Aulani

One of my favorite places is Aulani. I was born in Honolulu and my family moved to California when I was 4 years old. I remember being so sad leaving my grandparents and family in Hawaii. My dad worked for the airlines, so we would visit our family in Hawaii practically every summer. At 51, I still love Hawaii.

Disney made our trips to Hawaii even better by opening up Aulani Resort and Spa. We toured the hotel the first week they opened. We just walked around and checked it out. My son was about 3 months old. We eventually stayed there during one of our trips and loved it.

In 2020 I finally decided to invest and become a Disney Vacation Club member/owner at Aulani. I did not buy directly through Disney, because it was too expensive for my single mom budget. I bought my points through Disney Resale Market. My agent Andy Berry helped me through the whole process.

Every year I have a small amount of points I can use at Aulani or any other Disney Vacation Club resort. If I do not use my points one year, I can bank them for the next year. I can borrow points from the following year if I do not have enough for the present year. It has been very beneficial and I have saved a lot of money by having this membership.

Last year I had a room reserved at Aulani for just one night, but I did not get vacation time approved (I am a nurse). So I sold my points and reservation for that night through a company called David’s Vacation Club Rentals. If you are thinking about staying at Aulani, check out David’s Vacation Club Rentals. It is usually much more affordable to reserve rooms through this service compared to the Aulani website.

If you need luggage tags, I found the cutest Stitch luggage tags.

My son and I love Aulani because it is so cozy. Our favorite Disney characters are Moana, Lilo, and Stitch. I also love Disney Villains. Who doesn’t? The pools and slides at Aulani are amazing. We really love the lazy river. We can spend hours just floating around on the lazy river. During the busy holiday seasons and summer, you have to get to the pools early in the morning to get chairs. The last time we were there, I decided I didn’t want to wake up so early just to do that. So we would go to the pools and put our towels and slippers in the cubbies. There are cubbies in a few locations around the pools.

Once when we were there we went to the Mo’olelo Fire Pit Storytelling. It was very relaxing sitting next to the fire pit listening to Uncle’s stories. Sometimes, Moana makes an appearance there. 

When visiting Hawaii, you must have sunscreen that is reef safe. Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray |Vegan and Hawaii 104 Reef Act Compliant (Oxtinoxate & Oxibenzone Free) Broad Spectrum Moisturizing UVA/UVB Sunscreen with Vitamin E | 6oz is a great choice. Babo Botanicals Sheer Zinc Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF30 – Natural Zinc Oxide – Shea Butter – Face & Body – Water Resistant – Fragrance-Free – EWG Verified – Vegan – For all ages – 1 or 2 Pack is also a great choice.

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Last update on 2025-01-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Sale

Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray Vegan and Hawaii 104 Act Compliant (Octinoxate &…

• ORIGINAL SPF 50 SUNSCREEN SPRAY . This is the stuff we use every day. The sunscreen that started it all and smells like summer. We wanted a sunscreen to protect those who live and love in the sun, so we made it.
• MOISTURIZING SUN PROTECTION. Dermatologist and Sonny approved, this non-comedogenic sunscreen delivers UVA/UVB protection and is packed with Vitamin E. Our oil-free, water-resistant and Hawaii 104 Reef Act Compliant SPF 50 Spray is great for all skin types.
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Last update on 2025-01-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

We have not been to the luau, but we have watched some of it from our balcony. My cousin used to be a hula dancer at the Aulani luau. I’ve heard it’s great and the food is fantastic. We have been to the Character Breakfast. My son was still scared of characters back then. The food was great.

Mama’s Snack Stop is also a great option for food. The chicken strips and coconut-breaded shrimp are delicious. The shave ice stand is nice (not authentic Hawaiian shave ice) but still good. Dole whip is available at Little Opihi’s Beachside Kiosk. Dole whip in Hawaii is the best!

The last time I was at Aulani I went to the Laniwai Spa. It was amazing. They have an outdoor hydrotherapy garden called Kula Wai. It was very relaxing. I indulged in standing under the various hydrotherapy showers. The jacuzzi and the massage were awesome. I would love to go back.

On the day you are leaving Aulani, you can request time at the Luana Lounge. You can feel free to utilize the showers, lockers, cozy seating spaces, a spacious TV screen, a display showing Honolulu Airport departures, and a printer for your boarding pass(es). I heard you have to go to the front desk to request to use the lounge on the day you leave. You have to go first thing in the morning to do this. 

When you leave Aulani or Marriott Vacation Club or Beach Villas at Ko Olina, you can hang out in the Ko Olina Traveler’s Lounge at the HNL airport. It’s a nice quiet lounge with comfortable seating, charging stations, and food for purchase. It is located on the first floor garden court area in Main Terminal 2. I’ve never stayed in there but it seems nice if you have a long wait time before your flight. You have to make reservations to enter on their website ahead of time. 

I can go on and on about Aulani. I will revisit and think of more helpful things to prepare you for a visit to Aulani! Feel free to email me with any questions. 

I purchased the 2 piece swim suit in the picture below. It is great for moms. Not to revealing and not boring. It is a really cute one.