One of our frog-favorite beach destinations (especially in the summer), Aulani — A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawaii combines the wonders of Hawaiian culture with the magic of Disney. Offering daily unique experiences, this resort truly has something for every member of the family! Tad and Lily always have a hoppenin’ time interacting with Disney characters. Now, you can book your magical trip to Aulani Resort & Spa through Undercover Tourist to enjoy hoppin' deals! Read on to find out how to save up to 30 percent when you book your stay at Disney Aulani Resort & Spa in Hawaii from Jan. 6, 2024, through March 24, 2024! Let’s hop into it for more details on this Disney resort in paradise.
Overview of Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa
Aulani Resort & Spa is a Disney Resort located in the town of Kapolei on Oahu Island, about 20 miles west of Honolulu. Nestled between breathtaking mountains and peaceful ocean waters, the Aulani Resort sits on four human-made lagoons, which span over 21 acres of Ko Olina’s white-sand beaches.
As guests arrive, they are greeted with flower leis and kukui nut leis. To achieve the ultimate family getaway experience, the resort immerses its guests in the rich culture and customs of Hawaii. Walt Disney Imagineers worked closely with local artisans and cultural experts to curate unique experiences and excursions for guests to connect with the beauty and spirit of the land. Throughout the resort, you can see contemporary Hawaiian art and design, culturally rich entertainment, fireside storytelling, outdoor movie nights, Hawaiian arts and crafts, hula and lei-making lessons and thrilling island excursions.
Aulani Resort & Spa Rooms
The Aulani Resort comprises 351 hotel rooms (16 of which are suites) and 481 Disney Vacation Club units, including 19 Grand Villas.
Each lodging unit is complete with unique, contemporary art reflecting the greenery and natural beauty of the Hawaiian islands.
Resort Rooms
There are five different kinds of resort rooms, each sleeping up to four adults. In order from most affordable to most costly, these include the standard view room (the most affordable option), the island gardens view room, the poolside gardens view room, the partial ocean view room and the ocean view room.
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Disney's Aulani Resort & Spa rates are available through Undercover Tourist!
While each type of standard room provides a different view, they are all spacious (about 382 square feet) and provide guests with either two queen beds or one king bed and a queen sleeper sofa bed. These rooms also include one full bathroom, a flat-screen TV, an in-room safe, Wi-Fi access, a mini-fridge, a coffee station and some basic toiletries.
The resort suites are a more costly, but lavish, lodging option for larger families staying at Aulani. There are 1-bedroom Parlor Suites, Signature 1-bedroom Suites and Signature 2-bedroom Suites to choose from.
Looking to visit this lush, paradisiacal resort this upcoming year? Save up to 30 percent on select stays, from Jan. 6, 2024, through March 24, 2024, at Disney Aulani Resort & Spa in Hawaii! When you book by Oct. 4, 2023, receive a $150 resort credit voucher to use during your stay! Hotel reservations are fully refundable when canceled at least five days before check-in.
Suites
A 1-Bedroom Parlor Suite offers 750 square feet of space, and sleeps up to five guests! In this room, guests can enjoy a private master bedroom, a kitchenette, a private porch or balcony, an extra twin-sized pull-down bed in the parlor, and an additional half bathroom, as well as complimentary robes and slippers. There's even an extra flat-screen TV for the tadpoles to stay entertained!
The Signature 1-Bedroom Suite, also known as the Lei Hulu Suite, also sleeps up to five guests and offers all of the benefits of the 1-Bedroom Parlor Suite. Occupying about 1,528 square feet, this suite includes two full bathrooms, another queen-sized bed and a full-sized kitchen with a pantry and additional appliances. Some other perks this room includes are extra toiletries, a whirlpool tub, a steam shower and deluxe robes and slippers.
Over 1,900 square feet in size, the Signature 2-Bedroom Suites (also known as 'Ahu 'Ula) includes all of the amenities of the other suites and more! This suite includes an additional sleeper sofa and an additional queen-sized bed to sleep up to six guests, as well as a third full bathroom. Ideal for large families with many tadpoles, the Ahu 'Ula Suite also includes a third flat-screen TV and a Blu-Ray DVD player.
