A Honeymoon at Disney’s Aulani Resort & Spa

Despite who it is operated by, Disney’s Aulani Resort & Spa is not just for kids or Disney fanatics. Aulani is located on the island of Oahu on Ko Olina Lagoon, which is about a thirty-minute drive from Honolulu airport. Upon arrival at the resort, you are greeted with leis, fruit-infused water, and given celebratory buttons that, if worn around the resort, may score you some extra perks like free desserts or upgraded seating.

While Aulani is extremely family-friendly, it is easy to forget that it is a Disney resort. You get all the exceptional quality of service that you would expect from Disney without being surrounded by in-your-face Disney decor. You will undoubtedly get the full island experience you are looking for. 

Our Honeymoon at Disney’s Aulani Resort & Spa

My husband and I went to Aulani for 11 days for our honeymoon in early May 2019 and were blown away. While we both love Disney and are Disney Vacation Club members, we wanted to stay away from a typical Disney vacation for our honeymoon. We had the following criteria when deciding where to go: we wanted to be able to relax, we wanted to be able to cook if we chose to, we wanted plenty of different activities to choose from, and it needed to be somewhere neither of us had ever been. Aulani checked all of these boxes, and being able to use our points was just a bonus.

Our Ocean View Deluxe Studio at Disney’s Aulani Resort & Spa

Aulani was better than anything we could have ever imagined. We splurged for an Oceanview Deluxe Studio, but because of the positioning of the resort, we were able to see the sunrise over the mountains in the morning and set over the ocean at night. Everything at Aulani (and in Hawaii in general) is just so much more vibrant than anything at home. The colors are brighter, the food is incredible, the ocean is like bath water, and everything smells like flowers all the time.

The Laniwai Spa

One thing I think is important to talk about is the spa. A male co-worker of mine who also went to Aulani on his honeymoon, who has a similar personality to my husband and like him is not a spa guy, could not stop raving about it. He told me that his wife had convinced him to get a couples massage and that it was easily one of the greatest parts of his trip and if he ever goes back he is doing it again. While I had already had every intention of going myself, I had to talk my husband into going too after hearing such a rave review.

Neither of us was disappointed, in fact, my husband woke up from his massage and said, “That was the greatest thing I’ve ever experienced in my life”. The Laniwai Spa is truly an experience from start to finish, no matter what service you are going in for. Prior to your treatment, you are lead down a tranquil path and into their outdoor hydrotherapy garden, which has numerous mineral baths of all different temperatures and different shower heads for varying massage-like effects. You can choose to use any and all of these, or simply relax in a quiet room with lounge chairs, different infused waters, and small snacks. The prices for their services were actually pretty average, but if you do not want to do anything major I highly suggest purchasing a day pass to experience the hydrotherapy garden.

While Aulani has plenty of things to keep you occupied during your stay, the island of Oahu is easy to drive and has plenty to offer, including great hiking, great food, great snorkeling, and some pretty awesome breweries. Whether you are looking for a super relaxing trip or an adventure packed one, Aulani Resort and the island of Oahu have got you covered.

The Accommodations

Disney’s Aulani Resort & Spa as a variety of accommodations included resort rooms, Deluxe Studios, 1-3 bedroom villas, 1-2 bedroom suites. Views range from garden views, ocean and partial ocean views.

Pricing Information

Rates start at $494 for a standard view resort room or deluxe studio.

Submission by Jennifer Zollo – Vagarious Wanderer