What to Eat, See, and Do at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa
My husband Angel and I just got back from his birthday staycation at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Oahu, and I thought it would be nice to put together an official travel guide to live on The Sunday Morning Blog. This travel guide is an update to my "Our Honeymoon at Aulani" blog post I shared last year. A few things at Aulani have changed since our honeymoon. We consider Aulani our “home park” since we live in Hawaii, and we try to visit the resort at least once a year (even if it’s just to shop or grab a meal). Keep reading for travel tips on what to eat, see, and do at Aulani.
What to Eat, See, and Do at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa
Character breakfast at Makahiki. The character breakfast at Makahiki is open again, but only to resort guests. Enjoy the most important meal of the day with Mickey Mouse and his friends in paradise! The last time we did the character breakfast was in 2019 when it was still a buffet. It has since changed to a three-course meal because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Before Coronavirus, the characters would parade around the restaurant, but now, there’s a photo opportunity set up outside the restaurant where you can take pictures on your phone (free) or with a Disney PhotoPass photographer (sold separately).
Breakfast is served with a basket of mini breakfast muffins and croissants for the table, a small plate of fresh seasonal fruits, and your entree. I ordered the Oahu Farmer's Omelet and my husband Angel ordered the Traditional Omelet. Everything was so delicious! I could only finish half of my omelet because the entree serving size at this restaurant is huge (so, come hungry).
We were seated outside on the lanai next to the koi fish pond, which was so serene—a great way to start your vacation! Tip: Character breakfast days are only on specific days of the week. Check disneyaulani.com before your trip for reservation availability.
Off the Hook. Off the Hook is a bar, lounge, and poolside kitchen, serving up American favorites like burgers and the best chicken tenders and fries, in my opinion. They also have a full bar filled with local adult beverages like mango margaritas.
The Olelo Room. There aren't many sit-down restaurants open for dinner at Aulani yet. Makahiki—Bounty of the Islands is available for dinner, but I didn’t include it in this list because I haven't eaten there yet. However, I have eaten at The Olelo Room, a bar and lounge opposite Makahiki.
The Olelo Room is dedicated to sharing the Hawaiian language with its guests. Hosts greet guests in Hawaiian and the majority of the menu is in Hawaiian with the description in English. They mainly serve pupus (appetizers), including a sushi chef making fresh sushi and sashimi. My favorite thing to order at The Olelo Room is the spicy ahi rolls. The fish is fresh and buttery, and I crave it every time I'm at Aulani. Seating is first-come, first-served.
Papalua Shave Ice. This refreshing island favorite is made with shaved ice and the syrup(s) of your choice. Get it regular or with Mickey ears!
Ulu Cafe. Ulu Cafe is essentially a grab-and-go cafe. If you're not going to a character breakfast or sit-down dining experience, this place is for you. They're open from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They also serve dole whip and sell souvenirs, like popcorn buckets.
Wailani Coffee Bar. In the morning, the Wailana Pool Bar turns into a coffee bar where they serve up an array of hot and iced coffee, espresso, and smoothies. I highly recommend the Aulani special—a mocha macadamia nut coffee.
Learn more about all of Disney Aulani’s dining options online at disneyaulani.com/dining.
WHAT TO SEE AT AULANI
Aloha Stitch Statue. Along the way to Halawai Lawn, see Stitch decked out in lei, proudly sharing Lilo's school paper on Hawaiian Chants and Songs (she got an A!). He looks so proud of her!
Character Meet & Greet. One of the most magical parts of Disney is meeting your favorite Disney characters. See Mickey Mouse and friends hanging out around the resort (usually around the Waikolohe Pool and Stream). Double-check the Aulani app or the Daily Iwa (Aulani's daily bulletin) to determine when and where your favorite characters will be.
Hidden Animals. On this last trip, Angel noticed some hidden animals (kinda like hidden Mickey's) carved into the side of the Volcanic Vertical at the Waikolohe Pool. So far, we spotted an owl, a lizard, and what I think is either an oopu (Hawaiian fresh-water fish) or prawn. We couldn't believe we didn't notice it during our earlier trips. We're very impressed with Disney's Imagineers.