Disney Vacation Club Deluxe Villas
For a more luxurious experience, Disney Vacation Club Deluxe Villas are also available for members on the other side of the resort. These studios are also categorized (and priced) by the view and offer one-, two- and three-bedroom units. These units are similar to the standard resort rooms in decor and quality; however, the Disney Vacation Club rooms are equipped with a minibar and an extra pull-out sofa bed. They also have full kitchens, living rooms and washers and dryers. Book your stay at a DVC Deluxe Villa through Undercover Tourist to save big on your trip!
Amenities, Recreation and Shopping at Aulani Resort
Endless fun is waiting to be explored at Aulani! Guests can enjoy the focal point of the resort — a shimmering beach where guests can rent paddle boards, snorkel and even ride in a special canoe (for an extra fee)! Moreover, the resort offers multiple recreational activities and amenities included in the price of your stay, as well as other island excursions at an additional cost.
Kids’ Club
At Aunty’s Beach House, kids can play games, make crafts and explore Hawaiian art and culture brimming with Disney magic! Intended for tadpoles ages 4 to 12, this kids' club is supervised at all times and offers both complimentary and paid experiences for tadpoles. Guests must pre-register for Aunty’s Beach House in advance to have a chance at participating.
Pau Hana Room — Community Hall
Stop by the Community Hall for complimentary, family-friendly activities, such as crafts, ukelele lessons and a scavenger hunt along the Menehune Adventure Trail.
Activities that come with additional costs include making your own tropical Mickey ears, T-shirt stamping and painting parties.
Pools
Swim, splash and have fun under the sun at one of the many pools in Aulani Resort! There are a variety of pools for the whole family to enjoy. In the Ka Maka Landing area, you can find an infinity pool overlooking Ko Olina Beach, a misty Grotto and an after-dark experience with glittering lights. Guests of all ages can also bask in the tropical atmosphere of a 1,500-square-foot Wailana Pool, which delivers a more relaxing poolside experience.
In four different resort areas, both tadpoles and adult frogs can enjoy outdoor whirlpool spas. There are a few additional pools throughout the resort, including the Waikolohe Pool and the Waikolohe Stream. Spanning over 8,200 square feet, The Waikolohe Pool hosts regular poolside dance parties and even has a tunnel water slide (known as the Volcano Vertical) for the tadpoles and teenage frogs! One area containing two whirlpools, at 'Alohi Point, provides spectacular beach views and is exclusively for adults, age 18 or older.
Typically, the pools are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, while the water slides are open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. A wristband, given to each resort guest, is needed to enter the pool areas.
Character Interactions
Disney characters love to vacation at Aulani Resort! While on the property, guests can encounter Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy, Pluto, Daisy Duck, Chip 'n' Dale, Duffy and Shellie May. Moana and Stitch call the island home and are often wandering around the resort. Guests must present a valid room key or wristband to participate in a character experience.
The tadpoles will absolutely love spending time with Mickey and Friends during character experiences. You never know which character will drop by Aunty's Beach House for some free fun!
The resort also offers two premium character experiences, which come at an extra cost. "Kakamora Chaos with Moana" allows kids to play traditional Hawaiian games with the Princess of Motunui, and "Surf's Up! — A Surfin', Fishin' and Dancin' Party" invites Goofy and Chip 'n' Dale for some dance lessons. Advance reservations are needed.
To dine with Disney characters at the resort, guests can attend the Disney Character Breakfast at Makahiki – The Bounty of the Island restaurant. The experience includes a three-course meal that includes live entertainment and a ukulele performance by Aunty!
Adults (ages 10 and up) eat for $49 plus tax and gratuity and kids (ages 9 and under) eat for $29 plus tax and gratuity. Reservations for this character dining experience are highly recommended.
Painted Sky: HI Style Studio
Guests ages 3 to 12 can show off their new island style after a makeover at Painted Sky: HI Style Studio!
Fitness Center
The MikiMiki Fitness Center is a 2,000-square-foot full-service facility that offers Technogym cardiovascular and strength training equipment, Peloton Bikes, free weights and a stretching area. The fitness center is open 24 hours a day and can be easily accessed using a resort key card. Guests of at least 14 years of age can use the facilities if accompanied by an adult of 18 years of age or older.
The resort also offers fitness classes and specialized training for additional costs.
