Choosing The Best Aulani Disney Resort Rooms

Choosing the best hotel room for your family can be one of the most daunting parts of planning your vacation. What are the best Aulani Disney Resort rooms to book? It depends on your needs. You want a room with the right amenities that fits your family’s needs. You need a room that fits the size of your family without feeling too cramped. Since Aulani sits on beach front, you want to book a room with an awesome view of the ocean. You want that postcard view, to wake up to the beautiful ocean with the gentle Hawaiian breeze brushing against your face and through your hair.

But at what price does all of that come with for a dream room like that? Do you even need all of that?

Maybe you just need the basics because you don’t spend most of your precious vacation time in your room anyway. You want to be out and about, exploring whatever adventures Oahu has to offer. You want to be in the ocean, rather than looking at it from an ocean view balcony, so you can use the money you saved from booking the most affordable room on excursions instead.

So which room at Aulani is the best for you?

Determine Your Needs

Make a list of what you need and/or wish to have. Here are some suggested questions to ask yourself:

• How many people are in your party?
• Do you need an accessible room?
• Do you need a full kitchen? Or will you mostly be eating out?
• Is a kitchen too much for you and just need a little kitchenette?
• Will you be going off the resort frequently?
• Do you want a view of the ocean? The pools? Both?
• How much privacy do you need for your party?

Here is what we’ll go over so you can choose the best room for your needs:

• Cost of rooms: How much does a room cost? Can you get a room at a cheaper price?
• Types of rooms: Which type of room is best for the size of your party
• Included room amenities: Is there anything you should bring that is not included?
• Room view options: Which rooms has the best view?
• In-room service options: Do you need child care? Will you be celebrating a special occasion?
• Waianae tower or Ewa tower: Which one is the best to stay in?

Cost of Rooms

Rooms can cost $494 and up. There are always special offers advertised on their website to save up to 30% on 5 nights, as well as special rates for military and kama’aina (Hawaii residents).

There will be some pool closures towards from August 19 to December 17, 2019. If you booked your trip between these dates, you might’ve recevied an email about this and the resort credit offer.

Aulani has standard rooms, deluxe studios, villas, and suites. The suites are the fanciest and expensive of them all.  I don’t expect most of you to consider them to be an affordable choice when picking a room unless you’re a Kardashian just staying in the room all day. I’ll still include them in this post just for the sake of it.

Through my research, most families prefer to book villas. They’re spacious, come with a stacked washer and dryer, and full-size kitchen. You can choose from 1 to 3 bedrooms depending on the size of your party. The kitchen, dining area, and living area is open floor plan, and you have the bedrooms so that there’s privacy for everyone.

There are complaints that the beds are too firm, making them uncomfortable to sleep on. Guests have mentioned the sleeper sofa feels more softer and comfortable.

Here’s a breakdown of the room types with the number of occupants each one can sleep:

STANDARD ROOM

A Standard Room sleeps up to 4 guests and comes with:

• 2 Queen-size beds, or
• 1 King-size bed and 1 Queen-size sleeper sofa
• 1 full bathroom

DELUXE STUDIO

A Deluxe Studio sleeps up to 4 guests and comes with:

• 1 Queen-size bed
• 1 Queen-size sleeper sofa
• 1 full bathroom

1-BEDROOM VILLA

A 1-Bedroom Villa sleeps up to 5 guests and comes with:

• 1 King-size bed in the master bedroom
• 1 Queen-size sleeper sofa and 1 Twin-size pull-down bed in the parlor
• 1 full bathroom

2-BEDROOM VILLA

A 2-Bedroom Villas sleeps up to 9 guests and comes with:

• 1 King-size bed in the master bedroom
• 2 Queen-size beds in second bedroom
• 1 Queen-size sleeper sofa and 1 sleeper chair in the parlor
• 2 full bathrooms
• 1 half bathroom

3-BEDROOM GRAND VILLA

A 3-Bedroom Villas sleeps up to 12 guests and comes with:

