Full Review of Disney Aulani and Villas

March 24, 2025

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UPDATED MARCH 2025. Here at Get Away Today we are regulars at both Disney Resorts and the Hawaiian Islands. When you combine Hawai'i with Disney and a stay at Disney Aulani, it’s the perfect escape to paradise for families, couples and friends. Many people want an authentic Hawaiian vacation with that Disney flair which makes Aulani a top destination in the pacific.

If you’re looking for a truly laid back, island style vacation with all the amenities you need right on property, Disney Aulani is exactly what you need.

In this article we’ll discuss everything you need to know about visiting Aulani on the island of O'ahu anytime of year.

Disney Aulani Resort Snapshot

Aulani is best for those looking for premium accommodations with the complete resort experience. Here are a few things to know at a quick glance about Disney Aulani Resort.

Location: Positioned on the beautiful beaches of Ko Olina on the leeward coast of O‘ahu.
Closest Airport: You’ll fly into Honolulu airport (HNL), which is about a 30 minute drive to Aulani.
Corporate Brand: Disney
Sleeps up To: Four guests in standard hotel rooms or twelve in a Villa
Check In/Out Time: 3:00 pm / 11:00 am
Get Away Today Perks: Best Price Guarantee

Aulani is located on the island of O'ahu, home to Waikiki Beach, Honolulu, Pearl Harbor and so much more. The best way to get to Aulani from the airport is with a rental car or a shuttle.

When you stay at Aulani in a standard room or Villa, you’ll be able to relax by the various pools, stroll through beautiful tropical gardens, sit on the beach with a drink in hand and so much more. Your kids will love it too, as they explore various hidden Mickeys in your room, search for Menehune (men-neh-HOO-nay) and play in multiple pool and splash pad areas.

Disney Aulani is a wonderful, relaxing addition to your Hawaiian vacation or serves as an incredible stand alone vacation in the isles of the Pacific.

Aulani is not an all-inclusive resort, just like most U.S. resort destinations. We’ll discuss everything that is included and what you can expect to pay for, in addition to your accommodations in this overview.

Disney in Hawaiʻi

While Disney does not have a theme park in Hawaiʻi, Aulani Resort and Spa is its own kind of magic. Disney Imagineers side by side with local artisans and cultural experts to create everything you’ll discover when you vacation at Aulani.

“Aulani” itself means “messenger of a chief” where you’re invited to embrace time-honored traditions, Hawaiian-inspired experiences, discover natural wonders and rich traditions of Hawai‘i during the ultimate family getaway.

Which island is Aulani on?

Disney’s Aulani is located on the leeward coast of O‘ahu. O‘ahu is one of eight main Hawaiian islands and probably the one you’ve heard the most about. O‘ahu is also home to Waikiki Beach and Honolulu.

This secluded area of O‘ahu you’ll find Aulani nestled on 21 oceanfront acres, between mountains and serene ocean waters.

Aulani is part of Ko Olina Resort Community & Marina, complete with beaches, lagoons, a championship golf course and more. This area of Ko Olina was once a sacred area for Hawaiian monarchs and leaders to rest and unwind. Today, the area is an inviting vacation destination for those seeking relaxation.

Does Disney Aulani have a day pass?

Disney Aulani does not offer a day pass. In order to use the amenities on property like the pools and waterslides, you must be a registered guest of Aulani Resort.

Non-guests can however book character dining reservations, other select dining options and KA WA‘A – A Lū‘au on Oʻahu at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa. The beach area is also accessible for public use.

Does Disney Aulani have rides?

No, unlike Disney theme parks on the mainland, Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawai'i does not have rides. The attractions here include the spectacular beaches and lagoons, along with water sports and ample pools, water features, slides and more.

How did Disney incorporate Hawaiian culture into Aulani?

Along with working side by side with local artisans and cultural experts, Aulani continues to employ Hawaiians and locals at Aulani.

