Guests of All Ages Discover the Beauty, Stories and Fun of the Islands
Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, combines the beauty and spirit of the Hawaiian Islands with the magic of Disney storytelling and guest service to create unforgettable family vacation experiences.
In response to enthusiastic guest feedback, the resort recently completed a major expansion of its recreation area, the enchanting Waikolohe Valley, creating a spectacular infinity pool with a realistic grotto, a new dynamic fun splash zone for smaller kids, and a new location for poolside and beachside dining.
Waikolohe Valley is Aulani’s seven-acre water play area. The overall landscape mimics the flow of a watershed as it moves from the mountain to the ocean. In keeping with the theme of the resort, Disney integrated Hawaiian culture, stories and artistry into the design of the new pool area and restaurant location.
The tropical resort serves as a gateway to the fun and enchantment of the islands, notes Tom Staggs, chairman of Walt Disney Parks & Resorts.
“This resort is unique and exciting, and it combines the magic and storytelling of Disney with the rich culture and beautiful scenery of Hawaii, says Staggs. “It is the ultimate family paradise with a touch of Disney magic.”
Hawaiian heritage and Disney magic
Aulani traditionally means “a messenger of a chief – one who delivers a message from a higher authority.” The name Aulani is fitting, as the resort serves as a messenger of the Hawaiian spirit, people and culture.
“The name ‘Aulani’ expresses a connection to tradition and deep storytelling – and its roots are in this land right here,” said Joe Rohde, senior vice president and creative executive, Walt Disney Imagineering, who led the design of the resort.
“This resort destination reflects the vibrant culture that surrounds it. We believe in artistry, in excellence, and in the beauty of a well-done thing. Our commitment to excellence mirrors the cultural values one sees in the arts of Hawaii.”
Something for everyone
Family-friendly resort amenities include the 18,000-square-foot Laniwai, a Disney Spa, with 15 treatment rooms and a fitness center. Many spa treatments draw upon Hawaiian healing traditions.
Aulani features two signature restaurants – the full-service ‘AMA’AMA and the buffet-style Makahiki – each offering foods unique to Hawaii. At the chic, beachside ‘AMA’AMA, ocean breezes soothe the spirit as chefs use fresh local ingredients and island flavors to create distinctive dishes at breakfast, lunch and dinner. The buffet-style Makahiki offers guests breakfast among Disney characters or, in a magical midday transformation, dinner in artful surroundings.
Young guests have their very own kids’ club, Aunty’s Beach House. Here children explore Hawaiian culture through supervised entertainment, including interactive touch tables, wildlife and nature programs, arts and crafts, movies and traditional Hawaiian games.
Guests also enjoy the Waikolohe Stream, the resort’s mysterious (yet fun) tube-floating watercourse. Here guests encounter bubbling water, a cloaking mist and several hundred feet of additional surprises.
For those who love waterslides, Tubestone Curl, the resort’s tube slide, and Volcanic Vertical, Aulani’s tunnel slide, provide thrills galore. Guests will also interact with native Hawaiian fish, including angelfish, butterfly fish and tangs, in the 3,800-square-foot Rainbow Reef snorkel lagoon, the only one of its kind on Oahu.
Looking beyond its own magical grounds, Aulani offers a menu of discovery excursions with the aid of local experts. These include exploring tropical forests, hiking local mountains, sailing aboard catamarans, surfing lessons and more. The excursions are specially designed for Aulani guests by Adventures by Disney and feature a knowledgeable, friendly Adventure Guide.
The leeward coast of Oahu
Set along the beautiful coast of Oahu, Aulani occupies 21 acres of oceanfront property in Ko Olina, adjacent to a nine-acre, crystal-blue lagoon and white-sand beach. Ko Olina is 17 miles from Honolulu International Airport and less than an hour from Waikiki Beach.
Aulani includes 351 traditional hotel rooms and 481 two-bedroom equivalent villas in two towers, each featuring rooms that offer thrilling views of the ocean, mountains and the magnificent, lush surroundings.
Adventure, conventions and weddings, too
Aulani is the ideal place for events. Groups will find flexible event space, a beautifully appointed main ballroom (which is divisible by six), four breakout rooms and generous pre-function space.
