Aloha Denise,
Congratulations on your upcoming 40th anniversary - what a magical milestone to celebrate at
Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawai‘i. You are in for such a special experience filled with relaxation, storytelling, and touches of Disney magic, all with a Hawaiian spirit.
Aulani is such a special resort, and like you’re planning, my family also rented a car to explore beyond Ko Olina. Driving up to the North Shore was a highlight for us, with plenty of chances to stop at local beaches and we sampled the famous food trucks (and shave ice for dessert) along the way. One tip - many of those food trucks are cash only, so it’s worth keeping some on hand for those stops.
I'm glad you've got your ducks in a row and are ready to book a cabana (90 days in advance) and the
KA WA‘A Luau (6 months in advance). When it is time to book (phones open at 8AM HST), have your reservation number handy as well as other dates and times in case your first choice isn't available.
Since you're a Disney World buff, you'll notice a few differences. With everything central, it's so convenient to get to the different areas of the resort, whether you're grabbing a morning coffee and a house-made malasada from
The ‘Ōlelo Room, snorkelling with the fish at
Rainbow Reef or sliding down Tubestone Curl and landing in the Waikolohe Stream for a ride along the lazy river. My daughters loved being able to pop back up to our Villa for a snack and then jump right back into the fun.
I highly recommend enjoying the daily activities listed on the
Daily ‘Iwa (the resort’s activity guide). You won’t need park tickets or Lightning Lane Passes, but you will want to build in time to enjoy the
Menehune Adventure Trail (my kids loved this one in the evening), character greetings with Mickey and friends in their island attire, and the world-class
Laniwai Spa if you’d like to treat yourself. The Spa is home to
Kula Wai, the island's only outdoor hydrotherapy garden, and it is definitely worth a visit!
You’re already planning like a pro, and you’ll love discovering how Aulani blends Disney storytelling with authentic Hawaiian culture. Mahalo for stopping by with your question, and happiest wishes as you begin the countdown to your unforgettable anniversary celebration!
Candace