Stayed here for five days in November, over the long weekend. In all honesty, a Disney Resort wouldn't have been my first choice, but my son is an only child, and we thought that this would be a vacation that he could enjoy as well.

This property is definitely "Disney Lite" - which for us was terrific. If you're expecting "theme park", you are going to be disappointed. There are characters around the property from time to time, but it is low key, and there is little Disney style branding. Such a relief!!

If you have kids, this is a terrific place. The kids club (Aunty's Beach House) is great - open from 9-9ish, and my son had a great time every time he went. This allowed us to leave the resort, go for dinner, or just relax without having to entertain a child all day. There are plenty of staff all the time, and both structured and unstructured activities for the kids. Some have additional cost, but it isn't huge ($40-$70 or so). The pool and beach are wonderful, with slides etc. There are lifeguards about every 10 feet, so you have no worries about your kids and we even stopped keeping track as our son was off running around with his new found friends.

There are a number of dining options - quick serve, buffet and a restaurant that is quite good, though if you're a family on any sort of budget - pretty expensive.

We booked a suite in the time share part of the resort....and if you have a family - this is TOTALLY the way to go. You have a kitchen, dining area, and small living room with a neat patio. We went to Costco (5 minute drive or cab) and an organic market next door to the Costco and bought food and wine, and then cooked most days. WAY better than making kids sit in a restaurant for an hour or two. There are even BBQ's outside for use. Nice touch. If you want to walk, there is a little market right accross the street from the resort that will have most of what you need.

Do the reef snorkelling thing (though one day is probably enough - no need to pay for more). Get there about 15 minutes before they feed the fish - and hang out near the staff - they will let you feed the fish, which is pretty cool - there are literally TONS of fish in there.

There was some construction going on, which was a little annoying (and of course, ther resort didn't bother to warn us in advance). Meant that sitting by some areas of the pool gave you a splitting headache from the noise. We moved, and problem solved.

Last tip - book whatever meals and activities you think you might want before you get there...you can always cancel later. Some times/days are VERY busy.

Staff were excellent from housekeeping to door staff to beach staff. Really warm and friendly. Good work! All in all, a really enjoyable vacation - if you have kids. If you don't, can't imagine why you would go!

I spent a week here with my 10 year old daughter. this resort is amazing. It was the perfect Hawaiian vacation for us. the beach and pools were perfect for relaxing. we had a 1 bedroom condo with a garden view. They showed movies and had the Starlit show on the lawn in the garden area. we could watch everything from our balcony. this is the perfect resort for families with children. the only negatives were the $35 per day parking fee and the overpriced character breakfast. breakfast for 2 with photo and tip was $115 and the food sucked. It was the worst buffet I have ever been to. overall our vacation was fabulous and we will return. Disney costs a lot, but it is amazing. For some extra fun rent a paddle board in the bay. it's tons of fun.

The Aulani has it all, tropical setting, great activities for kids, enough distractions for adults and some prime (artificial) beachfront. The accommodations are modern, clean, extremely comfortable and pleasant. The staff is the most hospitable that I've encountered since a long ago stay at the Four Seasons. In fact, the Aulani staff is more friendly and pleasant than pretty much anywhere I've stayed. If you go, definitely spend time in the outdoor "Off the Hook" lounge. It's great!

Great resort with many amenities. Very beautiful and welcoming. The issue is there are screaming kids everywhere. Great for families to play and relax. There was a kitchen in the room so you can cook if you like and they provide grills to cook outdoors if you wish to do that.

With an ocean view room you are destined to be bothered. There is construction one side of the hotel and the rest of rooms face the courtyard with the lazy river and pools. Even on the 14th floor I could not sleep due to the band playing outside. Arriving from the East Coast I wanted to sleep at 8pm the first couple of days. The live band was directly below my window Ann played until 10pm. Super annoying. There were no other room options that were ocean view, so for my partners benefit I toughed it out. I'd go back but wouldn't accept a room in the central courtyard. Probably will return but knowing I won't be able to relax unless I'm facing inland.