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Aulani Tips & FAQs: Everything You Need to Know about Disney’s Resort in Hawaii

caitylincoln — Sun, 25 Feb 2024 17:47:12 +0000

Most of my life I’ve pretty much been known for loving two things 1) Disney and 2) Hawaii.

So when Disney built its Aulani Resort and Spa in Hawaii, it’s like they were building it just for ME. And it’s since become my home away from home. I mean really…Disney AND Hawaii. What could be better???

I’ve been lucky enough to stay at Aulani several times now (and spent plenty of time on Oahu) so here’s the scoop on everything you need to know about Aulani:

Aulani Tips & FAQs

Disney’s Aulani Resort is a one of a kind vacation experience where the magic of Disney meets the rich culture and breathtaking beauty of the Hawaiian Islands. And really, it’s the perfect blend.

Whether you’re a “Disney person” or not, you can’t help but be impressed with how Disney’s imaginative storytelling and dedication to details mingles with the spirit of aloha and Hawaii’s incredible culture to deliver…basically the perfect vacation destination.

Where is Aulani located?

Aulani (pronounced ow-LAH-nee) is located on the west side of the island of Oahu in the resort community of Ko Olina. If you’re not super familiar with Hawaii, Oahu is the main island (but not the “Big Island”) where you’ll find Honolulu (the main city and state capital) and Waikiki (a resort/tourist oriented neighborhood in Honolulu).

Daniel K Inouye International Airport (HNL) is the airport you’ll fly in and out of (whether you’re coming from the US mainland, a neighboring island, or somewhere international).

Ko Olina is about 20 miles west of Honolulu, but it feels like a world away. While Honolulu and Waikiki are the pulse of the island, full of hustle and bustle and all manner of goings on, Ko Olina feels like a true island getaway.

What is so special about Aulani?

Aulani has been welcoming guests to Hawaii since 2011 and while it’s obviously designed to cater to families, I think it really appeals to anyone who appreciates immersive theming, a world class resort, and the beauty of Hawaii. With a touch of Disney magic of course.

There’s a lot to love about Aulani, but its standout feature is its incredible water complex, the Waikolohe Valley. This oasis is home to swimming pools, whirlpool spas, a lazy river, splash pads and water playgrounds, and thrilling water slides, all designed to mimic the Hawaiian landscape, from its volcanic formations to its lush vegetation. And Rainbow Reef, a snorkeling lagoon filled with native Hawaiian fish, offers guests a safe and accessible glimpse into the underwater world of the islands.

Aulani also offers a variety of experiences that introduce guests to Hawaiian culture including ukulele lessons, traditional Hawaiian crafts, and storytelling sessions under the stars. Plus you can easily spend a full day getting pampered at the incredible Laniwai Spa (I think it’s one of the best in Hawaii).

And families especially love Aunty’s Beach House, a state-of-the-art kids’ club that offers a wide range of activities and special events designed to entertain and educate young guests about Hawaiian culture and the natural environment (a lot of kids never want to leave!).

But what really sets Aulani apart from other resorts in Hawaii are the character experiences. Aulani guests get the chance to meet beloved Disney characters who also happen to be on vacation in Hawaii ; ) From breakfasts with Mickey and friends dressed in their island best to surprise encounters around the resort, these moments add an extra layer of magic to the Aulani experience.

Is Aulani just Disney’s version of Hawaii?

I know a lot of people dismiss Aulani because they want an “authentic Hawaiian experience” and not “Disney in Hawaii” but I’ve got to tell you…the style and design of Aulani are so on point. The way that they’ve represented Hawaiian culture and history is, in my opinion, the most “authentic” you’ll find anywhere in Hawaii.

The name “Aulani” means “messenger of a chief” and reflects the resort’s commitment to sharing the culture, history, and traditions of Hawaii with its guests. Disney’s Imagineers worked closely with local artists and cultural experts to ensure that Aulani is authentically Hawaiian in its design, artwork, and experiences, meaning it’s not just a “Mickey Mouse version of Hawaii.”

And it manages to feel grand and immersive but really relaxed and welcoming at the same time.

Is Aulani a hotel? I’ve heard they have condos.

Technically there are two different sides of the Aulani resort, the hotel side and the Disney Vacation Club (timeshare) side. If you’re booking through the resort and paying cash, all room types are open to you.

The standard rooms on the hotel side are, well, pretty standard hotel rooms. Two queen beds or one king with a bathroom that’s pretty nice.

On the DVC side, they’ve got studios and one, two, and three bedroom units. The studios are fairly comparable to the standard hotel rooms but have a minibar situation and some have a pull out bed instead of a second queen.

The one, two, and three bedroom units all have full kitchens, living rooms, and washer and dryers.

I’ve stayed in rooms on both sides of the resort (regular hotel rooms and one bedroom units on the DVC side) and there’s not much that separates them as far as quality or decor. I’d just book the type of room option that suits you best.

A couple of notes about beds…I’m not terribly fussy about mattresses and I’ve never noticed much personally about the beds at Aulani, but a LOT of people say that the beds are really hard and uncomfortable.

Also something good to know…all of the one, two, and three bedroom units have pullout beds in the living room couches (as well as a small pulldown bed under the tv that’s a good size for a kid) and while at most hotels I avoid pullout beds like the plague, the Disney ones aren’t bad at all.

They have the same type of pullout beds in all of their DVC properties and they all have a platform that opens/slides out that a foam mattress rests on top of (instead of a bar and spring situation) so they’re actually not uncomfortable at all.

How much does Aulani cost? And is it REALLY worth it?

I’ve got so many thoughts about this that I wrote a whole post about it you can read here.

***Want to save major $$$ on your trip to Hawaii? I get asked ALL the time how I’m able to travel so often to Hawaii and stay at really nice resorts. Well, my favorite travel hack is cashing in points to score free airfare and free nights at some of Hawaii’s most high end resorts. Read my full guide on the exact system I use to max out credit card rewards here. Seriously, it’s going to save you soooo much money.

How many days should I spend at Aulani?

If we’re talking about checking in and never leaving the resort area, I think four nights is pretty ideal but I would say it’s worth it for as few as two nights. But I never recommend coming to Hawaii for less than a full week and you’ll definitely want to add extra days for exploring the island. I’ve got a full post about how many days (and where to spend them) here.

When is the best time to go to Aulani?

Honestly, any time is a good time to go to Aulani. That’s what’s so great about Hawaii…the weather is always good! If you’re looking for lower crowds though, skip any time the kids are out of school – especially the winter holidays.

My all time favorite time to go to Hawaii is January and February because it feels sooooo good to escape the cold back home (plus it’s whale season!), but I usually find the cheapest rates on hotels at the end of August through September (once the kids have gone back to school).

Do I need a rental car?

Do you need a rental car to see Oahu? Absolutely. Do you need one to stay at Aulani? Not really. Let me explain…

Every time I’ve stayed at Aulani, I’ve worked it out so I stay there the last few days of my trip with absolutely no plans to leave the Ko Olina area.

Meaning, I don’t make plans to tour Pearl Harbor, have dinner in Waikiki, or see the dinosaurs at Kualoa Ranch while I’m staying at Aulani. There was one trip that coincided with Billabong Pipe Masters on the north shore so we rented a car at the resort just for that day and drove over to see it, but other than that I either take a shuttle from the airport out to Aulani OR I drop off my rental car at Aulani if I’ve been staying elsewhere on Oahu first.