Spa
Rejuvenate the soul at Laniwai — A Disney Spa. A full-service spa and salon, Laniwai allows guests to choose from a range of relaxing services, including a Signature Lomilomi — a traditional Hawaiian massage that is passed down from generation to generation by healing elders. Guests can also enjoy other traditional massage therapies, herbal body remedies and facials. All of these treatments will cost an additional fee.
Couples treatments and family treatments are also available to book. New moms can experience a Hāpai Massage, which uses safe, prenatal techniques to increase relaxation and circulation, alleviate muscles and reduce water retention.
If you must reschedule or cancel your appointment, you should notify the spa at least six hours in advance to avoid being charged a service fee. A 20 percent service charge will be added to each spa service received.
For an extra fee, spa-goers can bathe in Kula Wai: an Outdoor Hydrotherapy Garden. Here, guests can cool off in fresh streams, mineral baths and the sea.
Disney PhotoPass Service
Snag a Disney PhotoPass card from a Disney PhotoPass photographer to save your precious vacation memories! You can view your photos at Kālepa's Store, where you can also purchase them. You can also purchase online.
ATM
Guests can use an ATM located in the hotel lobby to withdraw cash.
Laundry
Laundry services are available for a fee at Aulani. Guests can use two self-service laundry facilities on the first floor of the resort.
For valet laundry services, you can fill out the laundry list inside your hotel room and attach it to the clothing you want to be cleaned. Charges will be billed to your room.
Disney Vacation Club Villas features a laundry area with a washer and dryer.
Parking
Self-parking is available at Aulani Resort. For overnight guests, self-parking is $37 per day.
Disney Vacation Club Members can enjoy self-parking at no charge for up to two vehicles when the reservation is booked with proof of membership.
Groceries
Inside the resort, Kālepa's Store offers a limited selection of groceries. If you're a Disney Vacation Club Member, you can submit an order form to have groceries delivered to your room.
Located near Aulani Resort, Island Country Market has a full-service deli and groceries. You can use complimentary shuttle transportation to Ko Olina Resort to shop for groceries. There is a shuttle stop just across the street from Aulani.
Don’t froget — groceries cannot be stored at the resort or delivered to your room before check-in. Make sure to check in first before purchasing perishable items.
Just a few minutes away from Aulani Resort, you'll find stores such as Target, Costco, Safeway and Longs Drugs.
Shopping
Located near the Maka‘ala lobby on the ‘Ewa Tower side, Kalepa's Store is a handy place to pick up gifts, sundries and vacation essentials.
Nature lovers will have the time of their lives at Hale Manu Boutique, an upscale emporium on the 'Ewa Tower side of the Maka‘ala lobby.
For any snacks and beverage needs, pay a visit to the poolside Lava Shack Snack Shop.
Off-resort shopping in Oahu is another great option! There are various specialty shops to explore in the area, including the Ko Olina Golf Shop, the Marina Shop and the Ko Olina Station & Center. The Ko Olina Station and Ko Olina Center feature resort retail stores and restaurants.
Save up some green for resort shopping by booking your Aulani Resort & Spa stay through Undercover Tourist. Save up to 30 percent on select stays from Jan. 6, 2024, through March 24, 2024!
Other Add-on Activities & Excursions
At the Honolulu Tour Desk in the lobby, guests can book a number of island excursions. Discover the natural wonders of Oahu. From zipline courses to dolphin encounters, there is much to see and experience around Aulani.
The Ko Olina Resort, next door to Aulani, offers a high-quality golf club with awe-inspiring views.
In ‘Imi Loa Nāa Hōkū (Explore the Stars), learn the same techniques that ancient Polynesian voyagers used to navigate to Hawai‘i. Use the stars as your guide! Fees apply for this experience as well.
Visit Aulani Resort’s website for the daily calendar of activities and events.
Transportation at Aulani Resort
When flying to Aulani, guests will arrive at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) airport. The resort offers a shuttle service (at an additional cost) that transports guests to and from the airport, as well as other island destinations! You can also inquire about limousine services.
If you’re looking for a way to get around once you are on the island, you can rent a car in advance at the Honolulu International Airport or visit the Alamo car rental counter at Aulani Resort (located in the conference center).
If you’re trying to save some green, order an Uber or taxi ride to get where you want to go.
Dining at Aulani Resort
Disney's Aulani Resort offers some of the most innovative culinary creations on the island. On the property, guests can visit two sit-down restaurants, three lounges and several quick-service dining venues.
