A GUIDE TO DISNEY AULANI, HAWAII

Hawaii’s an incredibly popular tourist destination, attracting well over 1 million visitors per month in an ordinary year. Not that we are in that at the moment, and tourism is currently see-sawing with covid restrictions. The islands feature some of the world’s gorgeous scenery, abundant outdoor activities, and some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

A stay at Disney Aulani gives you all the best that our most distant state has to offer, while providing the familiar hospitality and fun that you’d expect.

Decide on the Best Time to Visit Hawaii

You’ll need at least a week if you want to enjoy most of what Hawaii has to offer. Hawaii’s always busiest during school breaks and the winter months. This is especially true when it comes to family-oriented resorts like Disney Aulani Hotel.

Hawaii boasts warm weather year-round, which attracts visitors from North America during the cold winter months. It also has some rainy patches throughout the year, which you’ll want to avoid.

Bearing all these factors in mind, the best time to visit Hawaii is from late April to mid-May, or from September through October. If you’re still home-schooling your children, or you can take them out of school, it’s best to try and make your bookings at this time.

Book Your Space at Disney Aulani Hawaii

There are a few ways to book your spot at Disney Aulani. If you’re a member of DVC, you can book using your points. You can also rent accommodation direct from the resort, or via an accommodation broker working on behalf of DVC members.

The last option is to book a tailor-made package with a tour operator, who’ll arrange everything for you, including flights and car hire.

Accommodation at Aulani comprises rooms or villas with full kitchens. Having a kitchen is a convenient way to experience some local fresh ingredients, or enjoy a quiet night in with the family. In other words, cook for yourself. But there are also plenty of dining options onsite, plus a host of places to dine nearby.

It isn’t always easy to get space at this premium resort, so make sure you book well in advance.

Getting to Aulani Disney Resort & Spa

Disney Aulani is convenient to reach, just a 20-minute drive from Honolulu airport. Over 27 international and domestic airlines, four commuter carriers, and three inter-island airlines use this airport to transport passengers in and out of Hawaii. Your odds of finding an airline to get there are good, in other words.

Renting a car costs a little more than the other transport options, but it’s convenient to have transport while you’re on vacation. If you don’t intend to leave the resort during your stay, which would be a  shame, take a cab.

The resort does offer plenty of amenities, activities, and entertainment to keep you busy no longer how long you stay, but you should also make time to explore a little further afield.

Things to Do at Aulani Spa

There’s some or other organized event on the go every day. These include  beach yoga in the morning, Disney character meets and greets (your kids want to meet Mickey. If they don’t, maybe they’re not your kids…), Rainbow Reed snorkeling and things like the fireside Mo’Olelo and the Menehune Adventure Trial. You can do Laniwa Disney Aulani Spa treatments, lounge alongside the pool, and just amble through the lush gardens. Just don’t get mugged by Mickey! Hahaha!

There are many other attractions on offer, learn more here. Disney Aulani has stringent covid safety measures in place.

There are many onsite restaurants, from Makahiki for Hawaiian and international food, The Olelo Room if you’re craving sushi and top-class appetizers to Mama’s Snack Stop for fish and chips, chicken tenders, Ulu Café for a quick meal alongside the pool and Off the Hook with casual cuisine and tropical cocktails.

And in Honolulu or the nearby villages, you can try many local takes on native cuisines at family-run restaurants. That’s really worth doing,

Exploring Further Afield

A short drive takes you to the delights of Honolulu, with its excellent shopping and dining destinations. Some other don’t-miss things to do nearby include: Hiking Diamond Head or Koko Head Crater, visiting the Pearl Harbor monument, exploring the Polynesian Cultural Center, joining in a Luau at Paradise Cove, or doing the Diamond Head hike. If you get a chance check out the ‘Iolani Palace too.

If you want to extend your travels further afield, go to Big Island, where you’ll find Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.