Dining at Disney's Aulani in Hawaii

Heading to Aulani and beautiful Hawaiian beaches? So much fun--now where to eat! Unlike Disney World, there are no dining plans for Aulani, so we need to plan appropriately for the costs of meals in Hawaii and maybe make a few reservations!

First, where can you eat on property at Aulani?

'Ama'Ama: Named after a local Hawaiian fish, 'Ama'Ama is high end beautiful sit down restaurant with gorgeous waterfront views. This is a great place for a date night if you want to put the kiddos at Aunty's Beach House (kids club) or enjoy a lovely family dinner. It's open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner; reservations are highly recommended and there is a dress code.

Makahiki: This restaurant features a lovely buffet for breakfast and dinner. Breakfast is a character meal when some of your favorites wearing their Aloha wear will stop by your table as Aunty performs with her ukulele. Dinner is also a buffet; on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, dinner is a character meal called Menehune Mischief Character Dinner. Some of your favorite characters will stop by as Uncle talks story. Both character meals have set seating times; dinner buffet on the other nights will not have characters. Advanced reservations highly recommended for the character meals.

 

Ulu Cafe: This quick service restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner including gourmet pizzas. They have an extensive menu with many options--even some grab and go options and pastries. No reservations.

Mama's Snack Shop: This quick service near the pool is more limited but tasty--coconut shrimp, fish and chips, and chicken tenders plus some snack items. No reservations.

Papalua Shave Ice and Little 'Opihi's serve tasty treats like shave ice with Mickey ears, Mickey pretzels, Dole Whips, ice cream, and other yummy snacks.

Ka Wa'a Luau: This is a fun evening with traditional Polynesian dancing and a buffet with local favorites--kalua pork, prime rib, mahi mahi, and a fun dessert bar! Reservations needed.

Do you want to venture off property? There are many options within walking distance of Aulani in the shopping areas of Ko'Olina and a few other local resorts.

• Monkeypod - Immediately across the street! Reservations recommended via Open Table.
• Longhis - Marriott Beach Club
• Longboards - Marriott Beach Club
• Just Tacos - Near Monkeypod across the street. Low-key option
• Pizza Corner - Across the street in the little shopping center
• NOE - Four Seasons next door
• Paradise Cove Luau - Just down the street but easily walkable
• Eggs 'n Things - Across the street; low key serving meals all day
• Two Scoops Ice Cream - Immediately across the street; definitely worth a stop!