Here’s how that works: If you fly into Honolulu and you’re staying somewhere else on the island and want to rent a car for a few days, you pick it up at the airport as normal but select your return destination as Ko Olina-Aulani. For a $50 fee, you can drive right up to the portico and hand your keys to the bellman instead of taking it back to the airport.

This works with Alamo for sure and maybe others. I always use Hawaii Discount Car Rental and when you put Ko Olina as your drop off location it will only show you companies that have this feature available.

Full disclaimer: I travel to Hawaii a LOT. I have seen and done and explored Oahu like you wouldn’t believe so I don’t feel like I have to get out and “go and do” when I’m staying at Aulani.

BUT. If you’ve never been to Hawaii, I do NOT recommend never leaving the resort. Whether you do a split stay and do your exploring while you’re staying somewhere cheaper, or whether you rent a car the whole time or just for certain days (you can do that right at Aulani), DEFINITELY MAKE A PLAN TO SEE THE ISLAND. And seeing the island will definitely involve a rental car, at least some days.

If I don’t rent a car, how do I get to the resort?

Honestly, I would personally just use Lyft/Uber. But if you’re traveling with a bigger group or you have kids that would need car seats, Disney contracts their airport shuttle service with Speedi Shuttle. Sometimes you can book a package with Aulani that includes airport transfers.

It’s nice because they know what time you’ll need to leave the resort to get to the airport depending on the time of day. But it’s really easy to organize it on your own as well.

If you’re driving yourself, don’t underestimate how long the drive is with traffic. Generally traffic is worse going into Honolulu in the mornings and coming back to Aulani in the evenings (it follows commuter patterns) and even though the airport is only 20 miles or so it can take an hour or more with traffic.

The Honolulu airport is also really hit or miss with crowds. It seems like groups of flights leave all at once which can create bottlenecks at the check in counters and security so leave plenty of time.

What is the beach like?

I get a lot of questions about the beach at Aulani and that makes me think it’s because it’s a topic of conversation ; )

It’s not the best beach in Hawaii but it’s also not the worst! There are four lagoons in Ko Olina (they’re actually man made) and Aulani and the Four Seasons share lagoon #4.

It’s a little crescent of a beach with calm water. It’s almost entirely protected from the ocean which makes it GREAT for kids. I can’t imagine going out there to snorkel (it’s literally all sand), but there are always people out there and they say there are a few fish. I think it just depends on what your expectations are. I wouldn’t call it “real” snorkeling.

So some people really like the beach (hey, locals come out to Ko Olina with their kids or to sunbathe) and some are disappointed.

When I stay at Aulani, I’m not there for the beach so it doesn’t bother me but if you’ve never been to Hawaii then definitely plan to spend time out exploring the island because there are some truly amazing beaches on Oahu.

I will say, at pretty much any time of day and time of the year, you can always find good chairs on the beach. That is hardly ever the case for the pool.

Is the pool really “all that”?

The main attraction at Aulani is definitely the pool. I wouldn’t call it a pool so much as a complex. It’s almost a waterpark.

There are pools for families, adults, small children, EVERYONE.

My personal favorite spot is the family infinity pool. I like to be able to see the ocean from the pool and it’s a great spot for that. There’s also an adjoining hot tub.

The main pool has zero entry so it’s great for kids and it’s close to the pool bar/restaurant and has easy access down to the beach.

There’s also an adults only infinity HOT TUB nearby which looks out over the ocean and that is hands down my favorite place to be. But while there are a few chairs it’s not really a place I’d want to set up for the day. It’s a great place to watch the sunset though!

Definitely don’t miss the lazy river and the slides (there’s a body slide and a tube slide).

I think you can skip Rainbow Reef. It’s essentially a large fish tank you can snorkel in for an extra fee (it’s a lot like Shark Reef at Typhoon Lagoon if you’ve done that). There are a lot of fish, but it’s not terribly big and the water is COLD. It’s $25/adult and $20/kid for one-day access and $45/adult and $35/kid for length of stay access. When my friend and I took her daughter (age 7) we were all ready to get out about 15 seconds after we got in and still to this day laugh about that time we thought it would be a good idea to go in there.

You can pick up towels and wristbands from a few kiosks spread out around the pool deck and you must have a wristband to do pretty much anything. Including sitting down on a pool chair. Which brings me to…

Is it hard to find pool chairs?

All of you little Disney planning nuts are going to LOVE this. One does not simply show up poolside at Aulani and plop down in a chair. Planning is involved. Alarms need to be set. Dads must be loaded up with the family’s possessions and sent down to the pool early in the morning to secure the family’s basecamp.

All jokes aside, here’s the deal…while chairs are pretty easy to come by down at the beach, the pool is by far the most popular spot at Aulani and those chairs fill up fast.

I’ve seen so many people come down around 10 or 11 and not be able to find chairs in the main pool areas (Waikolohe Pool and Ka Maka Grotto Infinity Pool). There is often more availability in the more kid oriented sections (where the water feature/playground and splash pads are) and the adults only area.

The pools don’t open until 8 AM but many people come down early to get prime spots. There are signs posted saying that if you leave items on chairs unattended BEFORE 8 they will be removed. So if you go down early, you’ll have to hang out with your stuff.

There are also signs warning that if you leave your chairs for over an hour, they will be marked by the staff and if you don’t return in another hour, your belongings will be removed so that others can use those chairs. And I’ve seen this happen a few times.

Lest this sound like a crazy Disney thing, I can assure you that this happens at every resort with a desirable pool around the world. Even at the classiest, most high brow joints. Dads can be found lining up at a nondescript gate with their family’s possessions ready to throw an elbow to ensure that they snag the most desirable spot at the pool. It happens at Disney, it happens at the Four Seasons, it just happens everywhere. So if having a good spot by the pool is important to you, definitely plan to show up early.

The good news is that with the time change, most people coming from the mainland are up and at ‘em pretty early anyways. Which might actually fuel the problem.

Also, the pool chair situation does seem to fluctuate with the season. During slow season when the resort isn’t at capacity it may be a LOT easier to find a place to sit and they may be more lenient about clearing your items away if you’ve been gone for a while.

If you’re starting to freak out, don’t worry too much. If you’re going to spend most of your time in the water, on the slides, lazy river, etc and just like to have a few chairs somewhere to keep your stuff, you’ll usually be able to find something.

BUT, if you’re wanting those front line chairs at the infinity pool that look out over the ocean…set those alarms baby!

What’s the food situation?

Aulani has a handful of restaurants plus there are a bunch of spots within walking distance. Read everything you need to know about dining in this post.

What’s the scoop on all of the activities?

If you’re a Disney planner, you’re going to live for the “Daily Iwa.” This printed daily schedule is the holy grail of information for what is scheduled to happen at the resort every day.

If you’re familiar with Disney at all, you know that even when things appear spontaneous, they’re not. They’re carefully planned. Every activity from fish feedings and yoga to movie nights and dance parties are listed in the Daily ‘Iwa.

It designates locations for events and activities as well as what’s complementary and what has an additional charge plus what requires a reservation.

They usually start to put out copies of the next day’s Daily ‘Iwa around the lobby the night before.

Here are a few things to keep an eye out for: the Menehune Adventure Trail (a high tech scavenger hunt), yoga (and other fitness classes) on the beach, resort tours, and the hours (and happenings) in the Pau Hana Community Center (where they have group activities AND movies that you can check out to watch in your room).

