You’re at Aulani. What Should You Do?

Every Disney Vacation Club resort features its own unique amenities. They’re all outstanding, but you may find that a handful elevate your visit. These experiences may be the tipping point in choosing where to buy a contract or book a room. So, it’s important that you know them all. So, let’s say you’re staying at Aulani, Disney Vacation Club Villas. What should you do?

Attend a Luau 

Disney broke the hearts of many DVC members when it tore down Luau Cove at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. While we’ll all take the trade for the Island Tower, many of us miss Spirit of Aloha, the Polynesian luau. 

Do you know who doesn’t miss that show? The guests at Aulani! They can participate in an even better luau named KA WA‘A – A Lū‘au on Oʻahu. You can watch some highlights of it here:

As you can see, music is integral to this experience. The show also features fire-juggling tricks from Spirit of Aloha. I simply cannot imagine visiting Aulani without attending the luau. 

Still, I’ll warn you about a couple of things. You should get there early, as a line forms, and let’s just say that it’s not as well run as at the theme parks. Also, DVC members are divided about the value of the more expensive preferred table option. You may want to save your money on this one and spend it on other vacation entertainment. 

Be Lazy

Only a couple of DVC resorts offer lazy rivers. You’ll find the most famous one at Disney’s Beach Club Villas. What you may not realize is that Aulani hosts one as well. 

As much as I love the one at Stormalong Bay, Aulani’s is objectively better due its length and backdrop. You can relax and admire the pristine island setting. Here, take a look at the majestic Waikolohe Stream.

The breathtaking trees and other foliage create a serene vibe. And I know what you’re thinking because I’m thinking it, too. Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach’s lazy rivers can’t compete with one, either. So, the fact that it’s free amenity when staying at Aulani is amazing!

Hear a Story 

Look, I’m assuming that your Hawaiian vacation will include many of the standard tourist activities. You’ll probably eat, drink, shop, and savor the ambiance. While you’re there, you may take a helicopter tour of the islands or visit Pearl Harbor, both of which I heartily recommend.

So, let’s talk about something you should do that you may not have considered. You should listen to a story at the Mo‘olelo Fire Pit. It’s arguably the most underrated experience during an Aulani vacation. 

I’ll set the mood for you. Imagine that you’re saving twilight on a Hawaiian island. Beauty surrounds you everywhere, and you don’t want the night to end. It doesn’t have to be over yet! You can head to the campfire and listen to fascinating tales of Hawaiian folklore!

The master storyteller hosting the event will regale you with island history and may even bring out Moana and/or Stitch to heighten the excitement! These campfire stories somehow perfectly mesh together your Polynesian vacation and your Disney fandom into a single, unforgettable experience! It’s a night you’ll never forget. 

Note that seating is limited by the campfire. Since this is a wildly popular activity, you’ll want to arrive early. 

Learn the Ukulele

The late Israel “IZ” Kamakawiwoʻole charmed generations of fans with his ukulele-harmonized version of Over the Rainbow. It’s racked up more than 1.5 billion views on YouTube, which speaks to its universality.

People adore the gentle nature of this instrument, and you can learn to play it at Aulani! At Pau Hana Room, the community room, you can learn about the history of the ukulele. Then, highly skilled Cast Members will teach you how to play a few chords. 

Should you feel skilled and/or motivated enough at the end, you can even buy your own ukulele! I’ll warn you that ours has been sitting in a closet for many years, though. So, make sure you’re committed to your music before splurging. 

Let’s say that you’re not musically inclined or into the ukulele, though. I’ll point out that you should still visit Pau Hana Room for plenty of other activities! You’ll discover a plethora of options, including – I kid you not – authentic Polynesian tattoos! Kids can get a makeover and fake tattoos as well. 

Disney lists all the community room activities on the Aulani app. So, you should download it before staying here and check out what your other options are. You’ll quickly realize that these suggestions are just the tip of the iceberg for what you can and should do at Aulani!

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