A quick but memorable trip to Hawaii.
Our big family trip this summer was to Japan. To break up the long-haul flight, we decided to spend two nights at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, located in beautiful Ko Olina on Oahu. We had previously stayed in a neighboring resort and had dinner at Aulani, but this was our first time staying on the property – and it was every bit as magical as we hoped.
Aulani is a 4-star resort that blends the magic of Disney with the culture of Hawaii. With 351 hotel rooms and 481 vacation club studios & villas, there are accommodations for families of all sizes. The resort sits beachfront on a stunning lagoon and features multiple restaurants, sparkling pools, waterslides, a spa, kids club, and my daughter’s favorite – the lazy river.
There’s always something happening here! From character meet & greets, and arts & crafts to pool parties, hula lessons, and snorkeling, there’s truly something for everyone.
Aulani also hosts its own luau, Ka Wa’A, three to five nights per week (depending on the season). It’s a great way to experience Hawaiian culture without leaving the resort.
Our room had a partial ocean view, one king bed, and a pull-out sofa. It was spacious, with a well-sized bathroom and a balcony to enjoy the views. While I think the rooms could use a little updating, the were clean, comfortable, and perfect for a family stay.
We spent nearly all of our time in the water. The pools were pristine, the ocean was gorgeous, the splash area was a huge hit with our daughter, and we loved floating the hours away in the lazy river. If your family loves pool days and ocean swims, Aulani truly delivers.
Food is always our favorite part of any Disney vacation and Aulani did not disappoint.. The fresh-baked malasadas in the morning were absolutely delightful. We also enjoyed a character breakfast at Makahiki with Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, & Stitch. The loco moco was scrumptious and we enjoyed a tableside ukulele performance . And my daughter’s pick? The shaved ice – we had three over two days!
One of my favorite things about Aulani is its location in Ko Olina, a resort & residential community on the leeward side of Oahu. It’s far enough from the crowds of Waikiki to feel peaceful, but close enough to enjoy Oahu’s best sights.
Just across the street from Aulani is a shopping center with stores, restaurants, and my favorite – Island Country Markets. They have groceries, souvenirs, and made-to-order food & drinks. This trip, I tried the blended honeydew tea and the ube pancakes, and I’m obsessed. Those pancakes are one of the best things I’ve eaten on any vacation.
Although our stay at Aulani was short, it was memorable from start to finish and we’ll definitely be back.
This resort is perfect for families of all sizes and ages, offering a wonderful mix of activities, Hawaiian culture, and Disney magic. If you’re planning a Hawaii family vacation, Aulani is an incredible home base for your island adventure.
It would be my pleasure to assist you with your Aulani getaway. Send me an email to start the planning process: s.kemp@cruiseplanners.com
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