Disney's Aulani Resort

Lilo & Stitch give this one a thumbs up.

Is there any chance that a Disney beach resort wouldn’t be great? Nah. Disney Aulani is the big Mouse’s crowning jewel in Hawaii, mixing character meet & greets, shows, great dining and that casual Hawaiian flair to create one of the most impressive and fun beach resorts in the world. If you live and breathe Disney and want a little break from Disney World and Disney Cruise Line, you could very well pack a Hawaiian shirt and come here with your family.

Disney Aulani is a family beach resort in Ko Olina, Oahu, bringing that signature Disney magic to the Aloha State. Located on just 21 acres, Aulani not only features a bunch of pixie dust, but also the largest collection of contemporary Hawaiian art in the world. The resort feels like stepping into the worlds of Moana and Lilo & Stitch, with Mickey and Donald walking around in floral Hawaiian outfits greeting families throughout the day.

Of course you can spot Disney characters here, but we’d say that one of the biggest draws of Aulani are the pools. There are several of them, including a super-long lazy river, multiple infinity pools, waterslides, splash zones and even a snorkeling lagoon where kids can swim with real fish. And no, I don’t know if Nemo is here.

As is the case with most Disney properties, everything looks amazing and kept in pristine condition, from the gorgeous main lobby to the pool areas. The beach itself is also good, with calm water that resembles a pool more than the ocean, though it's not as spectacular as the beaches you’d find in Turks & Caicos. All in all, staff is super polite and the grounds are always very, very clean,

Disney Aulani isn’t an all-inclusive resort, by the way. Rooms tend to be more expensive than your typical Sandals or Elite Island Resort, and you need to pay for restaurants and drinks separately. There is even a very good character breakfast that anyone with children should go, and a special luau featuring Moana that you shouldn’t miss, but just remember that none of that is included in the base price of the resort.

Getting to Aulani takes a bit of time, since we are talking about Hawaii. You could either arrive in style on a cruise or fly there. Flights usually take 5-6 hours from California, and then it’s a 45 drive from the airport to your room. It does take a while, but just imagine those delicious Mickey Waffles and you know it’s worth it.

There is also a Kids Club on location and, since we are talking about Disney, it’s amazing. Aunty's Beach House is for kids ages 4-12, and offers plenty of activities from drawing to storytelling and special meet & greets. It gets excellent reviews, but you need to book spots well in advance. The good news? It’s free, even if some premium activities cost extra.

Disney Aulani is rather small, but it’s perfect for a family vacation. We do recommend renting a car to explore the rest of the island and other resorts, but even if you stay inside the Disney-Hawaiian bubble, you will have a great time. Just make sure to stay in the vibes and rewatch Lilo & Stitch ten times before coming here.