Aulani, Disney Vacation Club Villas is a Disney resort located in Ko Olina on the island of O’ahu in Hawaii. It opened on August 29, 2011 and features both standard hotel rooms and Disney Vacation Club villas.

History and Cultural Connection

The name Aulani means “messenger of a chief” in Hawaiian. Disney worked closely with local Hawaiian cultural experts and artisans to ensure the resort authentically represents and celebrates Hawaiian culture. The resort sits on 21 acres and the design pays homage to the natural landscape, with the layout following the gradient from the mountains to the sea.

The vegetation and theming transitions from lush mountain foliage to coastal plants. Aulani has one of the largest collections of native Hawaiian art in the islands. Hand-carved statues, paintings, sculptures and more are displayed throughout. The resort also features interpretive experiences to share Hawaiian stories, traditions and heritage:

• ‘Ōlelo Room – A lounge where staff are fluent Hawaiian speakers
• Starlit Hui – Nighttime storytelling and music
• Weekly events like the Makahiki Festival

The architecture also reflects Hawaiian design, with wood and bright geometric patterns. Overall, Aulani offers guests an authentic window into Hawaiian culture while still providing signature Disney magic.

Aulani Resort Mobile App

The free Aulani Resort app for iOS and Android has many useful features:

• Access reservation details
• Online check-in
• Browse Daily Iwa activities
• Resort map
• Special offers and character experiences
• Charges and purchase history

The app uses your location for interactive resort experiences. You can control app notifications in your device settings.

How to Book Aulani

As a Disney Vacation Club resort, Aulani gives booking priority to members.

DVC Members can book by:

When the online booking window opens at 8:00 AM Eastern Time, you can book a stay of up to 7 nights!

Non-members can book by:

• Calling (866) 443-4763
• Booking online at aulani.com
• Using a travel agent

There are often room discounts and packages available to help save on a stay.

Current Points for Rental

Rental prices for Disney Vacation Club points vary based on factors like room type, season and view. Some sample point charts:

Deluxe Studio

2-Bedroom Villa

Members can rent points from other members if they don’t have enough to book their desired vacation.

Resort Adventures

There are many family-friendly adventures at Aulani:

Waikolohe Valley

Spectacular pool areas and a beautiful beach invite you to swim, splash, play and relax.

Pools at Aulani

Discover pool areas to delight nearly every age and interest—with experiences from serene to extreme. Highlights include:

• Waikolohe Pool, a zero-entry pool with a tunnel body slide
• Waikolohe Stream, offering 2 tubing adventures—extreme rapids and a lazy river
• Wailana Pool, a 1,500-square-foot, tension-edge pool, with a water wall that empties into the deep end of the pool
• Four whirlpool spas that offer relaxation
• Ka Maka Grotto, an infinity-edge pool overlooking Ko Olina Beach that comes to life at night with twinkling lights
• Keiki Cove Splash Pool, an interactive splash zone for little ones
• Menehune Bridge, an interactive area for kids, with slides and a play structure
• Rainbow Reef, a saltwater snorkeling lagoon where you can swim with fish, without the waves (fees apply)

Laniwai Spa

The spa offers Hawaiian-inspired massages, facials and body treatments. There is a hydrotherapy garden with vitality pools, rain showers and more.

Overview

• Full-service spa, salon and fitness center at Aulani Resort
• Features Hawaiian-inspired treatments and amenities
• Home to Kula Wai – Oahu’s only outdoor hydrotherapy garden

Signature Treatments

• Lomilomi massage – Traditional Hawaiian massage technique
• Lilinoe “Fine Rain” – Exfoliation, massage and rain shower treatment
• Volcanic Clay therapies – Detoxifying clay wraps and soaks

Kula Wai Hydrotherapy Garden

• 5,000 sq ft outdoor sanctuary with pools, showers, whirlpools
• Complimentary with any full-service spa treatment
• Swimsuits required, can make a whole spa day here

Family Services

• Family massages for groups up to 6 people
• Treatments for expecting and new mothers
• Painted Sky teen spa with salon services for ages 10-17

Reservations

• Recommended to book spa appointments before arrival
• Can call spa directly or book treatments online
• Arrive 60 mins early to enjoy amenities before treatment

Painted Sky Teen Spa

Teens can enjoy manicures, pedicures, facials and hair services in their own space at Painted Sky.