Are there characters at Aulani?

There are, baby! I’ve written a FULL post about meeting characters at Aulani here (including monthly schedules), but basically there are about 14 different characters that meet at Aulani. Some are out every day and some only a day or two a week. The character meets aren’t printed in the Daily Iwa but there’s a number listed that you can call from a house phone to hear the daily character schedule. They also post it in the Aulani app each morning.

Who are Duffy & Friends?

If you know, you know and if you don’t, well then let me introduce you!

Duffy and Friends are a set of Disney characters that are very popular in the Asian parks. I think of them as Disney’s answer to Hello Kitty. They’re cute little stuffed animals (all with their own backstories) and in Asia (and now Aulani!) you can buy absolutely everything you can imagine with their faces on it.

You can also meet Duffy, Shellie May, and Olu Mel at Aulani and even if you’re not super familiar with them, jump aboard the Duffy train because…when in Rome!

More about the backstory and details on Duffy and Friends in this post.

Is the luau a must do?

Going to a luau is at the top of most people’s Hawaii bucket lists. Good news: if you’re staying at Aulani you’ve got plenty of good options. Disney has their own luau (Ka Wa’a Luau) on property several nights per week but also…the #1 rated luau on Oahu is just down the street at Paradise Cove.

So I get a LOT of questions about which luau is better. The honest truth is…they’re just totally different.

The Aulani luau is smaller, has better food (prime rib!) and feels a bit like a backyard party. The lush garden setting is beautiful and there are quite a few activities and cultural crafts to participate in before dinner and the show starts.

A major thing to note is that while it’s not over the top Disney, there ARE some Disney elements. Moana comes out to start the show, Mickey and Minnie lead the children’s hula lesson, there are Moana cupcakes, etc. Overall, I’d say it’s probably better for younger kids. My 7 year old professional luau reviewer had a GREAT time. Read my full review of the Aulani luau here (plus whether or not I think it’s worth it).

Paradise Cove is a serious operation. The luau grounds are enormous (and right on the ocean!) and they offer soooo much entertainment. There’s an emu ceremony (where they pull the pig out of the ground), a hukilau (pulling the nets in from the ocean), the shower of flowers (where a guy climbs up a palm tree and showers the onlookers with flower petals), hula lessons and so much more.

There are several crafts/activities that have a separate fee and there are a lot of booths and kiosks with things to buy (which I’ve heard some people don’t like that vibe). The food and drinks are ok (not great), but on par with most large luaus. Paradise Cove is probably the best overall luau on Oahu. Read my full review here.

And I’ve also got a full post breaking down the best luaus (and which ones to avoid) on Oahu.

Is the spa worth a visit?

Absolutely! I’ll tell you a secret…not all fancy resort spas are created equal. Some are high on the “snoot” and price and low on the amenities. Well folks, the Laniwai Spa is one of the most spectacular spas in Hawaii and definitely not to be missed.

The outdoor hydrotherapy garden is one of a kind! The treatments are great and the facility is out of this world. Even if you’re not the type to always hit the spa, you’ll seriously want to consider this one.

What is there to do near Aulani?

Here’s a list of things to do within walking distance of Aulani (in the Ko Olina area) and also on Oahu’s west side >> Things to Do NEAR Aulani

What are the don’t miss sites on Oahu?

You REALLY don’t want to come all the way to Aulani without getting out and seeing Oahu…it is a SPECTACULAR island.

Here are my favorite things to do on Oahu.

What do you do when your flight is not till late?

Check out is at 11 AM but a lot of flights to the US mainland don’t leave until much later. No worries!

Check out, store your bags with bell services, spend the day enjoying the resort, and when you’re ready to get cleaned up, bell services will give you a pass to the Luana Lounge where there are lockers and showers.

I love going back on the red eye (or at least a late flight) so I can take full advantage of that last day.

Want to read more posts about Aulani? I’ve got plenty!

Everything You Need to Know about Aulani (Start Here)

Is Aulani Worth It?

How Many Days to Spend at Aulani?

Aulani Character Schedule

Aulani Luau Review

Best Restaurants Near Aulani

Things to Do Near Aulani

The post Aulani Tips & FAQs: Everything You Need to Know about Disney’s Resort in Hawaii appeared first on Mousin' Around.

Aulani Character Schedule + the Scoop on Meet & Greets

caitylincoln — Sat, 24 Feb 2024 03:58:41 +0000

Most of my life I’ve pretty much been known for loving two things 1) Disney and 2) Hawaii.

I’ve written quite a few posts about Aulani (read through my archives here), but this particular post is all about…meeting characters at Aulani.

Did you even go to Disneyland if you didn’t meet Mickey and Minnie? Well, in Hawaii it’s more like…did you even go to Aulani if you didn’t meet DUFFY AND SHELLIE MAY??!

Aulani Characters

This post may contain some affiliate links, which means I’ll make a little money on anything you choose to purchase. But of course, I only recommend my absolute favorites to you. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Mousin’ Around possible.

More about Duffy and Friends in a bit, but yes, meeting characters at Aulani is a whole thing. While Aulani is more subtle Disney than the parks, one of the big Disney parts of it is being able to meet your favorite characters!

This post is a round up of all the FAQs I get about meeting characters at Aulani including which characters are “on vacation” at Aulani, and what the schedule is. And this info is anecdotal from one or two trips. I have compiled data from the daily character schedule for almost a year now!

Ok, let’s go!

Which Characters Meet at Aulani?

There are 14 characters that make appearances at Aulani:

Mickey Mouse
Minnie Mouse
Goofy
Pluto
Donald Duck
Daisy Duck
Chip ‘n Dale
Max (from A Goofy Movie)
Moana
Stitch
Angel (from Lilo & Stitch TV Show)
Duffy
Shellie May
Olu Mel

The classic Mickey & Friends characters and the Duffy & Friends characters all wear special “aloha outfits” that are exclusive to Aulani.

Where Do Characters Meet at Aulani

There are a few places you’ll find characters around the resort:

The Makahiki Character breakfast is a great spot to meet Mickey Mouse and a few of his pals. Mickey does meet and greets on the lanai before you’re seated and then a trio of characters (usually Minnie, Pluto & Goofy) come around to your table as you have your breakfast.
The Aulani luau features brief appearances by Moana plus Mickey & Minnie although there are no meet and greets.
There are character meet and greets throughout the resort everyday that work just like they do at Disney parks.

Aulani Character Schedule

There is a schedule for character meet and greets at Aulani, but unlike at the Disney parks, it’s not predictably the same every day. And actually, the schedule isn’t posted until about 8-9AM each morning.

When I first started visiting Aulani, the only way to find the schedule was to call an extension from a resort phone and listen to a prerecorded listing of the times and locations. That’s still an option (you’ll find the number listed in the Daily ‘Iwa) plus a lot of cast members have a copy of the schedule that they can check for you.

But last year they started posting the daily schedule on the Aulani app! It still only posts that specific days schedule so you can’t know what the schedule will be in advance for your trip, BUT I decided to start collecting data on the character schedules as a little experiment.

Basically, I just wanted to know what the odds were of meeting the Duffy & Friends characters on my next trip ; ) (It used to be so rare!)

So for the last 8 months or so I’ve been tracking the character schedules to see if there are any patterns. There are!

