining reservations, and find character appearance times throughout the resort
- 5.Pack or purchase reef-safe sunscreen,Hawaii regulations prohibit certain sunscreens to protect the coral, and the resort enforces this at pool and beach areas
Best Time to Visit
April-May and September-November offer the best combination of pleasant weather and fewer crowds, with slightly lower resort rates. Weekdays are quieter than weekends when local families visit. Visit the pools and beach in early morning or late afternoon to avoid peak sun and crowds.
What to Know
This is a premium resort hotel with room rates starting around $500+ per night, though many activities, pools, and cultural programming are complimentary for guests. Day passes are not available,you must be a resort guest to access amenities. On-site dining ranges from quick-service to fine dining with kids' menus available.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round with consistently warm weather. December-March brings occasional rain but also whale watching season. Summer (June-August) and major holidays (Christmas, Spring Break) are peak times with highest rates and crowds. Special holiday programming includes Halloween and Christmas events with unique character experiences.
Nearby Eats
While the resort has multiple dining options on-site (Makahiki character breakfast buffet, 'AMA'AMA beachfront restaurant, quick-service Ulu Cafe), families wanting off-property meals can visit Monkeypod Kitchen (10 minutes away) for kids' menus and relaxed atmosphere, or Ka Makana Ali'i mall food court nearby for budget-friendly variety.
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