Ready for a magical Hawaiian getaway? Check out our top tips & tricks for visiting Disney Aulani, from booking the best activities to exploring hidden gems around the resort. Whether it’s your first time or you’re a returning guest, these insider tips will help you make the most of your Aulani vacation!
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Save BIG this fall by booking your Disney Aulani Stay with my friends at Get Away Today! Tap the button below to check prices or call 855-GET-AWAY and mention Mommy Mouse Clubhouse!
About Disney Aulani
Okay, picture this—you’re in Hawaii, soaking up the sun, but with a little Disney magic sprinkled in. That’s exactly what Disney Aulani in Oahu is all about!
It’s the perfect mix of island vibes and Disney fun, where you can chill by the beach one minute and meet Mickey in an Aloha shirt the next. The whole resort is full of Hawaiian culture, gorgeous views, and little Disney details that make it feel extra special.
Planning a trip? I’ve got some easy tips to help you make the most of it—from low-key hangout spots to can’t-miss experiences, a few insider tricks will make your Aulani adventure even more amazing.
Planning Your Disney Aulani Vacation
I booked my Disney Aulani vacation through my friends at Get Away Today. Their customer service is THE BEST and the will bend over backwards to help you get the best deals for you and your family.
I have booked my Disneyland, Disney World, Disneyland Paris, and Disney Cruises with them and their service is top notch. You can check prices for your own Disney Aulani vacation here or give them a call at 855-GET-AWAY and mention Mommy Mouse Clubhouse to get the best deals!
When to Go to Aulani
Planning a Disney Aulani family vacation starts with some smart timing. Picking the right time to go can make all the difference, from getting great weather to avoiding big crowds. I personally chose to visit outside the peak tourist seasons for a more laid-back, relaxed vibe. September happened to be a great time for us!
Flying to Honolulu
After selecting our dates, it was time to book flights. I used Google Flights to find a great price directly to Honolulu with Hawaiian Airlines. For our flight home, I chose Delta Airlines not only because of price, but because I had Delta Sky Miles that made my flight free. Check out the Delta SkyMiles Amex card to get your own free flights.
Why We Chose Aulani
Next up was figuring out where to stay, and honestly, Disney Aulani checked all the boxes for us. As a family of five, having a full kitchen and our own washer and dryer was a total game-changer—less stress, more snacks, and fewer laundry emergencies!
We also went for an ocean view, which was so worth it, and being close to the luau made everything feel even more magical. Between the timing, flights, and landing the right room, we set ourselves up for an unforgettable adventure from the start.
Aulani Accommodation Tips
Picking the right room at Disney Aulani totally leveled up our trip. We stayed in a 1-bedroom suite, and let me tell you—it was so worth it.
Having a full kitchen and laundry in the room made life way easier, especially with a family of five. We grabbed some groceries at Costco and placed a Walmart delivery, which saved us a bunch on meals. Plus, doing laundry meant we could pack lighter (and save space for souvenirs!).
The real highlight, though, was the view. Waking up to that ocean every morning felt like a dream, and we had the perfect spot to watch the luau in the evening—right from our balcony! We stayed in the Ewa Tower, room 1168, and it was the perfect combo of convenience and magic.
Maximizing Resort Amenities
Disney Aulani is packed with amazing amenities that seriously made our trip! We spent so much time bouncing between the pools, floating down the lazy river, and relaxing in the hot tubs. The kids’ play area was a total hit too. The water activities were definitely one of the highlights for us—and being surrounded by that stunning Hawaiian scenery just made it all feel extra magical.
Just steps from the pool area is Aulani’s semi-private beach, where we hung out on the loungers, played in the sand, and even did some snorkeling in the calm lagoon.
Oh, and let’s talk about the Dole Whip! We grabbed it daily from Ulu Café or Little ‘Opihi’s—it was the perfect tropical treat.
We also grabbed the refillable soda mugs for around $23, and they totally paid off with unlimited refills from the soda machines.
Between the beach, pools, lazy river, and daily Dole Whip breaks, we were living our best island life and making memories we’ll never forget.
Saving on Meals: Utilize Your Suite's Kitchen
We definitely went into our Disney Aulani trip with a meal game plan, and staying in a one-bedroom suite with a full kitchen turned out to be a total lifesaver. With a family of five, eating out for every meal would’ve added up fast, so having the kitchen meant we could cook our own food and save a ton.