I’ll post each month’s schedule below so you can look over them specifically (and I’m still tracking the schedules every day and will add them each month), but here are some observations I’ve made so far:

Mickey Mouse meets pretty much every day (some months there is a day here and there where he’s not on the schedule).

There are only a handful of days each month where Moana, Stitch & Minnie don’t appear. They’re regulars.

Goofy, Pluto, Chip ‘n Dale, Donald, Daisy, and Max rotate in and out. They don’t each meet every day, but it’s often. Goofy and Pluto appear more frequently but the rest are still out over half the days each month. And the way they’re spaced it should be easy to meet all of them even if you’re only there for 3-4 days.

Duffy, Shellie May, and Olu Mel don’t meet as often, but they still meet regularly (SOOOOOO much more often than they used to). If you’re staying at Aulani for a week, your odds of getting to meet all three are pretty good.

Angel (Stitch’s pink friend from the TV series) meets about as often as Duffy and Friends. Probably 10ish times a month on average.

Santa Claus makes an appearance on Christmas Eve.

The schedules seem to fluctuate seasonally with more characters appearing during busier seasons and more frequent appearances by Duffy & Friends and Angel during times when Japanese tourism is higher.

Character meet and greets usually start between 9AM-10AM and wrap up by 5PMish but some days they don’t start until closer to noon and go all the way until 8PM.

If a character is on the schedule for the day, they’ll have at least two appearance times (usually more).

The schedule is supposed to be posted in the app by 9AM every morning, but it’s not always the most reliable. Sometimes it’s not posted until closer to 10AM and sometimes it doesn’t get posted at all (days on the schedule marked N/A mean the schedule didn’t get posted that day). But the number you call to hear the recording is always posted on time and it’s supposed to be updated more in live time in case of rain, etc.

The locations for each meet and greet are listed on the schedule. Some of them are in places where they’re easily seen but some are a bit more off the beaten path. If you don’t know exactly where a location is, ask a cast member and they’ll point you in the right direction.

On rainy days, sometimes they move meet and greets inside to one of the ballrooms or other covered areas instead of just canceling them.

You’re technically supposed to have a wristband to meet the characters (it’s not always checked), but if it’s a character that you’re REALLY wanting to meet, I would make sure you have your bands instead of getting turned away at the last minute and missing the time slot.

January 2024 Aulani Character Schedule

December 2023 Aulani Character Schedule

November 2023 Aulani Character Schedule

October 2023 Aulani Character Schedule

September 2023 Aulani Character Schedule

August 2023 Aulani Character Schedule

July 2023 Aulani Character Schedule

June 2023 Aulani Character Schedule

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Who Are Duffy & Friends?

If you know, you know and if you don’t, well then let me introduce you!

Duffy and Friends are a set of Disney characters that are wildly popular in Disney’s Asian parks. Duffy technically made his first appearance in Epcot in 2010 but he never gained any popularity stateside.

But Duffy & Friends are now a thing. I think of them as Disney’s answer to Hello Kitty. They’re cute little stuffed animals (all with their own backstories) and in the Asia parks (and now Aulani!) you can buy absolutely everything you can imagine with their faces on it.

Let me break it down for you:

1) Duffy is Mickey’s teddy bear. Mickey was going on a long trip and Minnie made the bear for Mickey to take with him. She put him in Mickey’s duffel bag aaaaand…Duffy was born!

2) Shellie May is Minnie’s teddy bear. Duffy’s BFF. She has blue eyes and a large bow and she’s my favorite ; )

3) Gelatoni is a cat that Duffy met on his travels. He wears a beret and paints with his tail (with gelato of course).

4) Stella Lou is a purple bunny ballerina that dreams of dancing on a Broadway stage.

5) Cookie Ann is a yellow puppy with a passion for the culinary arts (and the color pink!), AND

6) Olu Mel is a ukulele playing turtle who is the first of Duffy’s friends to be exclusive to Aulani!

If you’re scratching your head, remember…it’s a “thing.”

Even though Duffy never originally had much popularity in the US parks, in the last five or so years they’ve started gaining a fandom among millennials and the younger generation. These characters are SUPER popular in Asia and since Hawaii has so many Japanese visitors, Aulani has been the place they’ve been testing the waters regarding Duffy and Friends in the US.

They’ve started selling their merchandise at the Polynesian Village Resort at Walt Disney World, but other than that, Aulani is the only play in the US to find Duffy and Friends merchandise AND meet the friends.

Currently, you can only meet Duffy, Shellie May, and Olu Mel at Aulani, but you can find merch for the whole gang in the gift shop.

Here’s an insider tip: Even if you’re not that into Duffy and his friends, if you see on the schedule that they’ll be meeting during your trip, walk over and just watch all of the interactions. The Asian guests get sooooo excited to meet these characters (not to mention it’s some of the best character interaction I’ve ever witnessed-Shellie May in particular) that it is high key entertaining.

Want to read more posts about Aulani? I’ve got plenty!

The post Aulani Character Schedule + the Scoop on Meet & Greets appeared first on Mousin' Around.

Is Aulani Worth It? Let’s Talk about Value for the Money

caitylincoln — Wed, 21 Feb 2024 17:37:49 +0000

Most of my life I’ve pretty much been known for loving two things 1) Disney and 2) Hawaii.

I’ve written quite a few posts about Aulani (read through my archives here), but this particular post is all about…IS AULANI WORTH IT??!

Disney’s Aulani Resort is by far the most recommended place to stay in Hawaii if you have kids. I mean really…you see Disney and you don’t need much convincing do you?

Spend a quick 5 minutes glancing through photos and videos and people are usually sold…until they see the price.

And that’s when I get this question…is Aulani worth it?

Is Aulani Worth It?

Well “worth” is pretty relative depending on the price, your financial situation, and what you value so I can’t say for sure, BUT in this post I’m going to tell you a LOT about Aulani and what to expect, how I think it compares to other resorts in Hawaii, and the value it offers for the money so you can decide for yourself.

Plus at the end I’ve also got some tips on how to save a few bucks if you really want to stay at Aulani but the $$$ is a bit much.

How Expensive Is Aulani?

Let’s get some facts on the table so we know what we’re talking about…

Aulani is part of the Disney Vacation Club (DVC) which operates a bit like a timeshare and so the property has a range of rooms that are more condo-like than just regular hotel rooms.

There’s technically a “DVC side” of the resort and a “hotel side” but besides the layout of your specific room that you book, there’s no distinction.

The DVC room options include studios and 1, 2, and 3 bedroom villas. They can be booked on “points” by DVC members but they’re also available as cash booking to the general public.

The hotel side of the resort offers your standard 2 queen or 1 king hotel rooms and these can be booked for cash by anyone.

Standard hotel rooms and DVC studios are comparable price wise and post pandemic I rarely see these available for under $550/night. I would consider that the entry level price for a stay at Aulani. The price goes up from there depending on the season, room view category, etc.

During high season, the price for a standard hotel room can easily climb up to $1000/night.

1, 2 & 3 bedroom villas are obviously more expensive as they sleep more people, have full kitchens, and washers and dryers. But generally speaking I’ve found that the price of a 1 bedroom villa isn’t more than two standard rooms so if your travel party would need two hotel rooms then sharing a 1 bedroom villa can be a savings (and the pullout sofa bed is actually pretty comfortable).

How Does Aulani Compare to Other Resorts Price Wise

It’s easy to think Aulani prices seem ridiculous because it’s Disney (and Disney has a reputation for pushing the price limit in their parks lately), but honestly Hawaii is just insanely expensive nowadays.

