Four of us just spent a week at Disney's new resort on Oahu and it was lovely. The personalized feeling of a Disney 'welcome home" was not only there, it was even more emphasized. We had our own personal greeter who escorted us out onto the overlook and pointed to each and everything we should experience. Most impressively, he delivered his information with utter joy.

As DVC members we had an ocean view two bedroom villa that was beautifully appointed. It was more roomy than most of the villas at Disney World (with the exception of Old Key West) and was very comfortable for all of us. As always, it was immaculately kept.
The resort itself sports a big pool and a lazy river maze that can be floated around on either single or double inner tubes. A "volcano" is disguised as two massive slides---pretty darned cool (for a volcano!) Another pool area was closed during our stay so that the area could be further enhanced, Plenty of restrooms and refreshment opportunities were available including amazing shaved ice flavors. There is also a beautiful cove alongside a nice, wide beach with lounge chairs and umbrella available gratis.
Off the Hook, a casual eating spot was enjoyable. We had breakfast at Ama Ama several times--it's the fancy restaurant that overlooks the ocean. We enjoyed it more for breakfast than for dinner (which was very expensive and since it was dark you couldn't see the ocean anyway).
The buffet restaurant is way overpriced, though they have added menu selections, they were just OK.
One huge criticism is for guests----who leave their "stuff" on beach and poolside chairs all day whether they are there or not. I don't know how to adequately police that, but right now, it's a problem.
The drawbacks we faced were minor compared to the positives. We said we were going once because it is so far away from Ohio, but having been there, I'm SURE we will be going back some day! It really is lovely. Oh---and the spa was FABULOUS!!! GET A LOMI LOMI MASSAGE.OY!!!!

We stayed for 1 week in November as a family of four.
Highlights: exceptional service, great pools and slides for kids, mostly free kids club, calm lagoon for swimming, activities all day long.
Room for improvement: expensive food at resort.

By completing online check-in before you arrive, you are handed your room keys and info packet when you get out of your car and don't need to go to the front desk.Everyone is friendly, welcoming and do a good job answering your questions. After a brief tour of the impressive lobby, we went to our room which had a queen bed and sofa pull-out for the girls. The bathroom was large, wifi signal excellent, and balcony space adequate. We booked a standard view, which was of the West Oahu mountains and the parking garage. It would have been nice if the architect had included a "green"/Eco-roof with plants or trees at the top of the parking garage to improve the view. I also would have been happy with a peacock tied to a tiki statue or something equally Hawaiian, but I digress.
The pool and beach area always had chairs available, and amazingly the umbrellas and chairs at the beach were free. Also, for a first, the staff actually removed towels from "saved" chairs if they were unoccupied after an hour. The rainbow reef was fun for snorkeling, although a little on the cold side. Life vests and towels were readily available for use.
We used the grill by the lawn a few nights to grill some steaks and enjoyed the ocean-walk to the other lagoons/properties.
Kids loved the kids club and we took advantage of them staying for dinner while we drank Mai Tai's.
Would stay here again, but only if we brought the kids.

This is the best hotel we've ever stayed in. Outstanding, professional and courteous staff complemented by a well thought out resort. Well done Disney, what a great place and all your 'cast members' are an absolute credit to you. A big thanks to Dayna who was fabulous on our arrival as well as Nalani and Crystal who went the extra mile to sort out the mix up with the Character Brakfast for our son's 4th birthday. Another big thanks to Nicole, Brittany, Gerald and Gordon at Ama, Ama for looking after us for our son's special birthday dinner. You are all very kind, considerate professionals and the reason we would happily travel all the way from Australia to stay here again. Also, it might sound like a little thing but in true Disney form, there are spotless trash cans everywhere (nothing worse than searching for one) and the place is spotless. My only suggestions are 1) put a club soda button on the Sprite option at the beverage station, it helps to dilute the sodas and sugar 2) Offer your sensational fruit salad that's available at One Paddle, Two Paddle in the evenings at Mama's Snack Shop during the day 3) think about adding an Asian option like a Wok Station that does great noodles and fried rice, particularly for guests staying more than a few days. All in all, Disney Aulani is a special place whether you're an adult or a child, enjoy!

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.