Nestled on the shores of Oahu, Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, is the perfect blend of Hawaiian culture, relaxation, and Disney magic. Every detail tells the story of the islands, creating an experience that’s both beautiful and educational. Whether you’re visiting for the pools, the cultural activities, or the delicious food, Aulani offers something unforgettable for every family.
Activities: Adventure and Culture
Activities at Aulani are a rich celebration of Hawaiian culture and natural beauty. Fitness enthusiasts can enjoy classes like Ocean Fitness (anchored paddleboard workouts) for a fee, or a free Seaside Stretch class infused with Hawaiian language lessons. The resort’s fitness center, Mikimiki, is well-equipped but can get crowded early thanks to jetlagged visitors.
While the beach lagoon is calm and ideal for little ones, our family couldn’t get enough of the resort’s pools. Wristbands grant pool access, with favorites like the serene grotto pool overlooking the ocean, and an adults-only infinity whirlpool tucked away from the bustle. The lazy river, splash zones like Keiki Cove, and Rainbow Reef snorkeling experience round out the fun, while Aunty’s Beach House kids’ club offers crafts, games, and movies for younger guests (book early – spots fill fast!).
Aulani's storytelling continues through interactive experiences like the Menehune Adventure Trail, a tablet-guided scavenger hunt that teaches kids about Hawaiian folklore. Tours available through the Aulani app, like the art tour, deepen your appreciation for the resort’s thoughtful design, where every piece of art connects to local history and tradition. Even rainy days can't spoil the magic with character meet-and-greets, indoor events, and the bustling Kae-leppa’s store full of unique souvenirs. To see all the fun we had at Aulani, check out our vlog here!
Excursions Beyond the Resort
Though Aulani is packed with experiences, we highly recommend exploring the nearby Ko Olina Marina. A sunset catamaran sail with Ko Olina Ocean Adventures was a highlight of our trip — dolphins, gorgeous views, and island-inspired snacks made for an unforgettable evening just steps from the resort. Book Your Sunset Sail: https://www.viator.com/tours/Oahu/Oahu-Sunset-Sail/d672-36151P4?pid=P00242468&mcid=42383&medium=link **affiliate link gives us a small commission without raising your price- thanks for supporting the blog!
For an even deeper dive into Hawaiian tradition, Aulani’s Ka Wa‘a Luau is a must-see. Rather than focusing on Disney characters, the luau respectfully honors Hawaiian culture through dance, music, and storytelling — but that's a full experience we’ll cover in a full YouTube here!
Rooms: Home Away From Home
Our one-bedroom DVC villa made it easy to relax and recharge. Having a full kitchen let us enjoy breakfast in our room, especially helpful given our gluten- and dairy-free diets. A quick grocery run to Target, only 10 minutes away, stocked us with essentials — and saved a little money, too.
The villa was beautifully designed with an oceanside view from the 16th floor. We also toured an enormous three-bedroom villa, perfect for larger families or group trips. DVC members also get free parking, a great perk if you plan to rent a car to explore the island. Here’s the full room tour to see for yourself!
An added bonus at the end of our trip was the exclusive Ko Olina Airport Lounge at Honolulu’s Terminal 2 — a calm, hidden oasis offering water, coffee, wifi, and a place to recharge while you wait for your flight. It’s free for Aulani guests, but be sure to book your spot in advance!
Food: Fresh, Fun, and Family-Friendly
Dining at Aulani offers something for everyone, from quick bites to fine dining. And remember, our family is Gluten Free and Dairy Free, but every last stop accommodated our needs with ease. Our first meal was at The Olelo Room, where live music and sushi (with gluten-free tamari!) set the tone for a week of delicious discoveries. Ulu Cafe provided grab-and-go options, fresh salads, and the ever-famous vegan pineapple Dole Whip for a quick poolside treat.
For more dining variety, we ventured across the street to Ko Olina Center for Tropic Poke’s fresh seafood and Farm to Barn Café’s gluten-free, dairy-free smoked salmon bagels.
Poolside at Off the Hook, we enjoyed fresh fish dishes in a beautiful casual setting, while Little Opihi’s near the beach was our go-to for easy Dole Whips between swims.
Our signature dining night at Ama Ama was an absolute highlight, with stunning ocean views and incredible dishes like a broiled whole fish and ube Old Fashioneds. It was a perfect way to celebrate our last night at the resort. To see the FULL VIDEO GUIDE you can check out our YouTube video here:
A Sweet Farewell
We couldn't leave without attending the character breakfast at Makahiki, where we said goodbye to Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, and Max Goof with live ukulele music and gluten-free Mickey waffles. It was a perfect sendoff for an incredible trip full of heart, heritage, and, of course, a little Disney magic.