Can you find cheap(ish) condos with amazing ocean views in different areas of Hawaii? Of course! But when you’re comparing prices of top tier resorts in Hawaii, Aulani is not out of line price wise with the market.

You can’t compare Aulani to hotels (even resorts like the Hilton Hawaiian Village) in Waikiki because the atmosphere and amenities are not on par. Yes, there are cheaper options in Waikiki but they’re not on the same level at all.

If you want to compare Aulani to other resorts in Hawaii:

On Oahu: Turtle Bay, Four Seasons Ko Olina, Marriott’s Ko Olina Beach Club

On Maui: Grand Wailea, Fairmont Kea Lani, Westin Maui, Wailea Beach Resort

On Kauai: Grand Hyatt Kauai, Koloa Landing Resort

On the Big Island: Mauna Lani Resort, Westin Hapuna Beach, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel

A high end Hawaiian beach resort is just expensive. But there’s nothing like it!

What’s So Special about Aulani?

If you know Disney at all, you probably have pretty high expectations. Disney is known for top-notch theming, world-class service, and that sprinkling of pixie dust, which is hard to describe, but you know it when you see it.

Well, Aulani won’t let you down! But it’s a different kind of magic than what you’re likely used to experiencing at the Disney parks and on the Disney Cruise Line.

First things first, there are obviously no theme parks in Hawaii so it’s hard to make a direct comparison between a trip to Walt Disney World or Disneyland and Aulani. The big draw to Aulani is simply BEING in Hawaii.

And honestly that’s not enough for a lot of mega Disney theme park fans. But for those who enjoy a more laid back vacation (or who have simply always wanted to see Hawaii), Aulani has a lot to offer.

Namely, this:

*It’s a world-class resort located in PARADISE. Hawaii has a reputation as being among the most beautiful places on earth and it’s not unfounded. It’s easy to say that all beach destinations are similar or that there are good beaches closer to home. Until you’ve been to Hawaii. There’s a magic to the islands, the people, and the culture that makes it like no place on earth.

*For being some of the most remote islands in the world, Hawaii is a relatively convenient destination coming from the mainland. Of course being a state helps with this greatly. There’s no shortage of flight routes available (and it’s only 4-5 hours from California) making it much more accessible than places like Fiji, French Polynesia, the Maldives, or the Seychelles.

*It’s Disney and that means it’s familiar. You just know what to expect to a certain extent when you’re dealing with Disney.

*It has the very best theming and atmosphere of any resort in Hawaii. I stand by that statement. A lot of people say they don’t want to stay at Aulani because they didn’t come to Hawaii for Disney. They want the real Hawaii. I hate to break it to you Jack, but you’re not going to find another resort in Hawaii that has more authentically or respectfully incorporated Hawaiian culture into the property or the guest experience.

Most guests are impressed by the property in general, but it’s the locals that really appreciate what Disney has done with the details. I’ll be honest…you can find more luxurious resorts in Hawaii, you can find cheaper resorts in Hawaii, and you can find more adult oriented resorts in Hawaii, but you can’t find a resort that represents and integrates the culture of Hawaii any better than Aulani.

*It’s really fun! Aulani basically has an entire waterpark complex. Family pools, adults only pools, infinity pools (and hot tubs), water slides (even tube slides!), a lazy river, a kids splash area and playground complex, AND a man made snorkel reef not to mention a tranquil and almost completely protected BEACH LAGOON. That’s enough to impress even the most jaded traveler. Add in Auntie’s Beach House (the kid’s club), character meet and greets, and a billion other activities and it’s possible to come and stay for the week and never want to leave the property.

*It’s located on Oahu, which is the Hawaiian Island with by far the most things to “see and do” especially when it comes to attractions. Pearl Harbor, Kualoa Ranch (Jurassic Park), the Polynesian Cultural Center, the famous North Shore, and Waikiki are all top of most people’s don’t miss list in Hawaii and they’re all on the same island as Aulani.

*But….it’s location in Ko’olina means that it’s way less crowded than staying in Waikiki. Waikiki is a busy city on a beach (albeit a beautiful one) and that’s not the vibe most people come to Hawaii for. Staying in Ko’olina means it’s possible to see and do all the things on Oahu (which can be a very crowded island), while returning to the respite of a laid back resort community at the end of the day.

Everything in Ko’olina is walkable (or there’s a shuttle). The four lagoons are connected by a walking trail. There’s an upscale shopping center with plenty of restaurants across the street from Aulani (including a market), and there’s a Four Seasons and Marriott vacation club resort nearby for added amenities. You’ve got golfing, tennis, a marina, and the number one rated luau on Oahu all within walking distance. AND you feel like you’re approximately 5000 miles away from busy Waikiki.

*Aulani is a Disney Vacation Club resort (Disney’s version of a timeshare) meaning in addition to the regular hotel rooms, you can also rent studios as well as one, two, and three-bedroom villas with full kitchens and washers and dryers in room.

If you’re 1) traveling with kids, 2) a Disney fan, or 3) not the most frequent traveler, Aulani is 10/10 going to be the resort I recommend (assuming you’re staying on Oahu).

Is Aulani a Luxury Resort?

I get a lot of questions comparing different resorts and people asking if certain things are “worth it” and quite frankly this just all comes down to your expectations.

If you are a seasoned Disney traveler, you will likely find that Aulani is like a “deluxe resort” on steroids. Imagine the Grand Floridian or Animal Kingdom Lodge but a larger property with more entertainment. IN HAWAII. The rooms are what you’d expect from Disney as is the service. If you’re a Disney traveler that normally stays at moderate or value resorts or (gasp) off property, your mind will probably be blown by the Aulani experience and how nice it is.

If you’re a seasoned traveler in general (not just Disney) and you’ve experienced true luxury resorts (Four Seasons, St Regis, etc.) you should go in knowing that Aulani is not that.

The theming is incredible and the staff are extremely friendly and helpful but this property (like all Disney resorts) is designed to be more serve yourself style to accommodate the sometimes high number of guests.

Concrete examples: 1) At the pool you’ll get your wristbands and towels from a kiosk after showing your room key, 2) Pool chairs are first come first serve and you do your own set up, 3) Food and drink service poolside is spotty at best. Sometimes I’ve noticed servers occasionally going around with menus but most often not, 4) Nobody is going to bring you water or complimentary snacks to your chair, 5) If you’re standing in the lobby it’s unlikely that a staff member is going to approach you to ask you if you need anything, 6) While there are sometimes rumors of turndown service, I’ve never experienced it, 7) Rooms are nice but not overwhelming.

None of this translates to bad service or amenities. It’s just the way this place is designed to work. And whether you’re happy with that or not is largely determined by your expectations.

If you’ve never stayed at a resort where 1) you give your name at the pool podium the first day and they remember you for the rest of your trip, 2) someone follows you around the pool until you find the perfect spot and then they set your chairs up with covers and towels, or 3) someone regularly comes around to fill up your water glass or hand you slices of pineapple, then YOU’RE GOING TO LOVE AULANI. And if you’re used to that level of service, you’re not going to get it at Aulani.

While Disney is not usually considered a luxury brand, they do have a reputation for high levels of service and the price point at Aulani is definitely in the ballpark as other luxury resorts in Hawaii so I don’t want anyone to get confused about what to expect or not to expect.

