What to Know Before Visiting Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa

Aloha, fellow froggy travelers! Ready to take a trip to a beach vacation with Disney touches in the heart of Oahu? From transportation and accommodations to activities and entertainment, there are so many factors to take into consideration when planning a trip to Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawaiʻi.

You can book your magical trip to Aulani Resort & Spa through Undercover Tourist for hoppin' savings! Plus, you can lock in your Aulani stay for a refundable $200 deposit today, and pay the remaining balance 30 days prior to check-in.

Tips to Know Before You Visit Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa

1. Know When to Visit

When is the best time to visit Aulani, you ask? There are many answers to this layered question. If weather is the most important factor when planning your upcoming visit, remember that the climate is tropical and humid in Hawaii year-round.

No matter when you go, the highs hit around 80 degrees (Fahrenheit) and the lows fall into the high 60s or low 70s. The ocean surface temperatures in Hawaii don't vary much throughout the year. Water is typically 73-80 degrees Fahrenheit, which leads to consistent air temperature as well.

The best weather in Hawaii is typically in spring and early fall, from late April to mid-May as well as September through October. That's when crowds are lowest. But whether we visit in December or July, we find that the weather is consistently perfect! You might get more rain in the winter, but the intermittent rain showers are usually short-lived and followed by sunshine. Rain never seems to impact our vacation plans. Plus, Aulani is located in a drier area of the island, even during the winter.

You may also find that the busiest times around the resort coincide with when the tadpoles are out of school, especially on the West Coast (check out our post on the Best Times to Visit Disneyland to see the full breakdown!)

You might want to plan around known refurbishments. Here are the planned refurbishments in 2026:

• Waikolohe family pool, Waikolohe whirlpool spa and Volcanic Vertical body slide are unavailable from April 13 to May 8, 2026.

Guests can still enjoy other water features and pools, including the Waikolohe Stream, Ka Maka Pool & Grotto and Keiki Cove splash zone during that time. Tubestone Curl tube slide, Menehune Bridge water play structure, several whirlpool spas and the Ko Olina beach area also remain open. In addition, Wailana Adult Pool and the ‘Alohi Point whirlpool spa remain available for adults over 18.

When there are refurbishments underway, you might hear noise during the day, but not between dusk and 8 a.m.

Plan around the Jingle Rock Run, usually on a Sunday in December. The annual event took place Sunday Dec. 7, 2025 and Dec. 15, 2024. The Make-A-Wish holiday fundraiser includes a 2.5-mile route at Ko Olina Resort, and can take runners through Aulani. You can participate, donate or cheer on the runners. Participants can enjoy live entertainment along the route and at the festival grounds while they take in the sunset view from the Ko Olina Resort lagoons.

2. Plan Your Fun (and Know When to Reserve)

One of the first things we investigated when planning our trip to Aulani was what was and wasn't included in our stay — and which experiences were most important to our family, so that we could make a reservation, if required. Download the Aulani App to view activities and schedules. Hop over to our Aulani App post to see how and when to reserve your must-do activities.

KA WA‘A – A Luau is the signature luau experience available at Aulani Resort & Spa. It tells the story of canoe exploration that brought Hawaiian voyagers to Ko Olina. Keep in mind, this luau experience is a cultural experience (rather than a Disney experience). The show tells a beautiful story, with a special appearance from Mickey and Minnie Mouse at the end. You'll also find some arts and crafts included at the beginning of the show.

During our trip, we were able to try poi and make our own leis. The best part? The short waddle ... err, walk! ... back to your room after that delicious buffet fare, including prime rib, seafood and island fare. And not to worry — there's even a kid-friendly bento dinner for the keiki. Luau reservations generally open up five months in advance, and reservations are required for this experience (with advance payment). Other dining experiences, including the character breakfast at Makahiki, can be made up to 30 days in advance.

To enjoy some much-needed relaxation time, allow the tadpoles to explore Aunty’s Beach House — a supervised activities kids club exploring Hawaiian culture, art and music with a Disney twist. This kids club is meant for guests ages 4 to 12. While most of its activities are complimentary, be aware that select character experiences are available at a fee. But if your tadpoles would jump for some play time with Moana, you may find the upgrade to be right for your family! Aunty's Beach House must be reserved in advance, and reservations can be made up to 45 days ahead of time.

Don’t froget to check the schedule for outdoor movie nights on the Hālāwai Lawn, where you can enjoy Disney and Pixar films under the stars. There are also free karaoke nights, teen games, drawing lessons and firepit storytelling events to choose from. Activities at an additional fee include ear making (even light up ears!), stargazing and more. Again, many experiences require reservations (usually about 45 days in advance), so be sure to check the app!

