Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa is a resort complex created by Disney for extended stays.
While it’s not a theme park, it’s a wonderfully enjoyable hotel for anyone who loves the Disney atmosphere!
Seeing Mickey and other Disney characters in aloha shirts adds to the authentic Hawaiian feel.
Even non-guests can enjoy the resort almost as much as staying guests by visiting the restaurants, buying souvenirs, or swimming in the lagoon, making a day trip a great option!
Although the pools are for guests only, you can still fully immerse yourself in the Hawaiian resort and Disney atmosphere.
Kalepa’s Store at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa
Kalepa’s Store, a shop specializing in Disney merchandise, is open to both guests and non-guests.
It’s a fantastic place for souvenir shopping, as it offers many Hawaii-exclusive items you can’t find elsewhere!
You’ll find a lineup of popular characters, including ‘Olu Mel, the Aulani-exclusive turtle, Duffy in an aloha shirt, and ShellieMay in a muumuu.
Interestingly, Duffy’s aloha shirt is from the high-end Hawaiian brand “Tori Richard,” giving it a very luxurious feel.
Of course, you’ll also find merchandise featuring Mickey, Minnie, and Stitch, with a wide variety of items like keychains, reusable bags, mugs, headbands, and cookies!
You might find it hard to choose from all the exclusive items, but the store is well worth a visit just for the shopping alone.
Makahiki at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa
Makahiki is a restaurant popular for its “Disney Character Breakfast.”
It includes the special perk of taking photos with Disney characters like Mickey and Minnie after your meal.
You can have breakfast, take souvenir photos, and then enjoy the hotel and lagoon afterward—it’s almost like you’re a staying guest! Haha.
Please note that reservations are required for the breakfast; you can’t get in without one, so be sure to book in advance.
The meal is a buffet, and the menu changes daily, so what you’ll get to eat will be a surprise!
While similar services exist at theme parks like Disneyland, many people find that reservations can be very difficult to get.
In Hawaii, however, it’s often possible to get a reservation even the day before, as long as it’s not the high season.
The Lagoons at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa
The Ko Olina area, where the hotel is located, was once a retreat for Hawaiian royalty, and you can feel a relaxed, authentic Hawaiian atmosphere here.
The area around the lagoon, with its beautiful lawns and crystal-clear water, truly embodies the resort image.
Including the one behind Aulani, there are a total of four lagoons in Ko Olina, each with its own unique characteristics offering different ways to have fun.
With its Hawaiian ambiance and calm, safe waters, it’s the perfect beach for a relaxing day with children.
There are also convenience stores like ABC Stores nearby, so you could buy a bento lunch and spend a leisurely day at the lagoon!
The Pools at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa
The pools, exclusive to hotel guests, are arguably the largest in Hawaii.
The pool area is comparable in scale to a water park, and many people stay at the hotel just to enjoy it.
With a lazy river and a pool where you can swim with fish, there are enough varieties to keep you entertained all day without getting bored.
Playing leisurely in the pool amidst the full-on resort atmosphere is the ultimate luxury!
Basic Information for Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa
| Name | Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa |
| Address | 92-1185 Aliinui Dr, Kapolei, HI 96707 |
| Map | |
| Hotel Class | 4-star |
| Number of Rooms | 351 |
| Parking | Available (for a fee) |
Recommended Transportation to Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa
Rental Car & Turo [Your own private vehicle to explore Hawaii freely]
Areas Around Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa
[The Complete Guide] Popular Recommended Tourist Spots on the West Shore of Oahu, Hawaii