If you’re searching for a lush, tropical vacay destination — sprinkled with pixie dust — look no further than Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii! Nestled along the breathtaking shores of Ko Olina, Oahu, Aulani offers an unfrogettable vacation experience that blends the rich culture of Hawaii with the unparalleled magic of Disney. From the moment you arrive, you'll be immersed in a world filled with relaxation, adventure, perfect weather and Disney pals.
One question we get is, "Is Aulani all-inclusive?" While there a ton of toadally magical extras included with your stay, such as ukelele lessons, character meet and greets and some of the most incredible pools we've been lucky enough to dip our toad toes in, Aulani is not an all-inclusive resort. We put together this guide to walk you through all of the fun included with your Hawaiian getaway — and what isn't — so you're prepared for your vacay and have the right budget in mind.
Save some green by booking a stay through Undercover Tourist for Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa.
Save up to 30% on consecutive 4-night to 14-night stays at AULANI, A Disney Resort & Spa and AULANI, Disney Vacation Club Villas. Book now through March 5, 2025, for stays Jan. 4 through April 10, 2025, with arrivals Jan. 4 through April 6, 2025.
Save up to 30% on consecutive 4-night to 14-night stays at AULANI, A Disney Resort & Spa and AULANI, Disney Vacation Club Villas. Book now through March 5, 2025, for stays Jan. 4 through April 10, 2025, with arrivals Jan. 4 through April 6, 2025.
What's Included at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa
You'll want to know what's included in your Aulani vacation, so you can take advantage of all the resort has to offer. These include entertainment, special experiences and character interactions that have no additional fees.
Pools & Amenities
Some of the resort’s best features are its relaxing pools, as well as its stunning beach — Ko Olina Lagoon. There are several pools you can access throughout your stay, including a lazy river and a water play area perfect for the tadpoles.
Waikolohe Pool is an 8,200 square-foot pool with two water slides (including the Volcanic Vertical body slide). Ka Maka Grotto, an infinity pool that overlooks Ko Olina Beach, offers spectacular ocean views and a zen pool atmosphere. Separated from the hustle and bustle of the main pool area, Wailana Pool is yet another serene spot to enjoy the tropical island vibes (for adults only).
Poolside activities included (at large pools):
- Shake-A-Shaka Family pool party with characters
- Select teens and tween parties (may vary)
You can sometimes even spot Disney characters taking a leisurely stroll or hanging out by the large pools!
The little ones can check out Menehune Bridge, an interactive area equipped with two slides and a play structure, and the Keiki Cove Splash Zone where the kiddos can splash around squirting water jets to their hearts’ content.
With four whirlpool spa areas throughout the resort, there are plenty of opportunities for the entire family to unwind in the water. Each of the three main pools has an adjacent family-friendly whirlpool spa, while two at ‘Alohi Point are reserved for guests ages 18 and older. These adult-exclusive spas offer a scenic oceanfront overlook.
Catch different views of the resort and take a relaxing ride down the lazy river, Waikolohe Stream — also included in your stay. The resort has two waterslides as well.
Pool items included in your stay:
- Towels
- Life vests
- Lazy river tubes
- Beach loungers & umbrellas
Mikimiki Fitness Center
A 2,000-square-foot facility, this fitness center provides Life Fitness cardiovascular and strength training equipment, free weights and an open stretching area. Use a resort keycard to access the fitness center, which is open 24 hours a day. While guests can use the equipment available, fitness classes are not included.
The Luana Lounge accommodates guests who want to check in early or check out late, offering men's and women's locker rooms, changing rooms and showers.
