Thinking about a trip to Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii? Find out how to make the most of just 2 nights there with my insider Aulani tips! Plus, see how to save money at Aulani, keep scrolling for all the info!
This Disney Aulani tips post originally appeared on Marcie in Mommyland and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
I’m not going to sugarcoat it.
Planning an Aulani trip can feel like you need a PhD in Disney logistics just to figure out where to start.
Between trying to score character breakfast reservations, figuring out which pools to hit first, and understanding what actually comes with your $700-a-night room, it’s easy to feel completely overwhelmed.
But here’s what I learned from my visits to Aulani with my family: you don’t need a week to have an incredible Disney vacation in Hawaii.
You can pack the best experiences into just 2 nights if you know exactly what to prioritize.
As a certified Hawaii Destination Specialist who’s been visiting the islands 40+ times since I was 10, plus 20 years of hula dancing experience, I’ve figured out how to maximize every minute at this resort.
My family has tested these strategies multiple times, and I’m sharing exactly what works.
The Truth About Aulani: What You’re Actually Getting
Let me be honest about what Aulani is and isn’t.
You’re looking at rooms starting around $650 per night in low season and climbing past $1,000 during holidays.
That price tag includes access to incredible pools, character meet-and-greets throughout the day, complimentary kids club time, and activities like storytelling by the fire pit.
What it doesn’t include? Food, parking ($39 per day), some activities like Rainbow Reef snorkeling ($25 per person), and those adorable souvenir photos you’ll want from PhotoPass.
Is it worth it? If you’re strategic about your 2 nights and take advantage of everything included, absolutely.
If you’re planning to just sleep there and explore the rest of Oahu, maybe reconsider.
Speaking of planning your Oahu trip strategically, I created a free 7-day email course specifically for planning Oahu vacations that walks you through exactly how to balance resort time with island exploration.
It’s helped thousands of families save money and avoid common planning mistakes.
Start Your Trip Right: Arrive in the Morning
This is non-negotiable if you only have 2 nights. Most hotels make you wait until 3 or 4 PM to check in.
Aulani lets you drop your bags with bell services, grab your room keys (which work for pool access even before your room is ready), and start enjoying the resort immediately.
I’m talking character meet-and-greets at 10 AM, lunch by the pool at noon, and your kids in the lazy river by 12:30 while you wait for that text saying your room is ready.
Those extra 4-6 hours add up fast when you’re trying to fit everything into 48 hours.
The Luana Lounge is your secret weapon here. It’s basically an upscale changing room with showers, lockers, and plenty of space.
Pack a small bag with swimsuits, sunscreen, and flip-flops specifically to use that first morning. You’ll change, store your stuff in a locker, and hit the pools while other families are still waiting in the lobby.
When you’re ready to book your Oahu accommodations, I always recommend checking Get Away Today for the latest Aulani rates since they often have package deals that include your flight.
Book the Character Breakfast for Day One (Here’s Why)
The Makahiki character breakfast is hands-down the easiest way to meet Mickey, Minnie, and friends without the chaos of trying to track them down at the pools.
Current pricing is around $55 per adult and $34 per child, and yes, it’s expensive. But here’s why it’s worth it on your arrival day.
The breakfast is now a 3-course prix fixe meal (not the buffet it used to be), which actually makes it less hectic than cramming food onto plates while kids are losing their minds over Goofy walking by.
You get malasadas, fresh fruit, and your choice of entrees like kalua pork benedict or Mickey waffles. Coffee and POG juice (passion fruit, orange, guava) are included.
More importantly, you start with a private photo opportunity with Mickey before you’re even seated. No waiting in lines at the pool later when you’d rather be on the lazy river.
Book this 30 days in advance through the Aulani website or by calling. If you miss the 30-day window, keep checking back. Cancellations happen all the time, especially within a week of your travel dates.
Pro tip: ask for outdoor seating on the lanai overlooking the koi pond. The lighting is gorgeous for photos, and the vibe is way more relaxed than the indoor seating.