• 1 King-size bed in the master bedroom
• 2 Queen-size beds in second bedroom
• 2 Queen-size beds in third bedroom
• 1 Queen-size sleeper sofa and 1 sleeper chair in the living room
• 3 full bathrooms

PARLOR SUITES

A Parlor Suite (with partial ocean view) sleeps up to 5 guests and comes with:

• 1 King-size bed
• 1 Queen-size sleeper sofa
• 1 Bunk-size pull-down bed

Or

• 1 King-size bed
• 1 Queen-size sleeper sofa
• 1 bunk bed
• A Parlor Suite (with Ocean View) sleeps up to 5 guests and comes with:
• 1 King-size bed
• 1 Queen-size sleeper sofa
• 1 Bunk-size pull-down bed

“LEI HULU “- SIGNATURE 1-BEDROOM SUITE

The Lei Hulu Signature Suite (with at least a partial ocean view) sleeps up to 5 guests and comes with:

• 1 King-size bed
• 1 Queen-size bed
• 1 Twin-size sleeper chair

“AHU ULA” – SIGNATURE 2-BEDROOM SUITE

The Ahu Ula Signature Suite (with at least a partial ocean view) sleeps up to 6 guests and comes with:

• 1 King-size bed
• 1 Queen-size bed
• 1 Queen-size sleeper sofa

Included Room Amenities

We enjoy staying in Deluxe Studio because of the little kitchenette. It was convenient to have a microwave, small bar sink, and utensils. Since a Standard Room had only a small refrigerator, guests could go down to the Ulu Cafe to use a microwave, but it has since been removed.

If you are staying in a Villa, you can drive to Costco about 15 minutes away from Aulani to buy groceries to cook in your kitchen. Not renting a car or want to save time? You can use a grocery delivery service such as Instacart, and have groceries delivered to your room.

Here’s what’s included with each type of room along with items that are available for request:

STANDARD ROOM

• Bathrobes
• Bath products (shampoo, conditioner, bath gel, bath soap, facial soap, lotion)
• Bed rails (upon request)
• Blue-ray player
• Bottle warmer (upon request)
• Ceiling fan
• Coffee maker and tea service
• Diaper disposal system (upon request)
• Flat-panel TV
• Hairdryer
• High chair (upon request)
• iHome with charger dock
• In-room safe
• Outlet covers (upon request)
• Pack ‘n Play playard
• Shower/tub with rain head
• Small refrigerator
• Wi-Fi

DELUXE STUDIO

• Bar sink
• Bathrobes
• Bath products (shampoo, conditioner, bath gel, bath soap, facial soap, lotion)
• Bed rails (upon request)
• Blu-ray player
• Bottle warmer (upon request)
• Ceiling fan
• Coffee maker and tea service
• Diaper disposal system (upon request)
• Flat-panel TV
• iHome with charger dock
• Iron and ironing board
• In-room safe
• Microwave
• Outlet covers (upon request)
• Pack ‘n Play playard
• Private porch or balcony
• Shower/tub with rain head
• Slippers
• Small refrigerator
• Toaster
• Wi-Fi

1-BEDROOM VILLA

• 2 flat-panel TVs
• Bath products (shampoo, conditioner, bath gel, bath soap, facial soap, lotion)
• Bathrobes
• Bedrails (upon request)
• Blu-ray player
• Bottle warmer (upon request)
• Ceiling fans
• Coffee maker and tea service
• Diaper disposal system (upon request)
• Dinnerware
• Dishwasher
• Flatware
• Full-size cabinets
• Full-size refrigerator
• Full sink
• Glassware
• High chair
• iHome with charger dock
• In-room safe
• Iron and ironing board
• Microwave
• Outlet covers (upon request)
• Pack ‘n Play playard
• Pots and pans
• Private porch or balcony
• Rice cooker
• Slippers
• Stove
• Toaster
• Washer and dryer
• Whirlpool tub, shower with rain head
• Wi-Fi