Menehune House. Along the walkway to Halawai Lawn, be on the lookout for a Menehune house. Menehunes are little beings from Hawaiian moolelo (stories). They are either real helpful or kolohe (rascal). Have you seen the Menehune house?
WHAT TO DO AT AULANI
Canoe Sailing with Hawaiian Ocean Adventure. Out of all the activities on this list, I highly recommend booking a canoe sailing trip with Hawaiian Ocean Adventures (HOA). HOA is a Hawaiian-owned business dedicated to sharing the Hawaiian culture through the waa (canoe). Sail along the coast of the west side of Oahu in a Hawaiian-inspired canoe and possibly see marine life like the honu (Hawaiian sea turtle) and dolphins. Tip: Book a morning adventure for a calmer ride. Schedule a trip with Aulani's concierge or down at the beach at Makiki Joe's Beach Rentals.
Laniwai, A Disney Spa. Laniwai is one of the most beautiful spas for some R&R. I highly recommend booking a massage at Laniwai Spa (ask for masseuse Laurie if you can). Once you’re checked in, you'll set an intention, then, you'll go on a guided tour of the spa. When the tour is over, you'll have roughly 45 minutes to enjoy Aulani’s Hydrotherapy Garden, where you can relax in the sitting pools or jacuzzi, walk along the reflexology path, and experience the outdoor showers, or take a cold water plunge. When you're done, you'll head back in to shower and wait in the relaxing room before your massage.
Prices vary depending on the type of treatment you're getting. I got the traditional Hawaiian lomilomi massage which cost $185 for 50 minutes. The spa automatically added a 20% gratuity to my bill. See Laniwai’s menu online at disneyaulani.com.
Snorkel Rainbow Reef. Rainbow Reef is, essentially, a giant fish tank. Resort guests can snorkel with tropical fish, like Hawaii's state fish—the humuhumunukunukuapuaa—for a fee. Aulani provides resort guests with snorkel equipment, and you can swim for as long or short as you want throughout the day, as long as it's open.
Swim at Aulani’s Beach Cove. Aulani's beach is a lagoon part of several beaches along the Ko Olina coast. The water is calm, and resort guests can enjoy some saltwater therapy down there for free. Resort guests may rent boogie boards, stand-up paddleboards, and snorkel gear at Maikiki Joe's Beach Rental.
Swim / Relax Poolside. Aulani has one of the most appealing pools I've seen at any resort. There are seven different pools on property:
01. Ka Maka Grotto
02. Keiki Cove Splash Zone - Great for young kids
03. Menehune Bridge - Fun for kids
04. Waikolohe Pool - Must-ride the Volcano Vertical slide
05. Waikolohe Stream
06. Wailana Pool - Relaxing for adults (it's right next to the Wailana Pool Bar)
07. Whirlpool Spas
PRO TIP: Head down to the pool as soon as it opens to grab pool chairs for you and your family.
Shopping. There are three stores for resort guests and the general public to shop at Aulani:
Kalepa's Store - A general store with cute Aulani merch
Hale Manu - A high-end fashion boutique
The Lava Shack - The poolside shop
Laniwai Spa - Aulani spa products you can enjoy at home
Other activities we haven't tried yet: Aunty's Beach House, golf, Ka Waa – A Luau at Aulani, Kapala Kii – T-shirt stamping, Menehune Adventure Trail, Moolelo Fire Pit Storytelling, Makaikai – Guided Walking Tour, Painted Sky: HI Style Studio, Painting With Light, Pau Hana Room: Community Hall, Photography Services, Pulu Bar Mixologh Station, Sunrise Yoga on the Beach, Sunset Mele, Underwater Explorers, Imi Loa Na Hoku (Explore the Stars), and Ukulele Lessons.
Learn more about activities at Aulani online at disneyaulani.com.
Editor’s note: This post was first published on Nov. 15, 2021, and was updated on May 29, 2022, for style.