Disney’s Aulani: The Best of Hawaii For Kids

 

I was pretty certain, at that special age when everything is mortifying, that attending a luau in Hawaii was a type of embarrassment especially reserved for tourists. I was 14 and I knew it all.

 

So smart

 

This appraisal of travel in Hawaii stayed with me until my own little family visited the Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa in the resort town of Ko’Olina, located on the western side of Oahu, in Hawaii. Not only are there tons of fun things to do with kids on this lovely island, there are also ways to discover the cultural heritage of the Hawaiian people. 

 

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Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa: An Insider’s Look

A deeper understanding of the islands’ actual cultural life began with our visit to the Aulani, set on 21 gorgeous, ocean-front acres in Oahu. The name of Aulani’s lobby, Maka’ala, translates to eyes wide open, and those eyes, in the form of floor-to-ceiling windows, displayed lava rocks floating in filigrees of turquoise water.

 

I can look at this all-day – Photo by © Rina Nehdar

To our surprise, instead of the expected theme park primary colors and crush of Disney characters, the Aulani dressed itself in earth tones, polished wooden beams, and blocks of stone that graced the floor and curves of the lobby.

Overhead, smooth wood pulled into the shape of a canoe that traveled down the ceiling much like the canoes that connected the ancient people of the Hawaiian Islands. Where the canoe line ended, Artist Martin Charlot’s 200-foot mural of ancient warriors, farmers, and dancers reminded visitors of what Oahu once looked like.

 

MAKAÔALA LOBBY — A vision of an ancient world – Photo © by Paul Hiffmeyer/Disney Destinations

 

Disney’s Aulani resort was designed by Walt Disney Imagineers and specifically, Imaginarium executive, Joe Rohde. It is divided into two parts, I learned a tour available to all visitors. One side of the resort devotes its art and decorations to honor the males of its ancient society and the other pays tribute to the females. On the female side, goddess Pele´ dances with her disciples in a framed fresco, on the other, warriors head off into battle. This theme, we found, extended into the rooms as well.

 

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Ancient life blends into modern times – photo by © Rina Nehdar

Although we did glimpse our favorite Disney theme parks characters strutting around palm-tree-lined paths in beach attire (Mickey Mouse stopped by to give the boys a hug and a high-five), the resort makes every attempt to stay true to Hawaiian culture.

 

What’s up bra? – photo by © Rina Nehdar

 

A celebration of that culture is everywhere, from the hotel rooms to the kid’s club, which is aptly named Aunty’s Beach House. Islanders believe that even if a person is not of your bloodline, they are still your ohana, your family.

Because of that kinship mentality, adults are referred to as Aunty or Uncle by keiko, the children. The Aunties and Uncles at the Beach House extended that hospitality to all the little people, including my boys, ages 7 and 9, throughout our stay. Our boys proclaimed it was the best kid’s club they’d ever visited.

 

Disney’s Aulani: Waikolohe Valley

In the heart of the Aulani resort is a 7-acre pool area called Waikolohe Valley, which translates to mischievous waters. There are two pools (one is an infinity pool with an ocean view), four hot tubs with an ocean view, water slides, a splash zone, the Waikolohe Stream lazy river, and even a lagoon filled with tropical fish and a colorful reef! This is a great place to spend the day with the kids. Our favorite part was the two, curvy water slide tubes.

The first time we tried it, the four of us trudged up the stairs with our double rafts and plopped them into the top of the platforms. My husband and I got in one raft, our backs to the boys, who were in another. We waited for the green light to signal the time to push off, plunging us into the dark abyss.

The tubes amplified our screams as we slid from side to side, not knowing when each bend would rocket our bodies into the next curve. Water splashed into our mouths and eyes as our fingers gripped onto the straps of our raft. The tube spit us into a pool of cool water, seconds before our boys got there. Their hands reached around our necks, laughing, screaming, and promising swift revenge.

