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What a fantastic time our family had at Disney Aulani Hawaii! I want to share with you all the exciting details…
I was so excited to take our girls to Hawaii as it’s my favorite place on earth and this was their first time to experience it! I had not been in about 14 years, but in my mind, it’s always been my favorite island out of all of the islands/beaches that I have ever been to.
This latest trip proved that to still be true.…hands down my favorite vacation spot is still Hawaii. I love the Aloha spirit and friendliness of all the locals. The food is amazing, the beauty of the island is incredible, and the temperatures are fabulous year round. I love everything about Hawaii and I’m ready to go back!
I’m happy to say that Scott, Sydni, and Sadie love it as much as I do. The flight is so much longer from OK to Honolulu (about 10 hours) than if we were to go to Mexico (or some Caribbean destination) and the expense is greater. Take. All. My. Money. but it’s just so worth it to me. It’s hard to put into words, but Hawaii is my forever happy place.
Plane Ride Activities for Kids
I was a little worried about how the girls would handle the long flight, but they did amazing! We brought along some fun travel activities and snacks to keep them occupied. Here are some of the travel activities that we brought that my girls really enjoyed on the long plane ride: Would You Rather For Kids, Uno, Dog Ate My Mad Libs (several different Mad Libs themes to choose from), and Melissa and Doug Puffy Sticker Set (Several of these to choose from too.) They also had their electronics to keep them busy, and we brought DVD’s so that they could watch movies on a laptop.
We stayed at Disney Aulani Hawaii and it did not disappoint. On previous trips to Oahu, I have stayed on Waikiki Beach, which is also fun, but it’s so busy. Totally different experience at Aulani, which is about a 30 minute drive from Honolulu in Ko Olina.
Warm Welcome
When we arrived, we were welcomed with fruit-infused water. Scott was greeted with a kukui nut necklace, the girls got a Menehune souvenir necklace, and I received a lei. Touches of Disney magic were everywhere, but it’s not too Disney. It’s a great resort even if you don’t have kids. The customer service is on point, as is the case with any Disney resort/property/cruise. The staff made us feel welcome right away.
Things To Do Without Leaving the Resort
We were there for 7 days and we could have used at least 3 more days there. There was not enough time to do everything that we wanted. Make sure you pick up the daily newsletter (IWA) with a calendar of complimentary and paid activities for the day. Our girls did the t-shirt stamping for a fee and we all did the ukelele lessons and the Menehune Adventure Trail scavenger hunt, which were included with our stay. We also gathered around the fire pit for the Mo’Olelo Fire Pit Story Telling. Ours was the story of Moana, and she showed up to help tell the story which was really fun for our girls!
There were several other activities that we would have liked to have done, but we just didn’t have the time. With numerous pools, 4 whirlpool spas, a lazy river, several restaurants, and tons of activities (some included and some you pay for), it would have been easy for us not to leave the resort, but we wanted to explore Oahu.
Ka Wa’a Luau
We knew that we wanted to take the girls to a luau and decided on Ka Wa’a at the Disney Aulani Hawaii resort. At $129 per person for adults and $89 for children, this show was not inexpensive, but still comparable to most luaus in Hawaii. My 8 year old is really picky when it comes to food and we knew that Disney would have the best kid food options for her at the luau.
Luau Activities and Buffet
The luau also had fun kid-friendly activities before the show started. Lei-making with fresh orchids, tarot pounding, temporary tattoos, and other activities run at different stations as guests arrive. In my opinion, the buffet was mediocre at best, but I am not big on buffets. The kids buffet had chicken fingers, mac and cheese, fruit, etc. It was typical kids food, but my girls were not crazy about it either. The food was comparable to other luaus that I have been to. I guess you don’t go to a luau for the food, but for the performance.
I thought the performance was really good. The traditional hula was beautiful and the performers were great. The show ended with a traditional fire dance. While 3 of us loved the performance, it was a little long if you have young children. My 8 year old was over it and ready to go before it was over.
