Visiting Aulani Disney Resort

While we didn’t stay at Aulani, the Disney resort in Ko Olina, we decided to drop by one morning to have a look around. Anything Disney-related and we are there with bells on! It ended up being a lovely little outing in itself, and a great way to start our day before heading off for some outlet shopping and meeting a cousin for the first time, who’s stationed in Pearl City with the Navy. If you’ve ever wondered about visiting Aulani Disney Resort without staying there—and without paying those expensive room rates! Here’s what we saw, what we did, and why we’re so happy we went.

Visiting Aulani Disney Resort Without Staying There – A Relaxed Morning in Ko Olina

First Impressions of Aulani

Aulani sits right on the coast in the polished, resort-filled area of Ko Olina. On the drive, we saw impressively manicured gardens, beautiful palm trees and everything you expect when you see Hawaii in the movies. Interestingly, not everywhere in Oahu is like this. But Aluani definitely captures that picture-perfect postcard side of Hawaii.

From the moment we arrived, it was clear Disney does things thoughtfully. Because, of course, Disney never disappoints! The entrance is grand in a subtle kind of way, and even as non-guests, we felt very welcome to explore.

A Touch of Disney

What really stood out to me was how Disney managed to fit right in with the Hawaiian vibe. There was traditional art, carved wood details, and open-air spots letting the sunshine and breeze in. The Disney touches were definitely there, but it all felt natural and subtle. It was laid-back Disney Hawaiian style.

Disney Characters

We spotted Hawaiian Mickey out and about, greeting guests and posing for photos.

Moana too.

Exploring the Resort Grounds

We walked through the open areas, and we were in awe of the huge pool (pool access is for guests only). There’s a lazy river winding through lush greenery, a splash zone for little ones, and loungers everywhere for hotel guests.

Right by the resort is a beautiful lagoon with calm water and soft sand. It almost looked too perfect to be real!

Tucked between the pools is Rainbow Reef—a man-made saltwater lagoon filled with tropical fish. We stood there for a while, mesmerised by the colourful fish gliding past and enjoyed the underwater views through a large glass viewing window. It’s like a mini aquarium right in the middle of the resort. 

Inside, the lobby is airy and beautiful—wooden beams, high ceilings.

Do You Need to Be a Guest to Visit?

Nope! You can absolutely visit Aulani Disney Resort without staying there, as long as you’re happy to just wander the public areas. The pools, loungers, and some activities are for resort guests only, but there’s still plenty to see and enjoy. 

Final Thoughts

It was great to get a little taste of Disney magic in such a beautiful setting. We were already feeling sad that our Disneyland part of the trip was over, so it was nice to get a little Disney fix. But when I found out how much it cost to stay per night, I wondered whether it cost about the same just to go to Disneyland in LA. Holy moley! Standard rooms at Aulani start around $574 USD per night for a standard view, and can go up to $774 USD for an ocean view. At the time of our visit, that worked out to roughly $850 to $1,200 AUD. Yikes!

If you’re thinking about visiting Aulani Disney Resort without staying there, it’s definitely possible to enjoy the atmosphere without breaking the bank on those room rates. We had the best time wandering around the grounds, admiring the beautiful design, and soaking up the laid-back feel. I’d recommend a visit for sure—and I’m looking forward to staying a couple of nights… when we win the lottery.

Outlet Shopping

After visiting Aulani Disney Resort, we headed to a nearby outlet, though I can’t for the life of me remember exactly which one. It had all the big brands—Polo Ralph Lauren, Coach, Tommy Hilfiger, and plenty of other familiar favourites. I ended up buying a dress at Polo Ralph Lauren that was majorly discounted. It gives off serious old money vibes… and I have absolutely nowhere to wear it. But I couldn’t say no because I knew I’d regret it forever!

Meeting Our Navy Cousin

We planned to meet our cousin after my aunt in LA gave me his number. We met up at a casual chicken and brisket spot, and it was so nice to meet him in person. He’s stationed with the Navy in Pearl City and was super friendly and easy to talk to. Of course, we couldn’t resist asking a few (hundred) curious questions about life in the Navy. It felt pretty cool to meet even more cousins on this trip—looks like we pick up cousins everywhere we go!

A Lagoon Swim to End the Day

Later in the afternoon, after our cousin catch-up, we headed to the other side of the lagoon—away from the resort—and went for a swim. The water was so calm (perfect for a non-swimmer like me), the sand was soft, and it was paradise!

Here’s a top tip if you’re planning a visit to Aulani Disney Resort without staying there: you don’t need to be a resort guest (or pay those wild room rates) to enjoy the lagoons in Ko Olina. They are open to the public, so you can soak up the same sun, swim in the same ocean, and enjoy those postcard-perfect views for free.

Thanks for coming along on our little adventure! If you’re ever in Ko Olina, I hope you get to enjoy a bit of this magic too.