Why Every Disney Dreamer Should Stay at the Aulani Resort in Hawaii 

  • By Christopher da Costa
  • Published 10 February 2023
  • Revised 27 August 2024
Why Every Disney Dreamer Should Stay at the Aulani Resort in Hawaii 
  • By Christopher da Costa
  • Published 10 February 2023
  • Revised 27 August 2024
Why Every Disney Dreamer Should Stay at the Aulani Resort in Hawaii 
  • By Christopher da Costa
  • Published 10 February 2023
  • Revised 27 August 2024

If you’re a Disney aficionado, you’ve probably stayed in your fair share of Walt Disney World hotels in Orlando. After all, everyone knows it's the theme park capital of the world and the home of everyone’s favourite mouse. Yet have you considered where else in America you could fulfil your Disney dreams? Like at the tropical paradise of Hawaii, perhaps? 

We might be known as Ocean Florida, but as three-time winners of the Best Holiday Company to the USA, we are well-equipped to help you plan a perfect trip throughout The States - and Hawaii is no exception. At the Aulani Resort, the exotic culture of the Pacific and a stunning beachside location on Hawaii's Oahu Island is effortlessly combined with all the magic and excitement of Disney.

What's more, Hawaii is well placed for a multi-centre holiday across the USA’s stunning West Coast, letting you combine the relaxation of The Big Island with big city life in places like Las Vegas and LA. Though wherever your final destination, Hawaii’s beauty won't be found anywhere else...


Where Magic Meets Paradise 

Set amid 21 acres of oceanfront splendour, the resort huddles between a gorgeous mountain backdrop, picture-perfect blue waters and white-sand beaches of Ko Olina – fittingly meaning ‘Place of Joy’ in Hawaiian. With extra special Disney touches peppered throughout every aspect of the resort, you will really feel the magic from the moment you arrive. 



As with all official Disney hotels, Aulani offers the incomparable ‘Disney Difference’ experience that you won’t find anywhere else, including:
  • Enchanting encounters with your favourite Disney characters
  • Activities and entertainment centred around beloved Disney stories 
  • Themed swimming pools with rapids, water slides and lazy rivers
  • Luxurious accommodations with Magical Disney Touches 
  • Legendary Disney service from its dedicated staff  


Local attractions

It wouldn’t be a tropical Hawaii holiday without some high-quality beach time, and the powder-white sands and turquoise waters of Ko Olina Beach and lagoon provide the perfect spot for doing as much or as little as you like. Daily activities and special events on the beach keep everyone happy, and the opportunities for enjoying the water are abundant, with boogie-boarding, snorkelling, paddleboarding and simply swimming to your heart’s content. 



The resort lies about 30 minutes’ drive from Honolulu airport, serenely located away from the main throngs in Waikiki, yet it remains close enough to be able to experience the best Oahu has to offer. The local Ko Olina Resort Community & Marina area also features a championship golf course and great shopping and dining venues for you to explore if you feel like venturing out of the resort. 


Family Activities 

Family time here is key. And in renowned Disney style, there are several incredible pools within the resort, so it’s a great place to start all the fun in the sun. The 8,200 square-foot, zero-entry Waikolohe pool is kitted out with the plunging Volcanic Vertical tunnel slide as well as relaxing private cabanas for hire. Regular signature celebrations mean you can party poolside with loads of much-loved Disney characters, and for older kids there are themed pool parties for tweens and teens! 



Keiki Cove is a dedicated splash zone for under 5s, which features rainbow water jets and pictures of mythical aquatic creatures to look out for. Menehune Bridge is another interactive splash zone with two water slides and a huge structure to climb, while the infinity-edged pool, Ka Maka Grotto, is a more tranquil setting for a relaxing swim. 

Orlando’s attractions are well known for offering unique, up-close, and personal experiences with various wildlife – just look at the magnificent Disney’s Animal Kingdom! So, if that’s what you’re after, then you’ll really love Aulani’s very own man-made saltwater lagoon: Rainbow Reef. This private, 3,800 square-foot reef is home to thousands of tropical fish including angelfish, butterflyfish, and tangs, offering a real Finding Nemo feel and a safe place in which to snorkel and explore spectacular local marine life.  

Fortunately, Mickey and his friends are well-travelled and love visiting Hawaii to spend some time by the beach, meaning you may very well bump into Goofy, Minnie, Donald Duck, Pluto, Chip ‘n Dale, and many more during your stay at Aulani Resort. And don’t miss the complimentary daily activities, games, and arts and crafts for children aged 5-12 at Aunty’s Beach House, where you never know which of your favourite Disney characters will stop by to say aloha! 


Dining

Of course, it wouldn’t be a Disney hotel if classic Character Dining experiences weren’t on offer. At Aulani Resort, you can book a fantastic Character Breakfast at Makahiki – The Bounty of the Islands restaurant, which is available to book for your daily dose of Disney.  



Several more dining options include Quick Service at Ulu Café, Wailana Pool Bar and Mama’s Snack Stop for treats and light bites on the go, plus table service at casual eateries like Off the Hook poolside lounge and ‘Ama ‘Ama open-air restaurant, which serves classic Hawaiian fare with a modern twist. 

And for an unforgettable evening of family entertainment only Disney can offer, book yourselves a table for a traditional Lū’au festival with dancing, singing and storytelling while you tuck into delectable buffet-style island cuisine at sunset.


Accommodation 

Beautiful Rooms, Suites, Deluxe Studios and Villas offer fantastic and spacious accommodation for the whole family and are decked out in a contemporary style with traditional Hawaiian touches – look out for the adorable Mickey Mouse lamp by your bedside that ensures the Disney magic is always with you! 



If you’re thinking of mixing up your next Disney-themed vacation for something slightly different, then Aulani Resort is most certainly for you. With activities and entertainment for all ages, excellent dining and fabulous accommodation on offer, it’s the perfect tropical island alternative with a sprinkling of the Disney world we know and love! 


For more information on this or any other USA holiday, we'd love to hear from you

Enjoyed This Article?
Now choose what happens next...
1
Looking to Book
a Holiday?

This button will take you to a short form where we'll ask about your destination and preferences. If you don't like filling in forms simply give us a call on 01708 989 371 and we'll be happy to help you.

2
Receive Our
Exclusive Offers

Join our email to receive exclusive offers and airline sales direct to your inbox. Unsubscribe anytime (but why would you want to?)