Want to see what other character dining experiences are like in Hawaii? Check out my Disney Aulani character breakfast review for the full breakdown of what to expect.
The PhotoPass Strategy Nobody Tells You
PhotoPass at Aulani costs $99 for your entire stay, and photographers are stationed all over the resort.
At the beach for sunset photos, by character meet-and-greets, at the Stitch statue, near the pools. Everywhere.
Here’s the thing: if you’re only staying 2 nights, that $99 can feel steep for maybe 20-30 photos.
But there’s a hack. PhotoPass photographers appear at Ko Olina beach around sunset (usually 4:30-5 PM depending on the season). Go both evenings.
Get photos with different outfits, different family combinations, solo shots of the kids playing in the sand.
We ended up with close to 200 photos over 2 nights because we hit multiple photographer locations each day.
The sunset beach photos alone are worth the investment. Those are the images you’ll print and frame, not the selfies on your phone.
And if you’re planning family photos anyway, this beats hiring a private photographer for $300-500. The Disney PhotoPass photographers know all the good angles and lighting spots.
For preserving your Hawaii memories, I created both a Hawaii travel journal for adults and a Hawaii travel journal for kids that let your family document experiences in real-time. Way better than trying to remember details months later.
Aunty’s Beach House: Free Childcare You Need to Plan Ahead For
If you have kids ages 4-12, Aunty’s Beach House is included with your stay. Let me repeat that: FREE. CHILDCARE. AT. A. DISNEY. RESORT.
But you need to register 2-90 days before arrival through the online pre-registration form on the Aulani website.
You’ll still need to complete final registration in person (takes about 10 minutes), but doing the pre-work saves you from filling out paperwork while your kids are bouncing off the walls wanting to swim.
There’s a $35 keiki band charge per child that’s fully refundable if you return the band before checkout. Keep your receipt.
The schedule has changed from when I first visited. They used to offer specific free activities you could book in advance (like Stitch’s Space Goo), but now it’s more of a themed daily drop-in situation.
Check the Daily ‘Iwa schedule when you arrive to see what’s happening during your stay.
My strategy? Drop kids at Aunty’s Beach House the morning you check out while you pack and organize your luggage.
Two hours of supervised playtime while you get organized = way less stress than trying to pack with kids climbing on the bed.
Not sure how long to spend at Aulani versus exploring the rest of Oahu? My Oahu travel guide for families breaks down exactly how to split your time to get the best of both worlds.
Your Pool Strategy for Limited Time
Aulani has multiple pool areas, and you could easily spend your entire 2 nights just trying to hit them all. Don’t do that. Focus on these three:
Waikolohe Stream (the lazy river) is where you’ll spend the most time. It’s way longer than you think, with both gentle floating sections and faster rapids areas.
Borrow a tube (free at Makiki Joe’s Beach Rentals) and just go. My kids would live here if we let them.
Menehune Bridge is the play structure with slides for kids under 48 inches tall. If you have younger kids, hit this early before it gets packed. The zero-entry pool next to it is perfect for toddlers.
Ka Maka Grotto is the infinity pool overlooking the beach. This is your sunset spot. Grab a tropical drink from the pool bar, wade into the water, and watch the sun go down. At night, they turn on twinkling lights that make it feel magical.
The Wailana Pool is adults-only if you need a break, but honestly, with only 2 nights, skip it. You want the full Aulani experience with your family.
Beach chairs get snatched up fast, especially during peak season. If having a chair matters to you, send someone down to claim spots by 7:30 AM.
Otherwise, just accept that you’ll be moving between pool and beach throughout the day.
Need gear for the pool? I always recommend having reef-safe sunscreen and a quality puddle jumper for kids who are still building swimming confidence.
Ko Olina Beach and the Sunset Photo Opportunity
The beach at Ko Olina is a protected lagoon, which means calm, clear water perfect for young kids. It’s a 2-minute walk from the resort.
But here’s the real reason you’re going: those PhotoPass photographers stationed there for sunset.