In-Room Amenities
In standard rooms, you can find these basic amenities provided by the resort at no extra cost:
- Blu-Ray DVD player
- Tea kettle
- Coffee maker
- Mini refrigerator
- Robes
- Portable crib
- Daily housekeeping service
- Free Wi-Fi
Beach Activities
Visit the crystal clear Ko Olina Lagoon, where guests can kick back, watch the waves roll in or get in on some fun beach action. With Ki’i One, a sand-sculpting event that takes place on the beach, teens can compete to make the best sand sculpture (and learn a thing or two along the way!). Toddler Time Splash and Play turns the beach into a free play party complete with kids' activities, such as races, sand castle building and a treasure hunt — providing a family-friendly space for quality time on the beach. Actual activities can vary, as they may change throughout the year.
The North Shore Beach Zone offers Island Beach Challenge games and other athletic activities for teens who want to be more active while on vacation. Teens who prefer something a little less strenuous can enjoy the Sunset Mele, a complimentary celebration of music and Hawaiian culture on the beach at sunset, or game night.
Beach chairs and umbrellas are included. You can check them out as well as complimentary sand toys and Boogie boards. Paddleboards, snorkel gear and kayaks are also available to rent at an additional cost. A beachside casabella (2-seat lounger with awning) costs $80 per day. (Same-day reservations available on a first-come, first-served basis for use between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.)
You do need to pay to access Rainbow Reef, the resort's private snorkeling lagoon. (Access fee includes mask, snorkel and a life vest.) But experienced snorkelers can snorkel for free at nearby beaches within walking distance.
Character Experiences
Say Aloha and snap a photo with timeless and rare Disney characters as part of your stay — including Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, Pluto, Daisy, Chip 'n' Dale, Duffy, Shellie May, Moana, Stitch, Angel and more! Most of the time, you’ll find these characters dressed in their vacation best, sporting tropical, nature-themed apparel.
Check the Daily 'Iwa — the Aulani's event schedule — for locations and time characters that will appear throughout the resort. There are premium character experiences in which you can interact with them more in-depth (noted on the 'Iwa), available for an additional fee. So be mindful of that distinction when checking the daily schedule and planning meet and greets in advance. You can also use the Aulani Resort app or call the ToonFinder at ext. 2447.
You may also spot characters during the Shake-A-Shaka Pool Party or Fire Pit Storytelling. Keep an eye out for characters at Aunty's Beach House.
Aunty’s Beach House
When the adult frogs want to explore Aulani Resort, the tadpoles can play in the Kids Zone at Aunty’s Beach House. Specifically for kids ages 4-12, this is an activity club. The little ones can explore Hawaiian culture, art, crafts and music — with a dash of Disney wonder mixed in. In this kids club, younger guests can enjoy a movie room showing Disney films, magical portals that depict Hawaiian scenery and enchanted fireplaces. The beach house is staffed by Disney Youth Counselors with a secure check-in and checkout process. Therefore, parents can rest assured that their kids are supervised and safe.
Currently, you need advance registration to visit Aunty’s Beach House. Availability is limited, as there are only three 90-minute sessions per day. While some activities at this spot are complimentary, such as the character meet and greets, there are also a variety of premium experiences available at an extra cost.
After registering at Aunty's Beach House, each tadpole receives a commemorative keiki band at a charge of $18 plus tax. Your tadpole can keep the band as a souvenir or return it for a full refund (with receipt) before checkout.
Live Entertainment
The best way to maximize your stay at Aulani Resort is by experiencing the many forms of complimentary entertainment available to guests. Here are some free experiences the whole family can do together:
- Mo'olelo Fire Pit Storytelling — Uncle, a master weaver of tales, shares captivating stories of Hawaiian legends and lore
- Live musical performances around the resort day and night
- ‘Ohana Disney Movie Nights
- Disney Animation classes
Crafts & Activities
Aulani Resort is the perfect place to become familiar with the rich Hawaiian culture found within Oahu. Although some premium experiences cost additional fees, there are still many forms of included cultural crafts and activities to partake in:
- Maka'ika'i, The Art of Aulani Resort — A guided walking tour highlighting the significance of Aulani's architecture, decor and artwork
- Māka‘ika‘i, The Nature and Wildlife of Aulani Resort — A guided walking tour emphasizing the resort’s connection to nature, as well as the wonders of the local environment
- Pau Hana Room — Community Hall (game and craft room) — Guests can take a complimentary ukulele lesson or embark on the Menehune Adventure Trail (a resort scavenger hunt)
- Disney Animation classes
- ‘Ukulele lessons
What Costs Extra at Aulani Resort
There are a number of premium experiences that you might want to splurge on during your vacation. You'll have to pay for meals and snacks in addition to the following optional activities. The Daily Activities Schedule lists the included activities as well as the ones that cost extra (marked with an icon).
