From Hawaiian traditions and family activities to beautiful sunsets and one unforgettable luau, our stay at Disney's Aulani on Oahu was everything I'd hoped for — and a few things I hadn't expected.
A Little Disney, a Lot of Hawaii
As someone who has visited Walt Disney World more times than I can count, Disney's Aulani had been on my travel wish list for years. I love Disney, but I also love experiencing new destinations and their cultures. I was curious to see how Disney would bring those two things together in Hawaii.
When we finally had the opportunity to stay at Aulani, I couldn't wait.
Located in Ko Olina on Oahu's western coast, Aulani is a beautiful oceanfront resort overlooking a sheltered lagoon. From the moment we walked into the lobby, I was impressed. The architecture, the artwork, the atmosphere — everything felt thoughtfully designed around Hawaii, with just enough Disney woven in.
And that was one of the things I loved most. This wasn't a Disney theme park experience in Hawaii. It was a Hawaiian vacation with the service, attention to detail and little touches of Disney that I've come to love.
Our room overlooked the pools and waterslides, but it didn't take us long to head down to the beach. And the sunsets? Some of the most beautiful I've ever seen. We took so many pictures, but I don't think any of them quite captured how incredible the colours were.
So Much More Than a Pool Day
Don't get me wrong — we spent plenty of time enjoying the pools, waterslides and beach!
Aulani has a fantastic pool area, including the Waikolohe Stream lazy river, waterslides and the beautiful Ka Maka Grotto infinity-edge pool overlooking the ocean. There's also a sheltered lagoon where families can swim, paddleboard and enjoy the beach.
My daughter loves paddleboarding, so naturally that was on our list.
But what really impressed me was how much there was to do beyond swimming.
We signed up for several resort activities, including a family painting class. We had so much fun with that one, although I'm still convinced my painting was the best!
We also made our own Mickey ears, which was such a fun experience and gave us a souvenir that actually meant something because we'd made it ourselves.
One of the most memorable activities was the nighttime stargazing experience. We had an astronomer guiding us through the night sky with an enormous telescope. It was fascinating, and such a different experience from anything I'd done at a Disney resort before.
Disney calls this experience ‘Imi Loa Nā Hōkū, and it introduces guests to the stars and the role celestial navigation played in Hawaiian voyaging traditions.
It's those kinds of activities that make Aulani different. You're having fun together, but you're also learning something about Hawaii along the way.
Aunty's Beach House: A Win for Everyone
Another highlight was Aunty's Beach House, Disney's supervised children's activity centre for kids ages 4 to 12.
My daughter was a little hesitant about going at first. But when we came back to pick her up, she didn't want to leave!
I think that says everything.
She had a great time participating in the activities, and we got to enjoy a little adult time relaxing by the pool. Sometimes on a family vacation, having that opportunity for everyone to do something they enjoy makes such a difference.
Aunty's Beach House offers Hawaiian-inspired activities, storytelling, games and Disney experiences. Some programming is complimentary, while certain premium activities have an additional cost.
One thing I would definitely recommend is planning ahead. Reservations are required for the current programming, and availability can be limited.
The Luau I Would Do Again in a Heartbeat
If there's one experience at Aulani that I would tell families not to miss, it's the luau.
KA WA'A – A Lū'au at Aulani was absolutely phenomenal.
What I loved was that it wasn't just a dinner and a show. Before the performance, there were opportunities to participate in Hawaiian-inspired activities, including learning about traditional arts and trying the ukulele.
Then came the food, music, dancing and storytelling.
The show celebrates Hawaiian history and traditions, and I thought Disney did a wonderful job bringing everything together into an experience that was entertaining for the whole family.
I have been to a lot of shows and experiences over the years, but this one really stood out.
I would book it again without hesitation. In fact, I think I'd have a hard time returning to Aulani and not doing the luau!
Finding the Disney Magic
Of course, we couldn't visit a Disney resort without enjoying a little character time.
We booked a character breakfast at Makahiki, which was a fun way to bring some familiar Disney faces into our Hawaiian vacation.
What I appreciated about Aulani was that Disney didn't overpower the destination. You could enjoy character experiences, Mickey-shaped treats and Disney activities, but the resort still felt very much connected to Hawaii.
Throughout our stay, I felt there was a genuine effort to introduce guests to Hawaiian culture through art, music, storytelling and hands-on experiences.
For me, that balance is what makes Aulani special.
Would I Recommend Disney's Aulani to Families?
Absolutely! And one of the things I love about Aulani is that it gives families the opportunity to enjoy two very different sides of a Hawaiian vacation.
On one hand, you have this beautiful oceanfront resort with incredible pools, a beach, Disney character experiences, family activities and opportunities to learn about Hawaiian culture. There is so much to enjoy right on the property that you could easily spend several days without leaving.
But you're also on the beautiful island of Oahu, and there's so much more to discover beyond the resort.
Whether you're interested in Hawaiian history, exploring the island's beaches, experiencing local food or simply heading out for a day of sightseeing, Aulani can be a wonderful home base for your adventures.
And that's exactly how I would encourage families to approach their stay: make time for both.
Enjoy those relaxing resort days when nobody has to be anywhere. Spend time by the pool, participate in the activities and watch the sunset over the ocean. But also leave room in your itinerary to get out and experience the island.
Why I'd Happily Return
What stayed with me most about Aulani wasn't just the beautiful setting or the Disney touches. It was how thoughtfully the resort incorporated Hawaiian culture into the overall experience.
I loved that we could spend a morning enjoying the pools, participate in a family activity in the afternoon and learn something new about Hawaii in the evening.
And the luau? I'd book that again in a heartbeat.
Having experienced Aulani firsthand, I know how important it is to plan enough time to enjoy the resort itself while still leaving opportunities to explore Oahu.
For families who love Disney but also want a Hawaiian vacation filled with culture, relaxation and adventure, I think Aulani offers a wonderful balance.
It's a resort I would absolutely return to, and one I'm always happy to recommend to the right family.
