Dream Vacation! All About Aulani – A Disney Resort and Spa!

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Photo Courtesy of Aulani News

Did you know that Disney has their very own resort and spa in Hawaii? It’s a dream of mine to go someday! What could be better than tropical paradise and Disney put together?! Thanks to our friends at Get Away Today, we can share all the details regarding Aulani – A Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii.

Aulani – A Disney Resort & Spa

This family-friendly resort is a must-see in your lifetime. Located on the island of Oahu in Ko Olina, Aulani – A Disney Resort & Spa is the perfect place to connect with nature, Polynesian culture and all things Disney.

Aulani – A Disney Resort & Spa: Accommodations

Disney’s Aulani is only about 19 miles from the Honolulu airport. The Aulani Resort & Spa spans 21 lush, oceanfront acres in Ko Olina and offers suites and villas for guests. Keep reading to find out what else there is to see and do at Aulani.

Photo Courtesy of Aulani News

Aulani – A Disney Resort & Spa: Beaches

With 112 miles of coastline on Oahu, you’ll have a variety of beaches from which to choose. In Ko Olina, where Aulani is located, you can enjoy snorkeling, ocean excursions, scuba diving and more. Beach equipment rentals are available at Makiki Joe’s, including complimentary beach chairs and umbrellas for Aulani Resort guests. Aulani guests can also rent boogie boards, sand toys and life jackets at no additional charge.

Laniakea Beach, on the North Shore of Oahu, is your best bet for getting a good look at sea turtles, and the North Shore beaches are known for amazing surf (November through April).  In the off-season (May through September) smaller waves make the North Shore perfect for swimming and playing in the sand. Waikiki Beach, located about 28 miles east of Aulani, is known for canoe races as well as surf competitions. With so many miles of beaches on Oahu, there’s sure to be a great choice for the whole family to enjoy.

Photo Courtesy of Aulani News

Aulani – A Disney Resort & Spa: Pools

Included with your stay at Aulani Resort & Spa is access to a number of pools and water activities. Aulani boasts lots of interactive, family-friendly fun poolside where Disney Characters are even known to get in on the action!

Waikolohe Pool offers the Shake-A-Shaka party in the evenings, during which you can learn about surf culture, lounge poolside or join the dance party. Waikolohe Stream is adjacent to the pool, and you can grab an inner tube to let the stream take you throughout the Waikolohe Valley onsite. This lazy river takes you through caverns and springs at a leisurely pace, or you can climb the volcano and brave the water slides.

Ka Maka Grotto features an infinity pool, family whirlpool and the Keiki Cove splash area for guests age five and under.

Menehune Bridge is the place to be if you’re under 48 inches tall. This play structure includes two water slides, climbing opportunities and general water merriment. Legend has it the Menehune “little people” are master builders and they’re responsible for many of the structures and mischief throughout Aulani Resort. Look carefully to catch a glimpse of the Menehune in statue form during the day.

For guests 18 and older, Wailana Pool is an oasis within an oasis; it is removed from the main Waikolohe Pool, offering a little tranquility. With water features and shade, the Wailana Pool is a great choice for some relaxation.

Throughout the Waikohle Valley at the Aulani Resort there are three family-friendly whirlpools and two reserved exclusively for adult guests.

Photo Courtesy of Aulani News

Aulani – A Disney Resort & Spa: Entertainment

If you’re wondering how the adults will find time to enjoy the adult-only pools and whirlpools, that’s where Aunty’s Beach House comes in! Aunty offers complimentary activities for young guests (ages 3 – 12) of Aulani, and provides child care while adults enjoy other amenities of the Resort.

Aunty’s Beach House activities include storytelling, video games, game tables, Hawaii-themed arts and crafts, dress-ups and even an outdoor play area. For no additional charge, guests can take advantage of Aunty’s Beach House while staying at Aulani and enjoy daily themes and even Disney Character visits.

