Aulani is relaxed yet regal with detailed touches of Disney magic. The white sandy beach, tropical gardens, turquoise lagoons and sparkling waterfalls are just a few highlights of this balmy paradise. Inside the Resort, lava rock rises up through the floor of the grand lobby as dual pools of water cross the expanse: one gently flows with lilies while the other rushes wildly through. This Hawaiian philosophy of balance – bright and shadowy, brisk and slow, delicate and coarse – resonates deeply throughout the resort. It reflects not only the nature of the islands, but the spirit of its people.
Add to this the exhilarating enchantment of Disney through its family entertainment and recreation, and you’ll find a world of fun at your fingertips!
Location
Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, is part of the Ko Olina Resort Community & Marina, which is located on the western shore of O’ahu about 17 miles from the Honolulu International Airport in Hawai’i. Aulani rests on 21 acres of beachfront property in the Ko Olina Resort & Marina development.
Address
Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawai’i
92-1185 Ali’inui Drive
Kapolei, HI 96707
Opening Date: August 29, 2011 (Phase 1)
Basic Resort Facts
- 21 acres
- 460 Villas, including 12 Grand Villas
- 359 hotel rooms, including 16 suites
- 4 restaurants
- 2 lounges
- 10 recreation facilities (see below)
- 23,000-square-foot spa includes both indoor (18,000 sq ft) and outdoor (5,000 sq ft) space. Includes 15 treatment rooms and Mikimiki Fitness Center.
- 4 whirlpool spas
- 14,545-square-foot conference center
- 36,695 square feet of outdoor venues
- Storytelling fire pit
Features
- Spa & fitness center
- Kids club (Aunty’s Beach House)
- Conference center
- Restaurants
- Shopping
- Weddings
Recreation Facilities
- Waikolohe Stream
- Conservation Pool
- Menehune Adventure Trail
- Waikolohe Pool
- Wailana Pool
- Menehune Bridge
- Rainbow Reef (snorkel lagoon)
- Aunty’s Beach House
- Pau Hana Room
- Beach
Entertainment
- Pool parties
- Fire pit storytelling
- Resort tours
- Character meet ‘n’ greets
- Wellness activities
- Sunset ceremonies
- Lawn parties
- And more!
Transportation
The primary forms of transportation used in O’ahu are:
- Rentals: Cars, mopeds and motorcycles are all available to rent if you wish to explore O’ahu on your own. If you want to have a rental car during your stay, it’s best to reserve a car in advance at the Honolulu International Airport.
- Taxi: Taxis are a great way to get around town. Taxi stands are located at most malls, in the business district or at the airport. You can also call to have a taxi pick you up.
- The Bus: Known as TheBus, this public transportation option offers extensive routes and destinations, with special visitor passes for multiple day use. The nearest bus stop is 1 mile from Aulani.
- Trolley: While its coverage is not as extensive as the Bus, the trolley does go to the most popular tourist destinations and offers special tickets with unlimited rides over a number of days.
Weather Averages
With clear skies and warm temperatures, Hawai’i boasts some of the best weather in the world. Keep in mind, however, that weather conditions can vary depending on which side of the island you are visiting and at what altitude, with temperatures dropping the higher up you travel into the mountains.
Time Zone
The Hawai’i-Aleutian Standard Time (HST) is 5 hours behind Eastern Standard Time (EST) and 2 hours behind Pacific Standard Time (PST). Hawai’i does not recognize daylight savings time. Therefore, during those months add an extra hour to EST and PST times.
Dining
Several dining options will be available to you while staying at Aulani, including these favorites:
- `AMA`AMA: Contemporary Island Cooking: Named after the `ama`ama — the tasty local mullet fish so popular that it has inspired songs — this Aulani signature restaurant will celebrate not only the fish, but also the fishing settlements along the leeward coast dating back to the 12th century.
- Makahiki: The Bounty of the Islands: Makahiki is named for the annual Hawaiian harvest festival recently revived on O`ahu to celebrate the season of bounty. This casual dinner buffet will feature dishes with enticing world flavors. Or, join Disney friends each morning for a “Breakfast with Character,” which will include family-friendly favorites such as island fruits, house-baked pastries and daily specialties, as well as some of your favorite Disney Characters!
- One Paddle, Two Paddle: This quick-service restaurant will serve freshly made sandwiches and wraps, and house-made desserts. A keiki (children’s) menu will be available.
Recreation
Discover a nearby feature pool and water play area that blends into the beautiful surrounding topography, with family-friendly tube and body slides that weave through volcanic rock. Adventurous family members can explore the nearby saltwater snorkel lagoon, teeming with tropical fish and other marine life. Children will also love the signature Disney kids’ club which features custom-planned activities and adventures.
For families seeking fun, relaxation and entertainment, Aulani is scheduled to include a large selection of amenities and recreational opportunities. Glide down body slides through lava rock formations, relax at the full-service spa, or explore numerous dining options. Some of the following amenities require additional fees.
Waikolohe Valley
- Menehune Bridge: This children’s interactive water play area will feature 3 slides, interactive water elements, and a climbing play structure to entertain children of young ages.
- Waikolohe Pool: Shoot down one of the two sleek body slides of this 8,200-square-foot pool for a thrilling plunge into the crystalline waters. Not ready to dive in? There will be something for everyone at this place for family fun. Poolside cabanas will be available.
- Waikolohe Stream: Climb into a tube and ride along the banks of the stream as you are launched into adventure! On this whimsical waterway, slide past fantastic formations of lava rock and encounter plenty of surprises in the mischievous waters.
- Rainbow Reef: Swim with many of the animals that live in the salt water as you snorkel in this enormous, gorgeous manmade lagoon. Didn’t bring your fins? Snorkel equipment will be available. All proceeds will support wildlife conservation organizations.
Spa
Sense the tranquility as you enter this luxurious 18,000 square-foot retreat. In Hawai`i, massage is honored as an ancient healing tradition that engages the spirit, mind and senses. Feel tensions melt away under the skillful touch of the fine massage practitioners. Or feel years younger with one of the many refreshing treatments.
Fitness Center
Stay fit in the 2,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art health club. Soak up some moisture in the sauna and steam rooms, or even treat your body to a yoga or tai chi class. This is just a taste of what will be offered for your health and wellness.
Aunty’s Beach House
In Hawai`i, kids refer to elder women as “Aunty,” and at Aulani, Aunty’s Beach House has all the fun! Crafted with Disney magic and a dazzling attention to detail, this uniquely themed kids’ club will be where kids can let their imagination soar. At Aunty’s Beach House, you’ll find all kinds of supervised, kid-pleasing activities:
- Signature arts and crafts
- Wildlife and nature programs
- Hawaiian games
- Wii™ video games
- Sony PlayStation® video games
- Disney movies
- And so much more!
Conference Center & Outdoor Venue
Visit the 15,000+ square-foot conference center with approximately 40,000 square feet of outdoor venues.
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