Planning our family trip to Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, I kept searching the same question over and over: is Aulani all inclusive? I’ve done all-inclusive resorts before and loved the convenience of not having to think about meals, snacks, or activity fees.
But Aulani works a bit differently, and I learned quickly that it’s important to understand exactly what’s included before you book.
So here’s what I found, based on my own experience and way too many hours of research. If you're hoping to budget realistically or avoid sticker shock once you arrive, this breakdown will help.
Key Points
- Book with realistic expectations – Aulani is not all inclusive, and food prices add up fast.
- Take full advantage of the free amenities like the pools, lazy river, and character photo ops.
- Consider nearby dining to save money without sacrificing quality (there are some gems close by).
Is Aulani All Inclusive? What You Need to Know First
No, Aulani is not all inclusive in the traditional sense. Meals, drinks, and many activities come at an extra cost. That said, it does include more than you'd expect from a typical hotel – and some of the included perks are genuinely great (especially for families).
If you go into it thinking it's a Disney version of a Sandals or Club Med, you'll be surprised. But if you're strategic, you can absolutely have a memorable trip without blowing your budget.
Here’s a closer look at what’s included, what isn’t, and how to plan smart.
What Is Included in Your Aulani Stay?
While it’s not all inclusive, Aulani does include a fair amount of perks in your nightly rate. And unlike some resorts, these aren’t things you’d never use.
Included Activities and Amenities
- Access to Waikolohe Valley (pools, lazy river, waterslides, splash zones)
- Beach chairs and umbrella use at the lagoon
- Aunty’s Beach House (limited hours and reservations required for some activities)
- Nightly entertainment like fireside storytelling and movies on the lawn
- Fitness center and walking trails
- Disney character meet-and-greets (schedule posted daily)
Many of these were highlights of our stay, especially the character appearances – they felt spontaneous and less hectic than the parks.
The pool area is genuinely impressive, especially for kids. You get access to the lazy river, two waterslides, a toddler splash zone, and a zero-entry pool, all included. Just be aware that the chairs fill up fast, so go early if you want a good spot.
You can read more about the amenities and tips in our full Aulani resort guide.
What Costs Extra at Aulani?
The short answer: meals, spa treatments, premium experiences, and a lot of the extras you might assume are included. This is where budgeting ahead makes a big difference.
Meals and Dining
Food at Aulani is good – but it’s pricey.
Expect quick-service meals like a sandwich or poke bowl to run around $15–$22 per person. Sit-down dining, like at Makahiki or ‘AMA‘AMA (Aulani’s signature restaurant), can easily hit $50–$75 per adult with drinks and dessert. Kids’ meals are around $12–$16.
The character breakfast at Makahiki costs about $54 per adult and $29 per child (ages 3–9) before tip. It’s fun and well-organized, but definitely a splurge if you have a large group. You can read more about that in our guide to the Aulani character breakfast prices.
Other Paid Extras
- Laniwai Spa treatments (massages start at around $185 for 50 minutes)
- Rainbow Reef snorkeling ($25 per day for guests, or $45 for unlimited stay access)
- Premium kids' activities at Aunty’s Beach House (some are free, others cost $50+)
- Photopass packages (starts at $99 for your stay)
- Alcoholic beverages (not part of any meal plan)
Even things like shaved ice or poolside drinks can sneak up on you. A drink with alcohol is typically $14–$18, and smoothies or mocktails are around $8–$10.
If you’re wondering whether Aulani is worth the splurge, I found this article on whether Aulani is worth it to be a helpful reality check.
Tips to Save on Meals and Extras
Once we saw how quickly food costs added up, we got strategic. There are a few reliable ways to save money without sacrificing convenience or the resort experience.
Use Nearby Restaurants
You’re not locked into resort dining. There are some solid places to eat near Aulani and even great breakfast spots close by that are more affordable.
For example, Monkeypod Kitchen across the street has great happy hour deals and delicious meals that felt more reasonably priced than anything on property.
Eggs ‘n Things and Island Vintage Coffee are two other solid nearby breakfast options.
Shop Ahead
We stopped at Target in Kapolei (about 10 minutes away) and stocked up on essentials: breakfast items, snacks, bottled water, and alcohol. It saved us hundreds over the course of the trip.
Even just having cereal, fruit, and coffee in the room made mornings smoother and much cheaper. Aulani rooms have mini fridges, and some villas include full kitchens.
Mix In Free Activities
There’s no shortage of free fun at Aulani. We balanced our paid experiences (like a character breakfast and one spa visit) with low-cost, laid-back options like the lazy river, the beach, and evening storytelling.
The Menehune Adventure Trail (an interactive scavenger hunt with tech gadgets) is also free and fun for kids – and helped us skip pricier activities some afternoons.
If you're planning on booking a stay, this guide on how to book Aulani for cheap is worth checking out. Dates, discounts, and room types can all make a big difference.
Why Disney Doesn’t Do All-Inclusive at Aulani
Disney has leaned into a hybrid model at Aulani: you’re paying a premium for the resort experience, but the real extras cost more. It’s different from a Disney Cruise, where most things are bundled into the price.
For some families, the structure works well. You can pick and choose what to spend on, and tailor the trip to your priorities.
For others – especially adults or couples wanting a more inclusive luxury experience – a comparison like Aulani vs Four Seasons might be worth exploring. It really depends on what kind of experience you want.
Final Thoughts: Plan Ahead, and It Can Be Amazing
No, Aulani is not all inclusive. But with some planning, you can still make the most of your stay.
I wouldn’t recommend showing up and winging it – that’s how you end up overspending or missing out. Knowing what’s included, what isn’t, and how to balance both made our trip feel luxurious without the stress.
We mixed one character breakfast with groceries in the room. We skipped the spa but did the paid snorkeling. We dined out a couple of times in Ko Olina to balance costs. And most importantly, we enjoyed the included activities as much as the premium ones.
If you're curious about which island Aulani is located on, this helpful guide breaks it down. And if you’re flying in soon, here’s how far Aulani is from the Honolulu airport.
For official info or to check rates, visit Disney’s Aulani website.
