Aulani, A Disney Resort and Spa Reviews

Absolutely best resort in Hawaii. Everything was clean, and well maintained. Staff and customer service was excellent. In a area with a plaza in walking distance to go shopping. Food was good, and the rooms were very nice. I dig the free Wi-Fi.

Clean & helpful staff in locating your place of destination from within .Scenic view of the swimming pool was breathe taking.Could use more staffing on meal time to get meal orders.Needed signs boards at the entrance for line up to direct guest for hot & cold meals & beverages.No staff was directing guest, so guest see the line & guest follow thru.Gets chaos when your turn to order & turned out guest are redirected. That's more waiting time to start over in line. Other than that, I would go back & visit again.I have really enjoyed the place.

Disney just never fails you. Went here pre COVID. Very crowded but take this as a sign that Disney is doing something right. Enjoyed the lazy river and pool. Beach was nice and there are walking trails with beautiful views. Room and accommodations are superb.

We are DVC members and are staying in the Villa's. Not sure what the rooms a r e like. Pools, restaurants and spa are top notch.

The service exceeded my expectations right when we arrived. As soon as we identified ourselves when we drove in, they radioed ahead so that the system is that we arrived. Check in was ridiculously straight forward, they even knew about our daughters birthday and or anniversary. The site is Disney through and through.

Much smaller than I imagined. The lobby is underwhelming and lacks the disney feel. The hallways are narrow and loud. I can't imagine staying there with a room on the first 2 floors.

Dining options are limited with hours of no service. The only option is a simple deli.

The souvenir shops are small and inimpressive. Agaun, lacking the disney magic.

the 2 bedroom suite was gorgeous and clean, the pools were great, food was delicious, and staff were so kind

Relaxing and family friendly. It's a Disney resort but you have to track down the Disney characters in your own for photo opportunity, and they only show up at certain times in the day. Understandably the characters can only stay out in the sun for a limited amount of time, but try explaining that to disappointed kids.... Otherwise you have pay for exclusive dinner with the characters....

This is my second time visiting Aulani! It was just as wonderful the second time. Expensive as is expected with any disney vacation I suppose.

My 6 year old had fun and is the only reason we didn't leave. WAY overpriced, what little food was available was terrible. 5 bucks for a water? Staff very nice, but to change so much, decent food is a must.

We went there for our honeymoon. At first, we worried we don't have enough to do. But we were wrong. We stayed for 3 nights, and everyday we were busy planning what facility or event to attend. We wish we can stay one more night. Also, i highly recommend, after arriving at Aulani, attend a tour (it's free listed on the daily activities). It will explain how Aulani's hawaiian cultures and building structure. It will make your stay more meaningful.

What a beautiful hotel! Very clean and nice. I would give it 5 stars except I have to knock it down a star for having the worst coffee I have ever had in years. I had coffee at the restaurant--disgusting. I had room service Kona coffee--gross. I had coffee at the various coffee spots on the property--nasty! I absolutely LOVE Hawaiian coffee, so I am questioning how they can go so wrong. It's a real bummer because our memories of Hawaii included great coffee but now those memories have been tarnished LOL. But it's a very beautiful hotel but if you are a coffee freak you better bring your own beans for the room!

Only about 50- 60% (my best guess) capacity. Very comfortable and easy to keep distance from others.

Very clean rooms. A lot of activities and character meet and greets for kids to have fun. Pools are great with a lot of variety for different age kids. Buy a refillable drink mug and find a shady place by the pool to keep your things.

The welcoming spirit of Aulani is amazing. In restaurants, at pools, even the housekeeping staff were all friendly and helpful.

The focus is on families; be prepared to be surrounded by lots of busy kids and kid focused activities. If you are a kid at heart, and Disney themed events touch your heart, you'll love Aulani. If you're seeking a quiet escape, Aulani is not a good choice.