Around 4:30-5 PM (check the Daily ‘Iwa for exact times), grab your family and head down. The photographers will take posed family photos, action shots of kids playing, basically whatever you want.
Go both nights with different outfits. Seriously.
The sunset beach photos are the ones you’ll look back on in 10 years and remember how young your kids were, how happy everyone looked, how Hawaii felt like the best decision you ever made.
And while you’re there, let the kids actually play in the sand. The photographers will capture those candid moments too.
Some of my favorite photos are my son just being a kid on the beach, not forced smiles for the camera.
If you’re trying to decide whether to make the splurge on Aulani versus staying somewhere else on Oahu, I walk through the complete cost breakdown and what you get for your money in my Oahu with kids planning guide.
The Mo’olelo Fire Pit Storytelling (Don’t Skip This)
Every evening around 4:45 PM and 5:45 PM, Uncle tells Hawaiian stories by the fire pit near the beach.
It’s completely free, lasts about 15 minutes, and it’s one of those experiences that makes Aulani special.
This isn’t just some generic resort entertainment.
Uncle (or Aunty, depending on the day) shares actual Hawaiian legends, often involving the menehune (Hawaiian little people) or explaining how Maui pulled up the Hawaiian islands.
Sometimes Disney characters make surprise appearances to “help” tell the story.
Go to both shows if you can. They rotate stories, so you might catch different ones. My kids still talk about the time Moana showed up during the storytelling.
This is also a great cooldown activity after spending all afternoon in the pools.
Let the kids dry off a bit, throw on coverups, and head down to the fire pit. It gives you a mental break from the high-energy pool scene.
What About Dinner? Here’s What Actually Works
You have a few options for meals at Aulani, and honestly, they’re all pricey.
‘Ama’Ama is the upscale oceanfront restaurant (dinner runs $35-50 per adult), and while the food is excellent, it’s probably overkill for a quick 2-night stay unless you’re celebrating something special.
Ulu Cafe is your best bet. It’s the quick-service spot with grab-and-go options plus hot items like pizza, burgers, poke bowls, and sandwiches. Expect to pay $15-25 per person depending on what you order.
We usually grabbed breakfast items, sandwiches for lunch, and brought snacks to supplement.
The real pro move? Order grocery delivery to your room through Instacart. Stock up on breakfast items, snacks, drinks (those $5 resort sodas add up fast), and any kid essentials you need.
You can’t cook in standard rooms, but you can definitely save money by having your own drinks and snacks on hand.
And if you’re planning to explore the rest of Oahu during your trip, my where to eat on Oahu guide covers all the best local spots worth leaving the resort for.
The Last Morning: Don’t Waste It
Your room key continues working for pool access on your checkout day, and bell services will hold your bags.
This means you can check out at 11 AM, store everything, change in the Luana Lounge, and have another full morning at the resort.
Hit the character meet-and-greets you missed earlier. Take more PhotoPass pictures. Let the kids do one more lazy river run.
Order the Mickey shave ice from Papalua Shave Ice in the pool area (it’s adorable and only at Aulani).
I’ve seen families make the mistake of checking out, loading the car, and leaving by noon because they thought they had to. You don’t. You paid for that room, so use every possible minute of resort access.
If you’re flying out the same day, just use the Luana Lounge to shower and change before heading to the airport.
Your whole family can clean up and get ready there instead of trying to cram into an airport bathroom stall.
Should You Book the Luau?
The Ka Wa’a Luau at Aulani costs $175+ per adult for preferred seating. It’s a beautiful show with authentic hula (I would know, having performed hula for 20 years), and the food is solid Hawaiian fare.
But here’s my honest take: if you only have 2 nights, skip it. The luau takes 3+ hours out of your evening, and you’re already pressed for time trying to hit pools, character meet-and-greets, beach time, and PhotoPass opportunities.
If your family really wants a luau experience while on Oahu, consider booking one closer to wherever else you’re staying on the island.
You’ll have more flexibility with timing, and honestly, most Oahu luaus are less expensive than the Aulani one.
