Discovering the Magic of Disney’s Aulani: Our August 2023 Family Adventure

By Barbara Durley, Travel & Cruise Consultant
Travelled August 2023 · 7 min read

Disney's Aulani resort towers and gardens at sunset in Ko Olina, Oahu, Hawaii

Quick takeaways

Disney’s Aulani Resort & Spa sits on Ko Olina Beach on Oahu, and blends Hawaiian culture with Disney magic.
Hunting for the hidden Menehune all over the resort was one of Kirsten’s favourite things to do.
Don’t miss a luau (at Aulani or the Polynesian Cultural Center), the Rainbow Reef snorkel lagoon and the Waikolohe Stream lazy river.
Mickey, Minnie and friends make appearances around the resort in their island outfits.

In August 2023, my daughter Kirsten and I took a truly unforgettable trip to Disney’s Aulani Resort in Hawaii! It was our first stop for a couple of days before our cruise, and it was the perfect blend of family fun, Hawaiian culture and Disney magic, all set in the stunning backdrop of Oahu. We created so many wonderful memories together, from exploring the hidden Menehune around the resort to an unforgettable luau night at the Polynesian Cultural Center.

Aloha from Aulani!

Our travel day was a long one! We were up at 2:30 in the morning so we could be at the Toronto airport for 4 am and on our first flight at 7 am. We landed in Hawaii at 2 pm Hawaii time, grabbed our bags and took the shuttle to Aulani.

The moment you walk into the lobby, you know you’re somewhere special. The resort is filled with contemporary Hawaiian art and design, from the carved wood beams to the artwork on display. It’s beautiful!

The soaring open-air lobby at Disney's Aulani resort, with carved wood beams and Hawaiian design — The open-air lobby, with its carved wood beams

Hawaiian artwork and a traditional display in the lobby of Disney's Aulani resort — Hawaiian artwork on display in the lobby

Barbara’s tipHawaii is 6 hours behind Ontario in the summer, so plan for a long first day. We took it easy that evening, and the next day we were off to the Polynesian Cultural Center!

A tour of our room and the view from our balcony

Here’s a peek at our room! Come along for the tour, and stay to the end for the view from our balcony over the resort and out to the ocean.

Room or villa: Aulani has regular hotel rooms plus Disney Vacation Club villas, from studios up to three-bedroom villas.
Great for families: villas come with a kitchenette or full kitchen, and the bigger ones have a separate living room.
Pick your view: rooms look out over the gardens, the pools or the ocean. Ask us which view fits your budget!

The fun of finding the Menehune

A carved wooden Menehune figure hidden in a cabinet at Disney's Aulani resort — Found one! A Menehune tucked away in a cabinet

One of the highlights for Kirsten was the Menehune adventure. The Menehune, those mischievous little creatures from Hawaiian mythology, are cleverly hidden throughout Aulani’s grounds. We spent hours hunting for these delightful statues nestled in gardens, near pools and tucked away in charming nooks around the resort.

It was like a magical scavenger hunt that kept Kirsten engaged and excited, discovering the stories behind each Menehune legend. It’s a fun activity for families that brings extra joy and wonder to every corner of this place.

Luau night: Aulani or the Polynesian Cultural Center

Two colourful mocktails with orchid garnishes on a table at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, in the evening, photographed by travel consultant Barbara Durley — Mocktails on our last night at Aulani

No Hawaiian vacation is complete without a luau! Aulani has its own, the KA WA’A luau, right at the resort, with music, traditional Hawaiian dance and storytelling. Kirsten and I decided to do our luau at the Polynesian Cultural Center instead, as part of our full day there.

Back at Aulani, evenings are relaxed and beautiful. On our last night, we enjoyed some gorgeous mocktails before heading home the next morning.

Barbara’s tipPick one luau for your trip. If you’re spending a day at the Polynesian Cultural Center, do the luau there. If you’re staying put at Aulani, book the KA WA’A luau ahead of time with your room, since it’s not included and it’s very popular.

Exploring the ‘Ōlelo Room

Another special spot that captured our interest was the ‘Ōlelo Room. This beautifully themed lounge has artfully displayed items with their names written in Hawaiian. It was fascinating to learn the native words and their meanings, and it gave us an even deeper appreciation for Hawaiian culture through simple but meaningful details. For families, it offers a quiet moment of discovery amid all the excitement of the resort.

Splashing around Rainbow Reef and the kids’ area

The water activities at Aulani were a hit with Kirsten! The Rainbow Reef, a unique snorkel lagoon, let us get up close with colourful tropical fish in a safe, enclosed environment. It was amazing to snorkel together and spot so many beautiful sea creatures.

