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Disney Aulani – Ultimate Guide

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Let’s take our Disney-focused minds to the island of Oahu in Hawaii to Disney Aulani.

Where the clear blue waters of Ko Olina Beach meet the metropolitan landscape of Honolulu. Where you can divulge in historical architecture and Iolani Palace or the timeless memorials of Pearl Harbor.

Welcome to

Disney Aulani History

Back in 2007, Disney announced its 800 million dollar project to convert 21 acres of lush Hawaiian landscape to a one-of-a-kind resort.

disney aulani

It was time to do something outside of the theme parks.

Located on the beaches of Ko Olina, whose literal translation is “place of joy,” you will find you’re provided with crystal clear blue water, white sand, and sweeping ocean and mountain views.

Ko Olina takes up 642 acres.  Its history as a sacred place for past monarchs to relax and secludedness made it ideal for Disney.

Best Time to Visit Aulani Resort

The best time to visit Aulani in Hawaii depends on your preferences. If you want to avoid crowds and save money on accommodation, then it’s recommended to visit during the off-season months between mid-April and mid-June or between September and mid-December.

However, if you want to experience the best weather and enjoy all the water activities, then it’s better to visit during the summer months between June and August.

Keep in mind that hotel rates and airfare tend to be higher during the peak tourist season, which is from mid-December to mid-April.

Aulani Hawaii Weather

Summer is the busiest time of the year for any vacation, and Aulani is no exception.   Summertime is also when Hawaii weather is the best, and you can find all local attractions open.

The average weather temperature in Hawaii is usually around the 80s, but Nov-Jan is the rainy season.

The best time to go to Aulani is during the months of April, May, September, and October. This is because the weather is mild, the crowds are smaller, and the prices are more reasonable.

If you’re looking for a less crowded experience, then these months are definitely the way to go. However, if you’re looking for more of a lively atmosphere, then the summer months may be more your style.

Either way, Aulani is a beautiful destination that you won’t want to miss!

Airport For Disney Aulani

The closest airport to Disney Aulani Resort is Honolulu International Airport (HNL), which is located about 17 miles away from the resort.

Getting To Aulani From The Airport

disney aulani

Honolulu International Airport is only about a 30-minute drive to Aulani.  Getting from the airport to the resort can come in multiple forms.

SpeediShuttle – For about $30/person, you can get a round-trip ride to Aulani.

Car Rental – Since Oahu is a lot more than just Aulani, like the Pearl Harbor memorial, you might want to consider renting a car from the airport or even at Aulani.

Taxi – Disney recommends Charley’s Taxi service at (877) 531-1333.  Each way is about $55

Aulani Crowd Calendar

Aulani Crowd Calendars provide an estimate of the crowd levels at Aulani based on historical data and events happening in the area. It’s important to keep in mind that crowd levels can vary and are not always predictable.


However, consulting a crowd calendar can be helpful in planning your trip and avoiding peak tourist times if you prefer a less crowded experience.

Planning a perfect Aulani vacation? You’re in luck! I’ve got just the thing for you. Feast your eyes on the exclusive Aulani Crowd Calendar – curated with love and care to help you make the most of your trip.

Disney Aulani Characters

Believe it or not, seeing Disney characters during an Aulani vacation remains important to families. And of course, there are tons to see!

  • Mickey
  • Minnie
  • Stitch
  • Donald Duck
  • Goofy
  • Pluto
  • Chip and Dale
  • Moana

Makahiki Disney Character Breakfast – Breakfast buffet where you can meet Mickey, Minnie, and more!

Menehune Mischief Dinner Show – Dinner show with characters

Daily Iwa – Activities Calendar – phone number for the character locator – a four-digit number you can call from within the resort. You can call between 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., and it lists the time and location of each meet and greet for that day only.

Characters also walk around the resort.  Catch them if you can!

Things to Do

  • Shows and activities with Disney characters! Such as Starlit Hui.
  • Join some fun at the Disney pool parties!
  • Meanwhile, grab a yummy drink at one of the pool bars.
  • Lazy river
  • Private beach
  • Try some private snorkeling in the lagoon.
  • Try out as many dining places as possible.
  • Have some fun with entertainment in the beach house.
  • Ride down the AWESOME water slides.
  • Spa anyone?
  • Paddleboarding
  • Kayaking
  • Watch an outdoor movie at night.

Check out the Daily ‘Iwa for activities. 

Aulani on a Budget

As with any vacation, trying to get the best vacation you can at the least expensive is the goal.

However…

Hawaii is not an inexpensive vacation.

Choose the right time: A flight from my area can cost anywhere between $800-$2000 round trip.  

To stay on the lower end of the range, picking the right season to fly is important.  Head over to skyscanner.com and use the option that says the cheapest month instead of choosing dates.

disney aulani

Use this tool to pick your dates or just to figure out how much your flights are going to cost.

Cut the cost of lodging: There’s a pretty price tag on a stay at Aulani but there is one way to cut that cost by 50%.  And that’s by renting DVC points. (DVC) Disney Vacation Club is Disney’s timeshare program.

Sometimes, Disney timeshare owners don’t go to Disney for a year or two and decide to rent their points.  You can use a service like David’s Vacation Club Rentals to acquire points and book a stay easily.

Below, you will see what getting a room right from Disney would be like and how much renting points for the same stay would be.

disney aulani
disney aulani

Cut the cost of food:  The easiest way to save money on food during a vacation is to invest in some groceries. Both Target and Costco are on the way to Aulani from Honolulu International.

If you don’t have a vehicle, I would mail non-perishables to Aulani.  Ensure they get there after you do because the resort rules state they don’t have room to store packages.

How Much Does It Cost to Go to Aulani?

Let’s create the cheapest Aulani budget we can.  There is step-by-step instructions below but let’s start with this video. 

  • Step 1: Check flight prices on Skyscanner
  • Step 2: Check flight prices on Kayak
  • Step 3: Rental car price check via Expedia
  • Step 4: Check lodging prices at https://www.disneyaulani.com/
  • Step 5:  Get way cheaper lodging prices here
  • Step 6: Estimate grocery cost and per-person meal cost.  Add up.
  • Step 7: Ensure you have all transportation options added to the budget.
  • Step 8: Estimate souvenir and gift shopping.  Always overestimate.

disney on a budget

Krystle Cook

Monday 7th of August 2017

This looks like it would be such an amazing trip. I have never thought Hawaii when I think Disney, so this was neat to read.

lmochoa488

Sunday 6th of August 2017

Wow! I love this post. I absolutely love Disney and Disney Hawaii even better. It's a bit pricey but your ideas to lower the price are awesome!!!

Krystel

Wednesday 9th of August 2017

Glad you found it helpful!

Latasha Peterson

Saturday 5th of August 2017

Wow, I love your photos! They are all beautiful! :) Disney is definitely on my "TO GO" list for my family! :)

Krystel

Sunday 6th of August 2017

Thank you!

Angela Ricardo Bethea

Friday 4th of August 2017

I have always wished and wanted to visit Hawaii. I am also a big fan of Disney! Maybe I can convince hubby to do both someday soon ;)

Krystel

Friday 4th of August 2017

Exactly how I feel!

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