What’s Included at Aulani (and What Costs Extra)

Some things are included at Aulani - and some are not.

​When planning a vacation to Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawai‘i, many families ask the same question: what’s included in my stay - and what will cost extra? 

​Aulani offers a surprising number of complimentary activities and amenities.

Here’s a clear breakdown to help you budget for your trip.

What's Included in Your Aulani Stay

There is a lot included with your Aulani vacation.  There are NO added resort fees to surprise you upon arrival, either.  (This is uncommon in Hawaii, where resort fees are standard at other hotels.)  Here is a breakdown of all you can expect to enjoy at no additional cost.

Pools and Water Play Areas

• Waikolohe Valley pool complex with waterslides and lazy river
• Infinity-edge pool with ocean views
• Menehune Bridge water playground for kids
• Keiki Cove splash zone for toddlers

Beach Access

• Private lagoon with calm waters for swimming
• Complimentary beach chairs, umbrellas, and towels

Entertainment & Activities

• Character meet-and-greets with Mickey, Minnie, Moana, and more
• Hawaiian cultural activities like lei-making or hula lessons
• Scavenger Hunts
• Fire pit storytelling sessions with Uncle
• Disney Photographers (photos cost extra)

​Aunty’s Beach House (Kids Club)

• Supervised kids’ programming for ages 4-12 included at no additional charge
• Hawaiian crafts, games, and Disney fun all day
• Select premium experiences will have a cost and require a reservation

Fitness & Recreation

• Large fitness center with Peloton bikes, free weights, and cardio equipment
• Walking paths, sunrise yoga, and cultural walking tours

​Wi-Fi & Essentials

• Complimentary Wi-Fi resort-wide
• Daily activities guide and planning assistance

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What Costs Extra at Aulani

Here are the extras you will want to budget for at Aulani.

KA WA‘A – A Lū‘au at Aulani

Dining & Drinks
Aulani is not an all-inclusive resort and there are no dining plans.  You will pay for food and drink as you go during your vacation.  Aulani offers character breakfasts at Makahiki, fine dining at ‘AMA‘AMA, and lots of options for cocktails, poolside snacks, and quick-service meals.  Depending on your room type, you may have a kitchen or kitchenette so you can do some of your own cooking.  

Luau
The KA WA‘A, A Lu‘au at Aulani, is a separately ticketed event with food, music, and hula performances.  It has a focus on Disney story-telling and offers a special kids' menu.  Alcohol is included with the Luau.  There are two different pricing options:  General Seating and Preferred Seating.  The Preferred seating will get you closer to the stage, an early check-in, and a photo download.

Excursions & Adventures
Any off-property tours and excursions (snorkeling, sailing, sightseeing) booked either through Aulani or third parties will have extra cost.  We can give you a lot of suggestions for Oahu - there is so much to see and do on the island.  (For this reason, we also recommend a rental car for Hawaii!)

Rainbow Reef Snorkeling
Aulani's Rainbow Reef is a dedicated snorkeling "pool" in the center of the property.  You can purchase a length-of-stay pass or a single-day passes to swim with tropical fish in the Rainbow Reef.  Prices are subject to change, but current pricing will be posted at the resort or on Aulani's website.  

Spa & Relaxation
All Laniwai Spa treatments, including massages, facials, and hydrotherapy will have an extra charge. The Painted Sky, HI Style Studio is a kids' salon space for chidlren ages 3-12.  All salon services like hair braiding or makeovers will have varying costs.

Select Resort Activities
Activities like Make Your Own Mickey Ears at the Community Hall will have a surcharge and require a reservation. 

Aunty's Beach House (for kids) will also have some premium crafts or experiences that will require reservations and an additional fee.

We will help you secure these types of reservations when you book with us, but if we cannot get the reservation before you arrive, you can often find same-day openings at the resort.  

Other Premium Experiences
You can book private photography sessions during your stay that are separate from the photographers found around the resort.  Photos from your stay are also sold separately.  

Private cabana rentals by the pool or beach are available for rent, but there are also a lot of free chairs for your use.

‘Imi Loa Nāa Hōkū is a premium stargazing experience with a focus on how Polynesian Ancestors used the stars to navigate at sea.  

USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor - on Oahu

Make Your Own Mickey Ears Craft

Cabanas for rent poolside

How to Get the Most Value at Aulani

Our biggest tip is to plan for days to simply stay at the resort and engage with all the activities and characters.  While we definitely want you to explore Oahu, you need time to soak up the magic of Aulani during your trip too.  

​While at Aulani, here our some quick tips:

• Use the included activities: Kids’ club, pools, beach access, and cultural programs add a lot of value without extra cost.
• Plan for dining: Budget for daily meals since they are not included in your stay. Consider buying groceries if staying in a villa with a kitchen.  (We will help you find the right room for your family.)
• Pick and choose extras: Most families say the luau and a spa day are worth the splurge, while other excursions depend on your interests.

We can talk to you options like a "split stay" on the island - staying near Waikiki Beach for part of your stay and spending those days exploring the island before transferring to Aulani for more resort days with relaxation and Disney magic.

Why Book Aulani with Magic Expeditions?

At Magic Expeditions, we are an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. We know how to make the most of your Aulani vacation. We’ll help you:

• Understand all the inclusions before you go
• Reserve popular extras like the luau, character dining, or cabanas in advance
• Help you balance your budget between included fun and unforgettable upgrades​
• Monitor for discounts and automatically apply them if your reservation qualifies
• Offer suggestions for off-resort excursions on Oahu
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Contact us today to start planning your Aulani trip. We’ll take the stress out of the details so you can focus on enjoying island magic.