Aloha, Rachel - welcome to planDisney! We're so glad you found us. I see that you're deep into planning an amazing adventure to where the sky meets the sea that will take you to
Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa. Disney's Hawaiian outpost is truly a magical place, and I'm happy to help with some tips about getting up close and personal with the marine life at
Rainbow Reef.
Aulani is really special to our
'Ohana, as it was the site of our first official vacation as
Disney Vacation Club Members. The resort celebrates Hawaiian culture and art and incorporates a bit of Disney pixie dust for an experience that is totally unique. Given Aulani's location on the ocean, aquatic activities are definitely a highlight of any trip here! Guests can enjoy the lagoon (one of several Ko Olina lagoons) and the
Waikolohe Valley pool complex, which houses Rainbow Reef. The reef is the only private snorkeling lagoon on the island of O'ahu and offers Guests a unique adventure to swim with the resident marine life in a setting that is more sheltered than the open ocean.
Guests at Aulani can purchase either a day pass or a length of stay pass for Rainbow Reef, with snorkeling equipment included in the fee. This area is usually open from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM daily, and there is no time limit - if you have a pass valid for the day (this will be designated via the wristbands you are issued each day that indicate Guests of the resort), you can enter the area as many times as you like.
As for the water temperature, it is definitely on the cooler side. The tropical fish prefer to chill in lower temps - typically around 77 degrees, as opposed to 82-86 in the pool areas. Guests must rinse off at the nearby showers before entering Rainbow Reef, and in my experience, the shower water is warmer than the water in the reef. You can always take breaks to warm up before taking another tour of the reef, although we did adjust to the colder water quickly and didn't have any issues.
Rachel, as you're finalizing your plans, be sure to investigate the many
excursions that depart from the resort. They are a great way to see more of O'ahu, from surf lessons and zip lining to tours of Pearl Harbor!
I hope this information is helpful for your planning purposes! Thanks so much for stopping by planDisney, and please don't hesitate to reach out again if we can help with any other questions before your 2025 adventures.
Aloha!
Susan