Is Aulani Worth It? An Honest Family Travel Review
Is Aulani Worth It? An Honest Family Travel Review
If Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa is on your family’s bucket list, you’re definitely not alone! This stunning resort on the Ko Olina coast of Oahu is one of the most talked-about family destinations in the world, and for good reason. But with room rates that can take your breath away almost as fast as the ocean views, “is Aulani worth it?” is one of the most common questions we hear from families considering this trip.
Here’s what we love about answering this one: we have advisors on our team who have actually stayed at Aulani, more than once! So instead of giving you a generic rundown, we’re bringing you real, firsthand insight from the people who know this resort best. Let’s get into it!
What Is Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa?
Aulani is Disney’s only resort in Hawaii, located in the Ko Olina area of Oahu, away from the busy energy of Waikiki. It opened in 2011 and was designed to celebrate authentic Hawaiian culture alongside the Disney magic families know and love. Think character dining, a jaw-dropping pool complex, a calm cove beach, and Hawaiian storytelling experiences woven throughout the property.
It is a truly special place, and it earns every bit of the excitement families bring to it!
Is Aulani All-Inclusive?
This is the question we get almost as often as “is it worth it,” so let’s be clear right upfront: Aulani is NOT an all-inclusive resort. Your room rate covers your accommodations and access to the resort amenities, but dining, most paid activities, and extras are all billed separately.
We wrote a full breakdown of what Aulani includes versus what costs extra if you want to dig into the details! The most important thing is to go in knowing this so you can budget accordingly. Families who arrive expecting an all-inclusive experience and aren’t prepared for the additional costs are the ones who leave feeling like it wasn’t worth it. Budget for it upfront and you’ll feel completely different!
How Much Does Aulani Actually Cost?
Room rates at Aulani vary widely depending on the season, room category, and how far in advance you book. But beyond the room, food and drinks are where families often get surprised.
According to our advisors who have stayed there, you can easily spend $100 or more per meal for a family when dining at the resort. That adds up quickly over a multi-night stay! The good news is that all rooms come with a small refrigerator and microwave, making it easy to keep snacks and simple breakfast items on hand to offset some of those meal costs. If you’re a DVC member, the kitchen in villa accommodations is an absolute lifesaver for families!
Paid activities at the resort also book up fast, so plan those ahead of time. And if something you want is already full, check back the day of your activity. Cancellations happen more often than you’d think!
From Our Advisors Who’ve Been There
We asked three members of our LWTMV team to share their honest take on Aulani, and they delivered! Here’s what they had to say.
Andrea Trelles, LWTMV Hawaii Travel Specialist
“One thing that’s truly unique about Aulani’s beach is the calm cove waters. Hawaii beaches can get rough, and the cove at Aulani is much gentler than what you’ll find at most beaches on the island. For families with little ones or weaker swimmers, that peace of mind is genuinely priceless.”
Caitlin McDonald, LWTMV Lead Advisor and DVC Owner
“I think whenever we decide to take the kids it will be 100% worth it because of the pools, the splash pad, Aunties Beach House, the luau right there at Aulani, and the cove beach. My daughter absolutely loves the beach and where we live it gets a little rough, so I’m always a ball of nerves. I would feel very confident taking both kids to the beach by myself at Aulani if my husband went to the spa.
It does bother me a bit that it’s treated as an all-inclusive without actually being one, but I think if you’re aware of that going in and have it budgeted ahead of time, you’ll be good to go. I also really appreciate the character dining and different restaurant options. And whenever we wanted a break from the resort, we would walk across the street to Monkeypod for something to eat!
The kitchen in our DVC villa has been clutch with kids. Being able to make their breakfast in the morning is such a nice touch.”
Sarah Tickner, LWTMV Lead Advisor
“I do think Aulani is worth it if you are planning on being there and not traveling around the island. We usually just stay and hang out in the pools and beach and don’t do many extras that cost. Food and drink alone you could easily spend $100 per meal out, but rooms come with small fridges and microwaves so getting some snacks and light meals in your room is easy.
We have brought our daughter when she was 4, 7, and 10. She loved the kids club at 4. At 7 she enjoyed it with the premium paid activity. At 10 she didn’t ask about it at all, so it really does depend on the age and stage of your kids!
My favorite room view has been the island poolside garden. I love looking inward toward the resort and the pool. It’s a really special perspective.”
Best Aulani Rooms Worth Booking for Families
Both Caitlin and Sarah agree: if budget allows and you’re traveling with kids, a room with a kitchen is worth the upgrade. The ability to keep breakfast and snacks in your room saves money AND morning sanity!
If a villa isn’t in the budget, any room category at Aulani is genuinely great for families. And for the view, Sarah’s pick of the island poolside garden view is a hidden gem worth requesting!
Should You Rent a Car at Aulani?
This one really depends on whether you’ve been to Oahu before and what your trip goals are. Caitlin rented a car on her first visit since it was also her husband’s first time in Hawaii and they wanted to explore the island. On her second stay, they went resort-only and loved it.
Sarah took the same approach, renting a car on a recent trip but barely using it since she had already seen the island. Her recommendation for first-timers is a great one: consider pairing your Aulani stay with a few nights elsewhere on Oahu (or a different Hawaiian island!) to do your sightseeing first, then settle into Aulani for pure resort time. That way you get the best of both!
Is Aulani Worth the Price? Here’s What to Budget
The Aulani Starlit Luau is one of the most beloved extras at the resort! The big perk is that it happens right on property, so there’s no transportation to figure out. Sarah attended before COVID and found it to be a wonderful experience, though she notes the format has changed somewhat since then so current guest reviews are worth checking before you book.
Our overall take: if you love a luau experience and want the convenience of staying right at the resort for the evening, this one is a YES for most families!
How Many Nights Should You Stay at Aulani?
Sarah’s sweet spot recommendation is 4 to 5 nights at the resort, especially if you’re combining it with time elsewhere on the island or a different Hawaiian island first. That gives your family enough time to truly settle in and enjoy everything Aulani has to offer without feeling rushed! Aulani is also a wonderful option if you’re planning a spring break trip and want a resort experience with Disney magic built right in.
If this is a pure Aulani-only trip, leaning toward 5 to 7 nights gives you even more breathing room to soak it all in. And trust us, there is PLENTY to soak in!
So, Is Aulani Worth It?
From everyone on our team who has experienced it: yes, with one important condition. Aulani is absolutely worth it when you go in with the right expectations. It is not an all-inclusive resort. It is a premium Disney resort experience in one of the most beautiful places on earth, with a calm family-friendly beach, an incredible pool complex, character dining, and a level of Disney magic that only Disney can deliver.
Budget for meals and extras ahead of time, consider a room with a kitchen to offset costs, pair it with some island exploration if it’s your first time in Hawaii, and plan your paid activities early. Do those things and Aulani will exceed every expectation your family has!
Planning a trip to Aulani and not sure where to start? We would love to help! Our team knows this resort inside and out, and we’re here to make sure every detail is handled before you ever pack your bags.
