New Resort: Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii

Aulani, A Disney Resort and Spa that opens its doors at the end of August 2011, is a new resort in Oahu, a perfect family destination for Hawaii vacations. Co-created by Disney Imagineers, this resort uses the Hawaiian culture as its inspiration for the décor and general vibe that guests receive upon checking-in.

About Aulani, A Disney Resort and Spa

Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa utilizes the Hawaiian philosophy of balance- quick and slow, bright and shadowy, delicate and rough- to decorate this lovely Oahu resort. Of course, the touches of Disney magic can also be seen radiating throughout. It is obviously built with family fun in mind, and both parents and kids will be exhilarated by Aulani’s enchanting nature.

Located on 21 acres of Ko Olina beach property on the western side of Oahu, Aulani features 460 Disney Vacation Club Villas for Disney Vacation Club members and 359 regular hotel rooms, including 16 suites. There are also 4 restaurants, 2 lounges, 4 whirlpool spas, 2 pools, inter-tubing stream, private snorkeling lagoon, marine life preserve, and 10 recreational facilities, all infused with Disney’s creative flair.

Things to Do in Oahu

Along with the usual things to do in Oahu, like surfing, JetSkiing, and scuba diving, Aulani features experiences that are uniquely "Disney." Climb into a tube and float down the Waikolohe Stream, which splits into two paths; a slow journey amidst the Hawaiian landscape or a winding course through misty caverns and lava rock formations. Waikolohe Pool is 8,200 square feet that gradually dips deeper and features a water tube with all the kiddies’ favorite Disney characters hanging out poolside, including Mickey Mouse and Goofy!

Make sure you check out Rainbow Reef, Oahu’s only private snorkeling lagoon, where snorkel equipment lets guests swim with thousands of tropical fish or view them from behind the glass case. Also, experience additional marine life at the Makai Preserve, which allows kids to touch starfish, sea slugs, soft corals, and anemones, and they can even feed the stingrays!

For even more adventure, as if that were possible, kids will love Menehune Bridge, an interactive play space with 3 slides and climbing structure that is interspersed with the "Menehune," or legendary "little people," who cause the magical occurrences on the island.

Fun For Parents!

Don’t worry parents, Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa has plenty of options for you as well. The Wailana pool is more relaxing and offers poolside beverages. There are also 4 whirlpools, two of which are designed to view the beautiful sunsets of this Oahu resort.

Laniwai, A Disney Spa, has a variety of spa therapies available to guest of the resort, including massages, skin treatments, and" rain water" therapy. There are even specially designed sections tailored to various age ranges, such as 13-17, whole families, and 18 and up.

And you will have plenty of time to relax at this Disney resort with programs specifically designed to entertain kids of all ages. Aunty’s Beach House offers supervised fun while parents escape to lounge at the spa, play a round of golf nearby, or enjoy some privacy. Meanwhile, kids have the option to play video games, watch Disney movies, go on scavenger hunts, and hang out with fun Disney characters!

Dining Options

There are 4 restaurants at Aulani, each serving delicious, gourmet cuisine from world-class chefs. The ‘Olelo Room offers up continental breakfast each morning. Makahiki- The Bounty of the Islands features a buffet of world foods. ‘AMA ‘AMA overlooks the Pacific and serves local cuisine. And finally, Off The Hook is a beachside lounge that offers fresh fish and Hawaiian food, with tropical drinks, of course.

All-in-all, Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa is a fantastic resort designed to boost the fun of your typical Hawaii vacations by sprinkling in some Disney Magic!