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.  

Not sure whether you need a kitchen? Villas with kitchens or kitchenettes can make a real difference in your dining budget, especially on longer stays or with a larger family. Tell us who's traveling and we'll recommend the room type that fits your family and your budget.

Help Me Choose a Room

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.

Want the lū‘au, a character breakfast, or a premium Aunty's Beach House experience on your trip? These can fill up. When you book your Aulani stay with us, we handle these reservations for you so you aren't watching the calendar.​

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!)

Oahu has more to see than one trip allows. Tell us what your family loves, whether that's snorkeling, history, hiking, or beaches, and we'll suggest the excursions worth your time and how to fit them around your Aulani days.​

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 children 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 are 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 about 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?

Aulani is one of the biggest vacations many families will ever plan, and small decisions add up quickly: which room type, which nights to splurge, and which extras are truly worth it. We help you get those right before you go.

Magic Expeditions is an EarMarked by Disney travel agency, and our agents are Disney specialists who plan Hawai‘i vacations for families across the country. When you book with us, we:

• Help you choose the right room type for your family's size and budget
• Reserve popular extras like the lū‘au, character breakfasts, and Aunty's Beach House experiences
• Plan your Oahu days, excursions, and split stays with Waikīkī
• Monitor for Disney discounts and apply them to your reservation when it qualifies
• Are available during your trip if questions come up
• Do not charge a separate fee when you book with us

Families who travel with us rate their experience 9.8 out of 10 in our post-trip surveys, and 99% say they would recommend us. Read Our Reviews
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Already booked Aulani directly? You may be able to transfer your reservation to us and still get our help. Learn About Transferring Your Trip

Ready to start planning? Share your travel dates and who's coming, and we'll send you an Aulani quote with room options that fit your family.

Get a Quote for Aulani

"Is It Worth Using a Travel Agent?" - Read More Here

Reviewed by Alison, Founder & Travel Agent
Magic Expeditions LLC is an EarMarked by Disney agency, planning family travel since 2017
Last Reviewed: September 2026