Premium Character Experiences
Even though there are character interactions that do not cost extra, the following memorable experiences do come with a fee. You'll want to reserve them in advance:
- "Kakamora Chaos with Moana" allows kids to play traditional Hawaiian games with the Princess of Motunui
- "Surf's Up! — A Surfin', Fishin' and Dancin' Party" invites Goofy and Chip 'n' Dale for some dance lessons.
- "Becoming Sea Creatures" — Learn about fascinating ocean friends as the octopus, crab, sea turtle, clown fish and whale through fun activities and a visit from ʻOlu Mel.
- Disney Character Breakfast at Makahiki – The Bounty of the Island — Dine with Disney characters at the resort with a three-course breakfast or dinner that includes live entertainment and a 'ukulele performance by Aunty! Adults (ages 10 and up) eat for about $50 plus tax and gratuity and kids (ages 9 and under) eat for $29 plus tax and gratuity for Brekafast. Dinner is about $75 for adults and $30 for children. Reservations for this character dining experience are highly recommended. Prices subject to change.
Spa and Salon Services
Spa services and salon services cost extra. You can view services and prices online in advance. Kids can get a makeover at Painted Sky: HI Style Studio before a portrait session or luau.
Excursions and Golf
You may want to experience more of what Hawaii has to offer, including golf at the resort next door. Take a surf lesson, explore the North Shore, go on adventures or visit Pearl Harbor. You can go ziplining, jet skiing and kayaking, or go on a dolphin encounter. You can even visit a pineapple plantation. This link offers many things to do on Oahu.
Premium Activities
Your party may want to partake in some of these paid activities:
- Fitness classes
- Surf's Up Dance Party
- Supplied Air Snorkeling,
- Hair braiding
- Fish feeding
- Select crafts
- Snorkel sets: $25 per day for Aulani Resort Guests (includes one-day access to guest-exclusive Rainbow Reef, a life vest and mask)
- Stand-up paddleboards: $45 per hour
- Beachside casabella (2-seat lounger with awning): $80 per day (same-day reservations available on a first-come, first-served basis for use between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM). But regular beach chairs are free.
Casabellas at ‘AMA‘AMA — Unwind in a beachfront, 2-seat lounger with awning, located on the lanai (veranda) of ‘AMA‘AMA restaurant. It's a private and luxurious option for those who prefer a serene beach experience. - Private portrait sessions
- PhotoPass weekly or meal photo packages
- ‘Imi Loa Nāa Hōkū (Explore the Stars)
- Self-service laundry and laundry valet services
Luau
A Luau is a popular thing to do in Hawaii. KA WA‘A – A Lū‘au on Oʻahu at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa is the one on property. Reservations fill up quickly. To reserve or learn more, call (844) 284-7644 between 8:00 AM and 5:00 p.m. Hawaiian Time. You can book online or by phone up to five months in advance. We recommend you book as soon as your dates open up.
Looking to visit Aulani Resort & Spa and save some green while you're at it? Let us know in the comments! For select deals and rates when planning a stay at Aulani Resort & Spa, book through Undercover Tourist!
Related: What to Know Before Visiting Disney's Aulani Resort & Spa
Related: Our ~Frogtastic~ Guide to Aulani — A Disney Resort & Spa
Hoppy planning!
