What are the UPSIDES to Aulani?

[bakofarmgirl]

This is a magical place, while not perfect, it holds some of my family and I’s most special memories. What are your most favorite memories or upsides about amazing things Aulani has to offer?

Mine is just the presence of being there and enjoying all there is to offer, the vibes, the water, and the super friendly cast members. We also did the Aulani Luau last visit and it was an absolute blast! I wish I could put up the video of my 17 month old doing the hula while watching the performers right next to us! We had the best time and cannot wait to return! We love just being at Aulani and swimming with the kids all the days, love going on walks around the Ko Olina Marina, and love the character interactions especially never having to wait in lines for them.

If you think I am just a bias Disney lover, you may be right but I have been days before to Waikiki and done tourist things and the North Shore, and also been on a cruise to all the other islands. I have had fun doing those as well but our family just enjoys what the Aulani and Ko Olina have to offer, and it brings us back year after year

 

[bakofarmgirl]

also our return flight got cancelled due to it shutting down on the runway, so we had to stay 2 extra days and Aulani was sold out and we were so bummed but we stayed at the Marriott Ko Olina, yet went back to eat at the Aulani because we could not get enough LOL

 

[aam808]

We appreciate the free beach umbrella chairs

 

[AstroBlasters]

1) Disney food safety for families with allergies.
2) Safe lagoons for kids to be in the ocean.
3) Characters roaming around property.
4) Great value when staying on DVC resale points.
5) Ko Olina has a Maui feel while still having the amenities of Oahu.
6) The Olelo room.
7) The size of DVC 2 bedroom villas and 3 bedroom grand villas.
8) Amazing theming and craftsmanship. Does not feel like a “generic” hotel that could be anywhere. Distinctively Hawaiian.
9) Family friendly activities.

 

[J-Dog]

We would probably not be able to afford lodging in Hawaii for 8 or 9 days without DVC. Certainly not for the size of the villas at Aulani.

 

[jimmymc]

1. Huge pool and water play area
2. Semi-private beach in a protected cove
3. Characters and theming
4. Large, comfortable hotel rooms
5. Different-sized DVC villas for a variety of families
6. Not being in Waikiki
7. Auntie's Beach House
8. Using DVC points (and getting free parking)

All of this is in addition to being on Oahu, an island with dozens of cool things to see and do.

 

[GrimGrinningGuy]

4) Great value when staying on DVC resale points.

This was my first time renting points and oh man oh man what a deal plus fee parking? Insane. I’m counting down already to July 2026 when I can book my June 2027 trip

 

[maxbuffmelvin]

No particular order

1. My all-star lineup of characters, especially Duffy, Shellie May, and Olu.
2. Loop music around the property is vintage Hawaiian music
3. Bedtime story with Olu on TV
4. The impressive and immersive theming is on par with my favorite WDW/DL resorts: Polynesian, Wilderness Lodge, Animal Kingdom Lodge, and Grand Californian.
5. Affordable because of DVC Points
6. Away from the urban environment of Honolulu/Waikiki
7. Most Oahu tourist points are within 30-60 minutes of Aulani (on non-Disney trips, I enjoy national parks, and most require extensive driving).
8. Delicious dining options near Kapolei
9. Onsite Luau
10. My favorite gift shop of all Disney resorts
11. Amazing patio if you have an Ocean View, where you can relax in the early morning or evening
12. Most resort guests are jovial and happy, especially at the beach.
13. Adults-only hot tub near the beach
14. Poke Bowls and Acai Bowls at Ulu Cafe
15. Hidden Menehunes and the scavenger hunt
16. Occasionaly seeing a turtle swimming in the lagoon
17. Lazy River
18. Relaxing lagoon
19. Dole Whips onsite
20. Character breakfast.

 

[GrimGrinningGuy]

16. Occasionaly seeing a turtle swimming in the lagoon

So we got back a week ago. My son was having some down time, and my wife just got out of the lagoon to lay in the sun, so I swam out a little farther. An enormous sea turtle came up out of the water a few feet away from me. It was incredible and magical and I couldn’t believe it and the rest of my family was mad since they were not in the water haha but wow it was something I was not expecting

 

[VGCgroupie]

Mickey Mouse in Hawaii