Hawaii, Family Style: Disney's Aulani Resort

The new Aulani Resort offers stylish interiors mixed with whimsical Disney touches, making it the ideal Hawaiian destination for families.

The new $800 million Aulani Resort in Ko Olina on the southwest coast of Oahu is far from the over-the-top theme park extravaganza one might expect from a Disney property. This modern take on a Hawaiian resort is free from tiki torches and fairy tale kitsch and offers plenty of recreational options for both kids and adults. The Aulani is Disney’s first hotel and time-share development not connected to a theme park.

The resort sits on a pristine sandy bay with a shallow beach for safe swimming.  Located about 30 minutes from Waikiki, the hotel features 359 hotel rooms, 460 time-share units, two restaurants, two bars, a spa and a conference center.

This 21-acre resort has plenty of activities designed for kids, including the pool’s man-made volcano, two water slides, and a long lazy river around the resort’s lush gardens. Adults can relax in the luxurious 18,000-square-foot spa and fitness center or dine at the one of the four restaurants showcasing local cuisine. The ocean waves beckon strong swimmers and snorkelers, or join the kids and snorkel in the resort’s gentler saltwater lagoon. There is also a hiking trail and aquatic preserve located within the resort.

As one would expect, there are lots of Disney touches like breakfasts with key Disney characters. Enjoy unique Hawaiian experiences like sitting outside on a woven lauhala mat for an outdoor screening of Finding Nemo, or grab a beach-side seat around a fire pit for a Hawaiian storytelling session.

The resort features several room categories including: standard, island, poolside, partial ocean or ocean views. Rates booked online through the end of the year start at approximately $399 a night plus tax and fees. Book here.