I took an adults-only trip to Disney's only resort in Hawaii, and it was the best Disney vacation I've ever had

Carly CaramannaFeb 17, 2023, 21:58 IST

I stayed at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, in Hawaii with my mom.Carly Caramanna

I'm a theme-park journalist who visited Aulani, Disney's only Hawaii resort, for the first time.
The hotel design was beautiful, the food was delicious, and the pools never got too crowded.

My mom and I recently visited Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii, for the first time.

Aulani is situated in Ko Olina, a quiet resort community.Carly Caramanna

As soon as I entered the lobby, I was impressed by the resort's architecture and design.

We could watch the sunset from the Aulani lobby.Carly Caramanna

Photographs taken by young Hawaiian students line the lobby walls and create a rainbow collage.

The collage was gorgeous and added a sense of place.Carly Caramanna

My mom and I shared a 382-square-foot room with two beds and a view of the main pool area.

I really enjoyed spending time on the balcony during our stay.Carly Caramanna

Once we put our bags down, we headed straight to one of Aulani's many swimming pools.

Even though Aulani guests have access to a private beach, we spent most of our time by the pool.Carly Caramanna

I was delighted to find so many places to eat and drink in the pool area.

I snacked on coconut shrimp from Mama's Snack Stop.Carly Caramanna

I was able to try versions of traditional Hawaiian snacks without leaving the property.

I tried musubi, which is on the left, and Mickey-shaped shave ice, which is on the right.Carly Caramanna

Of all the Mai Tais I tried during my trip to Hawaii, my favorite ones were at Aulani.

The best Mai Tai I've ever had was at Aulani.Carly Caramanna

The resort has characters that I've never seen at Disney's other US properties.

We met several Disney characters at Aulani.Carly Caramanna

Aulani carries merchandise that I can't buy in Disney's other parks or resorts in the US.

The merchandise shop at Aulani.Carly Caramanna

We also took advantage of activities like an ear-decorating class.

After the class, I wore my creation around the resort.Carly Caramanna

I got a massage at Laniwai, the resort's spa, and explored its private hydrotherapy garden.

My trip to Aulani's spa was very calming and peaceful.Carly Caramanna

The restaurants were incredible and blew away my favorites at Disney World.

The Kobe rib eye was one of the best dishes I ate at Aulani.Carly Caramanna

We ate locally inspired dishes at 'AMA'AMA, and the experience was magical.

The restaurant is right by the water, and we could watch the sunset from our table.Carly Caramanna

We also tried the three-course menu at Makahiki, a more casual restaurant.

The dessert at Makahiki was coffee-flavored cheesecake.Carly Caramanna

We even loved the quick-service restaurants.

I ordered a Portuguese sausage flatbread from a quick-service eatery.Carly Caramanna

We had the privilege of watching a live luau performance with music and fire.

I was able to watch a live luau performance without leaving the property.Carly Caramanna

I don't typically dine with characters, but Aulani's breakfast was the best I've ever attended.

We don't usually go to character breakfasts, but this one was wonderful.Carly Caramanna

At night, we went to the Olelo Room, a bar with decor centered around the Hawaiian language.

The Olelo Room at Aulani incorporated the Hawaiian language into its design.Carly Caramanna

Our recent stay at Aulani was the best Disney vacation I've ever taken.

I came home with several souvenirs from the resort's gift shop.Carly Caramanna

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