The Definitive Guide to
Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa

Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa opened on August 28, 2011 as Disney's first resort property in Hawaii and represents one of the most significant and ambitious resort projects in the company's history. Unlike most Disney resorts, which are built adjacent to or as part of theme park environments, Aulani was conceived as a standalone destination resort — a first-class Hawaiian hotel that happens to carry the Disney quality and service standards, infused with the authentic stories, traditions, and culture of the Hawaiian people. Located in Ko Olina on the leeward coast of O'ahu, approximately 25 miles from Honolulu and Waikiki, the resort offers a more peaceful and uncrowded Hawaiian experience while remaining connected to the island's full range of attractions. Disney partnered extensively with Hawaiian cultural consultants, historians, and artists in the design process, resulting in a resort that celebrates genuine Hawaiian heritage rather than a superficial tropical theme.

Aulani is located in the Ko Olina resort community on O'ahu's leeward shore, in a master-planned resort development that includes several luxury hotels, the Ko Olina marina, a golf course, and four protected lagoons. The resort's position on the leeward coast means it enjoys significantly more sunshine and calmer seas than the windward sides of the island. Honolulu International Airport is approximately 25 miles east, a 30 to 45 minute drive under normal traffic conditions. Transportation to and from the airport is arranged independently — taxis, rideshares, and rental cars all serve the route. A rental car is recommended for guests who want to explore O'ahu beyond the Ko Olina area. The resort is not served by Disney theme park transportation, as there is no theme park on O'ahu. Ko Olina itself has restaurants, a marina for boat tours, and a golf course within walking or short driving distance. The resort provides shuttle service within Ko Olina. Guests staying primarily at the resort can function adequately without a car, but the island's many attractions — Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head, North Shore — require independent transportation.

Aulani's design philosophy represents perhaps the most culturally authentic resort environment in the Disney portfolio. The resort was named "Aulani" — a Hawaiian word meaning "a messenger for a distinguished chief who speaks with wisdom and knowledge" — to signal its role as a messenger of authentic Hawaiian culture to the world. The architecture references traditional Hawaiian forms: lava rock construction, open-air architectural elements that respond to trade winds, sweeping views of the Pacific, and building orientations that honor the movement of the sun and stars in traditional Hawaiian navigation. Hawaiian art created by local artists for the resort is displayed throughout, and the stories embedded in the art, murals, and architecture tell specific Hawaiian legends and historical narratives. Cast members include many Hawaiians and locals who serve as authentic cultural ambassadors. The result is a resort where Hawaiian culture is celebrated with genuine depth and care — not merely as decoration but as the organizing principle of the entire guest experience.

Aulani offers Hotel Rooms (non-DVC standard accommodations), Studios, One-Bedroom Villas, Two-Bedroom Villas, and Three-Bedroom Grand Villas. Hotel Rooms accommodate standard hotel-style stays for guests not using DVC points. Studios sleep four to five guests with a queen bed, single bunk bed, kitchenette, and pull-down Murphy bed in some configurations. This layout, similar to the Polynesian studio, is particularly family-friendly. One-Bedroom Villas accommodate five guests with king bedroom, full kitchen, washer and dryer, and living area. Two-Bedroom Villas sleep up to nine guests with full kitchen and two bathrooms. Grand Villas accommodate twelve guests across three bedrooms. Views at Aulani are broadly divided between ocean-facing rooms with Pacific Ocean views and garden or mountain-facing rooms with views of the Ko'olau Mountain Range. Ocean views are premium accommodations with spectacular sunrise and Pacific panorama vistas. Garden and mountain views offer their own considerable beauty. The rooms are designed with Hawaiian-inspired décor, natural materials, and the warm color palette of the Pacific islands.

Aulani's recreational facilities are among the most elaborate of any Disney resort in the world. The main recreation area centers around an extensive aquatic playground including the Rainbow Reef, a private snorkel lagoon stocked with tropical fish, where guests can snorkel in a protected lagoon environment with Disney guides and marine life. The water recreation area includes a lengthy lazy river called Waikolohe Stream, multiple pools, a dedicated children's splash area called Keiki Cove, a family pool with gentle features, and multiple hot tubs. The resort's Ko Olina Beach location gives guests access to one of Hawaii's most beautifully protected lagoons directly from the resort beach. Aunty's Beach House is a complimentary supervised children's activity center offering Hawaiian-themed crafts, cultural programming, and supervised play for children ages 3 to 12 — an exceptional amenity for parents wanting adult time. A full-service spa, comprehensive fitness center, and extensive outdoor recreation including paddleboard and kayak rentals round out the exceptional offering.

Aulani's dining celebrates Hawaiian and Pacific Rim cuisine with quality and cultural authenticity. 'AMA'AMA is the resort's signature oceanfront table-service restaurant, named for the Hawaiian mullet fish, offering fresh seafood, Hawaiian regional cuisine, and Pacific Rim flavors in a beautiful open-air setting with direct ocean views. It is among the finest dining experiences in Ko Olina. Makahiki is the resort's character dining experience — a buffet featuring Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Chip, and Dale dressed in authentic Hawaiian attire, serving Hawaiian and American breakfast and dinner. The character representation respects the cultural setting through the characters' Hawaiian costumes.

Ulu Café serves quick-service meals throughout the day with a range of Hawaiian-influenced dishes. Little Opihi's is the poolside quick-service and snack option. Papau Sunset Bar is a beautiful poolside bar with Pacific horizon views serving cocktails and light food. Off property, Ko Olina's restaurants and the broader Oahu dining scene — accessible by car — provide exceptional food options across all price ranges and cuisines.