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Aulani: Disney's Hawaiian Resort

After our time in Honolulu, we switched hotels! This time, we chose 3 nights at the Disney resort on the island called Aulani. I didn't even know Aulani existed until recently, and I’m really happy we came! 🐭

Disney is polarizing. I know some of you are cringing and others want to know everything (this blog is for the latter group 😆)! I'm happy to report that Aulani wasn’t obnoxiously Disney at all – truly. It was a 5 star, classic looking resort with a beach, 5+ pools, a lazy river, 9+ restaurants that just happened to be owned by Disney. If you wanted to see and feel Disney, you could do that too, but it wasn’t shoved in your face at all times. There were several different room types; we stayed in a typical room that closely resembled the Polynesian resort at Disney World! It was spacious and comfortable.

Aulani; source

We made it! 

As you'd expect, Aulani was very family-friendly with so many fun activities! The resort was at capacity (100%) while we were there, but I was surprised to find that it wasn't uncomfortable. We never had to wait at a restaurant and never had trouble finding pool chairs. First, let's get into the fun! 🙌 Unfortunately for us, the kid's camp was for ages 4 and up, so we barely missed the cut off - but we still had a blast. For those ages, they have several camps and also one-off events like Mickey ear decorating, fire pit story-telling, excursions, snorkeling in a lagoon, and a Hawaiian version of the "Bippity Boppity Boutique". We still kept ourselves busy with character meet and greets, the pools, and our family's favorite: the lazy river! No matter where you look, there is something to do! 🏊

Shaka with Mickey!

Grotto pool overlooking the ocean!
Now let's talk about the food! As you can imagine, all restaurants on property were amazing for kids food. 🥪We did the classic Disney character breakfast at Makahiki, lunch at Off The Hook, and on our last night, we splurged for the fanciest meal I’ve ever had at AMA AMA with the most beautiful views. It was a 4-course menu full of steak, seafood, and local favorites. It was not frugal (the kids prix fixe dinner was $55!), but it was something my family will always remember! 😍

Character breakfast!
Mickey PB&J 😋💙
Wine tasting at AMA AMA
Incredible views at AMU AMU

While the resort is great, I'd also recommend exploring off-site! There's a great little shopping center across the street that has an ABC store and several good restaurants and ice cream shops! We ate at both Monkeypod (get the famous Mai Tai) and Mekiko Cantina (great happy hour!) – both were delicious.

While I could go on and on, I'll close with a few tips for visiting Aulani: 

  • Consider waiting until kids are 4 to be able to get the full experience (but I have no regrets going earlier than that) ❹
  • There's no need to bring pool toys, as they’re not allowed (which was actually really nice)
  • Waters are not provided in your room (so run across the street to the ABC store to buy cheap waters). Buy a refillable resort cup; it's ~$20 and includes unlimited fountain drinks and water for your whole trip. It also makes a cute souvenir! 🥤
  • Download the Aulani app for dining reservations (check often because they change constantly!), to book kid activities, and to check timings for the character meet and greets for that day. 📱
  • Have low expectations, give your kids grace, and have fun! 

Splurge for the cup!

Stunning sunsets at Aulani!

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