Aulani For Adults!

As I was going through doing research for my trip to Aulani, I found a lot of travel bloggers (my main source of information since usually these people tell me the good places to eat) had kids and that's the route that they took.
I do not have kids. I also like alcohol and luxury, so I'm going to do a post about Aulani for Adults!
Now some of these photos are my own, some are stolen from Aulani website or from the photo-pass people at Aulani.

First let me say that this is a Disney resort, however, the characters and the "in your face Disney" aspect is missing. Don't get me wrong there are characters at the resort. Chip and Dale, Goofy, Stitch, Lilo and Moana can be found in different areas outside. Mickey, Minnie, and Pluto can be found at Makahiki for breakfast. What I noticed most was Disney's attention to detail that they have at all their properties. They fully tried to immerse you in the Hawaiian culture and experience. It is extremely well-done.
I won't talk about the characters or Makahiki character breakfast buffet either but just know the character breakfast is the only place you can get Mickey Waffles at the resort. *This is important to me, I must have Mickey Waffles to live*

Where you walk into the lobby

When you walk in, you are greeted by a friendly lady that gives you a lei or a kukui nut lei. Also, they ask if you want some refreshing lemon water. Then you walk into the huge open lobby! It is beautiful and if you walk straight out you can see the ocean and some of the pools!

To your left is the shops to buy all your Aulani souvenirs and to the right is the registration desk.

Directly below the registration desk on the 1st floor (the lobby is the 2nd floor technically) is the Laniwai Spa. If you book a facial or massage, you get to use the spa facilities for the day! There is an outside portion, complete with a couple cold and hot pools/tubs. An area of "fun" showers and some relaxing lounges as well.
Inside they have the usual spa amenities, co-ed relaxation lounges, gender specific lounges, steam rooms and a getting ready area complete with hair dryers and other little goodies.

Now let's talk about the pools!

So you have the main pool that you can't miss. You have to walk past it to get to the ocean and it's for all ages. It's called the Waikolohe pool. There is also the Waikolohe stream which is the lazy river that has a tube slide you can ride into the river!
Next is the Ka Maka Grotto, that boasts an infinity pool and a "lagoon" type look. This is to the right of the Waikolohe pool.

Ka Maka Grotto

The Whirlpool Spas or hot tubs are next. They are also an infinity design and are directly above the Waikolohe pool. 

Finally, we have the Wailana Pool, which is your 18 and older pool. 

Let's talk about some food options. We will start by the pools. 

By the Wailana Pool, there is the Ulu Cafe, which has breakfast, lunch and dinner options as well as a grab and go. All food is premade and depends on the day as to what they have. I ate mostly here the entire time I was at the resort. Also, the Wailana pool bar is there too.

Next down by the ocean is the Little 'Opihi's that just has a few options.
Going back to the lazy river and slide area are 3 options. Mama's Snack shop, which has the best fries, Papalua Shaved Ice (because did you even go to Hawaii if you didn't get shaved ice?) and the lava shack which has a few options as well.
Then over by the end of the main pool is 2 options. Off the Hook which is a bar and will serve food made on the spot.
'Ama'Ama is right there as well and offers a more intimate dining experience with a few of the beach. Reservations are recommended here.


 Let's talk about a few other things to see and do at Aulani!

1. Ka Wa'a - this is the luau offered at Disney and as usual, Disney does a great job. Reservations are needed but this is worth it 
2. Koi Pond - this is directly in front of the lobby area on the first floor. 
3. Beach Rentals - you can rent out paddleboards and snorkel gear. Boogie Boards, sand toys, and life jackets are complimentary. Towels are also complimentary to resort guests. 
4. Rainbow Reef - you can snorkel here with all kinds of fish in their private lagoon. 

All in all, Disney does a great job and even though this resort was rated the world's best beach hotel for families in 2015, it is a really good time for adults too. 

If you have any questions don't hesitate to email me!

graceparsons2023@gmail.com