Meanwhile, the kids’ splash areas are perfect for younger children, with shallow pools and fun water play areas made just for them. It’s a great place for kids to splash around and make friends in a secure, lively setting.

View over the pools, waterslide rocks and gardens of Disney's Aulani resort to the ocean — Looking out over the pools to the ocean

Waterfalls, rocks and tropical gardens in front of the main building at Disney's Aulani resort — Waterfalls and gardens in front of the main building

Relaxing in the lazy river and meeting characters

For moments of pure relaxation, the Waikolohe Stream lazy river was our go-to spot. Floating gently along with the Hawaiian breeze was so calming and refreshing after a busy day of activities. Grown-ups can also slip away to the adults-only hot tub, which has an incredible view of the ocean.

Plus, Disney characters make special appearances around the resort! Meeting Mickey, Minnie and friends in their island attire brought extra smiles and excitement for Kirsten. The characters’ costumes and photo opportunities truly brought the Disney magic together with the spirit of Hawaii.

Barbara and her daughter Kirsten with Donald Duck in his island outfit at Disney's Aulani resort — Kirsten and me with Donald Duck

A hot tub overlooking palm trees and the ocean at Disney's Aulani resort — A hot tub with an ocean view

Ko Olina Beach and beyond

The resort sits right on the shores of Ko Olina Beach, with an incredible view of the ocean. You can take a walk down the beach, and there’s even a shopping plaza across the street. There are lots of dining options too, both at the resort and nearby.

Palm trees and the ocean at Ko Olina, framed from a covered terrace at Disney's Aulani resort — Palm trees and the ocean at Ko Olina

Our visit to Disney’s Aulani was a beautiful blend of adventure, culture and family bonding. If you’re looking for a getaway that offers enriching experiences for both parents and kids, from hunting mischievous Menehune to relaxing on a lazy river and meeting Disney characters, Aulani is an exceptional choice!

Planning your stay at Disney’s Aulani

Thinking about Aulani for your own family? Here’s what we tell clients who are planning a stay.

Where it is: Aulani is in Ko Olina, on the west side of Oahu, about a 30-minute drive from the Honolulu airport. You can take a shuttle like we did, or arrange a transfer.
Included with your stay: the pools, the Waikolohe Stream lazy river, the kids’ splash areas and the Menehune Adventure Trail scavenger hunt.
Kids’ club: Aunty’s Beach House is a supervised club for kids ages 4 to 12, with crafts, games and Hawaiian culture.
Book ahead: the KA WA’A luau is an extra cost and fills up, so reserve it when you book your room.
Rainbow Reef: the snorkel lagoon is just for resort guests, and children 11 and under need to be with an adult. Ask us about the current snorkel gear fee.
Make it a bigger trip: add a day at the Polynesian Cultural Center, or pair your Aulani stay with a Hawaiian cruise like I did.

Advisor tipGetting to Hawaii from Ontario is a long travel day, so we recommend at least 3 or 4 nights at Aulani to really enjoy the resort. We can put the whole trip together for you, from flights and transfers to the luau and your cruise.

Want to learn more or start planning your own magical Aulani experience? I’m here to help!

Plan your Aulani trip with Barbara See our Disney vacations

FAQs

Where is Disney’s Aulani?

Aulani is on Ko Olina Beach, on the west side of Oahu in Hawaii, about a 30-minute drive from the Honolulu airport.

What is the Menehune Adventure Trail at Aulani?

It’s a resort-wide scavenger hunt for the Menehune, the mischievous little creatures of Hawaiian mythology, with hidden statues, riddles and surprises. It’s included with your stay, and my daughter Kirsten loved it.

Is the luau included at Aulani?

No. The KA WA’A luau is an extra cost, and it’s popular, so it’s best to book it ahead along with your room.

Can you snorkel at Aulani?

Yes! Rainbow Reef is a saltwater snorkel lagoon with tropical fish, just for resort guests. Children 11 and under must be with an adult.

Does Aulani have a kids’ club?

Yes. Aunty’s Beach House is a supervised club for kids ages 4 to 12, with crafts, games and activities inspired by Hawaiian culture.

Can you meet Disney characters at Aulani?

Yes. Mickey, Minnie and friends make appearances around the resort in their island outfits, which makes for great photos.

Is there an adults-only area at Aulani?

Yes, there’s an adults-only hot tub with an ocean view, a nice spot for grown-ups to relax.