Pools and Water Activities at Disney Aulani in Hawaii

“Let’s build the greatest pool in the Hawaiian islands.” That’s the goal Disney CEO Bob Iger set to reach when Oahu was chosen as the location for the first Disney hotel not adjacent to a theme park. Disney Aulani is home not only to one of Hawaii’s best hotel pools, but also the resort offers an array of other enticing water features. Let’s dive into all the splashy fun available at this Disney hotel!

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1. Disney Aulani Pools

Much of Disney Aulani’s water fun can be found in Waikolohe Valley in the center of the award-winning resort. Waikolohe means “mischievous waters.” This ties into the hotel’s theme of the Menehune, mythical Hawaiian little people hidden throughout the grounds.

Waikolohe Pool is Aulani’s main pool, situated beside the resort’s beachfront cove. This zero-entry pool is a beautiful spot to swim and splash together as a family.

Ka Maka Landing was added to the resort in 2013. This infinity-edge pool provides an incredible ocean view for all ages.

If you’re looking for a little quiet time, then check small children into Aunty’s Beach House kids club to learn about Hawaiian culture while you relax at Wailana Pool. This small but lovely Disney Aulani pool is tucked away from the hubbub. Although kids are not forbidden here, they are discouraged.

2. Waikohole Stream Lazy River

A lazy river named Waikohole Stream winds its way through palm trees and sweet-scented tropical plants like plumeria, pikake, and ginger. Playful fountains spray water at riders, but you can avoid these if desired. My favorite part is riding through a tunnel in a manmade volcano structure. Bubbles flow up from the river’s floor in this cave, surprising riders on their first float.

3. Water Slides

Aulani offers two full-sized waterslides. Volcanic Vertical is an entirely enclosed (DARK) tube slide. My favorite, Tubestone Curl, is an open-air slide that spins inner tubers around until they splash into a pool below.

4. Menehune Bridge Water Playground

Mythical Hawaiian Menehune shoot and pour water on giggling children at Menehune Bridge, an impressive climbing structure. With rope bridges, mini waterslides, and fountains galore — kids of all ages love this water playground.

5. Keiki Cove Splash Zone

Especially for kids age 5 and younger, Keiki Cove features rainbow water jets and images of aquatic creatures. This splash zone was inspired by the tidal pools that surround this Disney Resort. Of course, children should be on the lookout for Menehune here, too!

6. Whirlpool Spas

There are a total of five whirlpool spas at Disney Aulani. Most impressive are Sunset Upper and Sunset Lower at Alohi Point. Together these form a bi-level warm, bubbling infinity pool that overlooks the ocean. This hot tub provides a spectacular spot to soak up the last rays of the day as the sun dips below the horizon.

7. Snorkeling at Rainbow Reef

Colorful Hawaiian fish swim in a unique manmade lagoon named Rainbow Reef at Disney Aulani. Children and adults intimidated by the ocean can experience snorkeling here among rock formations in a controlled environment.

After a dip in Rainbow Reef, bring your gear down to the beach to swim with sea life in the ocean. Swim near the rocks in the bay to see the most tropical fish. For an even better ocean snorkeling experience, follow the trail past the neighboring Marriott Ko Olina Beach Club to a small coral reef bay. It’s just a few minutes’ walk from Aulani. You might even spot some sea turtles!

8. Fish Are Friends

For an extra fee, children can attend Fish Are Friends, which gives kids a chance to feed fish in the Rainbow Reef. Youngsters participating in this premium program through Aunty’s Beach House Kids Club also receive a Disneynature Oceans DVD. Kids attending Aunty’s Beach House kids club can pay to participate in the Fish Are Friends program without their parents, if you choose.

9. Kula Wai Hydrotherapy Garden

Water takes center stage at Aulani’s Laniwai Spa, 18,000 square feet of spa goodness. Laniwai means “freshwater heaven” and is a certainly apt name. The spa is home to the Kula Wai Hydrotherapy Garden, the only outdoor hydrotherapy garden on the island of Oahu. Hawaiian flowers and plants fill the 5,000-square-foot garden. It also features a whirlpool spa, a cold plunge pool, and two herbal soaking tubs. A circular feature with six different types of rain showers is downright heavenly.

10. Ko’Olina Beach

Even with all of the Disney-created water play, it would be a shame to miss the natural beauty of the ocean during your visit to Aulani. The semi-circle Ko’Olina Bay offers kid-friendly, tame waves. You won’t be doing much body surfing here, but the warm Hawaiian water provides a gorgeous spot to play with kids in the Pacific. Rent gear for snorkeling, paddle-boarding, canoeing, and kayaking from the onsite Makiki Joe’s Beach Rentals.

11. Water Excursions

If you’re still thirsty for more water fun, sign up for an off-site excursion through Adventures by Disney during your stay at Disney Aulani Resort. Options include sea-kayaking, surf lessons, and a Catamaran voyage.

No matter how you choose to spend your time at Disney Aulani Resort, surely water will play a fun and fabulous role in your Hawaiian vacation. Read more or book your Aulani vacation now!

Learn More

Check out Aulani’s hotel pool competition in this round-up of the best hotel pools in Hawaii.

Celebrate a birthday at Aulani with these festive tips.

Discover the wonders of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park with kids.

Learn tips to make the most of your vacation to Disneyland with kids.

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Which Disney Aulani pool or water feature appeals most to you? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

A Note from The Travel Mama: A big mahalo to Disney for inviting me to Disney Aulani Resort for the purpose of this review. All opinions are mine, as always.

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