Our fifth hotel profile takes you to a tropical island. When you think Hawaii do you think Disney? Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa is right on the ocean’s edge on the island of Oahu.
The resort is part of Disney’s Vacation Club (DVC). The DVC works as a timeshare division of the Disney resorts. DVC guests can stay in their own villas but you can still stay at the hotel without buying into the DVC. Currently the resort’s first two phases are open and a third phase will be opening in 2013.
While not a true all-inclusive resort, Aulani has many amenities you won’t find at similarly priced resorts. In an effort to be family-friendly, Aulani has Disney characters visit, Hawaiian stories and legends told around a fire pit, Disney movie nights, pool parties, scavenger hunts, lei making, sand sculpting, and of course learning the hula. Aulani isn’t just for kids. The adults will love the Laniwai Spa and its hydrotherapy garden with mineral baths, 6 different “rain” showers, and whirlpool jet spas.
Aulani has plenty of water to enjoy. There’s a giant beach tucked in a cove for calmer waves. You can rent kayaks, snorkeling equipment, paddleboards, or canoes. There’s also a manmade reef to explore. Don’t forget the pools! Waikolohe Pool is an 8200 square foot pool perfect for swimming and pool parties. There’s also a calmer pool with a pool bar, a wild stream, a lazy river, a water playground, 2 waterslides, and 4 whirlpool spas.