Aulani is Disney’s Hawaiian resort. Located in Ko Olina, Oahu, Hawaii, Aulani offers guests a traditional Hawaiian experience infused with a touch of Disney. Besides the many things to do at the resort, the staff can assist guests with outside excursions.
Adventures by Disney
Several of the excursions are tailored for Aulani guests by Adventures by Disney with knowledgeable Adventure Guides that regale guests with stories.
- Exploring a tropical garden to discover a beautiful waterfall
- Hiking through an authentic Hawaiian rainforest
- Cruising aboard a catamaran greeted by playful dolphins
- Cooking with local celebrity chef Sam Choy
- Learning about the art, culture and legends of Hawaii in its great museums
- Horseback riding through a lush valley where movies and TV shows are filmed.
- A ghost tour of haunted island locations.
The Disney Difference
There as several options with what they call the “Disney difference” – the uniqueness of a Disney vacation in Hawaii.
- A catamaran voyage, including dolphin spotting, snorkeling and, in season, whale watching.
- Kayaking on Kailua Bay and a storytelling hike on a nearby island and bird sanctuary.
- A nighttime journey through the “haunted places” along the Waianae Coast.
- Exclusive surfing lessons from the Honolulu City Firefighters who comprise Hawaiian Fire Surf School.
- Immersive tours of the Honolulu Academy of Arts and the Bishop Museum, where Aulani excursion participants will discover the art and culture of Hawaii and be inspired to creations of their own.
- A visit to Honolulu’s Chinatown market followed by a private cooking class featuring local and traditional specialties with famous chef Sam Choy.
- An exclusive sightseeing and storytelling adventure through the beautiful Kualoa Ranch, with its private beach, movie and television locations, and fish pond said to be constructed by the Menehune (the legendary little people of the island).
- A visit to the North Shore of Oahu and Waimea Falls, where families will discover a lush botanical garden, ancient Hawaiian games and activities hosted by a local Aunty.
- Hiking along a hidden trail in the Manoa Valley (rich with stories of the Menehune) to a 200-foot tropical waterfall.
I opted to take the catamaran/snorkeling excursion. It was wonderful. We sailed up the coast and stopped in a great place where we went swimming with fish, saw sea turtles, and learned about the area. The crew were helpful in pointing out different underwater creatures. When we climbed back onto the catamaran they had arranged a buffet lunch before we returned to the dock. I think this was the most memorable and enjoyable day of our trip.
Traditional Excursions
- Besides these unique excursions, the resort can assist guests with traditional activities like visits to Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor, and the Dole Plantation. Aulani Aulani is a beautiful resort located far enough away from Honolulu for a less-hectic atmosphere, but close enough to drive to the city for sightseeing, shopping, or dining. Ko Olina is on the south western side of the island where the weather is almost always perfect.
