By: Bobbie Jo Schieber, a Marvelous Mouse Travels agent
As a travel agent and a mom, I’ve visited plenty of family-friendly resorts. But when my family (two adults and two kids) spent a week at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, it was clear that this was more than just a vacation—it was a magical experience from start to finish.
Aulani, nestled on the beautiful shores of Ko Olina, Hawai’i, is designed to be a paradise for both kids and adults. From the moment we arrived, the warm “Aloha” from the staff set the tone for what would be an unforgettable family adventure.
One of the first things we enjoyed was Aulani’s incredible water park. My kids couldn’t get enough of the Ka Maka Grotto and Menehune Bridge—an interactive play area with water slides and splash zones perfect for younger kids. The entire family loved floating down the lazy river, a calm and relaxing ride with views of the resort’s lush gardens and hidden surprises (keep an eye out for the mischievous Menehune!).
For those who prefer a more thrilling experience, the resort also offers exhilarating water slides that kept my husband and I entertained right alongside the kids.
Throughout the day, the resort’s pools were alive with activities. There are pool parties featuring Disney characters like Mickey and Moana, complete with music, dancing, and games that had my kids completely engrossed while I enjoyed a moment to soak in the Hawaiian sun.
For families with younger ones, Aulani also provides beach toys and boogie boards at the nearby white sand beach—perfect for building sandcastles or catching small waves in the calm waters of the lagoon.
As the sun sets, Aulani’s magic doesn’t stop. Each evening, we snuggled up under the stars for nightly Disney movies. Imagine sitting with the sand between your toes, watching classic Disney movies while the ocean gently laps in the background—it was one of our favorite nightly rituals.
And what’s a Disney resort without some character magic? At Aulani, the Disney character meet and greets were sprinkled throughout our stay. From running into Mickey and Minnie in their Hawaiian gear to sharing a special moment with Moana, it was like stepping into a Disney movie every day. My kids were absolutely enchanted!
Aulani seamlessly weaves Hawaiian culture into its offerings. One highlight for our family was taking ukulele lessons—even my youngest was strumming along by the end! It was a unique opportunity to connect with the spirit of the islands while having fun together.
There’s also an immersive storytelling session, where you learn about Hawaiian legends, and Lei-making workshops that offer a cultural experience in an authentic way.
If you’re traveling with kids, let me just say: Auntie’s Beach House is a game-changer! This complimentary kids’ club is packed with activities that kept our two little ones entertained for hours. From arts and crafts to interactive storytelling and even movie time, Auntie’s Beach House allowed my husband and me to enjoy some much-needed adult time, knowing the kids were having a blast in a safe and creative space.
In the evenings, Aulani’s entertainment offerings really shine. Live music fills the air, and there’s even a luau-style show where you can enjoy traditional Hawaiian dancing and storytelling. It’s a beautiful way to wind down after a day packed with fun activities.
And that’s just scratching the surface. The resort offers so many thoughtful extras, like complimentary beach chairs, well-maintained grounds, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel like part of the Aulani ‘ohana (family).
If you’re considering Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, for your next family vacation, I can’t recommend it highly enough. Whether it’s the water park, lazy river, character meet and greets, or the rich cultural experiences, there’s something for everyone. For us, Aulani wasn’t just a trip—it was a bonding experience filled with magical moments that we’ll cherish forever.
If you’d like more details or want help planning your own Aulani adventure, please reach out to Bobbie, an agent with Marvelous Mouse Travels to plan your next vacation or you may contact Marvelous Mouse Travels.
