We always look forward to staying at Aulani as bot...

We always look forward to staying at Aulani as both the adults and kids are able to enjoy themselves. They have made changes over the few years they have been open...some good and others not as great.

Aulani opened with stingrays and the performance area facing the sea. We were able to see the stingrays up close but for a fee, visitors were able to wade with them. I was told that the stingrays were given to another facility because they weren't doing that well in such shallow water that was always exposed to the sun. Anyway, that area is now the Rainbow Reef pool and the performance area is behind the Ewa towers.

The Starlit Hui performance used to be free...you just had to arrive early for a closer seat. Now it's packaged with a luau and you have to pay for this premium experience. :-(

They also added more eateries and so the Ulu Cafe is a great spot, not only to refill your drinks with the Aulani mug, but for breakfast, lunch and dinner options. The hot items are reasonable for a resort...but beware...you will pay a ridiculous amount for prepackaged cereal.

In the middle of all of the swimming areas is are two "shacks" where you can buy food or shave ice. They used to have hot dogs, chicken strips and fries. It as now changes to coconut shrimp, fish chips, chicken strips and fries. Fortunately, the fries are still great! They also added a few picnic tables so that you can eat there. This used to be a problem because we would buy food and have nowhere to eat.

For those that like to shop, there's items at Kalepa's store which are great for souvenirs. If you like upscale items, diagonally across is a store where they have the Dooney and Burke handbags and Pandora charms. Very pretty.

While I have not personally gone to the spa, many love it and make it a point to book their services. There's also a small bit nice and clean 24 hour gym for those that didn't get all their exercise time in the pool or ocean.

There's more activities and services...but you might want to either call and inquire or visit the website. Hope this helps! :-)