Is Disney’s Aulani Worth It? The Spa Won Me Over—Next Time, I’d Stay Put
By Jen | Chasing Wild Adventures
I woke up at 3 a.m. to book a vacation activity. I had one of the best spa experiences of our trip. I didn’t sleep especially well in our room. And I left wishing we had spent more time enjoying the resort.
That pretty much sums up our family’s stay at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, in Ko Olina on Oahu.
So, is it worth it? For us, we really enjoyed our stay, and the excellent customer service made a lasting impression. But my biggest advice is this: leave enough room in your itinerary to enjoy what you’re paying for.
Oahu has so much to explore that it’s tempting to turn every day into an excursion. At Aulani, though, the property itself deserves a place on the itinerary. Next time, I’d spend more time there—and book the experiences we wanted the moment reservations opened
👉Planning a bigger Hawaii vacation? Start with our Hawaii family travel guide for more family-friendly ideas across Oahu, the Big Island, and Maui.
What makes Aulani worth considering?
Aulani combines a beachfront resort with Disney characters, family activities, and Hawaiian storytelling. You can build a day around the pools, lazy river, lagoon, and scheduled activities without leaving the property.
Disney lists character experiences, selected kids’ club programming, family activities, pools, and beach access among the offerings included with a stay. It also lists no resort fee. That doesn’t mean every experience is included: spa treatments, premium activities, dining, and selected rentals cost extra. (Aulani’s included experiences)
The value question is personal. If your family wants resort days with plenty to do nearby, Aulani has a lot to offer. If you’ll be sightseeing from morning until evening, you may get less use from its amenities.
My takeaway: Plan your resort days before filling the rest of your calendar.
Book when the booking window opens—especially the kids’ club
I literally woke up at 3 a.m. California time to book something that became available at midnight in Hawaii. That was the time difference during our booking period; Hawaii doesn’t observe daylight saving time, so check the conversion for your own dates.
Popular experiences can fill quickly, and Aunty’s Beach House is one to stay on top of. Don’t assume you’ll arrive and find your preferred time available.
The resort currently publishes these advance booking windows:
| Experience | Published booking window |
|---|---|
| KA WAʻA luau, Laniwai Spa, and Painted Sky | 180 days before the desired activity date |
| Cabanas and designated Casabellas | 90 days before the desired date |
| Aunty’s Beach House, Pau Hana activities, Makahiki, and ʻAMAʻAMA | 45 days before the desired date |
| Fitness classes | 10 days before the desired date |
Use Aulani’s Know Before You Go page and the app to confirm the current rules, booking method, and release time for each experience. Different offerings may have different procedures.
Aunty’s currently serves children ages 4–12 and offers complimentary 90-minute themed blocks plus paid three-hour programming. Pre-registering your child is separate from reserving an activity and does not guarantee a spot. Complete both steps, then finish the required registration on arrival. (Aunty’s Beach House information)
My tip: Put reminders in your calendar, have your account ready, and book your highest priorities first. If a spa appointment depends on childcare, confirm that the times work together—including check-in and pickup.
Laniwai Spa: the experience I loved most
I loved, loved, loved the spa.
Mike and I booked a couples lomilomi massage, and it was incredible. At the beginning of our experience, we each selected a stone with a word on it. Without coordinating, we both picked “strength.” It was such a sweet little coincidence to share.
The massage tables were another surprise. They adjusted and moved in a way that reminded me of a Sleep Number-style adjustable bed, making it easy to get comfortable. Between that and the massage itself, this felt like a memorable experience worth making time for.
Don’t rush past the Kula Wai outdoor hydrotherapy garden. We enjoyed being able to use the co-ed areas together. Aulani describes heated pools, waterfall showers, a whirlpool, a cold plunge, and a reflexology walk, with access included when purchasing a full-service spa treatment. (Laniwai Spa details)
My tip: Bring your swimsuit and ask the spa how much time to allow for the garden. Book enough childcare to enjoy the whole experience rather than hurrying in for the massage and rushing straight out.