Rainbow Reef is the only private snorkeling lagoon in Oahu. Colorful and full of diverse marine life, guests can enjoy up-close encounters with tropical fish of all kinds. If you’re planning on staying at Aulani multiple nights and you're interested in snorkeling, pay for Rainbow Reef access for the entirety of your stay. The cost of adult access for one day is $30 while a length of stay pass is $50 (children's day passes are $25, or you can buy a length of stay pass for $40).

No need to reserve Rainbow Reef in advance; you can stop by upon arrival to purchase your passes. However, if you're looking to participate in feeding the fish or snorkeling, you will need to reserve your spot in person, as it's first-come, first-served. Aulani recommends lining up at 8 a.m. for the best chance at securing your spot. On the other hand, you'll want to reserve a beginner's dive up to 45 days in advance.

Aulani offers complimentary guided tours of the resort, too! During the guided Art and Culture tour, get an in-depth look at the serene environment created by Walt Disney Imagineers, as well as Hawaiian art highlights showcased throughout the resort. There are tours for families and tours solely for adults. For more of a nature-oriented experience, embark on a nature walk, known as Maka‘ika‘i, the Nature and Wildlife of Aulani Resort. Explore the landscaping, nature and beauty of Aulani during this free, guided tour.

3. Think About Room Size and Amenities

Aulani offers many rooms, suites, villas and Disney Vacation Club Villas — which means there's an option with room for nearly every party! Think through three key questions: how many are in your party? Do you want a space to cook and want a kitchenette? And what kind of view are you looking for?

Standard rooms hold either two queen beds or a king bed with a queen pullout sofa, allowing up to four guests. The 1-2-bedroom suites are more luxurious and offer a parlor area with a kitchenette, sleeping four to nine guests. On the other hand, the 1-3-bedroom villas are well-suited for families. These come with a fully equipped kitchen, a washer-dryer combo and a whirlpool tub in the master bedroom, sleeping four to 12 guests. These rooms are especially helpful if you’re planning on buying groceries nearby and preparing meals in your hotel room.

Since we took a multi-generational trip to Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, we found the villas the perfect option for our family. It gave us plenty of space to spread out (with multiple restrooms for our party of six), while also allowing us to have a central space to gather for family meals.

The entire resort has Wi-Fi access, and each room offers a private lānai with Standard views (conference center or parking garage), Island Gardens (mountains, spa or landscaping), the ocean or Poolside Gardens. Where do you want to drink your coffee — or eat your Dole whip?

4. Plan Your Transportation

Aulani is located in Ko Olina, on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. Make sure to research transportation options from the airport to the resort. Consider renting a car or using shuttle services during your stay. Getting an Uber ride from the airport to the resort and back can cost anywhere from $50-100 depending on the size of your group. For a group larger than two, Aulani refers guests to Hele Hele Shuttle Service.

If you have a vehicle, you can valet your car at the front of the resort or self-park in the guest parking lot to the right of the resort driveway. If you self-park, take a ticket and park in any open spot. Up to two room keycards can serve as designated driver keycards per reservation, and they can be used to swipe in and out of the parking lot. Note that the cost of self-parking and valet are the same — $40 per day. While we consider ourselves frugal froggies, it was worth it to us to tip the valet attendants versus trying to navigate the parking situation each day ourselves. Since we wanted to do some sightseeing around the island, we opted to rent a car (did we mention we can help you save money on your rental car, too?).

Those who park at Aulani without a reservation or keycard will have to pay a base rate that increases every half hour, adding up to a total of $40 per day.

5. Download and Check the Aulani App

The free Aulani Resort Mobile App is available on both iOS and Android devices. The app contains multiple features that can really help you focus on what you want to do around the resort. You can also use the app to begin the check-in process, make dining reservations and book activity reservations. You can even find an interactive map of the resort, see which characters are meeting when and see menus.

The app also gives you access to one of the most important resources you can possibly have, the Daily ‘Iwa. The Daily 'Iwa is a calendar that lists all of the scheduled activities, shows and excursions taking place at the resort each day. This handy guide can be found via the app, or at locations throughout the resort. Find everything from character greetings to fitness classes! Note that some features are only unlocked once you've linked your reservation in the app.

