Aulani means “a messenger of a chief” in Hawaiian, meaning the messenger brings news from a higher authority. The resort serves as Disney’s messenger of the Hawaiian spirit, culture and people. Disney’s Imagineers worked side by side with local artisans, designers, builders, and historians to create a one-of-a-kind resort on the Hawaiian island of Oahu — Disney’s first and only resort not connected to one of its theme parks.

Located on 21 oceanfront acres in Oahu’s Ko Olina Resort and Marina, Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, opened to guests in 2011, just 17 miles but worlds away from bustling Honolulu. Nestled against a crystal-blue lagoon and white-sand beach, the family-friendly resort features water play areas and two pools; spas for ‘tweens, teens and adults; a kids’ club; family and kid activities and programs; Disney character experiences, and signature restaurants.

The resort is situated around its signature seven-acre water play area called Waikolohe Valley, which mimics the local landscape with a lava-formed mountain with trails leading to the blue waters below. Sprinkled through Waikolohe Valley, as well as all around the resort, are the legendary menehune, Hawaiian “little people,” who showcase the local folklore with plenty of whimsy to excite little ones.

The resort is also a Disney Vacation Club resort. The completion of the resort’s twin towers added 359 guestrooms, including 16 suites, and 481 two-bedroom villas. The additions of Moana of Montunui, a Menehune Mischief character dinner, and Ka Wa’A luau on the Hālāwai lawn, made the Hawaiian Disney experience even more family-friendly.

Aulani houses 359 guestrooms, including 16 suite, and 481 two-bedroom villas. All rooms and suites feature flat-screen TVs, DVD players, a private deck or porch, Pack 'N Plays with bedding, mini-refrigerator, coffeemaker, in-room safe, and a deep-soak tub.

Guestrooms
Standard rooms, at 382 square feet, are the most basic and lowest in price. The rooms sleep up to four in two queen beds or with one king bed with a queen-sized sleeper sofa.

Suites
Parlor Suites accommodate up to five in a room that is 764 square feet. The rooms feature a separate bedroom and parlor with a king-bed in the master bedroom, one queen-sized sleeper sofa, and one pull-down bunk in the parlor. The suites also provide an additional half bath.

The Lei Hulu Suite also sleeps up to five but is 1,528 square feet and features two full bathrooms. One king bed in the master bedroom, a queen-size bed in the parlor, and a sleeper chair in the parlor accommodate guests. The Ahu Ula Suite sleeps up to six in two bedrooms and 1,910 square feet. One king is available in the master bedroom, and one queen bed and queen-size sleep sofa is found in the second bedroom. The suite includes three full bathrooms. Both suites also feature whirlpool tubs, a steam shower, a full and mini refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher, and cordless phones.

Villas
Two-bedroom vacation club villas feature kitchenettes and a washer and dryer. Non-members can reserved these 60 days or less before arrival and are based on availability. The villas are 356 square feet and sleep up to four with a queen-sized bed and one queen-sized sleeper sofa.

We stayed in a 1-bedroom villa, part of the Disney Vacation Club (DVC) tower of Aulani’s resort. The one bedroom villa is 756 square feet and sleeps up to 5 guests. There is a king-sized bed in the master bedroom, a queen sleeper sofa and a chair that converted into a single bed in the living room. The villa contains a split 1.5 bathroom with separate shower/sink and toilet/sink areas, similar to the design on Disney cruise ships. There is also a complete kitchen with full-size refrigerator, sink, stove, oven, microwave, coffee maker, toaster, dishwasher and stocked with glassware, dishes, flatware, cooking utensils, pots & pans. Adjacent to the kitchen is a breakfast nook with table, bench seating, and stools. The set up is perfect for preparing and eating meals in the room, especially breakfast, and saving some on the high cost of Hawaiian restaurant meals. All DVC villas also have a washer and dryer allowing families to pack fewer clothes, travel lighter, and save on airline baggage fees. You do not have to be a DVC member to book a DVC villa. They are available to non-members 60 days or less before arrival based on availability.