Closer to the beach is another pool, the Kamaka, a place to chill under a waterfall. It was fun to surprise the boys when we told them to go underwater. They came up with mouths shaped like big Os after hearing the song of a humpback whale under the water!

Not to be forgotten, babies and toddlers can relax in the mellow, zero-entry Waikolohe pool.

 

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Complimentary lifejackets are available for all   © Rina Nehdar

Disney’s Aulani: Rainbow Reef

Rainbow Reef is an exotic, saltwater beach lagoon stocked with 40 varieties of local exotic fish in 3,800 sq. ft of reef. Each person gets an inflatable vest, so even non-swimmers can enjoy the fun. Within the safety of the huge aquarium and the rented snorkel gear, we gazed at the technicolor fish swam as they swam all around our bodies.

 

It was nice not having to fight currents to swim with ocean life. There’s even a window, set within the water tank, to wave at less adventurous spectators or adoring grandparents.

There are additional fees to use this attraction. Also kids younger than 11 have to bring an adult.

Prices vary and are subject to change and are available only for Aulani guests:

• One-Day Access: $25 per adult (ages 10 and up); $20 per child (ages 9 and under)
• Length-of-Stay Access: $45 per adult (ages 10 and up); $35 per child (ages 9 and under)

 

 

Disney’s Aulani: Dining Options

The ‘AMA’AMA open-air restaurant was a good spot for lunch. They have poolside service with all the usual kid favorites and offer more sophisticated options for adults.

 

A Table With A View – Photo by © Rina Nehdar

We enjoyed breakfast there most mornings because they have Disney-style kid options and a variety of international adult fare to discover.

 

The Usual – Photo by © Rina Nehdar

Japanese Breakfast – Misoyaki Island Catch, Tamago, Miso Soup, Steamed Rice, Dried Seaweed, and Pickled Vegetables – Photo by © Rina Nehdar

In the evening, the AMA AMA transforms into a more formal dining area overlooking the ocean.

 

‘AMA’AMA dressed up at night. ©Disney

Come on in, the food is warm – photo by © Rina Nehdar

 

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Dining With Locals

One night, we had dinner with a family that had moved from Los Angeles to Oahu almost two decades ago and spoke with them about their take on how tourism is affecting Hawaii. Kevin Kelly, President of Triton Corp., said he thought the resorts springing up around Oahu were a good thing. “They provide jobs,” he said.

His wife, Irene Kelly, a biologist for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, worried about depleting the island’s natural resources.

“The federal government doesn’t have the means to manage all the things needed to maintain a healthy ecosystem,” she said.

Luckily, she told us, a program developed over two decades allows communities to partner with state and federal governments to protect the health of their island.

“In Haena, Kauai, the Community Based Subsistence Fishing Area (CBSA) was developed so communities could enforce their own environmental regulations,” she said. This was done in response to disappearing fish.

Her husband agreed, “It’s like the Lorax,” he said. “Someone finds something nice and then others have to get as much of it as possible, even if that means using it up until it’s gone.”

But with CBSA as a role model for the other islands, that can be prevented, the couple hopes.

Discussing this earlier, Harimoto told me, “We are a big H and a little d.” In honoring that big H, to preserve island life, Disney is the first resort in Hawaii to earn the  LEED silver award.

While the adults were discussing the fate of the islands over drinks and live music, the kids noticed a nearby fire pit with Uncle and Moana telling island tales. They ran to join the group sitting around the fire and learned about island folklore in the interactive presentation.

 

Uncle and Moana share island tales with guests around a campfire. Photo by © Rina Nehdar

By engaging the children’s hearts through stories, we watched as Disney created the next generation of conservationists who will hopefully continue to preserve island life.

 

Aulani Laniwai Spa: A Cultural Tradition

The next day, with the warm staff at Aunty’s Beach House entertaining the boys, we enjoyed the Laniwai Spa, the first spa created by Disney and built with aloha magic. It surpassed its name, which translates to freshwater heaven.