Guests also experience contemporary Hawaiian art and design throughout the Resort, enjoy authentic entertainment, including fireside storytelling, Hawaiian activities and crafts, including hula and lei-making classes and Island excursions, from surf lessons to hiking and more.

Included in Your Aulani Vacation

While not an all-inclusive resort, Aulani, A Disney Resort and Spa will leave you wanting for very little, if anything!

Here is what’s included at Aulani.

Disney Character Experiences.

Shake-a-Shaka Pool Party - this pool party is unlike any other, with your favorite Disney friends making it a splashing good time. Dance, play games and enjoy!
Disney Fun Animation - learn how to draw a favorite Disney Character and take home your own animation artwork masterpiece!
Character meet and greets - check the Aulani app for times and locations.

Celebrate the islands at Aulani.

Māka‘ika‘i Nature Tour - this guided walking tour discusses birds, aquaculture and the geology of the area, the natural beauty and wildlife of the islands.
Play ‘Ukulele- learn to play along to popular tunes on the ‘ukulele.
Live Hawaiian Music - at sunset enjoy some of Hawaii’s most renowned musicians performing live from contemporary to jazz to Hawaiian classic island songs.
‘Ohana Hula Dancing - take a lesson in hula dancing, learn traditional hula while experiencing an important part of Hawaiian culture.

Disney Service, Entertainment and Storytelling.

‘Ohana Disney Movie Night - Disney movies under the stars on Hālāwai Lawn.
Pau Hana Room - Family and children’s activities available at Aulani’s Community Hall. Some require an additional fee but there are many complimentary options as well.
Aunty’s Beach House and complimentary kids club activities.
Mikimiki Fitness Center - a 24-hour 2,000-sq. ft. health club with complimentary and premium fitness classes. Check the Daily 'Iwa for details.
Pristine Pools and Water Fun - pools, spas, water slides, a water zone and a lazy river, you can swim and play all day! Soak up the sun or boogie board in the beautiful Ko Olina Lagoon.

And let’s not forget—no resort fees at Disney’s Aulani!

When you book your Aulani Resort vacation with Get Away Today, all this and our quality customer service is included in your Hawaiian vacation. We’ll also help you choose your room, which comes with many comfortable amenities discussed below.

Disney Aulani Hotel Rooms

Spend your nights above a sparkling pacific bay and the gorgeous island sights of O'ahu. Aulani places you in a vacation oasis, just a short drive from Honolulu but so far away in scenery and ambiance. If you’ve ever stayed at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa at Disneyland, you’ll notice some resemblance with the beds and room layout. But here you’re totally immersed in all things Aloha.

Resort Rooms are usually the most affordable rooms, but do not skimp on decor or offerings. Even if you don’t choose a room with a view there are plenty of floor to ceiling windows throughout the hallways so you can enjoy the views all over the resort.

Aulani Resort Rooms

Resort Rooms come with a variety of view types including standard, island gardens, poolside gardens, partial ocean view and ocean view
Resort Rooms sleep up to four guests
2 Queen Beds or 1 King Bed and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa

These rooms also come stocked with amenities ready for your arrival:

Shower/Tub with Rain Head
Hairdryer
Ceiling Fan
In-Room Safe
Bath Products
Small Refrigerator
Iron & Ironing Board
Baby/toddler gear upon request
Private Porch or Balcony (Lanai)

Standard rooms feature island décor with magical Disney touches, a balcony or porch and so much more.

Aulani Deluxe Studios

Deluxe Studio views are the conference center, or parking area from the room or balcony, mountains, spa or landscaping, partial view of the pool, courtyards, water features or landscaping from the room or balcony, or partial view of the ocean from the room or balcony.
Resort Rooms sleep up to four guests
1 Queen Beds and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa

These rooms also come stocked with amenities ready for your arrival:

Shower/Tub with Rain Head
Hairdryer
Ceiling Fan
In-Room Safe
Bath Products
Small Refrigerator
Plates
Glasses
Toaster
Corkscrew
Can & Bottle Opener
Tea Kettle
Disposable flatware
Ice Bucket
Disposable bowls
Coffee Mugs
Coffee maker
Hangers
Iron & Ironing Board
Private Porch or Balcony (Lanai)
Other kitchen amenities upon request
Baby/toddler gear upon request

Disney Aulani DVC Villas

Villas are often referred to as DVC rooms as well. The Disney Vacation Club tower is also open to Get Away Today guests and offers many of the comforts of home for a leisurely vacation by the sea.