Food At The Resort
The food at the resort is pretty expensive, but so is all food in Hawaii. I would recommend purchasing the refillable mugs for $18.99 plus tax. With the mugs you get unlimited free refills of non-alcoholic beverages throughout your stay. We had some decent poolside quick service food at the Ulu Cafe (pizza and chicken fingers), Mama’s Snack Stop (fish and chips) and don’t forget the Mickey shaped shave ice at Papalua Shave Ice. The ‘Ama ‘Ama restaurant was a good sit down restaurant with table service. The view here is amazing and worth the price alone. We didn’t do a character breakfast (although I hear it’s great). In fact we didn’t ever do breakfast at the resort.
Food Within Walking Distance of the Resort
There are a few restaurants within walking distance of the resort and one of them is a breakfast spot called Eggs ‘n Things, which was good and less expensive than eating at the resort. We also found a pizza place called Pizza Corner in the same shopping center, and it was so tasty. The customer service there was outstanding, and the owner gave us free garlic knots and cinnamon rolls. He’s from New York, so the pizza was yummy! I definitely recommend it! There is also an ABC Store there that has a great selection of necessities, food, souvenirs, etc. If you like beef jerky, you must try Maui Crisps. They are really thin crispy slices of beef and so addicting! We found ours at Island Country Markets and now my husband has them shipped to me as gifts!
Favorite Things To Do Around the Island
There are tons of things to do on Oahu and it’s very easy to drive the entire island in a day. We rented a Jeep, put the top down, and had a blast with the wind blowing through our hair in the perfect 87 degree temperature.
A trip to Oahu isn’t complete without stopping at the Dole Plantation. We rode the train and did the pineapple maze, and of course we had to have an infamous Dole pineapple whip.
We also stopped at several beautiful beaches as we made our way around the island. We stopped for dinner at Hale’iwa Beach House on the North Shore and had spectacular views of the ocean in this open-air restaurant. I highly recommend going at sunset. Grab a shave ice at Matsumotos. They have the best! Be prepared for a long line but it actually moves pretty quickly.
One of our favorite places is Kualoa Ranch. They have several adventurous activities to choose from. This time we did the UTV Raptor Tour. All 4 of us rode on the same UTV on trails deep into the scenic valleys. There was a lot of screaming going on and it was such a blast! We were covered in dirt by the time the adventure was over.
We also hiked to Waimea Falls and it was beautiful. It took us about 30 minutes to hike to the waterfall. The girls and Scott got in the water, but it was way too cold for me!
I highly recommend the Shaka Guide app. It’s like having your own private tour guide in the car with you. It uses your GPS to guide you to interesting places along the way. It features automatic audio tours with turn-by-turn directions. We used it on the days that we drove around the island. It’s so good!
Until next time Hawaii…..
Hopefully you enjoyed this post and it gave you some good tips and tricks for how to have an amazing family vacation in Hawaii. For my family vacation tips to Cabo, click here.
42 Comments
Tricia Snow
Wow, such amazing views! I had no idea how beautiful Disney Aulani is!
Lori Weaver
It really is so beautiful. I’m ready to go back!
Laura
Looks wonderful. We stayed in this same area when we went but not at Disney. We loved it. We did Dole and the falls too. We really like the North Shore and swimming with the turtles.
Lori Weaver
I’ve stayed here and I’ve stayed in Honolulu. I loved this area so much more than staying in Honolulu. Swimming with the turtles sounds amazing!
Lisa Manderino
Hawaii won my heart and I can’t wait to go back with my kids. They would love this!
Lori Weaver
Yes! Hawaii is my all time favorite vacation spot. Aulani was so fun and I definitely recommend you bringing your kids there.
Leeanne
I love all the activities for kids at the resort. Disney really does it right. You always feel special which is why I love staying at their resorts.