2-BEDROOM VILLA

• 3 flat-panel TVs
• Bath products (shampoo, conditioner, bath gel, bath soap, facial soap, lotion)
• Bathrobes
• Bedrails (upon request)
• Blu-ray player
• Bottle warmer (upon request)
• Ceiling fans
• Coffee maker and tea service
• Diaper disposal system (upon request)
• Dinnerware
• Dishwasher
• Flatware
• Full-size cabinets
• Full-size refrigerator
• Full sink
• Glassware
• High chair
• iHome with charger dock
• In-room safe
• Iron and ironing board
• Microwave
• Outlet covers (upon request)
• Pack ‘n Play playard
• Pots and pans
• Private porch or balcony
• Rice cooker
• Slippers
• Stove
• Toaster
• Washer and dryer
• Whirlpool tub, shower with rain head
• Wi-Fi

3-BEDROOM GRAND VILLA

• 4 flat-panel TVs
• Bath products (shampoo, conditioner, bath gel, bath soap, facial soap, lotion)
• Bathrobes
• Bedrails (upon request)
• Blu-ray player
• Bottle warmer (upon request)
• Ceiling fans
• Coffee maker and tea service
• Diaper disposal system (upon request)
• Dinnerware
• Dishwasher
• Flatware
• Full set of cabinets
• Full-size refrigerator
• Full sink
• Glassware
• High chair
• iHome with charger dock
• In-room safe
• Iron and ironing board
• Laundry area with washer and dryer
• Microwave
• Mirror TV in the master bathroom
• Outlet covers (upon request)
• Pack ‘n Play playard
• Pots and pans
• Private balcony (extra-large)
• Rice cooker
• Slippers
• Stove
• Toaster
• Whirlpool tub, shower with rain head
• Wi-Fi

PARLOR SUITE

• 2 flat-panel TVs
• Bath products
• Bathrobes
• Bedrails (upon request)
• Blu-ray player
• Bottle warmer (upon request)
• Ceiling fan
• Coffee maker and tea service
• Diaper disposal system (upon request)
• Hairdryer
• High chair
• In-room safe
• Iron and ironing board
• Outlet covers (upon request)
• Pack ‘n Play playard
• Private porch or balcony
• Refrigerator
• Shower/tub with rain head
• Slippers

SIGNATURE SUITES

• 3 flat-panel TVs
• Bath products
• Bathrobes
• Bedrails (upon request)
• Blu-ray player
• Bottle warmer (upon request)
• Butler Pantry with separate access for catering
• Ceiling fan
• Coffee maker and tea service
• Deluxe Bathrobes
• Diaper disposal system (upon request)
• Full-size refrigerator and under-counter fridge in master bedroom
• Full sink
• Hairdryer
• High chair
• In-room safe
• Iron and ironing board
• Microwave
• Outlet covers (upon request)
• Pack ‘n Play playard
• Private porch or balcony
• Refrigerator
• Shower/tub with rain head
• Slippers
• Toaster
• Washlet in master bathroom
• Whirlpool tub, steam shower with body jets and rain head

When were a family of 4, I liked staying in a Deluxe Studio. Having a little kitchenette with microwave was convenient for us. Now that we’re a family of 5, staying in a 1-bedroom villa will be more suitable for us.

Room View Options

There are 5 views you can choose from when you book a room:

• Standard View: Includes either a view of the conference center or parking structure
• Island Gardens View: Includes at least partial view of the mountains, landscaping, or the spa area
• Poolside Gardens View: Includes at least a partial view of the pool, landscaping, courtyards, or water features
• Partial Ocean View: Offers only a partial view of the ocean
• Ocean View: Includes at least a partial view of the ocean

Through my research, a view of the ocean is what people want or enjoyed having the most. Rooms on floors 5 will include ocean views. The higher the floor, the better!

A Free Show?

A second popular request is a view of the luau. Aulani has a luau called Ka Wa’a. The stage is set in Halawai Lawn. Guests who requested a view of the luau were able to watch it for free from the privacy of their own balcony. They couldn’t join in on the actual festivities of course without actually purchasing tickets. Tickets for the luau aren’t cheap, so this is one way you can see if it’ll be worth purchasing in the future. One guest mentioned that a Cast Member recommended floors 7 through 9 for a view of the luau.

