Where Should You Eat at Aulani?

So, you’ve decided to vacation in paradise. Nice choice! You’ll love every second of a visit to Aulani, Disney Vacation Club Villas. Even better, you’ll dine like royalty. Here’s where you should eat at Aulani. 

Quick Service Restaurants 

Aulani vacations work a bit differently than most DVC resorts. When you visit a property near a theme park, Disney expects you to explore more. At Aulani, the people in charge plan as if you’ll rarely leave the hotel campus. 

Since you’re probably spending roughly a week there, you need lots of dining options. Otherwise, you’d get bored. Thankfully, that will never be a problem at Aulani. 

For starters, you’ll find several snack and treat shops at Aulani. Dole Whip fans should find Little ‘Opihi’s – Beachside Kiosk immediately. This place serves multiple Dole Whip flavors plus other ice cream novelties and even some Boba Milk Teas. 

Similarly, Pāpālua Shave Ice will help you cool down on a warm down. It’s a unique shaved ice shop that encourages you to mix three flavors and maybe even toss in some ice cream. 

When you want an inexpensive but high-quality meal, Mama’s Snack Stop is ideal. This menu leads with “Fish-Chicken-Shrimp,” which tells you all you need to know. 

You’ll find Fish & Chips, Coconut-Breaded Shrimp, and Chicken Tenders. If you’re feeling daring, you should order an island delicacy known as the Ono Sandwich, which is akin to an elevated fish sandwich. 

Of course, one of your go-to spots during your trip will be Wailana Pool Bar, which serves plenty of non-alcoholic drinks, beers, and wines. The food menu is basic, but a Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich or Hot Dog will definitely hit the spot at times. 

At the Ulu Café, you’ll find a more conventional DVC restaurant, a combo of grab-and-go dishes and daily menus. This place serves Poke Bowls, Flatbreads, Acai Bowls, and even Dole Whips. You’ll probably eat here a lot.  

Fine Dining Options 

The area where Aulani shines is in the fine dining department. Your palate will naturally expand as you discover so many new island delicacies. You may find yourself real estate shopping so that you can eat this food forever. It’s that tasty!

We’ll start with arguably the best option, ‘AMA‘AMA – Contemporary Island Cooking. This open-air restaurant overlooks Ko Olina Beach. So, it’s like something straight out of a movie. Disney knows it, too. Here’s a simple YouTube video.

You’ll gaze at the setting sun while you dine on “Paniolo” Kobe Ribeye and Ika Ink Doppio Ravioli. I defy anyone to study this menu and not get hungry. A visit to ‘AMA‘AMA should be among the highlights of your Aulani vacation.

Remarkably, two other restaurants are every bit as good, which explains why Aulani earns a spot on the Best DVC Resorts for Foodies list. The most touristy option is KA WA‘A – A Lū‘au, which will remind you of the former of Spirit of Aloha, only this one’s more authentic. Here’s an Ordinary Adventures video of the experience.

I’ve time-stamped it to the meal, but you can go back to watch some of the activities. It’s a buffet for adults, while kids will eat from a Bento box, which is always fun. However, I’ve read several comments over the years that this one isn’t ideal for children, who tend to get bored. Your mileage may vary. Either way, as an adult excursion, it’s perfect. 

Finally, we have Makahiki—The Bounty of the Islands, which has an indoor open-air dining room and covered outdoor tables that provide an up-close view of the beautiful surroundings. Disney describes the meal as a “feast for the senses,” and this view will definitely make you believe. 

TripAdvisor ranks it as one of the top ten restaurants at Kapolei, just behind ‘AMA‘AMA. That statement reinforces the quality of the dining options at Aulani. 

In fact, I haven’t even discussed Off the Hook, an inexpensive seafood place, or The ‘Ōlelo Room, which is a lounge that also serves sublime appetizers. You should take your time to sample everything during your Aulani stay, as it’s all ridiculously good. 

Other Options in the Area

Still, you’ll sometimes venture off the Aulani campus. I recently described a few things you should try during your visit. As part of that discussion, I mentioned several restaurants such as the legendary Roy’s franchise, Mina’s Fish House, Sweet E’s Café, Poke Bowl, and Noe. 

Those suggestions barely scratch the surface. Throughout the island, you’ll find a plethora of Michelin Star-worthy dining options. Monkeypod Kitchen and Restaurant 604 are arguably the best of the bunch. However, you can’t go wrong with any of Anna Miller’s, Makahiki, Longboards Bar & Grill, or the Forty Niner. 

Please note that some of these places are so popular that you’ll need reservations. You can typically book them online several weeks before your visit, just as with a Disney dining reservation. 

Then again, you really don’t need to leave the Aulani campus. The dining options here are exquisite and plentiful. You’ll go to Aulani to relax and enjoy life, but when you return home, you’ll rave to your friends about how good the food was.