Is Aulani Good for a Honeymoon?

I also get this question a lot. Here’s what I usually tell people: Would you go to Walt Disney World or Disneyland on your honeymoon? A lot of people would (and do) and a lot of people wouldn’t (and don’t). I’d honestly use the same rule of thumb about Aulani.

It’s a lovely resort and it does attract a lot of honeymooners (DIsney fans more likely than not), but there are also a LOT of kids and noise and at the end of the day it’s a family resort. It depends on your personality and the vibe you like on vacation.

How Do You Afford Aulani?

No matter how you spin it, a stay at Aulani isn’t cheap.

Here are some of my best tips (that I regularly use) to save a bit of $$$:

Split your stay

Most people that are traveling all the way to Hawaii, while wanting a beach vacation, also want to SEE Hawaii. If this is you, I suggest splitting your trip and spending the first part of your trip at more affordable accommodations while you do the majority of your activities and exploring.

Stay in Waikiki and do all the big attractions at the beginning of your trip, and then move to Aulani for the end of your trip so you can spend several days just relaxing and laying around the resort and taking full advantage of the beach and pool and nearby activities.

It’s no fun being off trekking through the jungle, swimming under waterfalls while regretting how much money you’re paying for a resort that you’re NOT EVEN AT.

Pick your dates strategically

The price of any hotel can change pretty drastically throughout the month and even the week. While September is pretty much the cheapest you’ll find rates at any resort in Hawaii, there’s still a lot of variation at other times of the year.

If you’re at all flexible, I always recommend using Google’s monthly price calendar (where they show you the price every night on the calendar) and looking for pockets where it’s a bit cheaper.

Watch for Discounts & Packages

Because Aulani is Disney, they tend to run better specials than a lot of the other resorts (or they just publicize them better). It’s not unusual to find 30% off offers in the fall, bonus nights on longer stays, and even WDW/Disneyland Annual Pass discounts!

Rent “Points” Through Disney Vacation Club

Just like most timeshares, members can rent out their weeks or “points” at a much cheaper rate than if you’re paying cash. If you know a Disney Vacation Club member, you could broker a private deal. Otherwise there are several reputable companies who will work out the logistics for you. If you’re willing to plan far enough in advance (usually at least 6 months), you can often get rooms at Aulani at least 50% off if you go this route. Try David’s DVC Rentals.

Want to read more posts about Aulani? I’ve got plenty!

Everything You Need to Know about Aulani (Start Here)

Is Aulani Worth It?

How Many Days to Spend at Aulani?

Aulani Character Schedule

Aulani Luau Review

Best Restaurants Near Aulani

Things to Do Near Aulani

The post Is Aulani Worth It? Let’s Talk about Value for the Money appeared first on Mousin' Around.

How Many Days at Aulani? Here’s How to Break Down Your Vacation

caitylincoln — Wed, 21 Feb 2024 11:28:15 +0000

Most of my life I’ve pretty much been known for loving two things 1) Disney and 2) Hawaii.

I’ve written quite a few posts about Aulani (read through my archives here), but this particular post is all about how many days you’ll want to spend at Aulani.

Aulani checks all of the boxes of a perfect resort…a tropical setting, everything revolves around the pools and beach, amazing theming and architecture, laid back luxury, and every amenity you could possibly imagine, but mostly it just gives you that feeling that you never want to leave.

How Many Days at Aulani?

But this is Hawaii! One of the most beautiful destinations in the world! So if you’ve got questions about how many days you’ll want to spend just at Aulani and how that fits into sightseeing the rest of the island (or even visiting other islands), I’ve got answers!

How Many Days at Aulani? (Not Leaving the Resort Area)

Let’s start off by talking just about the time that you’ll spend at the resort itself and in the little resort bubble of Ko Olina.

Aulani is a pretty decent sized resort with multiple restaurants, a whole pool complex, snorkeling lagoon, beach, and endless activities.

It sits in Ko Olina which is a high end resort area on the west side of Oahu that’s home to a Four Seasons, Marriott Vacation Club, a marina, golf course, a shopping center with a handful of restaurants, and a smattering of condos and vacation homes.

It has everything you need to keep you happy and busy living the resort life, but it’s pretty quiet and isolated from the rest of the island.

All that being said, my personal ideal amount of time to spend at Aulani (and in Ko Olina) is four nights.

That’s not four nights in Hawaii or on the island, but that’s four nights of basically parking my car and not venturing any farther out than I can walk.

Could I stay at Aulani for two full weeks and be a happy camper? Absolutely! I’m one of those people who can alternate between the beach and pool at a resort cranking through a book a day for weeks on end and never get bored so I could definitely justify a longer trip, but 3-4 days is a really good chunk of time to spend at Aulani and get to play and have fun and still relax.

If the budget is tight and you’re questioning how you’re going to make it happen, two nights is still a great option. You’ll have one full day and parts of your arrival and check out day (you could arrive at 7 AM on check in day, store your bags and spend the whole day enjoying the resort and on check out day they have a lounge with lockers and showers you can access even after you check out of your room). That’s a lot of bang for your buck for a two night stay.

How Many Days on Oahu?

I never recommend coming to Hawaii for less than a week (unless maybe if you’re coming directly from the west coast, you travel often, and you’re mostly coming for some R&R).

It’s just so far, you’re dealing with a major time change, and there’s soooooo much to see and do.

A trip to Hawaii isn’t like a quick jaunt to Mexico where you never leave the resort. There is so much to explore in Hawaii, plus you want to actually have a vacation.

Besides just coming to Hawaii in general, I rarely recommend staying on any one island for less than a week.

A lot of people come with grand plans to see all four main islands in 10 days and honestly that’s just absolutely nuts. You could spend a solid week on each island and barely scratch the surface plus add in all of that time in airports and there are just so many better ways to spend your time.

Sooooo…let’s assume you’re going to be on Oahu for a week (or longer!).

Honestly, if you’ve got the cash to stay at Aulani the whole time, go for it! Even if you alternate days spent at the resort and days spent out exploring the island, it’s just so nice to come back to a place that feels like a real oasis at the end of the day.

I personally prefer to split my trip into two parts (partially to save a little $$$ and partially for convenience and a more rounded experience).

If this were my perfect weeklong trip to Oahu, I would spend the first 3-4 nights at a hotel in Waikiki and plan to do the bulk of my “exploring the island” time and then finish off my trip with 3-4 nights at Aulani for my “vacation” time.

Should I Spend More Than a Week?

Yes! If you’ve got more than a week, Hawaii definitely has enough to keep you entertained. You could extend your time at Aulani by a few days or extend the time you spend exploring Oahu by a few days OR you could add in another chunk of time on another island.

If you have an extra four days or so you could squeeze in a really nice trip to Kauai (it’s a smaller island) or try Maui or the Big Island if there’s something specific there that you’d like to see (National Park bucket listers will want to visit Haleakala National Park on Maui and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island for sure).

But I still stick by my general rule of thumb and recommend a week per island if you want to really get to see and do much (and still feel like you’ve had a vacation).

Alternatively, if you’ve done the research and you’re actually a lot more interested in visiting another island like Maui or Kauai over Oahu but you still really want to stay at Aulani because you’re a “Disney person,” then you could do a week on another island and then fly to Oahu just to stay at Aulani for a few days and not feel like you need to see much else of the island since you’ve already had your “Hawaii experience.”

