When my family started planning our first trip to Hawaii, we quickly stumbled across Disney's Aulani Resort. The lush photos, beachside setting, and familiar Disney touches made it tempting – but we had one big question: is Aulani worth it?
With so many beautiful places to stay in Hawaii, I wanted to know if this resort truly added enough value to justify the higher cost. Aulani isn’t just a hotel – it’s an immersive experience with both Hawaiian and Disney influences. But it also comes with a price tag that made me pause more than once before booking.
After staying at Aulani for five nights with my spouse and our two kids, I came home with a mix of appreciation and insights. This article is for families, couples, or even adults traveling without kids who are trying to figure out if this pricey resort delivers the kind of vacation experience they want.
Key Points
- You pay for the setting and atmosphere more than exclusive perks: Aulani isn't all-inclusive, so budget for meals, parking, and activities.
- The resort excels for families with kids under 10: The pool areas, character experiences, and kid's club are ideal for young families.
- If you're not into Disney, consider nearby options: Other Ko Olina resorts may offer a similar Hawaiian vibe without the themed elements (and for less).
Is Aulani Worth It? Breaking Down the Pros and Cons
Whether Aulani is worth the splurge depends on what you want out of a Hawaii vacation. For some families, it hits all the right notes. For others, it might feel like paying a premium for branding.
What You Get at Aulani
Aulani sits on Oahu's sunny west coast in the Ko Olina resort area. It's beachfront, beautifully designed, and offers a unique blend of Hawaiian culture and Disney touches.
The hotel rooms are clean and well-appointed. Standard rooms start around $600–$800 per night depending on the season and view, with suites and villas going well over $1,000. The price includes access to pools, character meet-and-greets, and some daily activities, but not meals.
The resort has a massive pool complex with a lazy river, splash zone for little kids, water slides, and even a snorkeling lagoon (for an added fee). There’s also direct beach access with complimentary lounge chairs and umbrellas.
One of the best perks for families is Aunty’s Beach House, a kids-only activity center with cultural games, crafts, and character visits. It’s included with your stay, but reservations fill up fast.
You’ll also see beloved characters like Mickey, Minnie, Moana, and Stitch in Hawaiian attire throughout the resort, especially at the breakfast buffet and near the pool area.
What You Don’t Get
One thing that surprised us was how many things weren’t included. Aulani isn't all-inclusive, so all meals, drinks, and even some activities cost extra.
Meals at the resort can be expensive. The character breakfast at Makahiki costs around $54 per adult and $29 per child. Dinners at the on-site restaurants can easily run $150–$200 for a family of four.
Even small extras, like snorkeling at Rainbow Reef ($25 per adult, $20 per child for a day pass) or parking ($37/day for self-parking), can add up quickly.
If you're expecting the same perks as a Disney Cruise or theme park hotel, it's important to read the fine print. This is a luxury resort that happens to be Disney-branded, not a full-fledged theme park experience.
Comparing Aulani to Other Resorts in Hawaii
If you're on the fence, it helps to compare Aulani to similar resorts nearby or other Disney vacation options.
Nearby Resort Alternatives
Aulani shares the Ko Olina area with the Four Seasons and the Marriott Ko Olina Beach Club. All three properties overlook the same calm lagoon and have beach access.
The Four Seasons is more upscale and caters to adults and luxury travelers. Prices often start around $1,000 per night, but it includes amenities like complimentary kids programming and personalized service. There are no Disney characters, of course, and the atmosphere is much quieter.
The Marriott offers full villas with kitchens, making it great for families looking to cook their own meals and save on dining. Rates tend to be lower than Aulani – sometimes under $500 per night – especially if booked through third-party timeshare rental sites.
Aulani vs Disney Cruise
Some families debate between Aulani and a Disney Cruise sailing from the West Coast or Alaska. Cruises are more all-inclusive, with meals and shows included in the price, which can make budgeting easier.
However, Aulani offers more flexibility to explore the island, relax at your own pace, and skip formalities. If you want a laid-back, beachside Disney fix with Hawaiian culture, Aulani wins. If you want scheduled entertainment, character dinners every night, and the security of a cruise ship bubble, the cruise might be better.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Aulani
Once we decided to go, I did a ton of research to make sure we made the most of our stay. Here are a few lessons learned.
Book Early and Be Strategic
Booking Aulani for cheap isn't easy, but it can be done with careful planning.
We booked during a Disney discount promo and chose a partial ocean view instead of full to save about $100 per night. Disney Vacation Club rental sites can also offer savings if you're flexible with dates and room types.
If you're not picky about the view or specific room category, watching prices a few months out can sometimes yield a better deal.
Skip the Dining Plan, Explore Local Food
Since Aulani isn't all-inclusive, we mixed things up. We had one character breakfast to get the experience but chose to eat most other meals offsite. You can eat near Aulani at places like Monkeypod Kitchen or grab takeout from local poke spots and bring it back to your balcony.
We even found breakfast nearby that beat resort prices – some under $15 per person, versus $30+ inside the resort.
Bringing groceries or having them delivered from Target or Costco (both nearby) can also save money, especially for snacks and breakfast items.
Use the Resort’s Free Activities
One of the best parts of staying at Aulani is taking advantage of the free cultural activities and entertainment. There are daily events like hula lessons, lei-making, ‘ukulele classes, and family-friendly movie nights under the stars.
The Menehune Adventure Trail (an interactive scavenger hunt around the resort) is a hit with kids, and it’s included in your stay. These little details made the resort feel special without needing to spend more money each day.
You can find more tips and hidden gems in the complete Aulani guide.
Logistics: Getting There and Getting Around
Aulani is about 30 minutes from Honolulu Airport, though traffic can sometimes make it closer to an hour. We rented a car so we could explore beyond the resort, including trips to the North Shore, the Dole Plantation, and Waikiki.
Rental cars on Oahu average $50–$80 per day, but factor in Aulani’s $37/day parking fee. If you’re planning to stay put at the resort, consider using a rideshare from the airport and skipping the car altogether.
Aulani Was Worth It For Us
For our family, Aulani was worth it – but it’s not a slam dunk for everyone.
If you’re looking for a peaceful, kid-friendly resort with Disney touches in a beautiful Hawaiian setting, Aulani is a strong choice. It offers just enough character experiences to delight kids, while giving adults a restful place to unwind.
But if you’re on a tight budget, or you're more interested in authentic Hawaiian culture than family resort life, there are better-value options out there.
My advice: be honest about what you're hoping to get out of your trip. If Aulani lines up with that vision (and your budget), it can be a fantastic stay that blends relaxation with a bit of fun.