Early in the trip, we hit up Costco to load up on groceries—breakfasts, lunch stuff, easy dinners, snacks—you name it. We also placed a Walmart grocery delivery to fill in the gaps. It was super convenient and honestly made our trip way more relaxing.
We’d start the mornings on our balcony with muffins, cereal, or croissants and that beautiful ocean view. Lunches and dinners were simple and kid-friendly: salads, nuggets, pasta, tacos, and easy frozen meals.
Not only did it save us money, but it gave us those little moments together—prepping food, chatting, and just enjoying the space. Using the kitchen was hands-down one of the smartest choices we made on this trip!
Must-Do Activities Inside and Outside the Resort
When visiting Oahu, you don't want to limit yourself to just Aulani. There is so much to see and do around the island. We tried to strike a balance between relaxation and adventure. Here are a few of the things that we did outside the resort.
Paradise Cove Luau
We knew we had to check out the Paradise Cove Luau, and it did not disappoint! The mix of Hawaiian culture, music, and dancing was amazing. It was such a fun and vibrant celebration, and we were totally blown away by the performances and the whole vibe, especially the fire dancers. It was definitely one of the highlights of our trip!
Paradise Cove Luau is about a 10 minute walk from Aulani and is about half the price! After watching the KA WAA'A Luau from our balcony, I feel like the show at Paradise Cove was more entertaining as well.
We purchased the Hawaiian Package (the lowest cost) and it was perfect for us. We received complimentary mai tai drinks when we arrived as well as a "Cove Card" loaded with $12 for adults and $8 for each child that allowed us to each purchase a frozen drink at the bar.
The buffet dinner was what you would expect, and included a variety of salads, rice, pork, fish, Hawaiian rolls, and chocolate cake for dessert.
Diamond Head State Monument
We tackled the Diamond Head hike one afternoon. The views from the summit were nothing short of breathtaking, offering a panorama that stretched across the ocean.
The actual hike was about 45 minutes to the top. It is advertised as "paved", but the trail is actually pretty rough. It was hot the day we visited, so make sure to bring plenty of water and maybe a snack or two.
To participate in this hike, you will need to make reservations in advance, unless you are a Hawaii resident. We paid $35 for the five of us and included parking.
Pearl Harbor National Memorial
Visiting Pearl Harbor was a powerful experience that really hit home for us. It gave us a deep sense of the history, the bravery of the people involved, and the tough moments they went through.
Walking through the memorials and learning about what happened was a real eye-opener, and it left us with a newfound appreciation for the heroes and the sacrifices made.
To visit Pearl Harbor, you may want to make reservations in advance. There are some stand-by tickets available sometimes, but making a reservation ensures you will have a spot. The memorial is free, but the ferry ride to the USS Arizona Memorial will cost you $1.00.
Dole Plantation
Stopping by the Dole Plantation was such a fun and tasty break! The pineapple treats were a huge hit with all of us, especially the candy pineapple rings and Dole Whip, which has always been a family favorite.
We loved wandering around, learning about how pineapples are grown, and even hopping on the Pineapple Express train. It was the perfect little detour during our trip, and we definitely left with a few extra snacks and a Hawaiian shirt for our dog!
Snorkeling at Turtle Bay
Visiting Turtle Bay on Oahu’s North Shore was such an awesome experience! We spent the day snorkeling in the crystal-clear water, and it was like swimming in a giant aquarium. We saw tons of colorful fish and even a few sea turtles, which totally made our day.
The beach itself was beautiful , but a little bit crowded. It was still an amazing spot to kick back and relax after snorkeling. If you’re into exploring underwater or just want a chill day by the ocean, Turtle Bay is where it’s at!
Where We Ate in Oahu
I found out that Oahu is full of amazing food spots just waiting to be discovered! From food trucks serving up the best poke bowls to cozy cafes with delicious local dishes, there’s no shortage of tasty places to check out. Every corner of the island has something new and exciting to try, making it a foodie paradise.
Seven Brothers Burgers (North Shore)
You can’t visit Oahu without trying the mouthwatering burgers at Seven Brothers Burgers on the North Shore! These guys seriously know how to make a burger—each bite is juicy and packed with flavor. The fries are just as amazing, and I could have eaten them all day long!
Every time I think about that meal, it brings back such good memories. If you're a burger lover, this place is definitely a must-visit; you won’t forget those delicious flavors anytime soon!
Leonard's Bakery
You absolutely have to hit up Leonard's Bakery in Honolulu—it's a must for anyone with a sweet tooth! They’re known for their malasadas, which are basically these warm, sugary Portuguese donuts that are pure bliss. The moment you take a bite, it’s like you’re in dessert heaven!