The are many activity pools - mostly kid focused. The Lazy River is fun for all ages, as are the two water slides. There are a couple of adult pools, if you need a quick escape. The ocean beach is inside a man made lagoon. It is easy swimming for all ages.

The food is mostly good - the more upscale restaurants, such as Ama Ama, are quite good, although spendy. Some of the grab and go food is satisfactory. Don't bother with the Ulu pizza - although their flat bread aren't bad.

Across the road you'll find outside dining and shopping options. While they are somewhat cheaper, prices are still steeper than the main land.

I suggest you budget for excursions. The Aulani is remote - treat it almost like a cruise ship. There are trips to various parts of the island, such as Pearl Harbor, each day. Get your reservations in advance and be careful of transportation requirements, particularly if you don't rent a car.

Flat rate "Charley's Taxi" is one of the most reasonable methods for getting to the hotel from the airport.

Look around the resort carefully and you might spot a mongoose or feral cat.

The photo was taken at the ocean beach during sunset in January.

Aloha!

Great hotel. All the good quality of Disney in Hawaii. What can be better?

The most beautiful place on an island that is absolute paradise!! Highest recommendation!!

Resort is beautiful. Staff is friendly. Pool, beach and waterslides are awesome.

I would definitely recommend this resort to families who have kids or big kids at heart, like us !!!

Great staff! Great amenities! Suites are superb! Come during the week no crowds! Will definitely come again!

Beautiful views, quality rooms, great service and wonderful family vacation spot. If you're willing to pay, the Lanwai spa is amazing and it is worth every penny. Childcare is easy with Aunty's Beach House, the kids wont want to leave.

Absolutely incredible place to stay - fantastic family friendly resort.

Great space for kids. A bit overcrowded, but what do you expect from Disney?

Great activities for kids and adults. Very tastefully constructed and in a beautiful location.

This is my second stay with a normal Disney-like family. I will be bored with only in Waikiki and I will stay in Aulani for half.
When making a request for a room with access to the pool on the first floor when making a reservation through a Disney agency in the US, it will be a reality. It was convenient to go to the pool from Lanai.
We can enjoy pool enough, but private beach is attractive, too. We rented boogie board and sand play set and enjoyed in parent and child.
It is a drawback that you get bored with only the restaurant inside the hotel. But Ko Olina has been fulfilling, so there is no problem.
"Cast" was a smile and everyone was kind, but it is better not to expect much Japanese correspondence.

My family and I came to Aulani for a couple days after a stay at the Four Seasons. While our Four Seasons stay wasn't nice as expected, Aulani exceeded expectations!!! We are already planning a full-trip stay next year at this resort. I had wanted to stay here for so long and never thought it was possible--a Disney dream vacation come true!!

FOOD
Had a lovely character breakfast and took photos with Mickey. Best dinner of our entire stay was at Ama Ama. Even better than Mina's Fish House. The fish with the mac-nut brown butter sauce was insanely good! Ulu Cafe and bar has the best sushi I've ever eaten in my life!! And at night, they had a duo playing and singing for their live music hour. They were very good singers and musicians. Music ends at around 8 or 9pm, so things do shut down early. But just across the street, you can eat at Monkeypod which is open later with live music (they have amazing food and Mai-Tais). Or just rest early and get up early--the sun was up at 6am every day. Perfect to work out, take a walk, eat breakfast, and get in line for pool chairs.

Food will be expensive--food at any resort, especially in Hawaii, will be high. And you do need to have reservations for the restaurants. Don't expect to get into Makahihi, the character dining restaurant, same day. Everyone wants to eat here, and I did see many families turned away trying to get in same-day. Just as at Disney World, reservations in advance will ensure you get in.