The lagoon made beach time easy
We appreciated the lagoon setup: chairs, umbrellas, sand toys, and boogie boards were available, making a beach outing much easier to organize.
Makiki Joe’s lists complimentary beach chairs, umbrellas, boogie boards, and life jackets for resort guests, with other equipment available to rent. Aulani also lists complimentary sand toys. Check current availability and rental terms when you arrive; equipment must stay in the lagoon area. (Makiki Joe’s beach equipment, Aulani water activities)
My tip: Ask what you can borrow before buying or packing bulky beach gear. Give yourselves a beach day with enough time to settle in and enjoy it.
A walk beyond the Four Seasons brought a wonderful surprise
One of my favorite tips is to take a walk beyond Aulani’s lagoon. Head along the beachfront toward the Four Seasons, then ask about the current public access route to the nearby coves often called “Secret Beach” or the Paradise Cove area.
On our walk, we saw a manta ray and a sea turtle in the cove, plus a Hawaiian monk seal resting in the sun. Someone there told us the seal was a regular in the area. It was a lovely reminder that memorable discoveries can happen close to your hotel.
Wildlife sightings aren’t guaranteed, and the informal “secret beach” name can refer to neighboring coves. Ask staff for the appropriate route, respect signs and private property, and avoid scrambling across wave-washed rocks to reach a beach.
Give wildlife plenty of space. NOAA recommends at least 10 feet from sea turtles, 50 feet from monk seals, and 150 feet from a monk seal mother with her pup. Stay behind barriers and never touch, feed, chase, or disturb them. (NOAA’s Hawaii wildlife-viewing guidance)
My tip: Bring your camera, use the zoom, and let any wildlife encounter unfold on the animals’ terms.
The room was okay—but the bed disappointed me
I want to be honest about this part: our room was okay, but I didn’t sleep well on the queen bed. To me, it felt ready to be replaced or upgraded.
That was our experience with our particular room and mattress, rather than a judgment about every room at Aulani. Still, sleep matters on vacation, especially when you’re paying for a special stay.
Customer service on the property was excellent, and we really enjoyed our visit overall. Next time, if the bed wasn’t working for me, I’d raise it early and ask what options might be available.
My tip: Compare the exact room layout and bedding before booking. A hotel room, Deluxe Studio, and larger villa offer different arrangements; choose the one that fits how your family sleeps and spends time together.
MagicBand made pool and beach days more convenient
I purchased a MagicBand+ before the trip and had it connected for Aiden’s use during our stay. Being able to access the room and charge purchases without carrying a key around the pool and lagoon was useful.
Current planDisney guidance confirms that MagicBand 2 and MagicBand+ can support room access and room charging at Aulani. Ask the front desk to link the band and confirm charging permissions and any PIN requirements, particularly for a child’s band. (MagicBand guidance)
One distinction for families: Aunty’s Beach House has its own required keiki band and registration process. Don’t assume a purchased MagicBand replaces that kids’ club band. Check the current charge and return policy with Aunty’s.
My tip: Set everything up on arrival so you aren’t sorting out room access or charging just as you’re heading into the water.
Dining: enjoy Aulani, then explore the neighborhood
You don’t have to eat every meal at the resort. Across the street at Ko Olina Center and Station, you’ll find Monkey-pod Kitchen, Mekiko Cantina, and other choices, including Eggs ‘n Things, Tropic Poke, and 808 Craft House. Island Country Market is another useful option for groceries and quick bites. (Ko Olina dining directory)
Roy’s Ko Olina is nearby at the golf club, rather than in that same shopping center. Between the resort restaurants and the surrounding neighborhood, there are plenty of ways to vary your meals without planning a long outing.
