Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa
Resort hotel · Ko Olina ·
Hawaiian-themed resort with pools, waterslides, character dining
Hawaiian-themed resort with pools, waterslides, character dining
"There’s no family resort in Hawaii more magical than this $800 million Disney playground on Oʻahu’s leeward coast, where the all-heated pools include a saltwater lagoon teeming with colorful reef fish and another complex with a waterslide and tube ride that spills into a lazy river. Kids can fill days with free scavenger hunts, outdoor Disney movie nights, ukulele lessons, nature walks, firepit storytelling, and meet-and-greets with Moana, Goofy, and Mickey, while adults slip away to a world-class spa, fitness classes, the island’s only outdoor hydrotherapy garden, or the 18-hole golf course just across the street. The Ka Waʻa Lūʻau is pricey but worth it—open bar, parents!—and yes, Mickey and Minnie make appearances." - Catherine Toth Fox
"This oceanfront resort blends the Disney experience with island life: “You can expect Disney's service and hospitality without the theme park feel,” shares Jim Bendt, a T+L A-List advisor. The property has a more upscale feel than its mainland Disney counterparts and features standout dining, a luxury spa, an expansive water park, and posh accommodations that range from studio rooms to multi-room suites. It packs in endless activities, from movie nights to ukulele classes; on-site snorkeling is made approachable by a dedicated reef: “My favorite activity is our beautiful Rainbow Reef,” shares guest service manager Alyssa-Lende Kane, and the reef “provides a safe and fun environment to see our dazzling marine life without the worries of unpredictable currents.”" - Carly Caramanna Carly Caramanna Carly Caramanna is a theme park and travel journalist who has spent her professional career in New York City, Nashville, and Los Angeles. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, Yahoo Lifestyle, Insider, The Points Guy, and more. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"A resort outpost in Hawaii belonging to the Disney brand, it is recommended that aspiring agents visit and stay there to gain firsthand familiarity with the property's accommodations, dining, and guest experience so they can more effectively advise clients interested in a Hawaiian Disney vacation." - Elizabeth Rhodes Elizabeth Rhodes Elizabeth Rhodes is a senior editor at Travel + Leisure, covering everything from luxury hotels to theme parks to must-pack travel products. Originally from South Carolina, Elizabeth moved to New York City from London, where she started her career as a travel blogger and writer. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"Located in Ko Olina, Hawaii, Aulani is perfect for multigenerational family reunions with activities for all ages, including Disney-themed events." - Elizabeth Rhodes Elizabeth Rhodes Elizabeth Rhodes is a special projects editor at Travel + Leisure, covering everything from luxury hotels to theme parks to must-pack travel products. Originally from South Carolina,
"A family-focused Disney resort on O‘ahu’s leeward coast with a private saltwater snorkeling lagoon, six pools, water slides, a lazy river and a cove splash zone; cultural programming like lū‘aus, lei making and hula lessons is paired with character meet-and-greets, Mickey waffles and outdoor movie nights, blending Hawaiian tradition with classic Disney fun." - Lindsay Cohn Lindsay Cohn Lindsay Cohn is a writer, editor, and avid traveler who has visited 45 countries across six continents — and counting. She contributes to Travel + Leisure, Hotels Above Par, InsideHook, Well+Good, The Zoe Report, and more. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines