Six Things to Try at Aulani

When you visit a Disney Vacation Club resort, you’ll admire the sheer volume of amenities and entertainment options onsite.

All the possibilities could feel overwhelming, though. So, we’re starting a new series today that sifts through the options a bit and identifies what’s best.

Here are six things you should try during a stay at Aulani, Disney Vacation Club Villas. 

Aunty’s Beach House

Okay, this suggestion isn’t for you so much as the children who may be traveling with you.

Still, you will benefit from Aunty’s Beach House as well because it’s a glorified Disney babysitting service.

Sure, that sounds a little harsh, but I don’t mean it in a bad way. After all, your child will love it.

Disney has set up a children’s clubhouse wherein kids can participate in all kinds of fun activities. 

They’ll learn about island culture plus the musical and artistic stylings of Polynesia. 

Internally, Disney actually refers to Aunty’s Beach House as a “Kids Club” because it’s so entertaining. 

While they’re hanging out at their club, you can enjoy a few hours of child-free island time! You deserve a break from parenting every once in a while!

Meanwhile, your kids will have such a great time that they’ll probably ask to go back to Aunty’s!

The one thing you should know about this experience is that Disney charges $18 for a Keiki band, which your child will need here. 

Technically, this purchase is refundable, but I doubt you can get the souvenir off your kid’s wrist afterward. 

Go to Pearl Harbor

You’ll find virtually all the options I’ll list in this series at Disney resorts. In some rare instances, I’ll branch out, though.

For example, arguably the most popular tourist activity for Aulani guests doesn’t take place on the hotel campus.

Instead, you’ll travel to Pearl Harbor via an Aulani excursion. You can sign up on the official site. 

For a current price of $65.97, you’ll travel to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, which was once known as Pearl Harbor Naval Base.

A tour guide will highlight seminal spots from the Pearl Harbor attack and other parts of naval history in this region. 

You’ll also visit the Pacific National Monument and board the USS Arizona Memorial. 

This humbling experience will add a bit of depth and meaning to your relaxing vacation.  

You can get a brief look at the experience in this video:

And here’s a non-DVC video exclusively highlighting the Pearl Harbor tour:

This experience definitely isn’t for everyone, but if it sounds appealing to you, it’s highly recommended. 

Hang Out with Mickey and Friends

When you stay at DVC Resorts at Walt Disney World, you’ll sometimes encounter the stray character. 

However, the non-theme park properties typically include some character interactions to keep the Disney magic alive during your stay.

At Aulani, you’ll adore the character interactions, as Mickey Mouse and other members of the Sensational Six wear their beach gear.

Their unique looks create ideal photo ops, and the encounters are surprisingly plentiful. 

Disney currently lists the following characters as possibilities during an Aulani stay:

• Mickey Mouse
• Minnie Mouse
• Donald Duck
• Goofy
• Moana 
• Pluto
• Stitch 
• Daisy Duck
• Chip ‘n Dale
• Duffy
• Shellie May

Shellie May is one that you won’t find at any other American Disney park/resort. So, it’s the must-do on the list if possible. 

KA WA‘A Luau

Many DVC members are intimately familiar with another luau, the now-defunct Spirit of Aloha at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. 

That offering, which I adored, wasn’t an authentic Polynesian luau. Instead, it was a dinner show with marvelous entertainment.

At Aulani, you can experience the real thing instead. Take a look at this:

Something you’ll quickly notice is the more communal structure of the tables. 

With Spirit of Aloha, you usually sat four-tops, tables for small groups of people.

With KA WA’A, you’re dining on a picnic table. The menu is somehow even more flavorful, while the show feels less…Disney Channel. 

Meanwhile, the cuisine isn’t ‘Ohana by a different name. This is a legitimate luau with buffet tables filled with pork, seafood, and other decadent dishes!

Riding the Lazy Rivers 

You’re in Hawaii! Sometimes, you should take it easy and bask in the sun!

While you’ll never lack for swimming options here, I’d suggest that you take a different approach on occasion.

Grab one of the tubes and hop on one of the lazy rivers here! You can relax as the current pulls you through the course.

Meanwhile, you can admire the panoramic view of what I’d argue is Disney’s most beautiful hotel campus. 

Where else can you look one way to see the mountains, another to admire the landscaping, and a third to watch waves on the ocean?

Aulani is legitimately one of the best beautiful places on the planet. 

To savor your visit, simply slap on some waterproof suntan lotion and ride a lazy river!

Take a Helicopter Tour 

This goes hand in hand with what I said about Pearl Harbor. Aulani plays out as a different kind of DVC vacation than most. 

At Walt Disney World, you’re unlikely to leave the Disney Bubble. You’ll spend most of your time at Disneyland Resort as well.

When you’re in Hawaii, you’re not distracted by an incredible theme park. So, while you’re in Hawaii, you should SEE the sights.

One of the best ways to do that is from the air. Helicopter tours cost at least $300, at least the good ones do, but that’s a small price to pay.

After all, you’re on a dream vacation in Hawaii. You want to do it right, don’t you?