Overview

• Salon and spa designed for teens ages 13-17
• Offers hair, nail, makeup, waxing, and grooming services
• Daily supervised activities like movies, games, computers
• Located next to the Laniwai Spa

Signature Services

• Teen facials and massages
• Manicures and pedicures
• Hair styling, cuts, coloring
• Makeup applications

Amenities

• Comfy chairs and sofas
• Gaming systems and computers
• Movie room with latest releases
• Retail area to purchase beauty products

Reservations

• Recommended to book appointments before arrival
• Can call spa directly or book online
• Parent does not need to be present for services

Aunty’s Beach House

Aunty’s Beach House is a 5,200-square-foot club that’s designed to entertain and delight.

Amenities

Here, kids can enjoy an array of amenities, including:

• Complimentary programs and activities to engage children
• Highly interactive Premium Experiences featuring enhanced storytelling, special souvenirs and more (fees apply)
• A movie room showing Disney favorites
• Xbox video games
• Interactive game tables
• Hawaiian arts and crafts
• A costume closet full of fun finds so kids can play dress-up
• An enclosed and secure backyard, complete with play structure
• A secure check-in/check-out process for children

Magical Touches

Discover magical touches everywhere you look—including hidden surprises such as:

• Visits from some favorite Disney friends
• Enchanted fireplaces
• Cozy rain windows in the movie room
• Magical portals depicting spectacular scenes from around Hawai‘i

Note: Registration is required. All children must be potty-trained.

Menehune Adventure Trail

An interactive scavenger hunt takes kids across the resort to find the mischievous menehune from Hawaiian legends.

Overview

• Interactive scavenger hunt across the Aulani Resort
• Uses a tablet to guide guests and reveal surprises
• Brings Hawaiian legend of the Menehune to life

Storyline

• Hosted by “Aunty” from her general store
• Guests help search for the shy, mischievous Menehune
• Menehune play tricks and are master craftspeople
• Evidence of them is hidden all around the resort

Gameplay

• Check out a tablet from the Pau Hana community center
• Choose indoor or outdoor trail
• Solve clues and riddles to progress on the trail
• Certain actions trigger surprises – music, images, effects

The trail is suitable for kids, especially older ones due to some difficult clues. It’s a complimentary activity to entertain and immerse guests in Hawaiian culture. Some effects are currently broken, but hopefully it gets repaired.

Entertainment and Shows

Aulani has Hawaiian-inspired shows and entertainment:

Live Music and Performances

• Hawaiian musicians perform live each evening at sunset
• Artists include falsetto singers, contemporary duos, and musicians blending traditional and modern styles
• Complimentary with no additional charge

‘Ohana Nights

• Family-friendly stage show held on the events lawn
• Features music, dancing, storytelling
• Celebrates Hawaiian culture

Starlit Hui

• Nightly storytelling experience under the stars
• Features Hawaiian history, music, and hula dancing

Ka Wa’a Luau

• Signature luau held a few nights a week
• Tells the story of Hawaiian history through song, dance and cuisine
• Includes pre-show activities and lasts about 3 hours

Holiday Entertainment

• Special holiday events like the Makahiki Festival
• Appearances by Santa during Christmas week
• Decorations and theming all over the resort

Movies Under the Stars

• Periodic movie nights on the events lawn
• Family-friendly Disney films
• Includes trivia, photos and activities before the movie

Character Dining

• The only current character dining is the Makahiki breakfast buffet
• Features appearances from classic Disney characters like Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Pluto
• Cost is $50/adult, $29/child
• Reservations recommended, can book 30 days in advance

Character Meet & Greets

• Various characters appear for quick, unscheduled meet & greets around the resort
• Popular spots include the lobby, lawns, pool area bridges
• Check Daily Iwa schedule for that day’s times and characters
• Can also call character hotline from room for schedule

Other Character Experiences

• Premium special events can be booked with characters
• Character-themed activities like Moana storytelling
• Character merchandise sold around the resort

Dining

Aulani has both signature and quick service dining options:

Signature Dining

Ama Ama – Oceanfront restaurant inspired by Hawaiian fish houses.