Each malasada is fluffy, perfectly sweet, and covered in cinnamon sugar. You can even get them with a filling. Trust me, you’ll want to try every flavor.
It’s the kind of place where you can’t help but go back for seconds (or thirds!). You definitely don’t want to miss out on this delicious treat while you’re in town!
Rainbow Drive-In
Eating at Rainbow Drive-In was such a fun experience! This spot is a total local favorite, and for good reason. I had to try their famous Mix Plate, which comes loaded with BBQ beef, boneless chicken, and mahi mahi—talk about a flavor explosion! Everything was cooked perfectly and super satisfying.
And don’t even get me started on their burgers; they’re juicy and full of flavor, too! To top it all off, I couldn’t resist grabbing a sweet strawberry slush float with vanilla ice cream, which was the perfect treat to wash it all down. If you’re in Oahu, you definitely need to swing by!
Island Country Market
Right across the street from Disney Aulani, we discovered the Island Country Market, which turned out to be a fantastic spot for both shopping and eating! They’ve got a great selection of groceries, so it was super convenient for stocking up on snacks.
Plus, there’s a small cafe where we grabbed some delicious bites. We ended up ordering burgers, BBQ ribs, a Philly cheesesteak sandwich, and even treated ourselves to gelato and fresh-cut pineapple. It was the perfect way to enjoy some local flavors without having to go far from the resort!
Transportation Tips: Getting Around Oahu
Exploring Oahu was super easy because we decided to rent a mini-van from National Rental Car. It made getting around the island a breeze! We loved having the freedom to check out awesome spots like the Pearl Harbor Monument and the beautiful Dole Plantation without feeling rushed.
Plus, having a car was a must for our busy plans, especially when we wanted to hit up local gems like Rainbow Drive-In and Seven Brothers Burgers. It made our trip so much more fun and flexible! Just be aware that if you are not a Disney Vacation Club Member, you will be charged $40 per night for parking at Aulani.
Making the Most of Your Check-in and Check-out Days
When I checked in at Disney Aulani, I was super excited but found out our room wasn’t ready yet. At first, I thought it was a bummer, but it actually turned into a great chance to kick off our vacation!
We decided to take advantage of the time and explore the pools and lazy river, diving right into all the fun the resort had to offer. The staff were really nice about storing our luggage, so we could just chill and enjoy ourselves without a worry in the world!
On our last day at Aulani, we found a real gem—the Luana Lounge. It was the perfect spot to shower and chill out before our flight home. This awesome amenity let us soak up every last bit of our time at the resort without feeling rushed.
If you’re flying with Delta or Hawaiian Airlines, I’d definitely recommend booking a later flight. It gives you more time at the pool and makes the transition from paradise back to reality a lot easier. Making the most of every moment at Aulani, from check-in to departure, really made our trip unforgettable!
Packing Essentials for Aulani
Packing wisely can totally change your Disney Aulani experience! With all the excitement going on, forgetting important stuff can be a pain (like forgetting a swimsuit bottom like I did). So, as I got ready for our magical Hawaiian family vacation, I put together a list of must-have items you definitely want to toss in your suitcase.
- Swimwear: A must to experience Aulani's awesome pools, lazy river, and beach! I recommend packing a few suits so you always have a dry outfit ready for the next day’s fun.
- Sunscreen: The Hawaiian sun is no joke. A high SPF sunscreen that is reef-safe will protect you and the kids during those Diamond Head hikes and lounging by the pool.
- Comfortable Walking Shoes: Essential for exploring. Whether it’s hiking Diamond Head State Monument or strolling to Island Country Market, your feet will thank you.
- Refillable Water Bottles: Stay hydrated under the sun, especially after enjoying Dole Whip or a large cinnamon roll.
- Light Sweaters or Jackets: Evenings can be cool, particularly if you're watching the hotel luau from your suite's balcony.
- Camera or Smartphone: Capture the breathtaking views, from Paradise Cove Luau to the Pearl Harbor visit, you’ll want to remember these moments.
- Snack Containers: Handy for day trips or storing leftovers from your suite's kitchen. Ideal for those Costco runs for groceries.
- Beach Bag: Carry your essentials to Aulani's beach or pool area. Include towels, though the resort provides them, just in case.
Best Times to Visit Aulani
Picking the right time for your trip to Disney Aulani can really make a difference for your family vacation in Hawaii. You want to find that sweet spot where the weather’s nice, crowds are manageable, and fun events are happening.
