Sharing a recap of our keep at Aulani, the Disney resort in Hawaii and if I feel it’s price it!
Hello pals! Blissful Monday! How was the weekend? I hope you had an important one! Ours was fairly busy however good. We’re undoubtedly nonetheless adjusting to being again in class and again within the routine after two epic journeys this summer season. We went to Spain, and to Hawaii, and in addition spent a while at Aulani whereas we had been there.
My story with Aulani is an attention-grabbing 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 needed to go this whole time. Final time we had been in Waikiki, we did a luau within the neighborhood (Paradise Cove Luau – the meals was meh however the leisure was wonderful) 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, document podcast interviews, and do consumer name check-ins so I might principally 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 for those who’re searching for a journey agent, and she or he makes a speciality of household and worldwide journey.
(my costume is bought out at Anthro right here // P’s is right here // Liv is carrying an older Madewell costume)
Aulani Disney Resort evaluation
Okay, let’s head into the evaluation 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 a minimum of every year (we went 10 occasions 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 luxuriate 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 attractive views, ocean, panorama, and PEOPLE. The Aloha spirit combined with Disney customer support is an A+ throughout.
From their non-public seaside, 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 affords 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 dwell leisure that brings a contact of Hawaiian tradition to your meal.
‘Ama‘Ama: For those who’re searching for a extra upscale eating expertise, ‘Ama‘Ama is the place to be. Overlooking the ocean, this open-air restaurant affords a positive eating expertise with a menu that highlights contemporary, native substances. It’s excellent for a romantic dinner or a particular household meal.
Fast Service Choices: For these days if you simply need a fast chew, there are a number of fast service spots across the resort. Ulu Café affords grab-and-go choices, pizzas, and breakfast objects, whereas Mama’s Snack Cease is thought for its sizzling canines, fish and chips, and Hawaiian shave ice. The ladies had 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 predominant sights at Aulani is its expansive pool space, which caters to each thrill-seekers and people trying to calm down.
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 way of lush gardens. For these in search of 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 proper spot to calm down with a cocktail and take within the beautiful views.
Non-public Snorkeling Reef
Aulani affords a singular 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 surroundings for each freshmen and skilled snorkelers. It’s an effective way to introduce children to snorkeling with out the concern of ocean currents, and the workers is all the time readily available to offer 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 virtually needed to dodge the fish whilst you had been swimming. It was a enjoyable expertise.
Character Greetings
No Disney resort can be full with out character greetings, and Aulani is not 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 usually 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 every of its greatest benefits. The resort’s non-public bay affords calm, clear waters excellent for paddleboarding, kayaking, and easily swimming within the ocean. Company can lease gear straight from the resort, and the workers could be very useful in getting everybody arrange, no matter expertise stage. The bay can be an important spot for lounging on the seaside, constructing sandcastles, or having fun with a peaceable sundown.
A Evaluate of the KA WA’A Luau
We’ve carried out a number of luaus prior to now, 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.
images courtesy of Disney Aulani (they had been included with our photograph 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 acquired non permanent tattoos, and we floor taro root into poi.
It’s price noting that the luau is an extra value, and reservations are extremely really useful because it tends to promote out rapidly. They promote out fairly far upfront, so if you’re headed to Aulani, e book the luau ASAP.
One in all my favourite issues in regards to the luau is that it was high quality over amount. The present was on the shorter aspect, however you had been captivated for each.single.second. The meals was sizzling, 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 virtually every single day in Spain, so I attempted the shredded pork on the luau. It was superb)
Professionals and Cons of Staying at Aulani
Professionals:
Actions and Facilities: Aulani affords 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 identified 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 amenities. 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:
Worth: 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 rapidly, making it a big 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 the town or different components of the island, be ready for some journey time.
Last Ideas
Disney’s Aulani Resort & Spa is a magical vacation spot that gives the proper mix of rest, journey, and Disney allure. With its unimaginable facilities, beautiful location, and top-notch service, it’s straightforward to see why households fall in love with this Hawaiian paradise. Whereas the fee could also be a consideration, the expertise of staying at Aulani is really unforgettable. For those who’re searching for a family-friendly Hawaiian getaway that goes past the atypical, Aulani is properly price 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
