It's Family Time at Oahu's Aulani Disney Resort

Disney’s Aulani Hotel opened back in 2011 and has been a flagship lodging option for Oahu ever since.

Although Oahu’s resort and hotel scene is almost entirely focused in Waikiki, there is one small cluster of properties on the west side of the island in a developed community called Ko Olina.

There you will find condos and a couple hotels, including the Aulani. It feels more like a community than a city when compared to Waikiki, with a well-manicured golf course occupying a majority of the green, non-developed space on the more remote, relaxed west side.

Aulani is positioned in front of a man-made lagoon that cuts down on the surf and creates a safe place for swimming, which comes as no surprise given the number of small children that stay at the resort and spend a lot of time in the water. Beach loungers occupy the slight-sloping, horseshoe-shaped beach where parents can relax while keeping an eye on the kids.

The place is a paradise for young ones, with a large lazy river, several pools, water slides, water-spraying jungle gyms, koi ponds and, of course, living, breathing Disney characters. But adults can also find a bit of serenity—or at least a break—by visiting the adult-only sections, which include an infinity-edge whirlpool. Or, by dropping the kids off at the supervised kids’ club, Aunty’s Beach House.

Rooms

The Aulani’s standard rooms are fit for couples and small families, but those looking to spread out might consider one of the Aulani’s villas. These have kitchens, washer/dryer and full-size living rooms—best for those who are staying a full week and might want the feel of an apartment rather than a hotel room. Two-bedroom villas can even be shared by two families, as they sleep up to 9 and offer 1,100 square-feet of living space.

Regardless of room type, there are neat local details to notice, including lamps in the shape of poi pounders, pineapple-print comforters, paintings of native fish and art depicting ancient Hawaiian scenes.

As with all lodging in Hawaii, I recommend ensuring you get an ocean-view room—there’s no point in coming all this way and not having a view of the water.

READ MORE: Disney Aulani Launches New Kawaa Luau

Spa

Of all the adult-only areas, the spa might be the best escape.

After all, that’s what it's designed to do: Transport you to a relaxing, quiet world. When you walk in, select a rock with a Hawaiian word on it, such as Hau’oli (happy) or ikaika (strong, powerful). On your way back to your treatment, you toss the rock into a small pool.

The idea is that whatever quality you receive on your rock is what you will focus on during your treatment.

With the purchase of any full-service spa treatment, guests get access to the Kula Wai Outdoor Hydrotherapy Garden, including the Pulu Bar. There you can make your own take-home body polishes with a focus on authentic Hawaiian fragrances that include base oils of macadamia and kukui nut along with exfoliating agents like local sea salt and cane sugar. Make sure to arrive early for your treatment to spend lots of time in the serene garden, complete with whirlpools and rain showers.

Still, as only Disney can do, they make a traditionally adult-only experience fit for kids. The spa offers “family treatments” with options like “The Mermaid” for young girls: They get their hair styled with flower and pixie dust along with a new bathing suit and cover up. Or, there's the Keiki Kane for boys, where they receive a hairstyle, traditional fish hook necklace and a temporary tattoo.  

Now, we know your teenager won’t go for that, and Disney knew it, too. They have also designed an exclusive teen spa for ages 13-17 that offers manicures, facials and shorter massages.

Dining

There’s a wide range of options on property, from casual eateries like Mama’s Snack Stop and Off the Hook to a more elegant, beachside dining experience at ‘Ama’Ama.

Overall, things are kept pretty down to earth and kid-friendly.

In addition to the casual dining, there are also several snack bars. You can grab shave ice at Papalua or pineapple soft serve at the Lava Shack. The headline for the kiddos is the Disney Character Breakfast. For the adults, it’s the cocktails at the Hawaiian language inspired ‘Olelo Room.

READ MORE: Atlantis Resort Coming to Ko Olina, Hawaii

Best Attributes

One of the property's most unique aspects is the Rainbow Reef, a 3,800 square-foot saltwater snorkeling lagoon.

It’s a saltwater pool that contains all sorts of native Hawaiian fish, allowing kids and unsure swimmers to safely snorkel without the rough conditions or unpredictability of the ocean. There’s an underwater window that you can look through on dry land, doubling as an aquarium for curious observers.

Nowhere else on the island will you find such a feature. Although it doesn't replace ocean snorkeling, it is a novel idea and a great introduction to all that lives under the sea in Hawaii. (Note: There is an extra charge to do this: $20 per day for adults or $39 for length-of-stay; $15 per day for kids or $29 for length-of-stay. 

The Aulani also has a luau four times a week (on Tuesdays, Wednesday, Fridays, and Saturdays.).

This is a treat for hotel guests because they don’t have to get into a car to experience it. As one would expect, Disney takes the Hawaiian culture with utmost seriousness and reverence; It comes through in the luau.

It tells the story of the land division, or apuhuah‘a, upon which the hotel sits. Before the show, there are cultural demonstrations of lei making and poi pounding.

Other cultural activities on property include the Maka‘ika‘i, a complimentary and comprehensive walking tour that highlights the Hawaiian culture, landscaping, nature and wildlife of the resort; Mo‘olelo Fire Pit Storytelling, where a master storyteller shares Hawaiian legends and lore; ‘Imi Loa Naa Hoku, where you stargaze with a telescope and learn how ancient Polynesian voyagers navigated to Hawai‘i using the stars as a guide.

I respect the quality of Aulani's employees and their willingness to connect with you as a guest. From the valet to the front desk to the employees in the pool area, everyone takes the time to look you in the eyes and ask about your day, where you are from, what you need and what you think of your stay thus far.

It goes beyond the basic duty and into a realm where you really feel welcome because the employees show genuine interest in who you are and how your experience is going.

It’s an easy thing to talk about doing—the idea of supreme customer service—but as any traveler knows, it often does not translate into reality. But Aulani sets the bar high in this department, and it’s no doubt a big part of why the Aulani has enjoyed so much success on Oahu.