Boyne Mountain
April 2, 2026
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
June 2, 2026
Dr. Jessica Backinger
Introduction
Now I know I’m going to upset some people with this, but it needs to be said: Disney is not luxury. Just because something is expensive does not automatically make it luxurious. I’ve been traveling to Disney resorts for over 40 years, and somewhere around 20 years ago, Disney quietly decided that exceptional customer service was optional.
That doesn’t mean Disney can’t be fun — it absolutely can be. But if you arrive at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Oahu expecting a five-star luxury Hawaiian resort experience, you’re going to be disappointed. If, however, you adjust your expectations and understand what you’re paying for (and what you’re not), you can still have a very enjoyable vacation.
So let’s break down where Aulani shines — and where you’ll be left wondering why you’re paying luxury prices to stand in line.
Accommodations:
★★★★☆
One area where Disney generally delivers is room configuration, and Aulani is no exception. The resort offers everything from standard hotel rooms to expansive three-bedroom villas, making it easy for families of all sizes to spread out comfortably.
We typically rent a one-bedroom Disney Vacation Club villa, which is ideal for a family of four. The layout includes:
- A king primary bedroom
- A split bathroom setup (toilet room with sink and shower, plus a separate sink room with bathtub)
- A full kitchen
- Washer and dryer
- Pull-out sofa
- Twin-sized Murphy bed
If you’re traveling with kids, this setup is a no-brainer. The extra space, the kitchen (to avoid buying every overpriced Disney meal), and especially the washer and dryer are invaluable.
We always book a standard view, which sounds like a downgrade but absolutely is not. While you sacrifice ocean views, the standard view balconies overlook beautifully landscaped courtyards and mountain vistas — and, most importantly, they’re quiet. Ocean-view and pool-view rooms overlook the very loud, very busy pool and beach complex. After spending all day fighting for pool chairs and towels, a peaceful retreat is priceless.
Pro tips:
- Do not book villas directly through Disney. Use a reputable third-party site that rents Disney Vacation Club points — you’ll likely save around 20%.
- Buy Disney gift cards from Sam’s Club at 2% off and use them for resort dining, activities, and shopping (just not DVC points).
Dining:
★★★☆☆
Breakfast Options
Aulani offers several breakfast choices:
Makahiki
A character breakfast with Mickey, Minnie, Chip, and Dale. It’s an expensive prix-fixe meal, but the food is solid and it’s by far the easiest way to see characters without waiting in endless lines. Makahiki also opens for dinner (without characters).
‘Ōlelo Room
Primarily a bar, but in the mornings it sells Portuguese malasadas — and yes, you should get them every single day. They are outstanding. No notes.
Ulu Café
A quick-service option open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
There’s also a Starbucks and multiple restaurants across the street, so don’t feel trapped into eating exclusively on Disney property.
Lunch and Dinner Options
Off the Hook
Located poolside and easily the best casual dining option on property. The menu offers salads, sandwiches, and entrées that appeal to both kids and adults.
‘Ama‘Ama
A seaside prix-fixe restaurant open Wednesday through Sunday. Unfortunately, it wasn’t open during our stay, so I can’t offer a firsthand review.
Ka Wa‘a Luau: A Must-Do Experience
The Ka Wa‘a Luau at Aulani is genuinely excellent and one of the highlights of the resort. If you’re going to do it, spring for the premium seating.
Premium seats place you closest to the stage and allow entry 30 minutes earlier than general admission. Seating is first-come, first-served even within premium, so arriving early matters. I arrived 45 minutes before premium entry and ended up with front-row seats — absolutely worth it.
Once seated, the open bar begins (worth repeating), and you’re free to enjoy pre-show activities:
- Pounding taro to make poi
- Temporary tribal tattoos
- Lei decorating
- Ukulele lessons
Meanwhile, kids bounce happily between stations while you…visit the open bar again.
General seating guests may not have enough time to enjoy all pre-show activities, which is another reason premium seating is worth the upgrade.
The luau itself features a generous Hawaiian buffet, island cocktails, beer, and wine, and a beautifully produced show combining Hawaiian history, music, fire dancing — and yes, a surprise appearance by Luau Mickey and Minnie.
This is a must-do experience, even if you’re not staying at Aulani (tickets are available to non-guests).
Pools:
★★★★☆
I'm breaking Amenities into two categories:
- Pools
- Everything else
Aulani’s pool complex is phenomenal — truly. This Disney water park-style setup will ruin you for other Disney resorts. Even Disney’s highly praised Beach Club pool at Walt Disney World doesn’t come close.
You’ll find:
- Two fast water slides
- A lazy river
- Two family pools
- An adults-only pool
- Multiple hot tubs
- A calm, swimmable beach bay
- A pirate-themed kids’ water play area
This part of Aulani absolutely delivers.
Everything else:
★☆☆☆☆
- Pool Access & Towels
Do you enjoy waiting in line for 30 minutes just to receive a wristband that allows you to sit in a pool chair? Then Aulani is your place.
Wristbands are issued daily, meaning you get the privilege of waiting in this line every single day. Need another towel? Back in line you go.
Once you finally have your wristband, prepare to battle for pool chairs — many of which have stretched-out fabric that allows the metal frame underneath to dig uncomfortably into your backside.
Pro tips:
- You can pick up wristbands for the next day after 2 PM, when the line is usually shorter.
- Keep towels from the previous day so you can grab chairs early.
- Be poolside by 7:30 AM if you want a decent spot.
Luxury? No. Hunger Games-adjacent? Yes.
- Auntie’s Beach House (Kids Club)
Aulani offers a free kids club, but the logistics are confusing and limiting. Children are allowed one session per day, which lasts about two hours — and that’s after a roughly 30-minute check-in wait.
You can pay around $70 to extend the session to three hours, but children are not allowed to attend more than once per day. This makes it nearly impossible to schedule meaningful adult activities like spa treatments or golf.
Think of this as very short-term childcare, not a full kids camp.
- Character Experiences
Character appearances are heavily marketed as a major reason to stay at Aulani. In reality, appearances are sporadic, limited in variety, and typically involve 30–60 minute waits. If character interactions are your priority, a theme park visit delivers far more value.
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Final Thoughts
We didn’t have a bad vacation at Aulani — but we also didn’t feel it lived up to the hype or the price tag. If you’re looking for the full Disney experience, you’re better off visiting a Disney theme park or park-adjacent resort. If you’re seeking a relaxing, luxury Hawaiian vacation with kids, there are far better options on Oahu and beyond.
Aulani can be fun. It can be memorable. But luxury it is not — and knowing that going in makes all the difference.
