Sharing a recap of our keep at Aulani, the Disney resort in Hawaii and if I believe it’s value it!
Hello buddies! Joyful Monday! How was the weekend? I hope you had an amazing one! Ours was fairly busy however good. We’re undoubtedly nonetheless adjusting to being again at school and again within the routine after two epic journeys this summer time. We went to Spain, and to Hawaii, and in addition spent a while at Aulani whereas we have been there.
My story with Aulani is an fascinating one, as a result of I used to be supposed to go to the property for a press journey years in the past. Our aircraft needed to make an emergency touchdown – it was fairly traumatizing – and our neice was born the identical day! I ended up lacking the journey, and have wished to go this complete time. Final time we have been in Waikiki, we did a luau within the neighborhood (Paradise Cove Luau – the meals was meh however the leisure was glorious) and knew after we returned, we’d have to remain at Aulani.
Main as much as the journey, I used to be slammed with work stuff as a result of I used to be attempting to batch content material, file podcast interviews, and do shopper name check-ins so I may largely unplug. I reached out to Laura to see if she’d assist reserving our journey, and she or he made it SO straightforward. She additionally took care of our Aulani luau reservations. I extremely suggest reaching out to her should you’re in search of a journey agent, and she or he focuses on household and worldwide journey.
(my costume is bought out at Anthro right here // P’s is right here // Liv is sporting an older Madewell costume)
Aulani Disney Resort assessment
Okay, let’s head into the assessment of Aulani as a result of it FAR exceeded my excessive expectations. We’re undoubtedly Disney folks, as we go to Disneyland or Disney World at the very least yearly (we went 10 instances throughout the two years we lived in Valdosta…), we’ve taken a number of Disney cruises (and have one other one booked for this fall!), and revel in Disney holidays as a household. Aulani provided the very best of DIsney, which was the meals, cleanliness, and repair, and the very best of Hawaii, which was the beautiful views, ocean, panorama, and PEOPLE. The Aloha spirit blended with Disney customer support is an A+ throughout.
From their non-public seashore, to their snorkeling reef, a number of swimming pools, eating choices, and luau, it was an unimaginable expertise.
Let’s head into the entire particulars:
Eating Choices
Aulani gives quite a lot of eating experiences, catering to all tastes and preferences. From fast bites to full eating experiences, there’s one thing for everybody.
Makahiki – The Bounty of the Islands: That is Aulani’s major eating venue, providing buffet-style meals that showcase Hawaiian flavors. The character breakfast here’s a hit with households, the place children can meet their favourite Disney characters whereas having fun with a hearty breakfast. Dinner at Makahiki additionally options a mixture of native and worldwide dishes, with stay leisure that brings a contact of Hawaiian tradition to your meal.
‘Ama‘Ama: For those who’re in search of a extra upscale eating expertise, ‘Ama‘Ama is the place to be. Overlooking the ocean, this open-air restaurant gives a positive eating expertise with a menu that highlights contemporary, native substances. It’s good for a romantic dinner or a particular household meal.
Fast Service Choices: For these days whenever you simply need a fast chew, there are a number of fast service spots across the resort. Ulu Café gives grab-and-go choices, pizzas, and breakfast gadgets, whereas Mama’s Snack Cease is thought for its scorching canines, fish and chips, and Hawaiian shave ice. The ladies have been pumped that they may get Dole whip and boba tea at a beachside kiosk, and went loopy for the Mickey-shaped musubi.
Swimming pools and Slides
One of many important points of interest at Aulani is its expansive pool space, which caters to each thrill-seekers and people trying to chill out.
Waikolohe Valley: That is the guts of Aulani’s pool space, that includes a lazy river, water slides, and a number of swimming pools for all ages. The Waikolohe Stream lazy river is a household favourite, providing a soothing float by lush gardens. For these looking for extra pleasure, they’ve two water slides; the ladies beloved each of them.
Keiki Cove: Aulani is extremely family-friendly, and Keiki Cove is a testomony to that. This splash zone is ideal for youthful children, with water jets, small slides, and a enjoyable interactive play space.
Infinity Pool: For adults trying to unwind, the resort’s infinity pool is a tranquil oasis. Overlooking the ocean, it’s the right spot to chill out with a cocktail and take within the gorgeous views.
