Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa

“Serene and beautiful”

We stayed here two nights in a DVC deluxe studio. We were lucky to have the points gifted to us by my in-laws, and we'd spent the previous 5 nights in Honolulu. It was interesting to contrast Aulani with the hubbub of Waikiki. It's very peaceful out in Ko Olina, and there isn't much around - a f... more

We stayed here two nights in a DVC deluxe studio. We were lucky to have the points gifted to us by my in-laws, and we'd spent the previous 5 nights in Honolulu. It was interesting to contrast Aulani with the hubbub of Waikiki. It's very peaceful out in Ko Olina, and there isn't much around - a few resorts, a golf course, a little shopping center. We checked in around 1 but our room wasn't ready until 3:30 or so, so we stored our bags at Bell Services and explored. I would say between about 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. is the busiest time around the pool areas - but there are lots of seating areas, some near pools, others looking out to the ocean or just around the interior. It wasn't too hard to find a spot. Almost everything is outside or open to the exterior - all of the restaurants/quick serve places, bars, pools, most activities. Bring LOTS of sunscreen and be generous about using it. Food is good, but definitely expensive, though that shouldn't be a shock for both Disney and Hawaii. Be prepared for dinner to easily cost $100 for two people. The pools are expansive and never felt horribly crowded, though we did encounter some teenagers using the adults-only hot tub as a place to practice handstands. We enjoyed the lazy river and my husband went down the slides. The beach is also pretty spacious and the water is crystal-clear and beautiful. Our room was very comfortable; the view was basically of the conference center but who cares - from the lobby or outside the views are amazing. Loved the rainhead shower and that the water closet wasn't too cramped. One weird note is that the bed seemed very high - I couldn't touch the ground while sitting on the side and I'm a pretty average height. Staff was lovely overall and even helped my husband with a solution when I needed a large ice pack after throwing my back out (laundry bag, full of ice from the machine!). The property is beautiful and I really like that it doesn't SCREAM Disney - they did a great job of integrating local culture and design and it feels respectful. Also, note, across the road from the Aulani entrance there's a small shopping center -- go to the ABC Store (Island Country Market) for coffee, pastries and any basics you might need, it'll be cheaper than at the resort. There's also a great little Mexican place we tried and some awesome ice cream.

less

“Not a 4 star hotel. Service and other stuff lets it down.”

So we stayed in a two bed villa for a week at a cost of a little under 16 grand USD. Whilst the room is amazing and we had a great view for a garden view room the hotel itself is just not good enough for the money. 1) they sell these refillable cups. Great idea. Only if more than one of the thr... more

So we stayed in a two bed villa for a week at a cost of a little under 16 grand USD. Whilst the room is amazing and we had a great view for a garden view room the hotel itself is just not good enough for the money. 1) they sell these refillable cups. Great idea. Only if more than one of the three freestyle machines you can use them at worked!! The line is always 20 deep and often there are no flavours 2) the pool Lou get policy is a literal joke. They don’t enforce it or care. I spoke to them multiple times and no one did a thing. Even their VIP service was told and didn’t care either. The policy is you can not leave a chair for an hour or you’ll loose it. People where leaving chairs all day and no one did a think. By 9am there were zero pool loungers free. An absolute shambles. 3) they have a great snorkelling reef. $50 for unlimited use. But you have to queue and sign the waiver each day?? Why 4) I’m not complaining about the price. I expect to pay $10 for a coffee and $28 for a crappy pizza. I do object to ordering a cocktail and being offered double the alcohol for a charge. Surely then it’s. Not the drink I ordered?? 5) housekeeping is poor. Spot and polish only. Room was not cleaned correctly all week. 6) zero help with lost baggage! Out case was delayed a week. No one wanted to help us with clothes or anything. Just told to go spend $300 in the store. 7) no adult pool! 8) luau is good. So need to improve the service here before we come back. Not sure they’d care if we did or didn’t.

less

“Maybe skip Aulani resort.”

Our stay at Disney Aulani had its highlights but also some disappointments. The resort itself is beautifully maintained, and the lush, tropical surroundings create a perfect paradise getaway. The rooms were spacious, clean, and elegantly decorated, with incredibly comfortable beds that ensured re... more

Our stay at Disney Aulani had its highlights but also some disappointments. The resort itself is beautifully maintained, and the lush, tropical surroundings create a perfect paradise getaway. The rooms were spacious, clean, and elegantly decorated, with incredibly comfortable beds that ensured restful nights. However, I don’t feel the resort is worth the price per night. There weren’t enough activities to keep us engaged, and the beach was underwhelming. Additionally, the costs for rentals and food were very high. A cappuccino was $9, which seems extreme even for an expensive resort. Despite these issues, I did really enjoy the Amaama restaurant and felt it was worth the price. The food was delicious, and the service was excellent, making it a memorable dining experience. While we had some enjoyable moments, overall, I feel that the value for money at Disney Aulani could be better.

less

“Only need to experience this resort Once”

We brought our entire family - grand children included. Booked 2 ocean view suites. Rooms were fabulous! Very expensive!! Everything we needed! Great kitchen! But….check in is a Disaster!!!! Do Not arrive early!! Our rooms were not ready until 4:00 pm and the resort is Not set up for waitin... more

We brought our entire family - grand children included. Booked 2 ocean view suites. Rooms were fabulous! Very expensive!! Everything we needed! Great kitchen! But….check in is a Disaster!!!! Do Not arrive early!! Our rooms were not ready until 4:00 pm and the resort is Not set up for waiting!!’ It was so crowded- no chairs to sit on , the “refreshing room” had very few chairs… grand children, parents and grandfather were having major meltdowns!!! There are not enough outside lounge chairs for the number of guests!!! If you are not up by 8:00 am hunting for a chair forget it!!! This resort has few restaurant options. Also does Not have room service. ..Which would have made it easier with small children. After figuring out how to survive in this crowded noisy non relaxing resort the kids were able to have a great time. I wish I had read more reviews and wish the resort had made more of an effort to better inform guests about what to expect upon check in.

less