Hi Doug!
You’ve asked a question about one of my favorite Disney Resorts and it isn’t even near a Disney Theme Park!
Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, sits on a beautiful lagoon on the leeward side of Oahu. While the lagoon is large enough for plenty of
sandcastle building, swimming, and paddleboarding, I agree that it isn’t long enough for a lengthy walk on the beach.
Never fear, Doug! I have a few other options that might seal the deal for your wife! The lagoon at Aulani is one of four lagoons at Ko’Olina, and there is a lovely sidewalk that connects them. It’s about a 25-minute walk from the northernmost lagoon at Aulani to the southernmost lagoon at Ko’Olina Beach Park. There are some beautiful views along this walk, and for those that like a little adventure you can hike out on some of the rocky areas at low tide to see some gorgeous tide pools. The last lagoon at Ko’Olina Beach Park is larger and tends to be quieter in the mornings. If your wife was looking for a way to have a peaceful morning walk this pathway may be just what she is looking for.
If she is looking for a long straight beach to walk along, you’ll find Electric Beach and Tracks Beach just a quick 10-minute drive north of Aulani. We visited this beach one day when my kiddos were looking for bigger waves than come into the lagoon, and it was just a short way up the road. Unfortunately, due to some rocky areas, you cannot walk here directly from Aulani along the beach, but you can take a 20 to 30-minute walk along the sidewalk and then a path away from the beach to get there. It is a little more isolated there, and sometimes the gates are closed early in the day, so I would recommend driving. While Electric Beach is right next to the electric plant, the water view is lovely and the warmer water there tends to attract honu (sea turtle) and other sea life.
If you can’t convince your wife with the promise of miles of sand outside her door, how about a gorgeous view? With Aulani facing west, you’ll be treated to some amazing sunsets from the resort. If you book an ocean view room, be sure to request a higher floor for the best views. But even with a standard or island garden view, you can venture down to the beach or rocky areas at the edges of the lagoon for other beautiful views of the sunset.
Don’t forget the photos to remember your amazing trip, Doug. Be sure to head to the lagoon during the “Golden Hour” before sunset to have a family photo taken by the
PhotoPass Photographers. You can even book a Private Portrait Session to capture that perfect sunset moment with your family. We did the Private Portrait Session on our last visit and we got some amazing photos.
I hope one of these ideas will help you convince your wife that Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa is the perfect spot for your next Disney adventure, Doug! Please let us know if you have any other questions we can help you with once you start planning your trip!
- Kate