Want to compare your luau options? Check out my Oahu luau comparison guide (coming soon) for the full breakdown.
When to Actually Book Aulani
Prices fluctuate wildly depending on when you visit. We’re talking $650 per night during slower periods in January, February, and early December versus $1,000+ during Christmas, spring break, and summer.
If you have flexibility, aim for late April through May or September through early November.
You’ll save hundreds per night, the weather is still gorgeous, and the resort is less crowded so you’re not fighting for pool chairs.
Book at least 60-90 days in advance for best rates, and keep checking back even after you book.
Aulani frequently releases promotions (like save 25% on 5-night stays), and you can usually apply the discount to an existing reservation if you’re eligible.
Get Away Today is my go-to for Aulani bookings because they offer the same Disney rates but with better customer service and often throw in extras.
They have a whole department dedicated to making sure your vacation goes smoothly.
The Reality Check: Is 2 Nights Enough?
Honestly? It depends on what kind of vacation you want.
Two nights is enough to experience the best of Aulani. You’ll hit the character breakfast, meet Mickey and friends, ride the lazy river a dozen times, get stunning sunset photos, watch the storytelling by the fire pit, and give your kids some supervised playtime at the kids club.
What you won’t have time for: the spa, the luau, Rainbow Reef snorkeling, making your own Mickey Ears at the premium activities, leisurely mornings sleeping in, exploring the walking paths, or truly relaxing by the pool with a book.
If your goal is to say you experienced Aulani, check that box, and spend the rest of your Oahu trip exploring the island, 2 nights works beautifully.
If you want a full resort vacation where you barely leave the property, you’ll want 4-5 nights minimum.
For most families visiting Hawaii for the first time, I recommend the 2-night Aulani approach as part of a longer Oahu trip. You get the Disney magic without blowing your entire budget on one resort.
Not sure how to structure your whole Oahu vacation? My Oahu travel guide includes a complete sample itinerary that shows you exactly how to balance Aulani with island exploration, Pearl Harbor, North Shore beaches, and everything else you want to see.
Your 2-Night Aulani Game Plan
Here’s exactly what a successful 2-night stay looks like:
Day 1 (Arrival): Arrive by 9-10 AM, drop bags at bell services, change at Luana Lounge, character breakfast at Makahiki around 10:30 AM, hit the pools by noon, grab lunch at Ulu Cafe, more pool time and lazy river, sunset photos at Ko Olina beach around 4:30 PM, Mo’olelo Fire Pit storytelling at 5:45 PM, dinner at Ulu Cafe, early bedtime.
Day 2 (Full Day): Wake up and grab breakfast (either at your room if you ordered groceries or at Ulu Cafe), check Daily ‘Iwa for character meet-and-greet times, pool time and character photos all morning, drop kids at Aunty’s Beach House for 90 minutes while you relax at the adults pool or explore the shops, lunch at Ulu Cafe, more pool time, sunset photos at Ko Olina beach (different outfits), Mo’olelo Fire Pit storytelling, dinner, pack up your room.
Day 3 (Checkout): Checkout at 11 AM, store bags with bell services, change at Luana Lounge, final lazy river runs and pool time, Mickey shave ice, shower and change at Luana Lounge, head to your next destination (or airport).
Planning Your Whole Hawaii Trip
Two nights at Aulani can be just one piece of an incredible Hawaii vacation. Whether you’re island hopping or spending your whole trip on Oahu, having a solid plan makes all the difference.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed trying to figure out how to structure your trip, book a Hawaii travel consultation with me.
As a certified Hawaii Destination Specialist with 40+ visits to the islands, I help families plan Hawaii trips that actually work for their budget, their kids’ ages, and their vacation style.
We’ll figure out exactly how many nights you need at Aulani, where else you should stay, and what to prioritize on each island you visit.
I also created detailed travel guides for every Hawaiian island:
- Maui travel guide for families
- Kauai travel guide for families
- Big Island travel guide for families
- Hawaii island hopping guide
Each guide includes sample itineraries, money-saving tips, and the honest truth about what works for families with kids.