Lori Weaver
Leeanne, I agree. Disney has the most amazing customer service. They absolutely make you feel right at home. It’s so great!
Vessy Smith
Looks AWESOME! Not only is it gorgeous, but the resort seems to offer so many fun activities for the kids! I can’t wait to visit, hopefully soon! Thanks for sharing! Definitely saving this post!
Lori Weaver
Vessy, thank you! Yes! The resort was amazing and had plenty of activities for the kiddos. We needed more time there.
Jordan
Hawai’i has been on my bucket list forever, and this makes me want to go even more! i would definitely visit the Dole Plantation and do a luau.
Lori Weaver
Jordan, I hope you get to go some day soon. It’s such a great trip!
Donna Garrison
This is my dream! Hawaii I so want to go. From the hotel to activities it looks like a super fun family trip. I am going to save this in my dreaming of vacation list.
Lori Weaver
I have been fortunate enough to go a few times…and it’s always my favorite vacation each and every time. There’s nothing like it. Hope you get to go some day soon. We just had to cancel an October trip to Maui because they are requiring a 14 day quarantine once you arrive.
Lina Thao
Looks like an amazing trip! There was so much to do. Your photos looks amazing.
Lori Weaver
Thank you! It was so amazing. We ran out of time to do everything. I think I could stay for a month and keep busy!
Taquia
What a fun trip! Aulani is on my list! It looks like you all had a great time!
Lori Weaver
Taquia-Yes, we had a wonderful time! I highly recommend Aulani-and I highly recommend Hawaii in general.
melissa
My daughter saw an ad for Aulani and has been asking to go ever since. Hawaii is on our short list and at least part of our stay will be here, so thank you for all of this information!
Lori Weaver
You’re welcome! Glad you enjoyed it. You will love it here!
Michele
This looks like a great way to visit Hawaii with kids!
Lori Weaver
Michele, It absolutely was. It’s definitely on our list of places to revisit.
Chantelle
Great information! This looks like such a great trip!
Lori Weaver
Chantelle, Glad you enjoyed it. It was such an amazing trip!
Barbara
Family fun is the best part of any trip! Your family looks like they had FUN!
Lori Weaver
Barbara, Our family had the BEST time!
Lori Nielsen
Disney plus Hawaii – what could be more fun than that? I love that you can experience a luau, and all of the kids crafts looked fun (especially the Moana ones)!
Lori Weaver
Lori-Not much could be better. Definitely one of our all time favorite trips. So much to explore!
Carey
I have looked into taking a trip here. It would be perfect for our family. I didn’t know the File company was there. How fun to visit.
Lori Weaver
Carey,
I definitely recommend it. Such a great family place!
kmf
I love Hawaii! How awesome you were able to take your daughters for the first time…so memorable to experience it through their eyes!
Lori Weaver
Me too-I love it so much. My daughters are ready to go back and I am too!
Lori Weaver
I love it so much too. Definitely memorable with our girls. They can’t wait to go back!
heather J Jandrue
As a Disney Vacation Club member, I was so excited when they announced this resort. Someday we will get there. The problem is, just way too many places we want to see!
Lori Weaver
That is awesome that you’re a DVC member! We love Disney. I agree with there being too many places to see. I have the same problem.
Cindy Moore
Hawaii is so magical! My granddaughter and I want to go.
Lori Weaver
Cindy, I feel the same. It’s so magical for us.
Pam
We are DVC, and this resort has been on our wish list for a few years now. Next year is my daughter’s senior year, so hopefully, we can get there over Fall or Spring break!
Lori Weaver
Pam, That would be amazing if you could take your daughter to HI her senior year! What a great gift that would be!
Missy
Wow, so much to see an do. How many days would you recommend?
Lori Weaver
Missy, There is SO much to do. I recommend at least 10 days there if you can swing it. I could probably stay for a couple of weeks and not run out of things to do, honestly.
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