source: disney
Hawaii is one of the world’s premier destinations for luxury travel, and few resorts do it better than Disney does with the Aulani, a resort and spa. The Aulani is fantastic whether you have kids or you’re traveling just as adults.
What’s unique about this resort compared to many others in Hawaii is that extra bit of magic Disney puts into everything. If you’ve ever stayed at a Disney resort in the past, you know what we’re talking about. There’s a genuine focus on authenticity here too, as Disney wants guests of the Aulani to get that real Hawaiian experience.
Overview
The Aulani is a luxurious and family-friendly resort and spa that received the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Award for Top Family Hotel in the USA in 2014. The resort is located in the Ko Lina area, which is on the coast of the Oahu island. The resort is situated on a 21-acre property surrounded by mountains and oceans. It’s away from the beaten path in terms of beachfront areas, but you’re also close enough to popular tourist areas to have lots to do outside of the resort if you choose.
The resort is part of the Ko Olina Resort Community & Marina, which includes a golf course, shopping and dining and watersports.
Resort Features
The sprawling resort includes 351 hotel rooms, with 16 suites. There are also 481 villas, which are Disney Vacation Club units. The property boasts two restaurants, three lounges and a variety of quick-service eateries. The spa is called Laniwai, and other property amenities include a fitness center, the Painted Sky teen spa, a variety of pools and water features and the Aunty’s Beach House, which is a kids club.
The Kids
There are lots of options for families traveling with kids, and this includes childcare. You can opt for in-room babysitting services for even young children, which give couples the opportunity to explore the area without the kids for a bit.
Supervised care is also provided in Aunty’s Beach House for kids aged 3-12. This service is included in the cost of your stay at Aulani.
Pool Areas
While the beaches surrounding Aulani are beautiful, the pools are pretty fantastic as well. The Waikolohe Stream is a rapids-style lazy river, while Waikolohe Pool is the centerpiece of all the property pools. This pool is an astounding 8200 square feet with zero entry and a tunnel body slide, which is called the Volcanic Vertical.
For adults, there’s the Wailana Pool, which is a quiet and relaxing place to unwind that also includes a pool bar.
For the youngest of little ones, there’s the Keiki Cove Splash Zone, while the Ka Maka Grotto is an infinity pool with scenic vistas of Ko Olina Beach.
Dining
If you want to dine outdoors and take in the natural beauty surrounding you at Aulani, there’s the Ama’Ama eatery, which serves modernized versions of traditional Island fare. For breakfast, lunch and character dining visit Makahiki, featuring a buffet-style concept. If you’re having a night without the kids, you can visit the Olelo Room, a lounge with craft cocktails and a uniquely Hawaiian style.