6. Keep an Eye Out for Characters

Check the Daily 'Iwa (calendar of events) to see which characters will be out. You never truly know which characters you’ll encounter at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa. On some days, you’ll catch the Fab 5 (Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, Pluto) wandering around in different outfits. Keep an eye out for rare characters, such as Duffy, ShellyMay, 'Olu Mel and other friends. Other characters include Chip 'n' Dale, Lilo and Stitch or Moana. Sometimes, during bouts of inclement weather, character encounters are moved to inside the Kaiona Ballroom. Our kiddos also loved the pool party with Goofy and Max, complete with some new dance moves!

If a particular character is a must-meet for you, be sure to arrive a few minutes early to get in line. Attendants may check your room credentials. Have your autograph books and pens with the cap off ready to go — and know that some characters are still learning to sign their names and may not be able to sign. During our trip, ‘Olu Mel could not do autographs (but he did take some adorable pics!).

7. Don't Miss Out on Dining

Whether you want to enjoy a quick poolside meal or something more formal, the resort offers two sit-down restaurants, three lounges and several quick-service dining venues to choose from. Book restuarants such as Makahiki and ‘AMA‘AMA up to 30 days in advance via the Aulani app.

For a quick bite or something you can take up to the room, Ulu Cafe offers hot meals, sandwiches, pizzas and various pastries and snacks — including Mickey-shaped musubi, poke bowls, Dole Whips and acai bowls. The ‘Ōlelo Room offers shareable bites like sliders and sushi, plus classic cocktails. You'll often find musicians here, too. This was our first stop at the resort after a long flight!

The only thing better than shaved ice on a warm beach day is a shaved ice with Mickey ears! You can find this at Papalua Shaved Ice.

8. Explore the Island

Only a few minutes away from Aulani, there are multiple dining, shopping and entertainment options to explore. Nearby, the Ko Olina Marina gives guests the chance to partake in ocean excursions and tours. Those include snorkeling, scuba diving, sport fishing, seasonal whale watching and romantic sunset cruises. The Ko Olina Golf Club provides an 18-hole championship golf course, a driving range, and a clubhouse across the street from Aulani Resort.

Any Dole Whip fans? Nearby, you can board the Pineapple Express for a 20-minute narrated train ride through Hawaii’s only working pineapple plantation. Learn all about the history of the world’s most popular tropical fruit. Find out how James Dole founded the plantation exactly where it is today. (Of course, you'll also find Dole Whips at Aulani — including the Stitch Dole Whip Fruit Sundae at Little Opihi's.)

Each morning, our family loved walking the path from Aulani to the marina (and even spotted some mongoose!). We also took a walk across the street to Monkeypod (known for their mai tais and happy hour). We also frequented the ABC Store. It's a Hawaiian convenience store with a mix of groceries (and a hot food bar), souvenirs and beach must-haves.

Getting to know the island was a top priority for our family, so we put our rental car to good use to travel to Pearl Harbor (~30 minute drive), Hanauma Bay (~1 hour drive) and the North Shore (~45 minute drive). If you aren't driving — or would prefer not to — there are plenty of excursions that can be booked that depart directly from the resort. Learn more here.

9. Keep Track of Time

Designers created Aulani with families in mind. While there are a few adult-exclusive activities and areas scattered throughout the resort, such as the two whirlpool spas at ‘Alohi Point and one of the pools, most of the resort’s amenities tend to close early in the night. Plus, Hawaii as a whole has an early bedtime. Wandering the resort at night is toadally fine. But most eateries and activities in the resort are closed by 10 p.m. This makes it easy to enjoy a peaceful night of stargazing outside. However, it also means you’ll have to leave the resort if you’re in the mood for entertainment or a late-night meal. (Pssst ... got a hankering for a Dole Whip after Lil Opihi's is closed? Hop into Ulu Cafe, which is open later!)

When getting ready to visit the beach or pool areas, chair reservations become available at 8 a.m. and end at 5 p.m. Before or after those times, you have to be physically using a chair to claim it. If you leave things unattended on your chair for one hour, staff will take them to the nearest towel station and put chair up for grabs. The early bird gets the worm!

Likewise, beach chair rentals also go quickly, so we recommend being in line at Makiki Joe's about 15 minutes prior to opening.

Have a late flight home? No problem. After checkout, you can stick around the Aulani Resort and enjoy the amenities, including the pool areas and Aulani’s beach (Ko Olina Lagoon). Take a dip in the ocean but make sure to reserve a resort shower in advance! Go to the front desk and pick a 30-minute time slot for your shower (first come, first served).

Are you planning a trip to Aulani Resort & Spa anytime soon? Got any important tips worth sharing? Let us know in the comments below!

Related: Our ~Frogtastic~ Guide to Disney's Aulani Resort & Spa

Related: How to Navigate the Ins and Outs of the Aulani App

Hoppy planning!