Aloha Dee!
Twenty-five years of marriage is something to be proud of and celebrate!
Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa is an ideal choice to mark your special anniversary. We are making our second visit to Aulani this summer to celebrate my parents’ 51st anniversary after rescheduling last year’s visit. Since many excursions and activities are still on pause due to the pandemic, I won’t be able to give as much specific information and links as I would like to Dee, but I have some ideas and you can check back with us as things begin to return to more normalcy over the next year.
September should be a good time to visit, as schools are back in session making for a more relaxed atmosphere. The weather in Hawaii is fairly consistent and the average summer temperature is around 85 degrees with a lovely light breeze. It’s perfect weather for swimming, but fairly comfortable for other tourist activities.
On our first visit to the resort, we had an amazing dinner at ‘AMA’AMA Restaurant, and I would recommend making reservations here for an anniversary meal. This open-air restaurant has amazing ocean views, and booking a reservation about 30 minutes before sunset should offer an unforgettable backdrop to your celebration. The Hawaiian and Asian inspired menu features fresh locally grown produce and sustainably caught fresh fish, as well as house-made desserts. While this location is currently closed, I am hopeful it will be open for your trip next year.
Experience the beauty of snorkeling without ever leaving the resort at
Rainbow Reef! Equipment rental is included in the price so you don’t have to have your own gear to enjoy this experience. You’ll also find a wide variety of
excursions available from the resort, with options to suit all ages and tastes. Dolphin excursions are always popular, as are zip-lining (though my kids want to go zip lining, it isn’t really my thing). Depending on your tastes, activities I recommend on Oahu include visits to
Haleiwa on the North Shore,
Pearl Harbor, Waimea Valley, and Kualoa Ranch. There are official excursions from the resort featuring these activities, although my family usually rents a car and plans our own visits to these locations.
What trip to Hawaii is complete without a luau?
KA WA’A Luau is located right at Aulani. The luau is an unforgettable journey into Hawaiian culture, music, and food. Guests are treated to pre-show entertainment such as flower arranging and taro pounding, and a three-course plated dinner featuring fresh local fish and produce. Enjoy your meal along with the traditional luau culture performances, including the popular fire dance. Alternately, you’ll find the Paradise Cove Luau just a short walk from the resort if you’d like a second luau option.
I hope this gives you some ideas to begin your trip planning, Dee. I also recommend you request and download
Aulani's free planning brochure for even more helpful information. I hope you’ll continue to submit questions as your vacation approaches, we are here to help!
Mahalo!
- Kate