Adventures by Disney
Special Disney-led experiences are offered off the resort and may be booked from the lobby. Experiences include the Kualoa Ranch Experience, which includes sailing on a catamaran, a private beach barbeque, and a horseback ride; Waimea Falls North Shore Experience guided tour of the North Shore and its botanical gardens; a Manoa Valley Rainforest & Bamboo Forest Hike, a three-mile hike across streams and near a 200-foot tropical waterfall; Hawaiian Fire Surf School, surfing lessons led by the Hawaiian Fire team on a barrier reef one mile offshore (teen-only versions are available); as well as Kailua Sea Kayaking, a visit to the Honolulu Academy of Arts & Bishop Museum, and a Hawaiian cooking class with a local celebrity chef.

Aunty's Beach House
In Hawaiian, kids are called "keiki" and, of course because it's Disney, keiki are treated very well at Aulani! Open from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m., Aunty's Beach House is a complimentary kids' club, for kids ages 3 to 12, with special programs and play areas to keep kids busy for hours. Special events include an evening party with Chip and Dale, making Stich's super secret super messy space goo, and hearing Hawaiian tales from Aunty. (Some programs have fees.) Lunch and dinner are provided for an additional charge. Children must be potty-trained to attend. Special 'tween activities are also held here.

Disney Friends Meet and Greets
Daily schedules are delivered to guestrooms each night so your family will know which characters will be making appearances the next day on the resort, and where and when. Kids will have a chance to take photos with beloved characters like Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Donald Duck, Stitch, and Chip and Dale.

Ka Wa'A Luau

Pre-show activities start at 5 p.m. on the lawn behind Aulani Resort. Families can learn how to make poi (not as bad as expected), how to play a ukulele (much easier than expected), make flower leis, get temporary tattoos, and more. Moana welcomes families to the festivities, and, most importantly, announces the opening of the dinner buffet. The feast features traditional Hawaiian staples such as poi, teriyaki chicken, and a whole roasted suckling pig.  The luau, Ka Wa’a or “the canoe,” shares traditional stories, dances, history, and culture of Hawaii and O’ahu’s ‘Ewa plains surrounding the resort, as well as legends of the demigod Maui (mention of Maui’s name elicites cheers from kids in the crowd – you’re welcome).

Painted Sky
The resort's 1,500-square-foot spa is dedicated to children 13 and up. 'Tweens and teens can select from manicures, pedicures, massages and facials, and enjoy the do-it-yourself mixology bar to blend body scrubs, perfumes and face masks. The center offers daily programs, as well as a relaxation area, computer station, and yogurt bar.

Rainbow Reef
This man-made reef is a 3,800 square-foot snorkel lagoon where swimmers of all levels can get up close and personal with more than 1,000 tropical fish native to the Hawaiian waters. There is a fee to swim in the reef, as well as to participate in the interactive stingray experience at the neighboring Makai Preserve.

Waikolohe Pool & Lagoon Beach
The resort's two pools include Waikolohe and Wailana. Wailana is a quiet, adult-only pool, but Waikolohe is the resort's main zero-entry pool for families, which is also attached to a lazy river for tubing, the Menehune Bridge water play area for the younger set, and the Pu'u Kilo lava mountain. Pu'u Kilo's two waterslides will definitely shrivel up fingers and toes on kids who won't want to stop riding the slides, one of which is completely in the dark. Lifeguards are stationed around the entire area from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The resort's beach is situated on a calm lagoon. Visit Makiki Joe's Beach Rentals for umbrellas or to rent paddleboards, kayaks, snorkel gear and more.

Menehune Adventure Trail
Scattered about the resort are the legendary "little people" of Hawaii, the menehune. More than 300 menehune are hidden, many of which are at eye level of the resort's smallest guests. Kids will have fun searching for menehune, and can take part in the Menehune Adventure Trail, where they receive a special device for seeking the whimsical little people.

Menehune Mischief

During Menehune Mischief, Aulani Resort’s “Uncle” tells tales of the Menehune – mystical, mischievous little people during a character meal with Donald Duck, Pluto, Chip and Dale at the resort’s Makahiki restaurant. The quality of the food, especially the seafood, was very fresh.  There was poke, crab claws and legs, mussels, prime rib, pastas, and salads as well as a bevy of desserts.  The atmosphere around the characters was not so raucous as you might find in the mainland theme parks.