Non-public Snorkeling Reef
Aulani gives a novel snorkeling expertise proper on the property with its Rainbow Reef. This non-public snorkeling lagoon is stocked with colourful fish, offering a protected and managed atmosphere for each rookies and skilled snorkelers. It’s a good way to introduce children to snorkeling with out the fear of ocean currents, and the workers is all the time readily available to supply help if wanted.
This was a household favourite and we purchased passes for the size of our keep. There have been SO many fish; you nearly needed to dodge the fish whilst you have been swimming. It was a enjoyable expertise.
Character Greetings
No Disney resort could be full with out character greetings, and Aulani isn’t any exception. Characters like Mickey, Minnie, Moana, and Sew may be discovered all through the resort, usually dressed of their Hawaiian apparel. The character meet-and-greets are well-organized and are typically much less crowded than at different Disney parks, giving children extra one-on-one time with their favorites. The characters additionally seem at particular occasions and eating experiences, making each second at Aulani really feel magical.
Non-public Bay (with Paddleboarding and Kayaking)
Aulani’s location on Ko Olina’s stunning lagoons is one in all its largest benefits. The resort’s non-public bay gives calm, clear waters good for paddleboarding, kayaking, and easily swimming within the ocean. Visitors can lease gear immediately from the resort, and the workers could be very useful in getting everybody arrange, no matter expertise stage. The bay can be an amazing spot for lounging on the seashore, constructing sandcastles, or having fun with a peaceable sundown.
A Assessment of the KA WA’A Luau
We’ve accomplished a couple of luaus previously, and this was by far the very best one we’ve skilled. The KA WA‘A Luau at Aulani is an immersive expertise that mixes Hawaiian storytelling, music, and dance with a scrumptious buffet dinner.
photographs courtesy of Disney Aulani (they have been included with our picture package deal)
The performers are extremely proficient, and the manufacturing values are top-notch, making this a spotlight of the keep. The luau is family-friendly, with loads of actions to maintain children entertained earlier than the present begins. We performed the ukulele, the Pilot and P received short-term tattoos, and we floor taro root into poi.
It’s value noting that the luau is a further value, and reservations are extremely really useful because it tends to promote out shortly. They promote out fairly far upfront, so if you’re headed to Aulani, guide the luau ASAP.
One in every of my favourite issues concerning the luau is that it was high quality over amount. The present was on the shorter aspect, however you have been captivated for each.single.second. The meals was scorching, contemporary, and SO delicioius. The chef kindly took me across the buffet to showcase the gluten-free choices (there have been many!) and he additionally had grilled fish with ginger scallion broth and a gluten-free brownie delivered to our desk. Above and past.
(I by no means eat pork right here within the states, however I had it nearly each day in Spain, so I attempted the shredded pork on the luau. It was superb)
Execs and Cons of Staying at Aulani
Execs:
Actions and Facilities: Aulani gives a variety of actions that cater to all ages, from poolside enjoyable to cultural experiences like lei-making and hula classes. The resort is designed to maintain everybody entertained, whether or not you’re touring with toddlers or youngsters.
Worker Hospitality: The workers at Aulani are recognized for his or her heat and attentiveness. From the second you arrive, you’re handled like ohana (household), and the extent of service is phenomenal.
Cleanliness: The resort is meticulously maintained, with clear rooms, well-kept grounds, and spotless services. You’ll all the time discover a workers member tidying up or attending to visitor wants, which provides to the general luxurious expertise.
Right here’s a pic of our room:
Cons:
Value: Aulani is undoubtedly a luxurious expertise, and it comes with a price ticket to match. The price of rooms, eating, and actions can add up shortly, making it a major funding for a household trip.
Distance from the Metropolis: Whereas Aulani’s location on the Ko Olina coast is gorgeous and serene, it’s a little bit of a drive from the hustle and bustle of Honolulu. For those who’re planning on exploring town or different elements of the island, be ready for some journey time.
Remaining Ideas
Disney’s Aulani Resort & Spa is a magical vacation spot that provides the right mix of rest, journey, and Disney appeal. With its unimaginable facilities, gorgeous location, and top-notch service, it’s straightforward to see why households fall in love with this Hawaiian paradise. Whereas the associated fee could also be a consideration, the expertise of staying at Aulani is actually unforgettable. For those who’re in search of a family-friendly Hawaiian getaway that goes past the bizarre, Aulani is effectively value contemplating. We will certainly be again!
What’s your favourite family-friendly or all-includsive trip spot? Please share the products within the feedback part!
xoxo