Lomi Lomi involves foot-long guava wood sticks, essential oils, and bliss. We learned that every Hawaiian family has within it someone designated as a healer. This healer practices massage and natural remedies within the family to keep everyone at their best.

 

Tools of the Trade – Photo by © Rina Nehdar

Divided into an outdoor hydrotherapy garden and an indoor sanctuary with a mind-boggling (150!) array of treatments, the mostly adults-only spa is a retreat from your retreat.

 

A slice of heaven – Photo by © Disney

However, if more family time is what you crave, there’s also an Ohana Lomi Lomi massage for the family to enjoy together.

Now, if the kids are done with family time and are craving their “me time,” the Painted Sky: HI Style Studio offers them the chance to become their favorite Disney island character, if they are between the ages of 3 to 12, or transform into a more adventurous version of themselves with costumes, makeovers, and accessories. This is new and wasn’t available when we went. I bet the boys would love to wear a loincloth like Maui though. We’ll find out next time!

 

 

Aulani’s Morning Yoga: Saluting the Sun

One morning, I got some of that “me time” during sunrise yoga on the dewy lawn overlooking the still dark ocean. I said aloha to the sun, as it peeked into the sky, with poses and salutations. I watched the day unfold under layers of crimson, salmon and sunflower while reflecting on how lucky we were to be enjoying this. In my busy boy life, it was a rare opportunity of quiet, and I made a mental note to try and bring this moment home with me.

 

A perfect place for sun salutations – Selfie by © Rina Nehdar

 

Four Seasons Adventures

A short walk past the Aulani is its neighbor, the Four Seasons Resort. In front of the Four Seasons is a stretch of public beach called Lanikuhonua. This was an ancient vacation spot for Hawaiian royalty.

 

Now a vacation spot for royal sea lions – Photo by © Rina Nehdar

 

Today, it is home to a kahu, or spiritual guardian. Kahu Aunty Nettie is the oldest living resident in Oahu. Here, she blesses visitors in an ocean ceremony. After my blessing, I asked her what she thought about the changing island. She said she was pleased with the hotels on Oahu because they provided jobs that kept the kids close to home.

 

Kahu Auntie Nettie blesses a guest at Lanikuhonua Beach in front of the Four Seasons Resort. Her son assists – Photo by © Rina Nehdar

 

The Four Seasons has its own offering of island adventures that include a guided hike to Ka’ena Point, a half-hour away from Ko’Olina, led by Kumu Hula La’akea Perry. This was one of the best hikes in Hawaii I’ve ever taken. Mainly because of the spiritual element. Once used by the United States military, this area is now uninhabited. You may see a random car rusting below the cliffs where a silly person had tried to drive it….

 

 

…otherwise, the landscape is largely still wild.

 

Jump Into Cool Off – Photo by © Rina Nehdar

Swimming holes and a teardrop-shaped rock facing the ocean are the payoffs. Kumu Hula La’akea Perry shared stories about the area (the best being the origin of the shaka sign – he told us the security guard version) and the rock, called Leinakauhane Point, which translates to leaping of the souls. It’s a sacred spot where islanders believe recently departed souls transition to the other side.

 

The Crossing Point – Photo by © Rina Nehdar

 

Then Perry and his partner performed sacred Polynesian dances called hula which include chants (see video below) that told the story of Hi’iaka (the favorite sister of Pele´) and showed a deep respect for this part of the island.

 

Oahu’s Waikiki Beach

If you decide to venture away from Ko’Olina, you won’t want to miss Waikiki Beach. Known for its white powder sand and long, fat waves, it’s about an hour from the resorts. We rented surfboards and now can say we’ve surfed Waikiki, even though not all of us stood up on the surfboard.

 

Surfboards are available to rent in Waikiki – Photo by © Rina Nehdar

Surfing Waikiki – Photo by © Rina Nehdar

 

The boys definitely got into the island spirit posing in front of a bronze statue of the legendary surfer and Olympic Gold medal swimmer, Duke Kahanamoku on Kuhio Beach. I wished we had more time to discover all the other fun things we could have done in Waikiki but the Aulani was calling….