Overview

• Signature upscale restaurant serving contemporary Hawaiian cuisine
• Open-air dining room with ocean views
• Serves breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Recently renovated with updated menu and design

Cuisine

• Locally-sourced Hawaiian ingredients with modern twists
• Specialties include fresh fish, poke, tropical fruits
• Sample dishes: Grilled catch of the day, coconut shrimp, guava barbecue ribs

Atmosphere

• Designed to resemble a beachside house with thatched roof
• Spacious dining room with fountain, reflecting pool
• Outdoor tables overlook the ocean and beautiful sunsets

Policies

• Reservations recommended, can book online up to 30 days in advance
• Business casual dress code enforced (no swimwear without coverup)
• Validated self-parking for up to 4 hours with $50+ purchase

Makahiki – Dinner buffet with Hawaiian dishes and entertainment

Overview

• Signature family-friendly restaurant serving buffet-style meals
• Inspired by the traditional Hawaiian Makahiki harvest festival
• Open for breakfast and dinner daily
• Popular character breakfast with Disney characters

Breakfast

• All-you-care-to-enjoy buffet with baked goods, tropical fruits, entrees
• Meet Disney characters like Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, and more
• Sample menu items: Kalua pig omelet, eggs benedict, Mickey waffles

Dinner

• Currently a 3-course prix fixe menu (previously buffet pre-pandemic)
• Showcases fresh local Hawaiian ingredients and international flavors
• Sample dishes: Seared catch of the day, huli huli chicken, haupia cheesecake

Atmosphere

• Indoor and outdoor seating overlooking a koi pond
• Colorful, festive decor inspired by the Makahiki harvest season
• Family-friendly and casual dress code

Policies

• Reservations recommended, can book online up to 30 days in advance
• Breakfast is $50/adult, $29/child; Dinner is $75/adult, $30/child
• Validated self-parking available with $50+ purchase at dinner

Quick Service

• Off the Hook – Fish tacos, burgers and plate lunches
• Lava Shack – Breakfast sandwiches, Mickey waffles, coffee
• Papalua Shave Ice – Hawaiian shave ice in tropical flavors
• Mama’s Snack Stop – Pizza, hot dogs, nachos and more

There are also pool bars, lounges serving small bites, character dining, and in-room dining.

Pools and Spa

The main pool area is Waikolohe Valley which has:

• A 3-acre family pool
• 2 waterslides
• A lazy river
• A quiet pool
• Hot tubs
• A kids splash zone

There is also an adults-only pool, the Wailana Pool, offering peaceful relaxation. The Laniwai Spa features Hawaiian-inspired massages, facials and treatments. There is also a hydrotherapy garden, fitness center and Painted Sky Teen Spa.

Room Types and Points

Room options include:

• Standard Hotel Rooms
• Suites
• Deluxe Studios
• 1-Bedroom Villas
• 2-Bedroom Villas
• 3-Bedroom Grand Villas
• Accessible Rooms

As a Disney Vacation Club Resort, rooms can be booked with vacation points. Point charts vary based on room type, view category and season.

Nearby Restaurants and Grocery Stores

While Aulani offers excellent dining options, nearby recommendations include:

Restaurants

• Monkeypod Kitchen
• Roy’s Beach House
• Paradise Cove Luau
• Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina

Grocery Stores

• Safeway
• Target
• Costco

Aulani offers free self-parking with validated tickets from select locations.

DVC Member Grocery Order

Key details on submitting Aulani grocery orders for DVC members:

• There is a grocery order form specifically for DVC members that can be submitted. This allows groceries to be delivered to your room, which is not available to regular hotel guests.
• The order form can be found on the DVCMember.com website and must be faxed or mailed to Aulani at least 3 business days before arrival.
• A $20 service charge is added to all grocery orders.
• Groceries are delivered after 5pm on the day you check-in. They cannot be stored at the resort prior to check-in.
• The on-site store Kālepa’s Store has a small selection of grocery items. There is also a full-service grocery store called Island Country Market located near the resort that DVC members could shop at instead.

Conclusion

With stunning pools, rich Hawaiian culture, world-class dining and entertainment, Aulani Villas offers the perfect island getaway. Families will love the kids club, water slides and adventures while adults relax at the spa. However, you choose to experience it, Aulani Villas provides the spirit of aloha.

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