From my experience, spring (April to early June) and fall (September to mid-November) are the best times to go. During these months, you can enjoy warm weather with fewer rainy days, which is perfect for soaking up everything outdoors, like the pools, lazy river, and even hikes at Diamond Head or a visit to the Dole Plantation.
Crowd levels are another thing to think about. Summer and winter holidays can get super busy at Aulani because of school breaks. If you visit during those shoulder seasons, you'll find shorter lines at popular spots like Pearl Harbor or the Paradise Cove Luau, plus a more chill vibe at the resort.
And the best part? Traveling during these times might save you some cash on flights with Hawaiian Airlines or Delta Airlines, along with better deals on where to stay!
Hanging out at Aulani’s pools and beach was definitely a highlight of our family vacation in Hawaii. I figured out pretty quickly that getting there early was the way to go if we wanted to snag a great spot by the water. The pools opened up at 8:00 AM, and we couldn’t resist jumping into those calm, inviting waters as soon as we could!
My game plan was to grab loungers near the lazy river. It wasn’t just about being close; it was all about diving into the full Aulani experience, with thrilling slides and chill floats down the lazy river. After splashing around in the morning, we’d head over to the beach. The path to the sandy shore, lined with beautiful native plants, felt magical in itself.
I realized the trick to making the most of our time was to mix pool fun with some beach chill time. While the kids enjoyed the excitement of the pools and lazy river, I kicked back and soaked up the beach vibes.
Plus, using our refillable soda mugs helped us stay cool and hydrated under the Hawaiian sun. And the best part? Wrapping up our day by watching the hotel luau from our suite was the perfect way to add a little magic to our evenings!
Insider Tips for an Unforgettable Aulani Experience
Heading to Disney Aulani is all about soaking up the excitement and making every moment unforgettable. I’ve picked up some handy tips that can take your experience from awesome to downright magical.
For example, the character breakfasts aren’t just meals—they’re memory-making moments! Booking early is key to getting those joyful interactions with your favorite Disney characters. Trust me, early mornings are the best time to go for cooler temps and a more personal experience.
If you need a little downtime amid all the fun, I found some chill spots that are perfect for relaxing. The hidden coves near Waikolohe Stream are great for enjoying some quiet time together.
Here are my insider tips to enhance your stay at Disney Aulani:
- Perfect Photo Spot: Look for all of the most beautiful picture spots to capture those family memories.
- Character Breakfasts: Book early to enjoy cooler mornings and more interaction with characters.
- Chill Locations: Explore hidden coves near Waikolohe Stream for a peaceful escape or take a break in the adult area or back in your room.
- Explore Beyond the Resort: Visit the Dole Plantation and hike Diamond Head for breathtaking views.
- Dining Choices: Check out Rainbow Drive-In and Leonard's Bakery for their famous Malasadas.
- Flight Options: Consider Delta, Hawaiian or Southwest Airlines for your flights to Honolulu.
These tips come from my own adventures, aiming to help you create your own family story at Aulani. Remember, the magic isn’t just in the amenities—it’s in the joyful moments and discoveries you share with your loved ones!
Final Thoughts
Our family vacation to Disney Aulani wasn’t just another trip; it turned into an amazing journey into the heart of the aloha spirit. We really got to experience the true essence of Hawaiian culture, all while enjoying the magic of Disney. From splashing around in the iconic pools and lazy river to soaking up the atmosphere at a luau, every moment was filled with warmth and hospitality.
From the moment we arrived at the resort, Aulani's magic wrapped around us like a cozy blanket. We had so much fun hiking up Diamond Head and reflecting on our visit to Pearl Harbor. Each adventure taught us about resilience and the beauty of the island.
Plus, we got to dive into the local food scene! The savory dishes at Rainbow Drive-In and Seven Brothers Burgers, along with the sweet malasadas from Leonard's Bakery, really connected us to Oahu’s delicious culinary heritage. They were delicious reminders of the island’s generous spirit.
Having a full kitchen suite and stocking up on groceries from Costco and Walmart made us feel right at home during our Hawaiian getaway. Each day was a chance to explore or just enjoy the resort’s amenities—like the refillable soda mugs and Dole Whip—which reminded us to fully embrace the moment.
We took home the spirit of sharing, caring, and appreciating the rich blend of Hawaiian culture and Disney magic, creating memories we'll cherish forever and lessons we want to live by!
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