There are several different villas you can choose from:

1 Bedroom Villa. Sleeps up to five guests in 1 King Bed and 1 Queen-Size Pull-Down Bed and 1 Twin-Size Pull-Down Bed. View options include conference center, parking area, mountains, spa, landscaping, pool, courtyards, water features or ocean from the room or balcony.
2 Bedroom Villa sleeps up to nine guests in 1 King Bed and 2 Queen Beds and 1 Queen-Size Pull-Down Bed and 1 Twin-Size Pull-Down Bed. View options include conference center, parking area, mountains, spa, landscaping, pool, courtyards, water features or ocean from the room or balcony.
3 Bedroom Grand Villa sleeps up to twelve guests in 1 King Bed and 4 Queen Beds and 2 Twin-Size Pull-Down Beds. Includes pool views, kitchen, dining, living room areas, balcony. View options include conference center, parking area or ocean from the room or balcony.

Each villa is also equipped with many amenities:

Mop
Robes and slippers (upon request)
Stove
Voltage Converter (upon request)
Dryer
Electric Mixer (upon request)
Bowls
Bed Rails (upon request)
Plates
Blender (upon request)
Washer
Iron & Ironing Board
Hangers
Can & Bottle Opener
Glasses
Storage Containers
Toaster
Broom & Dust Pan
Flatware
Serving Utensils
Ice Bucket
Storage Containers
Toaster
Broom & Dust Pan
Flatware
Serving Utensils
Ice Bucket
Laundry Basket
Tea Kettle
Casserole Dish
High Chair
Mixing Bowls
Rice Cooker
Baking Sheet

The villas are definitely the best choice for larger groups and longer stays.

Aulani Pools

Being right on the beach is one of the biggest perks of any stay at Aulani. During your stay you can bounce around from slides, lazy rivers, splash zones, swimming pools and the ocean all within easy reach of your room.

Aulani has eight distinctive pool areas meant for all ages and plenty of play. When you stay at Aulani, all of these are yours to explore and included in your stay.

Ka Maka Grotto

This is the main swimming pool that will likely catch your eye as you explore the beautiful outdoor spaces of Aulani. Imagine yourself overlooking Ko Olina Beach and out into the Pacific Ocean from the infinity-edge pool. You can even swim into a misty grotto or enjoy the after-dark experience with thousands of glittering lights.

This pool is part of Ka Maka Landing, which offers additional relax and play spaces including the whirlpool spa for families, overlooking the beach and Keiki Cove Splash Zone, designed for younger kids.

Keiki Cove

Designed for kids ages 5 and under but open to all ages, Keiki Cove is the perfect place for water play at your own pace. This whimsical water playground features aquatic creatures that decorate the pool floor, rainbow water jets and hidden Menehune (the legendary “little people” responsible for mysterious happenings in Hawai‘i).

This splash zone is part of Ka Maka Landing which encompasses Aulani’s family pool area including Ka Maka Grotto and a family whirlpool spa overlooking the beach.

Menehune Bridge

The beach, the water, the rainbows—Hawai'i is simply dazzling but we bet your kids will be most drawn to the Menehune Bridge. At 2,100 square feet, Menehune Bridge offers play space and magical features at every turn:

2 water slides for those under 48 inches tall
Interactive water elements
Spinning gourds
A climbing play structure

And don’t forget to look out for Menehune—the legendary “little people” responsible for mysterious happenings on the islands.