Want to read more posts about Aulani? I’ve got plenty!

Everything You Need to Know about Aulani (Start Here)

Is Aulani Worth It?

How Many Days to Spend at Aulani?

Aulani Character Schedule

Aulani Luau Review

Best Restaurants Near Aulani

Things to Do Near Aulani

The post How Many Days at Aulani? Here’s How to Break Down Your Vacation appeared first on Mousin' Around.

Is the Aulani Luau Worth It? Breaking Down the Ka Wa’a Luau for Value

caitylincoln — Tue, 20 Feb 2024 13:28:21 +0000

Most of my life I’ve pretty much been known for loving two things 1) Disney and 2) Hawaii.

I’ve written quite a few posts about Aulani (read through my archives here), but this particular post is all about…THE LUAU.If there’s one question I get asked more often than most, it’s definitely about the best luau in Hawaii. So for the sake of my job, I end up going to a lot of luaus ; )

The Ka Wa’a Luau at Disney’s Aulani Resort doesn’t usually get mentioned in the first wave of “best luau on Oahu” recommendations with places like Paradise Cove, the Polynesian Cultural Center, and Chief’s, but I personally think it’s a major contender…for a certain niche.

It’s me…I’m the niche ; )

Just kidding, but I really do enjoy this overall luau experience more than most on Oahu. Yes, I’m a Disney person but I think what appeals to me about this luau is more the high class level of entertainment and product that Disney is famous for and less the mouse itself.

I’ll get more into the details later in this post, but basically despite obviously being geared towards kids and families, I think the Ka Wa’a Luau at Aulani is one of the more high end luau experiences on the island.

Is the Aulani Luau Worth It?

On my last trip to Aulani, I reserved tickets for the Ka Wa’a Luau a few months in advance (you usually get better seat assignments the earlier you book) for myself, a couple of friends, and my five year old niece Maya.

I think the Ka Wa’a Luau is a classic example of what Disney does best: Instead of making kids feel welcome at an adult oriented experience, they manage to make a kid centered experience feel adult friendly, and it just ends up being…really fun.

Let’s start off with a full review so you know exactly what you’ll be experiencing and then I’ll tackle if I think the Aulani luau is worth it and also a comparison to the Paradise Cove Luau next door.

Aulani Luau Review

Location & Setting

The Ka Wa’a Luau is hosted at Disney’s Aulani Resort and Spa in Ko Olina on the west side of Oahu. The luau is held a few nights a week on a beautiful lawn tucked away on the quiet side of the resort. Even though it’s a resort luau, nothing about it feels “temporary” like it’s something that’s set up and torn down every night. The stage, lighting and everything is high quality including actual tables and chairs, plates, utensils, etc. It seems like a funny thing to comment on but the overall feeling of this luau is just really high end and it’s things like this that help make that overall impression. There are no cheap folding chairs and white banquet tablecloths here.

Prices & Packages

There are two different tiers you can book for this luau:

General Seating: $175/adult ($104/child). Seating is assigned in the order that you check in at the podium.

Preferred Seating: $204/adult ($124/child). You can check in at the VIP entrance earlier and enter the grounds 10 minutes earlier than the general seating. Also, your priority seating is assigned when you book (not when you check in) so if you don’t care to arrive super early, you’ll still get the good seats for booking early. Preferred seating also includes a complimentary welcome photo.

BOTH packages include alcoholic beverages and leis.

Okay, so is preferred seating “worth it”? Normally I say no, but this luau is kind of different. It’s not so much the actual seating that’s worth the upgrade (it’s definitely better but I don’t normally find much value in a closer seat) but it’s the extra time you get to do the activities between the time the doors open and dinner is served.

So technically you only get a 10 minute head start if you’re in the preferred seating, BUT it seems like they start checking people in before then plus there’s fewer people so you pretty much get inside and are seated RIGHT at 5PM. Whereas if you’re in general seating, they start checking you in at 5:10 in the order that you’re standing in line and there’s a lot more people in general seating so if you show up late and you’re towards the end of the line, you could have thirty or so minutes less time inside to do the activities than the people in the preferred seating.

So really it comes down to…IF having time to do the pre show activities is important to you then either pay more for preferred seating OR be prepared to show up 30-60 minutes before the doors open to make sure you’re at the front of the line. It sounds kind of crazy, but remember this is a Disney luau and Disney fans/theme park travelers are used to doing research, planning in advance, and waiting in lines so it’s a little different than most luaus just because of the clientele.

Authentic or Cheesy?

I know a lot of people want an “authentic” luau. Well, here’s my first disclaimer: Any commercial luau (one that you pay to attend) is NOT going to be authentic. A luau in Hawaiian culture is similar to a backyard BBQ. Friends and family gathering to eat a big meal, hang out and visit, play games, sing songs (whatever you do at your family get togethers) and just spend time together. Commercial luaus have combined some special elements of Hawaiian culture (including hula dancing and a feasting on certain foods among others) into an event. It’s not a bad thing, but just don’t get too hung up on it being “authentic.”

I think what most people want when they say they want “authentic” is “not cheesy.”

Surprisingly (or not depending on what you know about Disney), this luau isn’t cheesy AT ALL. Even with a few Disney touches (I’ll get into those later), it never feels hokey. How do I determine that…? Not one eye roll from me the entire night! ; ) It’s a very high end event from the venue, the food, the entertainment, the show. It’s just all done so well.

For me, this luau feels like they acknowledge that it’s a commercial luau (instead of the host making speeches about you being “family” while you’re standing in line with 700 people for the buffet) but they’re committed to making it the most welcoming and quality experience they can.

And while there are a couple of opportunities for the kids to get involved in the show, it really cuts down on a lot of the cheesy crowd pandering that other luaus seem to depend on (I can’t be the only one who’s uncomfortable when Bob from Omaha is pulled up on stage to be basically given a lap dance by one of the hula dancers right???! – that’s 10/10 eye roll material for me).

Arrival & Pre Dinner Entertainment

We arrived at the luau grounds right about 5PM and got checked in. Despite this being my job, I literally did NO advance research so was totally unaware about the perk of the preferred seating, but we did see the long line on the other side of the grounds (for the general seating) and wondered why they were all over there haha. The ladies got a shell lei, the gentlemen a kukui nut lei, and Maya had the choice between a shell lei or a necklace with Maui’s fish hook (the first of surprisingly only a few “Disney” touches throughout the evening. If you’re not familiar, Maui’s fish hook is a big element in the movie Moana). She chose the necklace.

Next we were offered drinks before we were shown to our table. There was a special fruit punch (with straw and lid) for the kids, and some sort of blue coconut flavored alcoholic beverage for the adults. I wasn’t a fan, but I don’t usually think the welcome drinks at luaus are very good.

Our seats were literally as close to the stage as we could get so we set our stuff down and took a few photos in front of the stage.

Next, we scampered off to take part in all of the activities offered on the lawn! There was lei making, printing, ukulele lessons, poi pounding, and so much more. While I think this is set up as a nice diversion for the kids, adults are more than welcome to join in and plenty did! We made it to every station except the temporary tattoo one (which Maya wasn’t interested in it) by 6PM, which was when dinner was announced.

So if you’re keeping track, we entered at 5 and spent a solid HOUR doing the preshow activities and we didn’t feel super rushed but we also weren’t standing around with nothing to do.

In my opinion, this is one of the things that the Aulani luau excels at. Everything is included in your admission and it’s all run as well as you’d expect Disney to run it.

