Aloha, friends! It’s Kaity and Debbie here, and we just got back from what has officially become our favorite Disney Vacation Club resort—Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawaii. We knew it would be beautiful, but nothing prepared us for just how magical, immersive, and downright breathtaking this trip would be.
Aloha from Aulani: Why Disney’s Hawaiian Resort Is Now Our #1 Favorite
By Kaity & Debbie from Vacation Club Loans
From the second we drove onto the property, our jaws were on the floor—and honestly, they stayed there the entire time.
First Impressions: Pure Hawaiian Magic
Driving into Ko Olina felt like entering a storybook. Lush landscaping, mountain views, and a quiet, resort-filled coastline made the area feel exclusive and serene. Even though there are several resorts nearby, Aulani never felt crowded. We were worried the property would be overrun with people, but thanks to the resort’s massive footprint, there was always room to breathe and explore.
And then… the lobby.
If you’ve ever stayed at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, the open-air feel might seem familiar—but Aulani takes it up a notch. The lobby is adorned with stunning Hawaiian art, wood carvings, and cultural storytelling everywhere you turn. You walk in, look out the back balcony, and see the entire resort curve around you in a perfect U-shape, wrapping around koi ponds, lush gardens, pools, and that incredible beach lagoon.
We spent so much time just soaking it in.
Our Room: Two Spaces, One Dreamy Home
We stayed in a two-bedroom lock-off villa, which means it was a one-bedroom villa on one side and a deluxe studio on the other. With five women on this trip, we were a little concerned about space—but Aulani delivered in every way. Two balconies (with partial ocean views), a huge living space, a full kitchen, and yes, even a washer and dryer that we actually used.
Pro tip: Doing laundry before heading home is underrated. Coming back to Florida with clean clothes was a dream!
The design of the rooms was gorgeous—modern, but still rooted in Hawaiian culture. There were thoughtful Disney touches, too. Our favorite? The hidden Mickey lamps in the rooms. So subtle, so cute. Oh, and the beautiful floral lay clips placed on our beds. We ended up collecting several and even gave them out as souvenirs when we got back.
Dining at Aulani: Off the Hook and Absolutely Delicious
As usual with Disney, we were a little nervous about dining availability, especially with five people and no advance reservations. But surprise! We walked into Off the Hook, Aulani’s casual poolside restaurant, and were seated immediately for dinner.
We ended up eating there multiple times—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—and everything was incredible. From fresh avocado toast (possibly the best we’ve had!) to handcrafted cocktails, the food and drinks were a standout part of our stay. Off the Hook quickly became our go-to spot for a relaxed yet satisfying meal.
We also grabbed lunch by the adult pool at another bar with full service and a surprise open table right when we needed it. Seriously, how is this resort so big and so peaceful all at once?
Aulani’s Signature Luau: Worth Every Penny
We did book the Ka Wa‘a Luau in advance (definitely recommend doing that 30 days out), and while the $179 per person price tag gave us pause at first… let us tell you: 100% worth it.
This wasn’t some two-song hula sideshow. It was a full three-hour cultural celebration, with interactive stations before the show (ukulele lessons, faux tattoos, flower bracelets, and more), an open-air buffet dinner, and a gorgeous stage show complete with lights, music, and heartfelt storytelling.
You only get one trip through the buffet line, so load up! And save room for dessert—it’s totally worth it.
Bonus: The luau takes place on resort property, so there’s no need to drive anywhere afterward. (Which is great, especially when you’re full and glowing from an island fruit punch or two.)
Extra Disney Magic: Concierge Wins and a Car Rental Fail
Aulani’s cast members brought the Disney magic in a big way. When we discovered we had a flat tire on our rental car (zero stars for Budget, by the way), we went to the concierge, and within minutes they were outside pumping our tire, giving us directions, and making sure we had everything we needed to get back on track.
The aloha spirit is real here—and it goes beyond the palm trees and pretty sunsets.
Why Aulani Tops Our List
Between the design, the thoughtful details in every room, the delicious and accessible dining, and the genuinely magical cast member interactions, we both agree—Aulani is the nicest resort we’ve ever stayed at. Hands down.
Even when comparing to other top-tier resorts (like the Marriott and Hilton right next door), Aulani still took the cake. The combination of Disney-level service and Hawaiian warmth is unmatched.
We’re already dreaming about our return trip—and next time, we’ll be diving into all the activities and excursions you can do at Aulani (yes, even more than eating and lounging). From snorkeling in the Rainbow Reef to spa days, scavenger hunts, and cultural classes, this resort has so much more to offer. But that’s a blog for another day.
Thinking About Booking Aulani? Here’s How We Did It
We’re both DVC members and huge advocates of making the most of your points. But if you’re not a member yet—or want to expand your portfolio—financing your Disney Vacation Club membership through Vacation Club Loans is the easiest and most affordable way to bring Aulani into your life for good.
Trust us: Once you see that sunset from your balcony… you’ll never want to leave.
🌺 Mahalo and Aloha until next time! 🌺