POOLS
We rented cabanas at the adult pool, and this adult pool was ironically quieter than the Four Seasons. The pools at Aulani are amazing. Pool water is heated (and again, pool water at the adult pool was cold and not heated at Four Seasons). There is an infinity hot tub for adults overlooking the lagoon. The adult pool is peaceful with a nice dip pool to cool off. Cabanas come with a beautifully presented fruit plate and dessert plate. The lazy river is super fun. And there are two fun slides: a body slide and tube slide. There are so many seating areas all over--great places to lounge, eat, sun tan, and gaze at the ocean.

ROOMS
Our room was absolutely spectacular! We stayed in a 2-bedroom suite and got a passholder room deal for spring. The suite overlooked the ocean and the lu'au--which we could watch from our balcony at night! Room was clean, beautiful, very Hawaii-themed with comfortable beds and pillows. Each bedroom came with a TV and blue-ray player--really nice if you want to watch a movie or play family games and relax in the room for a break.

SPA
This spa far outshines the Four Seasons spa. Aulani's spa has far more amenities with a scented steam room, multiple hot tubs, numerous outdoor spa showers, scented lavendar cold towels, and a beautiful atmosphere with an outdoor seating area. Unlike the Four Seasons, this spa has updated technology with electronic spa beds and a more luxurious experience--heated towels during your massage, a beautiful presentation that involves receiving a small gift for your spa stay, and extremely friendly staff. The spa is quiet and peaceful, with a gorgeous lounge area outside.

HOTEL SHOPS
Aulani has two nice gift shops with great merchandise! They also have small stores where you can buy sandwiches, drinks, etc. (something that was missing at the Four Seasons if you just want a casual meal or a Coke).

DISNEY DREAM VACATION
Overall, my family and I much preferred Aulani in terms of environment, service, and amenities. We will definitely be staying here again, and for longer! I never thought I could ever stay at this hotel. When my Disney dream came true, our experience was even better than anticipated. Just make sure to plan some things ahead. Best Vacation Ever!!

The character breakfast is a must. Great food and of course the most popular and oldest characters.

Aulani is a great place to enjoy and still have the Disney touch.

Excellent service. Servers were attentive even with a crying baby at our table. Although the restaurant was open air so there were more flies than necessary. Good experience.

Aulani Disney is a magical place. Set right on the edge of the Pacific ocean. What's not to love. Ko'Olina has quaint shopping just across the street and an amazing golf course. It is a bit of a drive from Waikiki approx 1 hr depending on traffic. 30 min to the airport. If you do not have a rental car a taxi will run you $89 & up into Wakiki and $55 & up to the airport. I recommend Charley's Taxi. They are very professional and have flat rates. They have been around since the 30's. So yea their reputation is very good. Waianae up the west coast has the most beautiful beaches. I would venture that direction at least once on your vacation. Disney has everything so it's really tough to leave. But if you have never been to Oahu you should take one day to drive around the island to see the famous North Shore and the sea turtles and the breathtaking mountain range down the east coast into Kailua.

It's great for families and you can play in the pool all day!

So relaxing and peaceful you can hear water running all night sleep with the balcony door open and just relax

Came to Aulani for the beach and it was worth it.

The man-made bay keeps the more turbulent waves out, so it's calm for all ages to swim and snorkel. The beach is clean and there are chairs and umbrellas for hotel guests.

There are bathrooms and showers to wash off not far from the beach. If you're feeling hungry, there's a shopping plaza a few blocks away. Overall, I'd definitely come back to this beach again.

Amazing place where the kids and adults can both relax. Kids love the pool, Auntie's Beach House (childcare and games), the beach, and activities while parents can enjoy the spa, nearby fine dining, activities, and family time.

Went with our family for the character breakfast. Staff was kind! Characters came around to each table greeting everyone. There would be singing and marching! So much fun!

Customer service is amazing, but this resort is definitely more of a kid oriented place!

The best resort I have ever been. Disney has done a magnificent job by building such extremely high quality art inside this resort. Everything has been done is related to Hawaii cultures, people and nature. I love the design in each and every corner of the resort. The location has played a very important rule and nature gives the place meaning. It s suitable for everyone regardless the age. Swimming in the pool or in the ocean is warm and beyond the imagination. Various activities and things to do here especially if you already have your own plans.