 

 

Disney Aulani’s Luau: Not Just Another Luau

 

Our education ended at Aulani’s “Ka Wa’a” (canoe) Luau. Aunties and Uncles welcomed us and guests of all ages with keepsake leis of Kakui nuts and tiny moss-colored Mongo seashells. The boys received demi-god Maui fish hooks.

 

Not like any aunty or uncle I ever had

 

Island warriors helped prepare the feast by showing keiki, how to pound ku’i kalo, taro root, into a pasty poi.

 

Honorary junior warrior – Photo by © Rina Nehdar

The hour before, the Aulani ohana had set out mounds of pig, fish and salads…

 

There were vegetarian options too – Photo by © Rina Nehdar

…then they guided the keiki in lei making, applied tribal tattoos, and taught them hula dancing.

 

Aunties show keiko how to make leis at the Ka Wa’a Luau – Photo by © Rina Nehdar

Tough island guys drinking their Shirley Temples – Photo by © Rina Nehdar

Through storyteller Noa and the dancers, we learned the history of the Polynesian people’s migration by canoe from Tahiti to Hawaii and their evolution into the present. The story involved fires and screaming and spectacular movements all set to a windswept island soundtrack.

It was nothing like the luaus I remembered. Or. Maybe it was, but this time I saw it through open eyes.

 

Disney’s Aulani: The Video

 

 

Insider Tips

• Try the character breakfast at least once. Yes, all the sugar will turn your loving children into crazy beasts but the food is colorful and comes in awesome shapes. And, it’s where all the cool Disney characters hang out. Despite their age, your kids will love when they stop at your table and pose for pictures with them. There’s dinner shows at the buffet too.

 

Breakfast of champions – Photo by © Rina Nehdar

• Try the snorkeling and SUP in front of the hotel. The water is calm and you could plop your younger kids on the front of your board while you paddle.

 

 

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• Keep an eye out for the mischievous Menehune, Hawaii’s little “magical people” hidden around the resort or see what you can find on the Menehune Adventure Trail. It’s a scavenger hunt to find them.

 

 

• Everyone loves snow cones. Especially when they’re shaped like Mickey! Next door to the Rainbow Reef is your hook-up at Papalua Shave Ice.
• If you want to make a family reunion of your trip, there are rooms with full kitchens to save money or extend your stay. Also, there are rooms available for Disney Vacation Club Members

 

 

• And finally, since you’re on the island to explore a bit of history & culture, why not investigate the parts of the island that refuse to stay in the past by visiting some of Oahu’s most famous haunted spots? Everyone loves a good, scary story.

 

 

Getting There

 

 

 

Most airline carriers, Delta, United, American, Southwest and Hawaiian offer daily flights to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) from LAX. We loved our experience with Hawaiian Airlines. They got us into the spirit as soon as we boarded their plane. It’s almost a 6-hour non-stop voyage and if you have small kids, take the non-stop option!

Start your research for flights with exclusive discounts from Scott’s Cheap Flights. Try out their free 7-day membership to save BIG money on flights. I’m not kidding. They have the best deals out there and we’ve tried them all, or so it seems. There’s no need to buy a membership (you’ll still have access to great deals with their free one).

Another excellent discount site for flights (and cars, hotels) is Expedia!

 

 

A shared shuttle is available to be booked with your Aulani package by calling (866) 443-4763 between the hours of 7:00 AM and 9:00 PM PST.

Not staying at the Aulani? There are plenty of rideshare options like Uber. We got a rental car so we could visit around the island and participate in activities around it.

 

Where to Stay

We loved our experience at the Aulani but if you’d prefer something else, you can explore reviews and book through TripAdvisor.

If VRBO is more your style, you can click on this link to see what is available or if you’d like to see where all these hotels are on a map, the one below will show you where everything is and the price for each option based on the dates you want to travel.

 

 

 

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