Fun fact Walt Disney World opened on October 1, 1971.

Aulani

How to Plan an Aulani Trip

When to go, which room to choose, how to get to Aulani from Honolulu airport, where to eat and how to avoid common mistakes on a Disney Hawaii vacation.

How do I plan a trip to Aulani?

Aulani is a beach and pool resort in Ko Olina on Oahu, about 20 miles from Honolulu's airport. Pick dates outside the mid-December to mid-April peak for lower rates, choose a room for your group size, and book the lū‘au and dinner reservations early.

Aulani is a Disney resort without a theme park. The days revolve around the pools, the lagoon and the beach, with Disney characters, dining and activities added in.

Where it is

Aulani sits in Ko Olina on Oahu's sunnier west side, roughly 20 miles from Honolulu International Airport (HNL). Plan on a rental car, a shuttle or a ride-share. The resort covers about 21 acres around a lagoon.

When to go

Season Months What to expect
Peak Mid-December to mid-April Highest rates, fullest pools, rainier winter weather
Value Mid-April to mid-June Lower rates, smaller crowds, warm days
Value Early September to early December Lower rates, quieter pools

Winter days are in the high 70s Fahrenheit and summer days run a few degrees warmer. School holidays fill quickly.

Rooms

  • Guest rooms sleep up to four.
  • Parlor suites sleep up to five and add a kitchenette.
  • Signature suites sleep five or six and have full kitchens.
  • Disney Vacation Club villas go up to three bedrooms and include washers and dryers.

Every room has a private lanai or balcony. For groups of more than four, a suite or villa is usually easier than adjoining rooms.

Booking tips

  1. Book the room first. Rates and room types change by season.
  2. Ask about current offers. In 2026 Disney listed a flexible deposit (a refundable $200 secures the room, with the balance due 30 days before arrival) and savings on longer midweek stays through March 31, 2027. Offers change, so confirm them.
  3. Reserve the lū‘au and dinners early. KA WA‘A lū‘au and AMA‘AMA need reservations and cost extra.
  4. Add a few days off the resort. Honolulu, Pearl Harbor and North Shore trips are best planned in advance.

What to pack

Reef-safe sunscreen, water shoes, rash guards and a light jacket for evenings. Check Aulani's site for rules about towels, snorkel gear and outside food.

See the Aulani review, Aulani character dining and Aulani vs Disney World. To plan with us, send a request.

Check Disney's own pages

Disney prices, policies and availability change, so check Disney's own pages before you book.

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