We love spending time at the theme parks, but when we’re looking for ultimate relaxation in a luxurious setting, we head to Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii. Join PTM as we share our tips on planning the perfect Aulani vacation!
Nestled in Ko Olina on the Hawaiian island of Oahu, Aulani is a home away from home. This resort is absolute Disney perfection, offering the perfect blend of serenity and magic. Where else can you meet Moana, go snorkeling, eat a delicious acai bowl, get a rejuvenating massage, and enjoy a cocktail on the beach, all on the same day? From swimming at the pool, relaxing at the spa, taking in the oceanfront views, and enjoying an unforgettable meal, Aulani truly has it all. And thanks to Walt Disney Imagineering and the outstanding Aulani Cast Members, there’s enough pixie dust throughout the resort to provide that unforgettable Disney vacation feel we know and love.
No matter what type of vacation you’re after — whether you’re a family seeking adventure or a couple looking for a romantic getaway — you can find happiness at Aulani. Want to plan the perfect Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa vacation? Here’s what to keep in mind!
Have Flexible Travel Dates
No matter what time of year you travel to Hawaii, your vacation is sure to be a magical one. But, if you are looking to save some money while you indulge in Disney luxury, we recommend maintaining some flexibility with your travel dates. Disney often releases seasonal offers that allow you to save on your Aulani vacation. So, if you have a few different travel date options for your upcoming trip, it could be a good idea to wait to book until new offers are released. If you’re going to head to one of the best Disney resorts on the planet, you may as well save some money while doing it!
You can view all of the current room discounts and special offers for Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, on the official website here.
Everything You Need
Even though renting a car is an excellent idea if you want to explore other areas and attractions of Oahu, there is enough to do at Aulani that will keep you busy. Relax at the beach, rent paddleboards, snorkel at Rainbow Reef, and see hundreds of tropical fish all in the same day. Not your scene? Lounge by the pool, enjoy the lazy river, water slides, and adult-exclusive spa whirlpool instead! Aulani truly offers everything you need in one place, and the many restaurants on the property provide fantastic options that keep you satisfied, including poolside and beachside servers that deliver directly to your lounge chair!
If you’re anything like us, you’ll love waking up early every morning and walking down to Wailana Pool Bar for an Aulani Special macadamia mocha latte before grabbing a tropical acai bowl from Ulu Cafe. Find a beachside lounge chair and enjoy the peaceful morning breeze or take your breakfast up to your room to dine in the comfort of your balcony.
Splurge on a Spa Treatment
A spa day is a great add-on to any vacation, but especially an island getaway. At Laniwai – A Disney Spa at Aulani, guests can “luxuriate in paradise” and experience a variety of soothing, rejuvenating spa therapies, from massages and facials to salon services. You can even experience water and thermal therapies at Kula Wai, the outdoor hydrotherapy garden at Laniwai. If you’re going to book one Disney spa experience in your life, it should be at Aulani in Hawaii.
For booking information, pricing, and available treatments, click here.
Dine at the Four Seasons
One of our best decisions during our recent trip was dining at the nearby Four Seasons. Located just steps away from Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, the Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina offers some of the best dining in the area. We made reservations at Mina’s Fish House in advance for our sunset dinner, and we ended up loving our meal so much, we returned for happy hour the next night. The restaurant is known for its fish sommelier (yes, like a wine sommelier, but with fish) who will walk to your table and help you decide on which seafood dish to order, making every experience incomparable. If we could recommend one off-property restaurant for your Disney vacation in Hawaii, it’s Mina’s Fish House!
Even a Short Vacation is Worth It
Our recent trip was only three nights, and while we wish we had stayed longer, it was 100% worth it. During our four-day, three-night Aulani vacation, we experienced a different kind of Disney vacation, one that was much more relaxed yet just as magical. We were able to eat exceptional food, enjoy the lazy river, spend time at the beach, snorkel at nearby Paradise Cove, spend an afternoon in Waikiki, and so much more — all while basking in that Disney magic that can be felt throughout the resort.
Next time, we plan to stay four or five nights, but still, our quick weekend getaway to Hawaii gave us a taste of island luxury that we embraced to the fullest.
Experience Disney Luxury
Here at Perfecting the Magic, we’re all about living that chic Disney lifestyle and sharing how you can have luxurious vacations that are filled with Disney magic. Follow us on TikTok for daily Disney tips and subscribe to our newsletter for a weekly, curated feed of magical vibes we know you’ll love.
Perfecting the Magic received no compensation for our review, and our tips are based on our direct experience
