Aloha Emily, and welcome back to planDisney! I absolutely love
Aulani’s mix of relaxing tropical vibes, Hawaiian culture, and Disney magic. So, I’d be more than happy to chat about special ways to celebrate a milestone birthday!
You already have some amazing experiences on your list, so first, I want to highlight when they’ll be available to book.
The 45-day mark is when you can currently book reservations for the ‘Ohana Ho’okani Pila ‘ukulele lessons, ‘Imiloa Na Hoku Star Gazing, and other activities through the
Pau Hana Room. The ‘ukulele lessons fill up quickly, so be sure to make your reservation as soon as your booking window opens. If you’re not able to snag a spot, you can also try stopping by the Pau Hana Room when you get to Aulani to check for cancellations. Learning to play Disney songs on the ‘ukulele is one of my favorite activities!
And then the 30-day mark is when you can book dining reservations for the character breakfast at
Makahiki and dinner at
‘AMA’AMA. I recommend making your ‘AMA’AMA reservation about one hour before sunset so you can enjoy a beautiful view of the colors over the ocean. I’m still dreaming of the incredible meal I had here!
I also wanted to suggest one of my favorite spots at Aulani—the
Laniwai Spa! I always book a massage here because not only are the spa treatments amazing, but they also give you access to the
Kula Wai: Outdoor Hydrotherapy Garden with relaxing soaking pools, rain showers, and lounge chairs. I try to arrive about an hour before my appointment to enjoy this oasis before and after my treatment! Another option for adding a bit of extra relaxation to your day is to book a
cabana by the pool or casabella at the beach.
If you’re looking for a little adventure, there are also lots of
excursions you can book through the Holoholo Tours and Travel Desk in the lobby. These include a horseback ride through Kualoa Ranch (where movies like Jurassic Park were filmed!),
zip lining,
surf lessons, and even
dolphin encounters.
And finally, two last things I wanted to mention before I go. Be sure to download the
Aulani Resort app so you'll have the activity schedule handy (note that the
character meet and greets are usually added in the morning). And when you check in, don't forget to ask for a Hau’oli La Hanau Happy Birthday button!
I hope you have the most magical celebration at Aulani this November. And if you have any other questions, you’re always welcome at planDisney!
JoAnna