AMA’AMA restaurant
AMA’AMA restaurant specializes in contemporary island cuisine. Located beside the Waikolohe Valley pool area, the eatery is just steps from the beach. It includes locally sourced fish and produce in its dishes, serving Hawaiian classics such as savory Pork Belly with “Scanlan sauce.”
Makahiki Restaurant
Overlooking a lovely koi pond, the Makahiki restaurant is a festive, family-friendly space inspired by the Makahiki season — the traditional Hawaiian celebration of the harvest. Guests can enjoy delectable food and local art, as well as amazing breakfast and dinner meals.
Ka Wa’a
Ka Wa’a — A Luau on O’ahu is an enchanting show and buffet dinner experience displaying the deep cultural roots of Oahu. Advance reservations for this event are required. Guests can choose between a preferred or general seating package at two different prices.
Ulu Cafe
Located on the first floor of the hotel, Ulu Cafe serves up ready-to-go convenience meals and freshly made hot entrées. If you’re not that hungry, grab a snack at a great price!
Off the Hook Bar & Lounge
Equipped with flat-screen TVs and a bar, this place has it all! Guests can snag a quick breakfast, lunch or evening bite and enjoy a tasty beverage in this laid-back lounge. It’s right next to the pool!
‘Ō lelo Room Bar & Lounge
Built to converse and connect, the ‘Ōlelo Room concocts tropical cocktails and savory appetizers. Enjoy these outside on the patio or indoors at the bar. On some nights when the weather permits it, live music is performed outside.
Wailana Pool Bar & Lounge
Wailana is the Hawaiian word for calm or quiet, meaning this lounge area is perfect for a relaxing day close to nature. Indulge in familiar favorites, such as pizza, hot dogs, burgers and more while sipping on a refreshing beverage by this serene pool.
Mama’s Snack Stop
Near Rainbow Reef, you’ll find the poolside eatery, Mama’s Snack Stop. If you’re in the mood for a quick snack or even a Hawaiian-style fish dish, this is exactly the spot. There's even a keiki menu for kid-sized tummies.
Pāpālua Shave Ice
This colorful quick-stop stand sells the best Hawaiian sweet treat around — shaved ice! Customize your perfect frozen dessert here. You can choose from various shave ice bases and flavors, including mango, pineapple, coconut, lilikoi, orange, guava and more.
Little ‘Opihi's
Try a treat from this cute, beachside kiosk near Makiki Joe's. This stand offers many fresh and frozen treats, such as fresh fruit, ice cream bars, Dole Whip sundaes and refreshing alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages.
What to Consider Before Staying at Aulani Resort
With all things considered, here are some of our top considerations when deciding to stay at Disney's Aulani Resort.
View
Because the resort rooms are priced by view, it can become expensive to book a room with a picturesque, island or ocean view. If you don’t mind staying in a room with a less expansive view, or simply don’t plan on being in the room often, booking a standard view room is a perfect (and much more affordable option).
Family
While the resort offers a few adult-exclusive areas, including peaceful lounges and whirlpools, most of the resort activities are geared toward a younger crowd. This resort sprinkles Disney magic onto every corner, meaning most of its excursions and activities are designed for family-friendly fun. While there is plenty to do, if you have older teenage frogs rather than young tadpoles in your family, they could feel more limited by the recreational activities at Aulani.
Budget
Another large factor to consider when deciding whether to book a stay at Aulani is your budget. Although the resort is riddled with rich, cultural activities and relaxing services, almost all of them come at an additional cost. If you’re on a tight budget, you will want to calculate the cost of the particular excursions and activities you will want to sign your family up for in advance.
Time
There are so many things to see at Aulani Resort. Between the resort’s multiple pools and a wide variety of entertainment, it’s almost impossible to experience everything during a single vacation stay. If your party is only planning on staying for a few days, it’s important to consider how you will allocate your time to accommodate all of these awesome activities.
We absolutely love Aulani Resort & Spa and we hope you will too! If you’re planning on visiting in the near future, let us know in the comments! If you want to save some green, book your magical trip to Aulani Resort & Spa through Undercover Tourist! When you book your 2024 stay at Disney Aulani Resort & Spa through Undercover Tourist, you can save up to 30 percent!
Related: The Frog Family's Guide to the Disneyland Hotel
Hoppy planning!
