Continuing my review of Aulani...in the pool area, my husband and son went snorkeling in Rainbow Reef (Aulani’s
private snorkeling lagoon) and loved it. My son was chosen to feed the fish
while swimming around. The water is very cold but well worth the extra cost for
the gear.
One
day we rented an iPad for a scavenger hunt around the pool area of the resort,
and we loved it. It was so worth doing…very interactive and educational. Many
of the pieces of architecture came to life, and the kids loved it. You can rent
the iPad for free for two hours or more.
The Concierge desks are
located in the main lobby next to the check in desks, and the staff is
available to book excursions. They were very helpful. I would suggest booking
excursions before you get to Aulani. The Pearl Harbor excursion was
booked, so we had to do this on our own rather than through Disney. We rented a
car (also in the lobby of resort) for the day to explore Pearl Harbor. It is
about 30 minutes from the resort. We also went to downtown Honolulu and Waikiki
areas and did some shopping...great stores along the main street (Kalakaua
Avenue) in Waikiki.
For shopping on property,
there is a great store in the lobby for all things Disney: food items,
drinks,wine, beer, souvenirs etc. There is also a more upscale boutique right
across the hall that has clothing and jewelry.
One
morning we attended the character breakfast which is buffet style. Mickey,
Minnie, Goofy and Aunty were all in attendance. The children got to sing-along
with instruments and dance with all of the characters. My son loved it! There
is a great selection of breakfast food (omelets, bacon, sausage, eggs, waffles,
fruit, etc.). For two adults and one child, it was $90. We loved it so much, I
tried to sign us up again while we were there, but it was totally booked up. I
highly suggest booking before you get to the resort.
The
Starlit Hui is Aulani’s own version of a luau. It is only on certain nights and
is a must while you are visiting. They put on a show complete with fire dancers
followed by dance party afterward with all of the characters. When you arrive,
they give you bamboo mats to sit on, and you can bring your own snacks and
drinks. Cast members are at different stations with crafts for the kids to
participate in. My son made a fish woven from bamboo shoots. The kids also get
to go up to the stage to learn how to hula.
Before
or after dinner each night, we would head downstairs and enjoy live music by
local Hawaiian artists at the lobby bar. It was surrounded by koi ponds which
made for a beautiful setting.
We
also enjoyed Uncle’s story time by the huge fire pit; it was really cool, and it
was nice to sit by and watch the sun set on the ocean. We enjoyed learning about Hawaiian culture that surrounded us.
My
son went to Aunty’s Beach House (the kids’ club at the resort for ages 3-12)
and never wanted to leave! They have great classes that explore Hawaiian
culture, art and music, but I would recommend the advance registration and
class sign ups because the line on the morning of is so long and people start
lining up at 6 am. I did this the first day and booked the rest in advance. The
children get a bracelet that has a chip in it so the Cast Members know where
your child is at all times. Parents get a beeper, and it beeps when your child
is ready to leave (which mine never wanted to!).
My
husband and I splurged and did a couples massage on our last day; it was
amazing! The spa is gorgeous, and you go an hour prior to your appointment to
enjoy outdoor hydration pools, massage showers and hot tubs; there are also
light snacks provided. This was one of the nicest spas I’ve ever been to in all
of my traveling.
Finally, here are a couple of thoughts if you're looking
to get around:
- There is an ABC store across the street (about a 5-minute walk) for any essentials or groceries to stock in your room at more affordable prices than at the resort. We discovered this on our second day and decided to get some snacks, sandwiches and waters. It also has beer, wine and souvenirs.
- Monkeypod Restaurant is a must across the street for lunch or dinner. The food was amazing, and we loved trying the local beer. Aulani will drive you over for free in one of their black Escalades. We tipped the driver, of course!
- Car rentals are available in the lobby of Aulani, too, if you’re going to venture out fairly often.
Overall, Aualani is a Hawaiian paradise with all
the things you expect from Disney—great service, great theming, and great
location! We truly enjoyed our Hawaiian
experience and hope to go back again one day.
Courtney had a blast on her Aulani Hawaiian vacation and is ready to help you plan an Aulani visit or a magical vacation to DIsney World, Disneyland or on the Disney Cruise Line! You can contact Courtney at Courtney@wishdrawals.com.
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