Rainbow Reef

A stunning tropical oasis awaits at the center of Aulani. At Rainbow Reef you can enjoy up-close encounters with tropical fish in the only private snorkeling lagoon on O'ahu.

The saltwater lagoon at Aulani Resort is home to hundreds of tropical fish. Your family can swim up close among the marine life or take a look at this 3,800-square-foot reef through a viewing window.

There is an additional snorkeling equipment fee to snorkel or swim in Rainbow Reef. However, viewing of the area is totally free. You can watch and take pictures as friends and family snorkel. Children can also enjoy this experience as an easy introduction to snorkeling but ages 11 and under must be accompanied in the water by an adult.

Be sure to check Rainbow Reef hours on your Aulani app and plan to include this special moment in your Aulani vacation.

Waikolohe Pool

The Waikolohe Pool is the largest pool at Aulani where plenty of fun and laughter live on each day. Waikolohe is Hawaiian for “mischievous water”—and soon you’ll see why!

At 8,200-square-foot, this zero-entry pool offers something enticing for every member of your ‘ohana including:

Volcanic Vertical, the thrilling tunnel body slide
Poolside Disney Character visits
Age specific parties for teens-only, tweens-only or all-ages throughout your stay

Waikolohe Stream & Waterslides

River tubes are included, so grab a tube or two and let the gentle current carry you through the Waikolohe Valley in this lazy river. Drifting through rock formations and natural details inspired by the island around you, you can dodge the fountain springs or delight in the bursts of cooling refreshment.

Connected to Waikolohe Stream are two water slides from atop Pu‘u Kilo—a craggy peak overlooking Waikolohe Valley.

Volcanic Vertical: An enclosed, extreme body slide that plunges you into Waikolohe Pool
Tubestone Curl: An open-air, twisting and turning tube adventure that eventually launches you into Waikolohe Stream—ride it solo or with a partner and tubes are included with your stay.

Wailana Pool

Take a dip with the whole family––or lounge poolside and bask in the tropical atmosphere. Here you’ll find a 1,500-square-foot, tension-edge pool with a water wall that empties into the deep end of the pool, all surrounded by tropical shade trees.

Whirlpool Spas

Take a dip in one of 4 whirlpool spas at Aulani—there are both family friendly options and adults only escapes. One thing is for sure, there is always a hot tub nearby!

Whirlpool spa near Waikolohe Pool
Whirlpool spa near Waikolohe Stream
Whirlpool spa near Ka Maka Grotto
Two whirlpool spas at ‘Alohi Point ages 18 and older

Aulani Pool FAQs

While there are tons of pools to enjoy, you may still have a few questions about the pool areas of Aulani. Let us help with the answers!

Are Aulani pools exclusive to guests only?
Yes, you must be a registered guest to use any of the pools and spas at Aulani. Guests are given wristbands each day of their stay in order to access the pool areas.

Do I need a wristband to use the pool area at Aulani?
Yes, wristbands are only given to those staying at Aulani Resort. Your daily allocation of wristbands is based on the number of guests in your travel party, and cannot exceed the maximum occupancy for your specific room type. You must wear a wristband to use the pools, pool chairs and beach chairs at Aulani Resort.

Where do we pick up our wristbands to use the pools at Aulani?
A new wristband is required each day. Bring your room key to any towel station in the Waikolohe Valley pool area during operating hours to claim your wristbands for the day. You can also visit the towel station later in the afternoon/evening to pick up wristbands for the next day if you’d like.

Does Aulani provide pool and beach towels?
Yes, you can receive pool towels and beach towels at the towel stations throughout the day. No need to bring your own from home.

Does Aulani have cabanas?
Yes, while pool chairs, tables and lounge chairs are available on a first come, first serve basis you can also opt to upgrade to a cabana or casabella.

Cabanas provide comfortable, luxurious and convenient space for up to 7 guests and include:

43-inch flat-panel TV
Ceiling fan
Refrigerator
Wi-Fi access
Upgraded furniture
Fruit bowl
Complimentary bottled water

Casabellas at ‘AMA‘AMA offers a similar luxury with saltwater appeal in a 2-seat lounger with awning overlooking Ko Olina Beach. Located on the lanai (veranda) of ‘AMA‘AMA restaurant where privacy and comfort comes first.

Who are the Menehune?
According to Hawaiian tradition, the Menehune are master builders, capable of mighty feats of construction overnight. At the Menehune Bridge, they’ve created a special water play area just for younger children. You’ll spot the Menehune on the bridge in statue form—or perhaps frozen in plain sight—caught in the act of spilling and shooting water, or just planning their next mischievous activity. Menehune Bridge combines local lore with an imaginative play structure, so your kids can learn about Hawaiian culture as they have fun.

Are there pool parties at Aulani?
Yes, check the daily schedule on the Aulani app to see what’s happening during your stay. One pool party often hosted at Aulani is the Shake-A-Shaka Pool Party. You can join the fun and learn about surf culture, dance, play games, meet some favorite Disney Characters and more.

Disney Aulani Dining & More Amenities

There is so much delicious food to look forward to during your Aulani vacation, but before we get into the full run down we suggest taking a look at the most popular dining here—Aulani character dining.

If you’re looking for an adult escape you will absolutely want to check out Laniwai – A Disney Spa. Laniwai offers O'ahu's only outdoor hydrotherapy garden. Enjoy access to this soothing oasis with the purchase of any full-service spa treatment.

Before your spa treatment you’ll get a tour and full use of this gorgeous space. Early Hawaiians used similar ancient therapy as they bathed in fresh cool streams, mineral baths and the sea. The fluctuations in water temperature helped “reset” the body's regulatory system, boost the immune system and increase circulation, which washed away daily aches and pains.

Enjoy:

Private vitality baths
Co-ed soaking pools
A reflexology path designed to massage the feet and lower legs
Cold water therapy plunge pool
6 rain-style showers
Heated whirlpool jet spas
A lounge area with a menu of healthy foods and beverages

And best of all, there’s no time but island time here so you can fully relax until you get called back for your spa treatment. Choose from massages, salon services and more. There’s a sauna inside the locker room as well.

If keeping fit is a priority for you on vacation, you’ll certainly love the Mikimiki Fitness Center, optional fitness classes and specialized training. The salon, spa and fitness center are all located in the same area so you can explore and book appointments with ease.

Beyond that there is so much more to explore at Aulani including:

Pau Hana Room – Community Hall for games and family activities.
Aunty’s Beach House – Kids explore Hawaiian culture, art and music—with a dash of Disney magic—at this supervised activities club for Guests ages 4 to 12. Most activities are complimentary; select experiences are available at a fee.
Golf at Ko Olina Golf Club, located beside Aulani.

Experience the Difference of Hawaiʻi

Whether you are a new visitor to Hawaiʻi or have been visiting the islands for years now, you will learn for certain—this beautiful place is more than just a vacation destination.

The Hawaiian Islands are home to a community and culture, islands full of history, of natural beauty and resources where the relationship between people and land must be balanced and respected.

When we help you plan your visit to Hawaiʻi, we hope you share our desire and commitment to regenerative tourism. Regenerative tourism is Mālama Hawai‘i which means seeking to balance the economics of tourism with the wellbeing of Hawaiian communities, natural resources, and culture.

Mindful visitors learn and participate in the local culture and cuisine, care for the environment, shop locally and more. One simple example is purchasing sunscreen when you arrive in Hawaiʻi to ensure it is reef safe. Then be certain you do not stand on any reef or rocks when you’re in the ocean.

We would love to help you plan your vacation to Disney Aulani where so much thought, detail and local influence continues to be part of the Disney Aulani experience. Book online or call our vacation specialists at 855-GET-AWAY to help you get started.

Disney Aulani Guide || Get Away Today