When you hear “Disney,” most of us think about Walt Disney World, Disneyland, or Disney Cruise Lines. But we often forget that Disney has another magical – and tropical – destination: Aulani – A Disney Resort & Spa! This 21 acre expansive resort located in Ko Olina, Hawaii truly embodies paradise; and the best part is that you don’t have to leave your ‘ohana behind! Aulani offers many amenities and experiences perfect for children – or keiki – of all ages. Here are 8 kid-friendly perks your kids will love:
1. Aunty’s Beach House
Aunty’s Beach House is an extra special kids’ club exclusive for guests ages 3-12. The state-of-the-art facility offers lots to do including Hawaiian arts and crafts, a costume closet for dress-up, a movie room for classic Disney-movie-viewing, and even an enclosed backyard play space. Kids can also check out complimentary activities like Aunty’s Aloha Party, Coconut King and Queens of Comedy, Keiki Hula, and Stitch’s Space Goo. Premium experiences, like enhanced storytelling and interactive learning experiences, are available for an additional fee. It’s highly recommended that you pre-register for these events at least 2 days (but no more than 90 days) prior to your arrival date, at which time you can check into Aunty’s Beach House to finish the registration process. Children who participate in Aunty’s Beach House activities will be given a keiki band souvenir, which costs $12.95 plus tax, but it can be returned for a refund before you check-out from the resort. Call 866-44-DISNEY to make reservations.
2. Painted Sky Teen Spa
Send your teenagers ages 13-17 for a day of pampering at Painted Sky. Teens can enjoy age-specific spa treatments like massages, facials, manicures and pedicures. The Spa also includes services designed specifically for young men. Other activities include; a daily wellness event and a DIY mixology bar for body polishes and face masks. This special spa, which is a branch of the Laniwai Spa, offers a range of services and prices as listed on their menu. Reservations can be made by calling the reservations desk at 808-674-6300.
3. Menehune Adventure Trail
Do your kiddos love a good scavenger hunt? Then head to the highly interactive Menehune Adventure Trail! Children will be tasked with solving riddles and searching for statues as they discover the legend of the Menehune, or the magical and mischievous little people said to inhabit the Hawaiian islands. With the help of a special cell phone available for check-out at the Pau Hana Community Center, children will encounter interactive clues that come to life along the Menehune Trail. Want to get in on the fun? This experience is open to guests of all ages, but it’s best suited for pre-teens due to the challenging nature of some clues. This scavenger hunt is available daily from 10 AM – 7 PM, although times are subject to change.
4. Pau Hana Room
Enjoy some family time with your children inside this community hall, where you can play board games and even create arts and crafts. For instance, families can participate in KĀPALA KI’I, a t-shirt stamping activity where you’ll create your own kapa-inspired t-shirts that tell your personal stories. T-shirts can be purchased for $15 plus tax for adults and $12 plus tax for children. Adult supervision is required for children 11 and under who wish to spend time in the Pau Hana Room.
5. ‘Ohana Disney Movie Nights
Sit back, relax, and watch a family-favorite Disney movie on the big screen under the stars. Your kids are sure to love the pre-show activities, too, which include interactive Hawaiian games, Disney movie trivia, and a showcase of pictures taken at the resort earlier in the day. Who knows? They might even spot themselves among the photos! Head to the Hālāwai Lawn on select nights at 7:30 PM. It’s recommended to head over early to snag the best seat!
6. Aulani Pool Parties
Who doesn’t love a pool party? You children will want to dive into some fun during the Shake-A-Shaka Pool Party at the Waikolohe Pool! During this extra fun surf party, young guests will learn about surf culture while also dancing, playing games, and participating in interactive activities. Best of all, they can meet some of their favorite Disney characters, who might even join them for a swim! For safety purposes, complimentary life jackets are available for children to wear in the water.
7. Meet Moana
Yes, your little ones can meet Moana at Aulani! First, head to the fire pit between the Waikolohe Valley pool area and AMA’AMA restaurant for Mo’olelo Fireside Stories with Moana. Along with Uncle, who shares Hawaiian legends and folklore, Moana will describe her own tales of adventure. Next, visit the Pau Hana Room for Uncle’s Kahakai Canoe Race, where Moana makes a special guest appearance! Little ones will visit with Moana while also building their own canoe model – or wa’a – that they’ll race alongside others at the lagoon. Then, make reservations for your child at Painted Sky for a Moana makeover, complete with a themed costume, styled hair, manicure, pedicure, and makeup. Lastly, kiddos will love seeing Moana during her meet-and-greet; check the Daily ‘Iwa for times and locations.
8. Character Meals at Makahiki
Ready for some delicious food AND fun character interactions? The young ones in your family – and the older ones, too! – will enjoy the character meals at Makahiki. First, join some of your favorite Disney characters at breakfast as you devour yummy offerings like pancakes, waffles, French toast, island fruits, traditional Asian fare, house-baked pastries, and a build-your-own omelet station. This special character breakfast buffet costs $39 for adults and $20 for children ages 3-9. You might also enjoy the lively “Menehune Mischief” Character Dining Dinner, which combines dinner and a show! Two shows are available on Sunday, Monday, and Thursday with show #1 from 5:15 -6:00 PM and show #2 from 7:15 PM – 8:00 PM. You’ll dine on fresh and local food as Uncle and his friends share stories and songs about the mischievous Menehune. Photo opportunities are available before and during dinner. This character experience costs $52 for adults and $25 for children ages 3-9. Call 808-674-6200 for reservations.
Traveling to paradise sounds pretty great, right? Aulani offers so many kid-friendly options that now might be the perfect time to start thinking about the Hawaiian getaway!
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