Aulani Resort Guide
Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa
Our tips and tricks to make your trip magicalFrom ocean views and room layouts to dining and DVC perks — everything you need to plan the perfect Hawaiian getaway, from owners who know this resort best.
What’s In This Guide
Why We Love Aulani
If you want a blend of Disney magic and Hawaiian beauty on your next vacation, Aulani is a perfect fit.
With 21 acres of family adventures, Aulani combines deluxe accommodations with casual island fun. Sit and enjoy the sound of the beautiful lagoon, stick your toes in the sand, or spend the day at the pool. Play our favorite game of “name that Disney song” in the elevator. Remember — Ohana means family, and Aulani is all about making memories together!
Whether you’re looking for a full resort vacation or planning a split stay with another Disney property, Aulani delivers something truly unique: the magic of Disney in one of the most beautiful places in the world.
Find us on Pinterest @pixiepointgals and Instagram @pixiepointgals for real-time photos and updates from the resort!
Room View Categories
Your view category shapes your experience at Aulani — from the parking garage to a spectacular ocean panorama from your own balcony.
At Aulani, each room size is available in multiple view categories. Even guests without an ocean or island view have full access to the beach, lagoon, and all resort amenities.
- View of parking garage
- Little availability to rent
- View of Luau OR Island
- Request Luau view in Ewa Tower
- Usually easiest to rent
- View of pool area
- Can be a little noisy
- More points than Island View
- View of the Pacific Ocean
- Most expensive view category
- Stunning balcony sunsets
If you book an island view, put in a request for a Luau view in the Ewa Tower — it’s the same category but one of the most charming views at the resort, especially on Luau nights.
Room Sizes & Floor Plans
DVC villas range from studios to three-bedroom grand villas — here’s exactly what each room includes.
One of the biggest advantages of renting DVC at Aulani is the space and amenities. Even a studio includes a kitchenette, and one-bedroom and larger villas come with full kitchens, washer/dryers, and separate living and dining areas.
- One queen bed / sofa bed
- One bathroom
- Counter fridge
- Microwave
- Coffee maker / toaster
- A few paper products
Kitchenette only — no full kitchen. Studios can use the resort laundry room for free (ask the front desk for tokens).
- King bed
- Sofa bed / twin trundle
- Washer / dryer
- Full kitchen (see below)
- One bathroom
- Dining space
- One king bed
- Two queens
- Sofa bed / sleeper chair
- Full kitchen (see below)
- Washer / dryer
- 2½ bathrooms
Two types: Dedicated (two queens) and Lock-Off (one bedroom + studio with a connecting door). Sleeper chair is suitable for a small child.
- One king, four queens
- Sofa bed / sleeper chair
- Full kitchen (see below)
- Large dining space
- Living space
- Laundry
Kitchens have: sink, dishwasher, fridge and freezer, microwave, coffee maker, toaster. Plates, cups, silverware, frying pan, sauce pan, cooking utensils. Also included: one roll of paper towels, one dishwasher tablet, travel size dishwashing soap, and sponge.
Studios can use the shared laundry room on the pool level for free — stop by the front desk for tokens. One-bedroom villas and larger include an in-unit washer and dryer with a small amount of detergent included.
Restaurants, Bars & Quick Service
Aulani has some of the most unique dining at any Disney resort — Hawaiian-inspired cuisine and character breakfasts right on the island.
There are two main restaurants at Aulani: Makahiki and ‘Ama ‘Ama. There is also Off the Hook, a bar with food where you can also mobile order. Reservations are a must for both main restaurants — try to book as early as possible.
Overlooking the lush gardens, Makahiki offers a prix fixe character breakfast with Disney characters in Hawaiian style, and a seafood dinner. Book early — this one fills up fast.
With a stunning view of the ocean, ‘Ama ‘Ama is an upscale seafood restaurant at Aulani. Reservations are an absolute must here as well.
Quick Service & Snacks
Lots of quick grab-and-go, snacks, and made-to-order choices are available in the pool area. Don’t miss the Dole Whips by the beach, or Mickey-shaped shaved ice by the main pool. There’s also a fish & chips shack right next to the shaved ice.
- Ulu Café — Pizza, salads, and pastries. Best value on property — order the pizza!
- Drink Tumbler — Purchase on day one ($19) and use it at any freestyle drink machine or coffee station for your entire stay
- Snack Shacks — Dole Whips, Mickey shaved ice, and treats near the beach and main pool
- Off the Hook — Poolside bar with food; mobile ordering available
As a DVC / deluxe resort guest, dining reservations at Makahiki and ‘Ama ‘Ama are only available to Aulani resort guests — a major perk of renting DVC. Book as early as your window allows. Both fill up very fast.
Activity Highlights & Getting Around
Aulani has more to do on-property than almost any other Disney resort — you could spend an entire vacation without ever leaving.
Pools & Splash Pads
There are three large pool areas with two water slides, a lazy river, kid splash pad areas, and hot tubs. Come down early to snag chairs and get your pool wristband for the day (the pool typically opens around 8am). Pro tip: grab a new towel at the end of the day and pick up the next day’s band so you don’t have to wait in line in the morning!
Beach & Rentals
You can rent snorkels, paddleboards, and other equipment for the lagoon. Shaded chairs are also available for rent. Chairs on the beach tend to be more available than around the pool — head there if it’s crowded. Boogie boards and life jackets are free.
Rainbow Reef
Snorkel without waves! Near the main pool, Rainbow Reef is a 3,800 sq. ft. private reef with fish and sea life. Snorkeling equipment is included with the entrance fee.
A single-day pass is $25 (children slightly less), but a length-of-stay pass is only $45 — if you plan to go more than once, the pass is absolutely worth it.
Menehune Adventure
Check out a tablet from the community hall and solve clues to learn about Hawaiian culture with surprise Disney magic along the way. A great activity for the whole family.
Ukelele Lessons
Sign up early in the day at the Community Room (poolside) — these fill up fast. After your lesson, you can check out a ukelele for the length of your stay and keep practicing!
Aunty’s Beach House
Free supervised kids’ programs for ages 5–12, with sessions running about 1.5 hours. Activities are thoughtfully designed and absolutely loved by little ones.
Make sure to register for Aunty’s Beach House before you arrive — you can do this online ahead of your trip. Walk-ins may be available but spots are limited.
Hawaiian Storytelling
“Uncle,” Aulani’s beloved storyteller, shares Hawaiian folklore by the glow of the firepit each evening. It’s a perfect way to end the day and let kids wind down after a big day of activities.
Laniwai Spa
A great splurge for adults! Arrive an hour before your appointment to spend time in the outdoor hydrotherapy garden, which includes soaking pools, six unique rain showers, and a cold vitality bath. Highly recommend.
Luau
Make reservations at least 6 months in advance — this fills up extremely fast. The Aulani Luau is not held every night, so check the calendar for available dates. Paradise Cove down the street also offers a luau at a lower price point, though reviews are mixed.
Golf
There is a golf course across the street, and several others nearby. Ask guest services for information and help booking tee times. Kids play free after 3pm.
Transportation & Parking
When you stay at Aulani using DVC points (including renting), parking is free — you can park up to two cars per villa. Several shuttle companies run between the resort and the airport, and both Uber and Lyft service Aulani regularly.
Perks from Staying at Aulani & Renting DVC
Renting DVC points unlocks a full suite of benefits that standard hotel bookings simply don’t include.
What You Get
These perks apply to all guests staying at Aulani through a DVC rental — included in the cost, no extras needed.