For guests of all ages, there is a Moana storytelling experience offered by “Uncle.” Sit around the firepit and hear the story of the ancient Wayfinders and how they settled Oceania. And for those ages 3 – 10, there is the opportunity to transform into a Wayfinder like Moana. Much like Bippity Boppity Boutique that transforms young guests into royalty, Hi Style Studio will create an island look for both boys and girls. Cost starts at $150 for this experience.

Teenage guests can enjoy ukulele, hula lessons or surf lessons, lei making or paddle board yoga at Aulani. They could also participate in photo scavenger hunts or have a spa day.

A trip to Hawaii wouldn’t be complete without a Luau, and Aulani certainly delivers. The three hour dining and entertainment experience offers a traditional Luau with buffet options such as pork, prime rib, seafood and local produce. The Aulani Luaus are an additional cost offering and reservations are required.

Aulani Resort & Spa also offers live music performances from local artists, which is included in your stay. Firepit storytelling and Disney movie nights are other entertainment options offered to Aulani guests, as well as games and crafts in the community hall.

Aulani – A Disney Resort & Spa has a helpful daily calendar available to keep you up to speed on all the offerings available during your stay. Be sure to check it when planning your trip. The calendar lets you know if you need to call ahead for reservations and determine which activities may be an additional cost during your stay at Aulani.

Photo Courtesy of Aulani News

Aulani – A Disney Resort & Spa: Dining

In addition to Luau fare, there are a number of other dining options at Aulani Resort & Spa on Oahu.

Makahiki: Buffet dinner and Character Dining with offerings such fresh seafood, carving stations, salads, desserts and Hawaiian-inspired drinks. The buffet only ranges from $23 for kids to $50 for adults. The Character Show Dining experience starts at $27 and advance reservations are required.

Ama Ama: Contemporary Hawaiian cooking offering breakfast, lunch and dinner. The beach house vibe and location step from the water’s edge provides a true island dining experience. Choose from breakfast favorites such as eggs and waffles, lunch choices like soups and salads or dinner plates that dish up steak and pasta.

Ulu Cafe: This quick-service vendor offers poolside meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Choose from grab-and-go options or cooked-to-order specialties.

Wailani Pool Bar: Located in the adults-only area of the Aulani Resort, the Wailani Pool Bar is your stop for a quiet night out. They serve pizza and burgers, and have a full bar.

Off The Hook Bar & Lounge: With views of the ocean, this bar and lounge is a great choice for a quick bite and a drink.

Mama’s Snack Shop & Hot Dogs: Walk up and order snacks poolside at Mama’s Snack Shop. It offers fish & chips, hot dogs, french fries and even peanut butter & jelly sandwiches.

Papalua Shave Ice Snack Shop: You can’t visit Hawaii without enjoying authentic shave ice! Check out the variety of flavors at Papalua, located poolside in Aulani Resort.

Little Opihi’s Restaurant: Order from Little Opihi’s for beachside service, or walk up to the counter for a light meal, snack or beverage.

Aulani – A Disney Resort & Spa: Laniwai Spa

Last but not least, the spa at Aulani Resort! With options for individuals, couples and families there is something for everyone.

Laniwai Spa offers rain massage treatments, purifying body cocoons, massage and herbal remedies. Book a private treatment, whether a facial or stone massage, or enjoy this luxury as a couple. Laniwai Spa also offers family treatments for groups of 3 – 6 (ages 5+) with the use of lomilomi sticks. Advance reservations are recommended.

Aulani – A Disney Resort & Spa: Book with Get Away Today

Many people don’t realize Get Away Today offers vacation packages for more than just Disneyland. If you simply can’t wait to visit Aulani Resort & Spa, head to www.getawaytoday.com to check out vacation options! If you have questions, you can speak directly to an agent at 855-GET-AWAY. They’re more than happy to help you plan your Aulani trip, and will be with you every step of the way. When you book with Get Away Today, let them know Utah Sweet Savings sent you!

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