At 6, there was a little show where Moana came out to basically kick things off, but unfortunately we missed it because we were in the bathroom. Kids have the worst timing haha. One thing to note is that the nearest restrooms are at Ama Ama or Makahiki (the resort’s two restaurants) and they’re not super close. The restrooms aren’t completely inconvenient, but maybe try to time your trip so you don’t miss anything!

Food & Drinks

We made it back just in time to head up to the buffet (our table was one of the first to go up). Keep in mind that I attended this luau BEFORE COVID when it was still a buffet (check before you book to see if it’s still served Bento style or if it’s back to a buffet). The food at this luau was DELICIOUS. While they have a lot of traditional luau staples, they also have some more upscale options like prime rib. And I have to say, the flavors of the food tasted a lot better to my unsophisticated palate than other luaus I’ve been to where the food was more “traditional.”

For example…to the standard American taste buds, traditional Hawaiian food can taste kind of bland. A lot of luaus have a taro dish (I like to call it the purple mashed potatoes) and I’m not going to lie, it’s usually pretty bland (that’s how it’s traditionally prepared). But the Aulani version was dynamite and I’m going to assume that’s because it was loaded with butter, cream, and a little sugar. So it’s not that the food is necessarily more authentic, but they cater to their audience.

This luau also featured a separate kid friendly buffet with mac and cheese, pasta with red sauce, chicken tenders, and Moana cupcakes. While I’m sure this buffet was designed with kids in mind, there were more than a few adults (myself included!) who found the mac and cheese and chicken tenders too tempting to pass up! ***They’re currently offering kid friendly bento boxes instead of a kid specific buffet. Kids are still welcome to try things off the buffet and I’m betting adults are welcome to snag a box (or ask your server if you’d like something specific from the box served on a plate).

Overall, I would say Ka Wa’a had the best tasting food of any luau I’ve been to, although not necessarily the most traditional. Don’t get me wrong, most of the traditional luau foods were there (kalua pork, teriyaki chicken, fish, taro mashed potatoes, poke and seafood salads, etc.), but the flavors just seemed a little richer and more pleasing than at other places.

But also, this is a much smaller luau than most and the food is coming straight from the resort restaurant’s kitchens so it’s bound to be better than the mass produced places.

Dessert was also phenomenal (again, the best I’ve ever had at a luau). Unfortunately, the featured dessert was a banana bread pudding (I’m allergic to bananas) but it looked AMAZING. They also had guava cake (which if you know me, I get so excited about guava), brownies, and fresh fruit. And those Moana cupcakes from the kids table.

The Show

We finished up dinner just in time for the show to start. While some luaus often have an overarching story that weaves the dances together, this show really took it to the max. It felt like a high quality stage production (think Broadway) instead of a collection of dances.

The show is led by two “storytellers” who recount the journey across the seas to the Hawaiian Islands as well as settling the local land. There was a big emphasis on telling the story of Ewa (the part of the island that modern day Ko Olina is located on) as it relates to the storyteller’s ancestors. The show had emotional moments as well as a lot of participation for kids.

At one point, Mickey and Minnie came out to help teach the Aulani Hula to the kids (they were invited to come to the front of the stage), and there was another moment where some of the kids were given shakers and they stood up on one of the side stages during one of the dances.

***I’ll just pop my observation in here: Yes, Mickey, Minnie & Moana all make brief appearances, but this doesn’t feel like a “Mickey Mouse luau.” It’s a high quality production of authentic Polynesian dances and storytelling with a quick visit from the mouse.

Another unique aspect of this luau was that in addition to the main stage, there were a couple of smaller stages located further back so that no matter where you were sitting you had a good view.

The big highlight of the show (and the finale) was the fire dancers. They tied in a story about Maui fighting with the sun that all of the kids loved.

The Overall Experience

If you’ve got kids, this is THE luau to do on Oahu. It does have a few Disney elements (Moana, Mickey and Minnie make appearances as well as the tie ins of Maui), but I think even if you’re not a big Disney fan, it doesn’t detract from the overall experience.

One thing to note, there is no Imu ceremony (where they unearth the pig) at this luau, but they do have a whole pig displayed on one of the buffet tables (which I haven’t seen at a luau before).

I missed out on this memo (probably what happens when you’re wrangling a kid and managing bathroom visits) but apparently the preferred seating also included drink service at the table whereas general seating had to go to the bar.

And like I mentioned before, general seating is assigned first come first serve so the people who get there early and wait in line not only get more time to do the preshow activities but also better seats.

You don’t have to be an Aulani resort guest to attend the luau, and up to five hours of parking is provided.

There is usually some luau specific merchandise in the resort’s gift shop which is fun.

The luau isn’t offered every night (I think it’s usually offered three nights a week), so plan accordingly.

Is the Aulani Luau Worth It?

The big question! IS THE AULANI LUAU WORTH IT???!

My general answer when people ask me if something is worth it is…if you’ve done a moderate amount of research into what you’re getting (if you’ve read this post I think you can check that box) and you’re still questioning it…it’s probably a no…for you.

If the thought of paying $650 for 2 adults and 2 kids to attend this 3ish hour event makes you feel physically ill, go with your gut. You can do a LOT with that kind of money and maybe there’s something else your family would enjoy more.

But if you’re wondering if the Aulani luau is worth it specifically compared to other luaus, then that I can help you with!

Luaus have gotten EXPENSIVE lately. Is the Aulani luau more expensive than some other options on Oahu? Yes. Is it double the price? No.

So if you’ve already set on committing some money for a luau, it’s just a question of should you spend a little more for the Aulani luau.

Aulani’s cheapest luau ticket is $175/adult ($104/child). Some comparable entry level tickets to other popular luaus:

Paradise Cove: $150/adult ($110/child)

Polynesian Cultural Center: $185/adult ($140/child) for the package that also includes access to the island villages for the day

Experience Nutridge: $159/adult ($100/child)

Chief’s Luau: $165/adult

Germaine’s Luau: $120/adult

I’ve been to several of these other luaus (although a couple are on my “don’t go” list) and can definitely say that none of them feel as nice as the Aulani Luau.

If you have little kids (let’s say under 10), if you’re a Disney person, if you value a nicer experience, if you’re staying at Aulani (or in Ko Olina), and if you want the best food and show, I would give the edge to Aulani over all of these other luaus.

Aulani Luau vs Paradise Cove

This is another big question. The Paradise Cove Luau is highly regarded as the best luau on Oahu, and it’s right down the street from Aulani so the question is how do they compare.

Honestly, they don’t compare at all.

Paradise Cove is a HUGE luau (like 700+ people per night) and it checks all of the boxes that most tourists want (hula lessons, unearthing of the pig, etc.) plus it’s right on the beach.

However, I find it to be pretty cheesy at times (I’ve rolled my eyes more than a few times there haha).

I will say, even with the Disney touches, Ka Wa’a isn’t cheesy at all. It never feels hokey.

Both luaus are definitely kid friendly/oriented but I think Ka Wa’a is better for smaller kids (and adults who want a nicer experience) whereas Paradise Cove may be more attractive for older kids/teens. There’s a LOT going on there.

The Aulani luau is way more laid back and feels a bit like a high end backyard party whereas Paradise Cove definitely caters to the masses and you’ll definitely feel like cattle being herded from one spot to the next (but in a lovely setting!).