The 5 Best Things that make Aulani, A Disney Resort and Spa in Hawaii Unique

Hawaii is a magical place to visit. Anything having to do with Disney is also magical. So what do you get when you put these two magical things together...Aulani!!! Hawaii is filled with some really beautiful resorts on every island. So many of them sit beach front and offer amazing pools with all the features you can think of. Aulani does include both of these but it also some very unique features that make it truly one of a kind. Located on the beautiful and calm Ko Olina coast, this beachfront resort has everything you and your kids will ever have dreamed of. There are multiple pools, water slides, beach activities, characters, pool parties, shave ice and even dole whip. So many awesome things to see in to do what are the top things that truly set it apart?

1) The Characters

Aulani is different from all other Hawaiian resorts because it offers characters to see. It is so much fun to be heading to a day at the pool and beach only to walk past Daisy Duck, or Minnie or Mickey or even Moana and Stitch. I also love to use the character time as a nice break from the sun or from the water. There is even a schedule to follow to make sure you know exactly where to find each character throughout the day. Don't forget to bring your autograph books as well!

2) The Mehenune Trail

This is another truly magical feature at Aulani. This unique scavenger hunt uses special Ipads and takes you on a hunt all throughout the gardens and pathways of the resort. Along the trail are hidden light shows and sounds that only work as you complete each step of the scavenger hunt. The trail tells the story of the Mehenune or the "little people" of the Hawaiian Islands who are magical and mischievous. This is a definite not to miss activity and is best to complete at night so you can catch all the magical lights.

3) Pool Parties

Although this goes hand in hand with the characters at the resort it is a really unique and exciting feature all in itself. On certain days in the afternoon (be sure to always check the schedule) characters meet at the main pool, Waikolohe Pool, for a sing along and dance a long experience that will get the whole family involved. They will even bring guest up to dance and play right along with them! My kids have so much fun and it is just another unique feature that only Aulani can offer!

4) Rainbow Reef

For some the idea of snorkeling sounds like so much fun but may also sound frightening out in the wide open ocean, especially for little kids. Aulani offers a unique alternative to this. They have a created their own salt water sea life oasis where guest can rent snorkel gear and test out their snorkeling skills in the safety of a pool. You can see all types of colorful fish and plants as if you were out in the ocean. There are also windows where guest who are not participating can watch and wave to their friends and family as they snorkel. Disney really does think of everything!

5) The option to book Villas

Yes, there are more and more resorts in Hawaii including Villas as an option for booking but Aulani is one that makes top notch accommodations. If you book a 1, 2 or 3 bedroom villa you get a full size kitchen with all of the amenities, at least 1 gigantic master bathroom with a separate jacuzzi tub and shower and even a washer and dryer in your unit. When you travel with kids or large families, having access to quick and easy laundry can be a game changer. You can also have groceries delivered or pick them up on your way to the resort so that you are able to cook some of your meals instead of eating out the entire time. It is a great option to have especially if you will be staying for a longer time.

There are certainly so many other things that Aulani has to offer and definitely worth a if you are a Disney fan, a Hawaii fan or just a fan of beautiful, fun and unique resorts!