'AMA'AMA
The resort's fine dining restaurant provides an open-air setting overlooking the lagoon and Pacific Ocean. Here, contemporary island cooking is the star with menu items featuring Pacific Rim dishes. For breakfast, the kids will love the chocolate milk-dipped French toast stuffed with bananas and peanut butter. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the menu offers pre fixe and a la carte selections. Dinnertime is most expensive, with entrees ranging between $31 to $53.

Makahiki
This restaurant, which is open for breakfast and dinner, provides a buffet featuring more bounty from the islands. The restaurant's lighting changes from pink to blue during the evening to mimic the setting sun, and it is here that evening musicians may perform and the Disney character breakfast, Aunty's Breakfast Celebration, is held twice a week (Wednesdays and Saturdays). A kids' corner, or Keiki Corner, provides a place with kids-friendly items, easy to get to for little ones. It's pricey, though: breakfast is $32 for adults and $18 for children 9 and under; dinner is $43 for adults and $21 for children 9 and younger.

Off the Hook
Next to the pools and 'AMA'AMA is an outdoor "shack" providing light bites from 11 a.m. into the late evening. Daytime selections include a kids' menu, but at night the limited selection is not suited for children, unless they like oysters, sushi and Peking duck.

Mama's Snack Stop
Tucked back by Aunty's Beach Shack is a quick-service sandwich, wrap and hot dog shop for grab and go items.

Lava Shack
Near Rainbow Reef is a store-like space that provides picnic-style foods to grab and go.

Papalua Shave Ice
No visit to Hawaii is complete without a bit of shave ice, and Aulani provides a shave ice shack on the pool deck, where kids won't miss it!

Little 'Opihi's - Beachside
Beachside hut offers snacks, fruit, beverages, and grab-and-go items. The menu’s been updated to include the theme park favorite pineapple soft serve ice cream (aka Dole Whip).

Ulu Cafe
Breakfast, lunch and dinner can be enjoyed poolside at this grab-and-go spot.

Room Service
Room service is available from 6 a.m. to midnight, promising food within 30 minutes of order time. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack items are available, including a kids' menu.

All About the Extras

• Kids' Lounge
  Aulani's Na Pua Place kid's lounge, just in view of the check-in desk, can keep kids' entertained during the registration process. Pint-sized stools, TVs and interactive games are available.
• Gear Delivery
  Paradise Baby Company can provide in-room delivery of baby gear, including strollers, swings, car seats and other baby essentials. Kalepa's Store carries snacks, meals, basic medicines, diapers, baby wipes, formula and even teethers. The resort offers Pack 'N Plays in every room and can provide bed rails (perfect for the platform beds), bottle warmers, outlet covers, booster seats and high chairs at no charge. (Although a deposit is required.)
• Babysitting
  Babysitters can be arranged on property. Reservations required.
• Wi-Fi
  Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the resort.

The Art of Smart Timing
Aulani is located on the Hawaiian island of Oahu, which means a visit will bring warm weather and waters year-round. There is no bad time to visit the island: spring, summer, fall or winter will all provide sunny skies (unless a quick Hawaiian rain shower pops up) and summer-like temperatures. Holidays are peak times to visit, so if you're seeking lower rates, fall (back-to-school-season) is a good time to go.

Getting There
Aulani is located just 17 miles from Honolulu International Airport, but the city's traffic can make the drive take 40 minutes to an hour. Direct flights are easier to find on the West Coast. The flight from the West Coast is more than five hours so families on the East Coast already flying across country without a direct flight may want to spend a night in a continental location, such as Los Angeles, before continuing on to Hawaii.

Getting Around
Families will find it convenient to maneuver around the resort.

For Mom and Dad
Laniwai Spa
Laniwai means "freshwater heaven," and this spa is certainly a water-filled heaven. A 5,000-square-foot outdoor hydrotherapy garden features a Stonehenge-style shower area with six different showerheads representing the island's six styles of rain, and a host of outdoor vitality baths. Enjoy the garden before or after a treatment in one of 15 rooms that provide massage therapies, herbal body remedies and treatments, facials, cosmetic enhancements, and treatments for moms-to-be, men, and couples.

A special baby massage session teaches new parents how to massage their child (up to age 2) to aid with sleep and digestion. While one parent learns the technique, the other receives a relaxing massage, and then they switch! Family massages can also be arranged with children 5 and up.