Want to start planning your trip the smart way? Grab my free 5-day email course on how to travel to Hawaii like a pro.
I walk you through the biggest planning mistakes I see families make and exactly how to avoid them.
Quick Aulani FAQs
Do you need a car at Aulani? Not if you’re staying at the resort the whole time. Everything you need is within walking distance. But if you want to explore Oahu (which I recommend), you’ll want a rental car. Book through Discount Hawaii Car Rental for the best rates.
Is Aulani all-inclusive? No. Room rate includes pool access, character meet-and-greets, most activities, and the kids club. You pay extra for food, parking, spa services, some activities, and the luau.
Can you visit Aulani without staying there? Yes, for the character breakfast and certain dining reservations. But you can’t use the pools or most resort amenities unless you’re a guest.
What’s the best age for kids at Aulani? Honestly, 3-10 is the sweet spot. Old enough to enjoy characters and the lazy river, young enough to still be enchanted by Disney magic.
The Bottom Line
Aulani in 2 nights is totally doable if you’re strategic.
Book the character breakfast for day one, buy the PhotoPass, take advantage of every included activity, and don’t try to do everything. Focus on the lazy river, beach time, character photos, and sunset opportunities.
You’ll leave with incredible memories, dozens of photos you’ll actually print, and kids who got to meet Mickey in Hawaii. That’s worth more than squeezing in one more activity or stressing about seeing everything.
Just remember: this is supposed to be a vacation. If your kids want to spend 3 hours on the lazy river instead of making Mickey Ears at a premium activity, let them.
The best Aulani memories happen when you relax and let the Disney magic work naturally.
Mahalo for reading, and I hope your Aulani trip is everything you’re hoping for.
Drop me a line at my contact page if you have questions, and check out the Hawaii Travel Made Easy podcast for more Hawaii travel tips.
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Departure Day from Aulani Resort
LAST MORNING AT AULANI, A DISNEY RESORT & SPA
We ate up the rest of our malasadas for breakfast. I called to get the character meet & greets.
Since we hadn’t met Donald Duck yet, I took my boys there at 9:30 am and gave my mom some quiet time to get ready for the day. We got in line early and only waited a few minutes to take photos!
Then, I dropped my preschooler off at Aunty’s Beach House for a couple of hours.
As I was walking near the pool, I saw Disney PhotoPass photographer. I asked her to take some photos of my toddler and me and they were great!
Then I ordered a latte from the coffee shop and went back up to our room to pack.
Squeezing out every minute in our lovely room, we sent our bags to Bell Services right at 11 am and asked them to hold until we departed.
Then, we leisurely shopped and walked around the grounds, soaking up every moment before heading to Aunty’s Beach House to pick up my preschooler.
LAST AFTERNOON AT DISNEY AULANI RESORT ON OAHU
Thinking ahead, we packed our leftover pizza to eat at the pool. Then, we got in line 15 minutes early for photos with Mickey and Minnie at 12:30 pm.
This was really cool because they are rarely available for photos together at any other Disney Resort or even any Disney Theme Park.
Then, we immediately got in line for Stitch and we were first in line for his 1 pm character appearance.
Now that we got our character photos at Aulani out of the way, we spent the rest of our afternoon at the pool.
My 4-year-old decided he wanted to put on his Puddle Jumper and swim the entire Lazy River…twice. I highly recommend that if you are trying to exhaust your kids before heading out!
And the one treat I was dying to get at Aulani was the Mickey Shave Ice. My family LOVES shave ice, and we were excited to upgrade to the one with Mickey Mouse ears. It was a delicious way to end our trip to Aulani Resort on Oahu.
We left the pool area around 4 pm and went straight to the Luana Lounge. Our key didn’t work and just as we were about to give up, Moana walked by and our key magically worked!
That’s Disney pixie dust for you!
We changed into our clothes and got fully ready to leave. It was a whirlwind trip to Aulani Resort and we are eager to return soon.