Another guest who was getting married requested this view so she could keep an eye on her wedding being set up!

The worst view you can get is of the parking garage, but if you hardly stay in your room anyway, this won’t be a problem for you. Step outside of Aulani and you’ll be surrounded by awesome views!

In-Room Service Options

There are a few in-room services you can order:

• Babysitting
• Dining
• Gifts delivery for special occasions

Babysitting service could be useful if you’re getting married and need someone to help watch any kids while your wedding party gets dolled up.

We’ve ordered in-room dining once, and weren’t impressed. It took about an hour to get our food and James’s medium rare steak had only a 1-inch medium rare center in the middle. Food was also cold by the time it got to us.

We’ve celebrated Jace’s first birthday at Aulani, but have not tried ordering special gifts to our room so I can’t comment on that experience. (Plus, it was pricey).

The Best Tower to Stay In: Waianae or Ewa?

There are over 800 hundred rooms within 2 towers at Aulani. The names of the towers is “Waianae” and “Ewa”. If you are entering the lobby, the tower to your right is Waianae and to your left is Ewa.

Ewa Tower

Pros:

• Watch the luau for FREE. As I mentioned earlier, guests loved having this perk “included” with their room.
• Ocean views. A view of the ocean AND pools are even more spectacular!
• Be closer to Aunty’s Beach House. Guests have mentioned being in the same tower as Aunty’s Beach House was easier for them to walk to when dropping their kids off daily. (Aunty’s Beach House is like a glorified daycare for kids).

Cons:

• View of the Atlantis Ko Olina Resort construction. Although this is not yet currently a con, Aulani will be getting a new neighbor soon. It is still unknown yet when Oceanwide Resort Paradise will start digging. When they do, your view of the ocean won’t be so great! To avoid a view of the construction, yet still be in the Ewa tower, request a view of the pool. However…
• Pool closures. As I mentioned earlier in the beginning of this post, some of the pools will be closed for refurbishment.

The Waianae Tower

Pros: 

• Be closer to the Guest Parking garage, especially if you plan to go off the resort a lot. Being close to the parking garage also makes it easier for anyone in your party that requires use of a wheelchair to get to a room.
• Be closer to cafe and adult pool. Guests liked being closer to Ulu Cafe to grab food and snacks or refill their resort mug. Guests with no kids have also mentioned it was easier to get to the adult pool, which is also near Ulu Cafe.

Cons:

• No sunset views from your room. You can see the sunset better from the Ewa tower. If you stay in the Waianae tower, one way you can enjoy the sunset is to book dinner at Ama Ama. Making reservations to see the sunset at the right time depends on the month you plan to visit Hawaii.
• Pool closures.

The Ewa Tower is A Favorite

I found in my research that the Ewa tower seems to be the popular choice amongst Disney Vacation Club members to book a room due to the fact they wanted to watch the luau or they wanted a sunset view from their room.

Requests Are Not Guaranteed

On our recent visit to Aulani which I booked online, I added a request to be on the ground floor since I was pregnant at the time and wanted easier access to the pools by simply walking out through the room’s patio. They didn’t have one available which was fine with me, just thought I’d try and request.

With past visits, we have tried upgrading, and not upgrading. One upgrade gave us a partial view of the lazy river, the tops of trees, and a sliver of ocean.

Another time we didn’t upgrade, and had a pretty good view of the ocean! We also had a view of Hawaii’s only operating train from the Hawaiian Railway passing by.

Conclusion

I hope this helps you with deciding which type of room is best for you. Don’t stress much about getting the most perfect room with a view because you can make the most of your vacation by spending time with your family.

Your Turn!

Do you have any tips when choosing a room? Which room number have you stayed in that you recommend? What were some negatives you faced with a room you stayed in? Leave a comment below! As always, you can email us with any questions or suggestions.

Aloha!