Insider’s Tips for Disney’s Aulani Resort in Hawaii

If you close your eyes and picture the most beautiful image of Hawaii possible, then you will have an idea of what you can expect at Disney’s Aulani Resort. Disney spared no expense and cut no corners to bring the very best of Hawaii to visitors to their newest resort.

The location alone is a winning choice. The west side of Oahu is dozens of miles away from the hustle and bustle of the ever-popular and often crowded Waikiki. This strategic site is on the dry side of the island, allowing for many beautiful, sunny days and gorgeous, unobstructed views of sunsets full of every color imaginable. If you love the ocean and breathtaking sunsets, you must visit Aulani Resort.

Disney Touches Along the Driveway

You realize you are in someplace very special from the moment you pull into the wide, curved driveway. The loi (taro farm) that you drive past is a sight not often seen in Hawaii. These plants, used to make poi, have great spiritual, historical, and traditional significance in the islands.

Taro plants are difficult to grow since they need a constant supply of clean, circulating fresh water. Compounding the problem of trying to maintain a successful loi is that these plants are also prone to diseases. Apparently, this is no problem for Disney staff, since their manmade loi has been flourishing since the day the resort opened.

Just about every plant you see was handpicked to be a part of Aulani. Painstaking efforts were taken to ensure that the plants on the grounds were authentic to the islands. However, some of the plants, such as the plumeria tree, are non-native trees in the islands but are representative of the plant life you will see here.

Keep a sharp eye out and you may discover some of 100-plus hidden animals carved into the lava rock that abounds throughout the resort. There are several carvings that may be seen by the observant visitor as you approach the lobby. Hint: There are many more of these types of surprises hidden in plain sight throughout the entire resort area.

The Amazing Maka’ala Lanai

The gentle, floral-scented ocean breezes prevalent on the west side of the island allow the expansive lobby to be air conditioner-free. As you proceed into the open air lobby, beautiful Hawaiian music resonates throughout the area. Be sure to have your camera available from the moment you arrive. You will want to take pictures of this magnificent lobby that must be seen to be believed.

The gorgeous murals that abound all around the cathedral-like ceilings are colorful representations of the history and people of Hawaii. The artwork and landscaping is beyond imagination. As you stand there taking pictures, you will probably find yourself standing next to locals, who are also snapping pictures with their cameras. To ensure authenticity and to pay homage to the native people of Hawaii, local Hawaiian experts of every sort were consulted throughout the creation of this newest Disney resort. Their remarkable efforts are the lucky visitors’ reward.

You will want to spend some time exploring the lobby area. The Maka’ala Lanai offers a spectacular view of almost the entire resort. One of the main showpieces, the massive lava mountain, is carved with large animals on all sides. For those of you who are Walt Disney World fans, you will see the similarities between this mountain and Animal Kingdom’s Tree of Life.

World-Famous Mouse and Friends Vacation at Aulani Resort

There is no real theme park atmosphere to this resort, and Disney characters are used sparingly. This works out perfectly for the hard-working, world-famous Mouse and his friends since they are only at Aulani Resort because they are in Hawaii on vacation. Fortunately, the chances are good that they may just take time out of their vacation to meet with you!

If you absolutely must spend some time with the highly recognizable famous Disney guests, they are scheduled to appear throughout the day and PhotoPass photographers are on hand to take pictures for you. You must be a resort guest to take pictures with the characters, and the schedule for photo opportunities may be found in your Daily Iwa (the daily schedule of events).

If you want to have a wonderful, interactive experience combined with a Disney-style stage show, then try to book your stay during one of the two nights when the Starlit Hui takes place. This free show for resort guests encompasses everything you would expect of a world-class Hawaii and Disney show. Hula dancers and ukulele players are joined on stage by some of your Disney favorites.

Music and dancing abound, and audience participation is greatly encouraged. (Ever do the Electric Slide with Stitch?) You will learn about Hawaii and the Hawaiian people while being entertained all at once. This is one of the best picture-taking opportunities with the Disney characters. They are all there at the Hui to help make your experience extra special. Visitors and locals alike are sure to enjoy this high-energy show.

Entertainment for Visitors of Every Age

If you are the detective type who wants to spend most of your time searching for animals carved into the lava rocks, hidden menehunes (there’s even one in one of the elevators), or hidden Mickeys (yes, there are several scattered throughout the resort and in your room), you will easily find more than you ever wanted to do during your stay at Aulani Resort.

If you are into water rides, you will want to get into your swimsuit and head for the Pu’u Kilo water slides located in the mountain. The line to the right is for those who want a fun ride in an inner tube. The line on the left is not for the faint of heart. This ride is, according to Disney staff, the fastest, darkest water slide at any of the Disney resorts.

If you just want to relax on the sand under swaying palm trees, the beautiful white sand lagoon is steps away from your room. Or you may want to grab an inner tube and just lazily float down the Waikolohe Stream. This is such a relaxing way to spend some time that some people have fallen asleep in the inner tube. Ok, I’ll admit it – I was the one who fell asleep in the inner tube.

If you, like us, want to learn more about Hawaii and the Hawaiian people, then be sure to make time to take some of the guided tours around Aulani Resort. We did the Nature of Aulani tour, and it was well worth the time. We learned things about the islands that we didn’t know, even though we are locals.

The Disney Aulani Resort makes for a wonderful vacation that is easily custom designed to include many experiences available throughout the resort and throughout Oahu. From the moment you arrive until the moment you leave, you will have a once in a lifetime experience. E komo mai (Welcome), as the Hawaiians say, and I hope you will visit Aulani soon!