We travelled here in an off peak time, mid November, and the resort was pretty quiet. There was also some refurbishments going on, so part of the resort accomodations were closed, making for fewer guests. We are DVC members and enjoy the more relaxed feel of a Disney property, rather than the hustle and bustle of the parks. In saying that, the weekends did get busier with more locals staying for a night or two. The beach and lagoon is about 10 steps in front of this property and there are chairs for guests to use and beach rentals for the lagoon and beach. You must have a wrist band on to identify yourself as a resort guest or they ask you to leave and you cannot purchase food or drinks or rentals if you are not a resort guest. There are many activities for kids, most are complimentary like fish feeding and a pool party with characters and some have a small equipment cost like tie dying or surfing lessons. There is an exclusive teen area and spa, as well as an adult spa with every service you could imagine, but with a cost. If you have a one or two bedroom suite with a full kitchen and washer and dryer, there is a costco only 10 minutes via cab ($18 one way) where you can purchase cheap food and booze if you are a Costco member.... Or there is a small ABC market across the street that also sells groceries and Hawaiian souvenirs at a good discounted cost as compared to the resort. Near the ABC market are 2 casual dining restaurants... one called Just Tacos and another called Hawaiian B-B-Q. If eating out, this is a nice change from the Disney resort. Disney has 2 high end restaurants ($40ish dollar entrees for supper) and a couple quick service eateries ($10-$14 for a quick service lunch/supper). I believe there may be another alternate restaurant coming. The pool area is amazing with a fast water slide and a tube ride and a nice lazy river. Often you will see Goofy lazing in the river waiting for photo ops and [pushing you along. There also is a nice water play structure for young children, sized 48" and less. All in all a nice relaxing, great holiday.

I was very impressed with Aulani resort. Every detail, sculpture, wall hanging, music, and the childrens activities honor the culture. It is a beautiful place to explore and stay. The employees speak very highly of working there. Most of all, that Disney doesn't put their name first like all other Disney Resorts. Pono 'Aina. They respect the land. The one thing I would recommend to Aulani is to include some local flavors of food on their cafe menu instead of the usual fast food faire. It wouldn't be difficult to include lomi lomi salmon, kalua pig, etc. It's easy to make and it's good as long as it's fresh. I understand they're catering to the mainland kiddies and parents, but it would benefit the travelers to have the choice. And NOT to make it $35 a plate!
All in all, I would have to say that the Aulani is an incredible place to stay. The Locals who work there exude pride, and 65% of travelers to Aulani stay on-site because there is so much to enjoy. From the Ocean to the pools, to the infinity hot tub, to Ama Ama restaurant, to the lazy river. Clean, and well cared for. If you can go, you should.

The resort is wonderful from the time you arrive to lei greetings to when you depart with an Aloha.The setting is beautiful and peaceful. There is something for everyone to do. The spa has wonderful cast mambers. The pool and lazy river are a blast. The cast members are always helpful and willing to answer questions. A few things that they don't let you know are that inorder to get pool towels you need to show your room key and get a bracelet everyday. Anothe thing is that if you are staying a in studio style room and you want to do laundry you need tokens from the desk or there are machines in the laundry rooms.

My wife and I recently returned from our honeymoon in Hawaii. The first leg of our trip we spent at the Aulani. We normally wouldn't of chosen a resort like this, but it was given to us as a present for our wedding. That being said, the Aulani is an amazing resort, just not meant for honeymooners.

From the moment we arrived at the Ko Olina gate we were treated extremely well. It was noted on all of our paperwork that we were travelling on our HM and we were congratulated by everyone. The concierge/front desk were extremely welcoming (Leis, Beverages, etc). The give you a brief history and explanation of the details of the hotel which is extremely interesting. Disney incorporated a lot of Hawaiian tradition into the property.

We stayed in a Studio overlooking the "Garden Side" of the Hotel. The view is not nearly as nice as the pool/ocean view, but if you are like us you are never in your room anyway. The room was equipped with Toaster, Tea Kettle, Coffee Maker (and Coffee which was actually good), plates, etc. Tip: Stop at the Target in Kapolei and stock the fridge (Soda, Juice, Wine/Beer). We even made drinks to take down to the beach to avoid the high beverage prices during the day!

The Pool and Beach (which is an extremely calm cove) are great. You will read reviews about construction, and it is quite annoying. But we were there during the low season which is the best time for them to do the construction so we understood. It definitely tainted our time on the beach (where it was most noisy) but it is what it is. I would recommend calling before to see if there is construction going on. With that said, the beach is great. Super relaxing and absolutely beautiful. Perfect for both Adults and kids - plenty of toys, water mats, etc. The pool is absolutely fantastic as well. The water slides are a blast. It is a must do at any age - they will make you feel 10 years old again!

All in all - we had an great experience at the Aulani and I would definitely recommend it to people with Kids. If you are looking to travel on a more low key and romantic getaway, you might want to look someplace else!

***Take a walk past the JW Marriott onto the rocks and watch a sunset. It is absolutely beautiful.

**Get a massage at the Spa - I got their signature with the hot rocks. it was possibly the best massage I have ever had. My Wife had the same massage and felt the same way! Ask for Katie - she is great!

Feel free to contact me with any questions.