Destinations / Disney / Aulani
Aulani Travel Guide
Aulani is Disney's beach resort in Ko Olina on Oahu's west side, about 30 to 45 minutes from the Honolulu airport. There are no rides. You get pools, a lazy river, a snorkel lagoon, characters and real Hawaiian culture. It works best when you also leave the resort and see Oahu.
Aulani
Where I'm sending people now
Standard view rooms can look out on parking or the mountains. I'd put the money into a partial or full ocean view. Villas with kitchens help families cut food costs, which add up fast here.
Late April to early June and September to mid-November are quieter and often cheaper. Winter is whale season. Avoid Christmas, spring break and summer if you can. The Ko Olina lagoons stay calm most of the year.
Standard rooms often run about $550 to $750 a night before tax, and ocean views add roughly $200 to $400. Hawaii taxes add close to 19%. Eating on property is expensive.
Parking is about $40 a night, and Hawaii taxes add close to 19%, so ask for the all-in total. The lazy river is scheduled to close April 5 to May 7, 2027. Check that before you book spring dates.
Where I'm sending people now
Hawaii
Maui, Kauai, Oahu and the Big Island, and how to pick between them.
Italy
Rome and the Amalfi Coast, with the hotels and tours worth booking ahead.
Caribbean
Punta Cana, Turks and Caicos and Puerto Rico, all-inclusive and not.
Where I'm sending people now
Hawaii
Maui, Kauai, Oahu and the Big Island, and how to pick between them.
Italy
Rome and the Amalfi Coast, with the hotels and tours worth booking ahead.
Caribbean
Punta Cana, Turks and Caicos and Puerto Rico, all-inclusive and not.
Know before you go
Getting there
Fly into Honolulu (HNL), which has nonstops from across the US, Canada and Asia. Aulani in Ko Olina is about 30-40 minutes away by car service, rideshare or a rental car.
Getting around
You don't need a car for resort days, but I'd rent one for a day or two to see the North Shore and Pearl Harbor. Aulani charges a daily parking fee, so only keep the car for the days you use it.
Money and tipping
US dollars and cards; tip 18-20% like anywhere in Hawaii. Aunty's Beach House kids club is included for ages 3-12, but character breakfasts, spa and most dining add up fast, so budget for them.
How I'd spend 5 days
Day 1 Arrive, settle in, sunset at the lagoon
Day 2 Pools, lazy river, snorkel Rainbow Reef
Day 3 Character breakfast, Ko Olina lagoons
Day 4 Day trip to Pearl Harbor and Waikiki
Day 5 North Shore day or spa time
Where I'm sending people now
Hawaii
Maui, Kauai, Oahu and the Big Island, and how to pick between them.
Italy
Rome and the Amalfi Coast, with the hotels and tours worth booking ahead.
Caribbean
Punta Cana, Turks and Caicos and Puerto Rico, all-inclusive and not.
Where I'm sending people now
Things to do in Aulani
Where to eat in Aulani
Mina's Fish House
Monkeypod Kitchen
'Olelo Room
Makahiki
'AMA'AMA
Where I'm sending people now
Hawaii
Maui, Kauai, Oahu and the Big Island, and how to pick between them.
Italy
Rome and the Amalfi Coast, with the hotels and tours worth booking ahead.
Caribbean
Punta Cana, Turks and Caicos and Puerto Rico, all-inclusive and not.
Aulani FAQ
Is Aulani a theme park?
No. It's a beach resort with pools, a lazy river, a snorkel lagoon and character meet-and-greets. No rides. Plan to explore Oahu too.
What extra costs should I plan for?
Parking is about $40 a night, and Hawaii taxes add close to 19% to your room rate. Meals on property are expensive, so a grocery run helps. I always quote the all-in total.
Do I need a rental car at Aulani?
Not to stay on property. If you want Pearl Harbor, the North Shore or Kualoa Ranch, a car is the easiest option. Ko Olina is about 30 to 45 minutes from the airport, depending on traffic.
Can I visit Aulani without staying there?
You can eat at the restaurants and shop, but the pools and lazy river are for resort guests only.
Is there a character breakfast?
Yes, at Makahiki. Mickey and friends come by in their Hawaiian outfits. Book it before you fly.
Is anything closed at Aulani in 2027?
The lazy river is scheduled to close April 5 to May 7, 2027. If that's a big part of your trip, I'd move your dates.
When is the best time to visit Aulani?
Late April to early June and September to mid-November. Crowds are lighter and rates are often lower than summer and the holidays.