Honestly, poisonous, I can not feel the goodness of Disney so much ....

Don't get me wrong it's beautiful place. But some of the swimming pools need filter systems to be updated or flushed .l have come down with case of striptruot .Other than that it was very relaxing.
PS I forgotten about the electricity went out four ours.
But other let MAHALO AN ALOHA TO YOU ALL.

My family comes here every year for Christmas Eve dinner

Limited space for kids activities, long lines and dial-up speed internet. Not a good combo. Upsides are location and very safe. Good water park too.

Make sure to pack your own food or don't bring your kids to this resort because the food options are very limited, very expensive, and in very high demand. Even the off-property restaurants in the surrounding area are overwhelmed and have 1.5 hour wait times which is super fun with a toddler. Also, make sure to plan for at least an hour wait to check-in with about 200 other guests whose babies are also tired and hungry. There's a lot of people to greet you but only 3 who can actually give you a key to your high-priced room. And don't bother asking for a late check-out. Housekeeping will come pounding on your door 3 times before 11:00am to see if you're still there, regardless.

Very pretty Resort. The staff is mostly pleasant. Well laid out. Nice lagoon to swim in. Food is awesome. The not so good-- super expensive, parking is $37/day, difficult to find places to sit that aren't already claimed, and also it's so big--easy to get lost. And if you aren't checked into the Resort--the staff don't seem as friendly. Imho.

A place to relax and have fun. And just enjoy all that the resort has to offer.

My kids loved the character breakfast. Dont forget to bring something to get autographs!

It a nice and relaxing locations with out to much busy things going on around. The rooms are nice and the service is so friendly.

The food in the restaurant is delicious.
Disney characters are in there and there are unlimited photo shoots.
The ceiling in the building is high, spacious and healed.
Souvenirs are also cheap.

It's Disney! They know how to please! Look at these guys making poi! My wife was very happy to watch this

Best resort ever for Disney fans and families! There are many excellent choices in the Ko'Olina area but this is my top choice.

What a great resort Disney + Hawaii you cant go wrong. we had an amazing time here and cant wait to go again

The hotel's response is good, there is a pool, so it's great because you can meet the Disney characters without being bored.

I love this place, this is a must go to for family fun! Good price buffet. Loaded with family fun here.

I dined at the Ama'Ama restaurant and had a fantastic anniversary dinner. The views and food are stunning, along with the great customer service. The cast members created Disney Magic for us on our special occasion.

Disney does it right! Great rooms, great pools, and great entertainment. The ambiance is amazing. Everything is clean and beautiful. The only bummer is that they want to charge you for all the extra activities as well (kid activities, exercise classes etc).

Love this place. Have been a vacation club member for more than ten years.

So nice. Be sure to check out military rates when available.

Most Magical Place in O'ahu Ko olina, if you love the ocean an Disney this is the place to be, the service is second to none.

Just last after a week of;
No maid service!
Do it yourself room cleaning, you have to call and order clean sheets, No more than once per week. Then you make up the bed!
Vacuuming your own rm.
One open restaurant.
All beach amenities are $25.00 to $45.00 extra.
And to top it off, as you're leaving, you get a SELF parking bill for $37.00 per day!
They use Covid-19 as an excuse for everything they don't want to do.
Severely understaffed.
Overrated by 4 stars, overcharged by a ton! Stay away!

Every time I asked a question I was sent to someone else their departmebt did not know. I requested early check in. First I was told they would try. Dayna at the front desk dismissed my request. It was only after I called a third time that I was told the Aulani does not do early check-ins. The staff has a strange way of telling you what you cannot do with a smile but they don't let you respond or ask questions. Very superficial and disingenuous. Food is okay but very over priced.