Aloha, Kay, and welcome to planDisney! I'm always thrilled to meet a fellow
Disney Vacation Club Member, and I'm here to share all the vacation tips that I can cram into my character limit. Let's set off on a Hawaiian rollercoaster ride and chat about all things
Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa!
Aulani is an incredible spot, and you are going to have an amazing time. As you might expect for a Disney resort, there are usually many families with their
keiki in tow, but there is plenty to do for adults as well! The
Waikolohe Valley pool area is a blast for all ages, with a fantastic lazy river and two waterslides. I like to get down to the pool area early in the day to find a chair and get a head start on the fun before things get crowded.
Wailana Pool is an adults-only tension-edge pool that is a perfect spot to catch the sun setting over the Pacific. There's also a pool bar offering food, cocktails (the Coconut Mint Mojito is my personal fave!), and non-alcoholic beverages. Nearby, you can relax in the two terraced hot tubs at 'Alohi Point - also reserved for Guests 18 or older.
As for dining, there are a range of options from quick-service to more upscale fare.
'Ama'Ama is the fine dining restaurant at Aulani, featuring dishes with Hawaiian ingredients and influence with a view of the ocean. My husband and I celebrated our 15th anniversary with an amazing dinner there - the food, the service, and the setting are so special. Reservations are recommended, so be sure to check online now if you're hoping to dine there during your vacation.
For a classic Disney experience,
Makahiki - The Bounty of the Islands offers a Character breakfast with Mickey and pals sporting their best tropical attire. Dinner at Makahiki is a more grown-up affair, featuring a 3-course meal and a full bar menu. Another great option for grown-ups is
The 'Ōlelo Room, which has live music in the evenings and a great selection of appetizers and drinks.
Aulani is also home to
Laniwai - A Disney Spa, which offers all of the relaxing spa treatments you could think of. My #1 tip is to book a massage and give yourself plenty of time to relax in the
Kula Wai outdoor hydrotherapy garden (the only one on the island of Oahu!) - access is included with any spa reservation.
In addition to the
Ko Olina Golf Club just across the street, there's also all sorts of
excursions you can take advantage of to explore Oahu, ranging from hiking and ziplining to surf lessons and tours of the island. As a history buff, a Pearl Harbor tour was a must when we visited Aulani. We were picked up at the resort, and it was an incredible and moving experience. You can book excursions online, or visit the desk at the resort.
Well, Kay, I hope this information helps add a little pixie dust to what I'm sure will be a relaxing vacation where the sky meets the sea! If you have any other questions before arriving at Aulani next week, please come back and see us again at planDisney anytime.
A hui hou...
Susan