Aulani, A Disney Resort and Spa

Always enjoy the lazy pool.

My Fiancee and I recently stayed at Aulani on a 1 Bedroom Ocean View suite from 17 Jan to 23 Jan 2025. I am a DVC member but promise to give an honest assessment even though its my 3rd time to Aulani in 5 years. Kim and I got engaged in Maui the week prior as this was a 3 island trip I planned for us. Aulani is beautiful and the service terrific. We enjoyed the Olelo Room Bar area, Hot Tub, Lazy River, Pools and the convenience of what was nearby. The biggest comment is for two indivudals in the Olelo Room bar, Aukai and Jeana. Both provided outstanding service, quality food and drinks and provided helpful insight to local places we were interested in visiting. We felt it was important to mention them because we did come back a few times to just enjoy the great service and nice atmosphere. My one concern I did have and its not a bad thing but I miss the open menus that the other restaurants used to have. I see more catering to the Disney Dining which is ok but my fiancee is Vegatarian and the Olelo room was the only option that could serve her food she could enjoy. The other places used to have more options but its not just a tailored 4 course menu.

I have to start this review, by saying we live on the east coast of the United States and this was our 7th time visiting Aulani. We are now 70. These visits have been without any children. That should speak volumes of what we think of this incredible resort. The design of Aulani is unlike any other hotel you find in Hawaii. It’s amazing design celebrates the Hawaiian culture almost everywhere you look. It’s a feast for the eyes and the senses. While it is a Disney property, and there are ample opportunities for character encounters, the best character here is the resort and its cast members. It’s two lounges both offer very decent food offerings and great drinks and service. There is also carry out offerings from the Ulu cafe for breakfast, lunch and dinner. An evening at a table outside the Olelo room, having some sushi and a cocktail while listening to Wonderful Hawaiian performers is as close to paradise as one can get. Of course Aulani suffers from “chair hogs” a problem almost every resort and cruise ship encounters. People who drop towels on a dozen pool chairs at 8AM. We, however, never had a problem getting two chairs with an umbrella on the beach. Returning the Aulani Quiet pool this year to an adults only area, was a welcome change. It was “adults only” when the resort opened and we were delighted to find it “adults only” again There have been some other changes since the property opened that we would love to see return to how they were originally. We sorely miss Ama Ama as an a la Carte restaurant. As a price fixed restaurant, it’s a high price for such a limited menu. In the past we might eat there 3 times in two weeks. Since the change we haven’t eaten there once. We also miss Ama Ama as a 2nd musical offering. We’ve seen some absolute Hawaiian legends there over the years For those first timers, there are plenty of places “off campus” to enjoy cheaper and more local offerings and also a number of places in Walking distance to just mix up the menu a bit. We will be back for an 8th time. It’s just that good.