On property, we thought Off the Hook was decent for a convenient meal, and we also got shave ice during our stay. Aulani’s Pāpālua Shave Ice is in the pool area—an easy treat to work into a resort afternoon. (Aulani dining options)
Next time, I’d love to try MINA’s Fish House at the neighboring Four Seasons, with its ocean-view seafood setting, or ʻAMAʻAMA at Aulani for a special dinner overlooking the beach. We didn’t try those on this visit, so they’re on my return-trip list. (MINA’s Fish House)
My tip: Mix convenient poolside meals with a few nearby restaurant outings, and reserve any must-do dinner early. Check current menus and happy-hour times when budgeting; a restaurant across the street isn’t automatically less expensive. Leave enough time to walk over and enjoy the evening without rushing back to another reservation.
If you’re planning to explore beyond the resort, read our Oahu family adventure guide for ideas like Kualoa Ranch, the North Shore, and other stops to consider during your stay.
What I’d do differently next time
Spend more time enjoying the property
This is the biggest change I’d make. I’d protect full resort days for the lagoon, pools, and activities instead of squeezing them between outings.
I’d also check the Daily ʻIwa in the app each day. Disney lists options such as animation activities, Hawaiian storytelling, ʻukulele, nature tours, and movie nights. Offerings vary, and some included experiences still need reservations.
Make the wooden autograph souvenir early
If character autographs are your thing, get your wooden craft early in the stay, so it’s ready when you meet characters. Ask about available craft sessions, any fee, and whether the finished item is suitable for signing. Bring an appropriate marker, too.
I found a similar suggestion in Off the Eaten Path’s Aulani review: their family used small wooden surfboards as autograph keepsakes. It’s a fun way to turn several encounters into one souvenir. Not every character signs, so check with the attendant.
Take the Coffee & Curiosity villa tour
We missed Coffee & Curiosity, presented by Disney Vacation Club, and I’d look into it next time. I’d love to see the three-bedroom Grand Villa model and learn more about the larger accommodations.
The event appears on Aulani’s activity schedule, and Disney in Your Day’s account describes a villa tour with a short DVC ownership presentation. We understood there was also a gift for attending. Since we didn’t go, ask about the current gift, eligibility, model availability, and time commitment rather than assuming every session offers the same thing.
It’s an ownership presentation as well as a tour, so decide whether that interests you before signing up.
Plan one special dinner
I’d put MINA’s Fish House or ʻAMAʻAMA on the calendar, then keep the rest of that evening open. With Monkey-pod, Mekiko Cantina, Roy’s, and other options nearby, I’d also build in some variety while keeping our resort days relaxed.
Book the spa again—and leave time around it
The couples lomilomi would be high on my list. I’d make it an unhurried part of the day, with time to enjoy the hydrotherapy areas together.
A few more tips from other Aulani travelers
While researching this post, I found several ideas worth adding to your planning:
- Arrive a little early for a must-meet character. Undercover Tourist recommends checking the Daily ʻIwa and having your autograph item ready. Character schedules and locations can change.
- Price a refillable mug against what you’ll actually drink. Picture the Magic recommends buying one early to get more use from it. Confirm today’s price, eligible drinks, and refill locations before deciding.
- Ask about collecting the next day’s pool wristband in the afternoon. planDisney suggests this as a way to simplify the next morning. Check the current process while you’re there.
- Put reservations on the calendar before adding excursions. That gives you a clearer picture of which days to keep on property and which days to explore Oahu.
So, would we stay at Aulani again?
We really enjoyed our stay. The service was excellent, the lagoon made beach time easy, and our couples spa experience was a highlight. My disappointment with the bed is something I’d address sooner on another visit.
For our family, Aulani’s strongest appeal was everything we could enjoy right there. Next time, I’d give ourselves more time to do exactly that: fewer departures from the property, earlier bookings, a wooden autograph keepsake ready to go, and another visit to Laniwai.
If you’re considering Aulani, look at the full cost—including the extras you want—and ask how much time your family will spend enjoying the resort. That answer will tell you much more about whether it’s worth it for you than the room rate alone.
Have you stayed at Aulani? What would you book again, and what would you do differently next time?
If you’re comparing different Hawaiian island experiences, check out our Big Island family travel guide for more ideas for a family trip, from snorkeling to waterfalls.