The secret spots in Aulani which offer the feeling of a private resort within the resort exist for real, and most of the visitors pass by without even noticing it every single day.
If you think that Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, is too busy for you, you’re correct. The hotel includes 350 hotel rooms and 481 villas and gets fully booked pretty often during the busy season, and the Waikolohe Valley area can resemble the atmosphere of the Disney theme parks on the sunny weekend. However, there are some quiet areas, adults-only spots, and other hidden gems in the 21 acres of oceanfront land of Ko Olina, Oahu that an average visitor simply doesn’t discover.
I have carefully studied the resort guides, travelers’ reviews, resort information, recommendations from huge fans like myself, as well as personal experiences, and what I’ve noticed is that those guests who discover the true Aulani are not the early visitors to the lazy river, but those who know how to hide themselves from everyone else.
Read on, you’re about to discover your personal resort inside the resort!
Why Aulani’s Secret Spots Matter More Than You Think
Aulani trips usually begin with Googling something along the lines of “things to do at Aulani,” after which one ends up with a typical list of attractions, which includes lazy river, Rainbow Reef, character breakfast at Makahiki, luau and the main pool area. There’s nothing wrong with that, those are fun activities. However, that’s not all there is to Aulani.
Disney Imagineers designed Aulani with multiple levels of experience in mind. This means that apart from obvious elements such as Easter eggs, hidden pathways and immersive spaces, there are multiple secret spots inside Aulani. In order to find them one has to go beyond the standard crowd, that’s the first level. One then starts noticing second and third levels of the resort, places where it seems that someone said, “This is for you and me.”
The people who discover those places are the ones lounging comfortably on plush chairs located on a peaceful patio while others fight over lounge chairs at the main pool area. They are enjoying breathtaking views of the sunset from adults-only infinity hot tubs while the sound of happy family life reverberates far away. It’s possible to stay at Aulani for a whole week without even knowing about existence of these places!
Secret Spot #1: The Aulani Terrace – Hidden Nooks Above the Action
The upper portion of the Waikolohe Valley consists of the large terrace that people usually use as a walkway rather than as their destination.
In case you walk up on Aulani Terrace and do not sit at the first seating that you see, you will notice that the terrace goes farther. There are multiple clusters of lounge chairs with deep cushions placed along it. Sometimes they are hidden a bit by architectural elements or plants.
Why this place seems like a private resort:
- The terrace has a view on the pools and the whole resort landscape but is not situated right in its center.
- Almost nobody stops at this place and does not even notice how large the terrace is.
- There are multiple seating areas that are located “around the corner” of the visible areas.
There is one particular area called “the far terrace nook” which feels like your personal balcony overlooking the valley. I really like an idea of ordering something from Ulu Café, coming up there at 9:30 a.m., and just sitting while all other people are rushing to grab a lounger.
You’re near the center of the resort but distant enough to hear and talk comfortably, read and enjoy the view!
Secret Spot #2: ‘Alohi Point – Adults-Only Infinity Hot Tubs With Ocean Views
If you are traveling without the kiddies or have just sneaked away when everyone else went to bed, then ‘Alohi Point is the place to be. Two adults-only terraced hot tubs await with infinity edges that seemingly drop right into the lagoon and the endless expanse of the Pacific Ocean.
So what makes it like a private resort?
- It’s exclusively for the over 18 years crowd.
- Terraces give each hot tub a unique view of the sea and the setting sun.
- This area is located separately from other parts of the pool complex.
Most of the families will not get that far; they usually stick to the slides and the main pool.
So now envision this scenario. We have planned a trip to the adults-only area about one hour before the sunset. Grabbing a drink from one of the nearby bars, we walk out just as the light becomes softer and submerge into the hot tub. We watch as the sky above the resort at Ko Olina changes color into beautiful shades of orange and pink.
This is when we can feel that “private resort within the resort”!
Secret Spot #3: Wailana Pool – Calm Waters Away From the Chaos
The majority of guests assume that there is only one big pool in the hotel and perhaps some kids’ area. In fact, there is a pool area located between Laniwai Spa, Ulu Café, and Wailana Bar, which is called Wailana Pool.
“Wi” means water and “lana” is calm; hence, the name makes sense.
The area contains some of the best facilities:
- A calmer pool with less noise and people around.
- A rock wall on one side of the pool with water features that make relaxing sounds.
- Seating places on the rock wall where one may relax leaning against the wall while sitting in the water.
- Some cabanas located on the far end away from the path.
If Waikolohe Valley is a water park, then Wailana is a boutique resort. Me and my companion can sneak out to Wailana Pool at lunchtime, when all pool chairs are occupied, and have a relaxed and peaceful conversation!
It is recommended to grab some breakfast or light lunch from Ulu Café, head straight to Wailana Pool, and take a rest there. The experience of floating in a calm pool with your plate right next to you and with no sound of the hotel in your ears cannot be compared to anything else.
Secret Spot #4: Kula Wai – The Outdoor Hydrotherapy Garden at Laniwai Spa
However, when you truly want to be transported far away from the rest of the world and be able to relax in complete solitude, you’ll definitely have to visit Kula Wai!
Kula Wai is an outdoor hydrotherapy garden within Laniwai Spa at Aulani. There’s no other place like it available in Oahu. However, there are several reasons why Kula Wai is so unique and special.
You’re really going to enjoy:
- Herbal pools with different botanical infusions.
- Reflexology path for massage feet.
- Different showers with unique water flow and pattern.
- Cold plunge pool.
- Whirlpool hot tub with surrounding tropical plants.
It can be accessed with prior booking of a treatment in spa. In fact, Kula Wai deserves to be planned during your vacation in Aulani. Instead of simply getting a massage in a room, you get access to a unique and specially curated outdoor area where the number of people is limited!
Imagine that you are coming for your treatment, go through the water wall entrance at the spa, choose a wish stone and find yourself in the middle of the Kula Wai garden. Then for about two hours, you will be enjoying warm pools, different sprays of water, footpaths and cool Hawaii breeze!
For many people, spa is often a debatable point and many people are wondering whether or not a spa session is worth spending money on. However, in case of Kula Wai, it’s going to be one of the main memories from your vacation!
Secret Spot #5: The Lazy River’s Overlooked Jacuzzi
The jacuzzis in the proximity of the family pool area and Ka Maka Grotto receive the most attention. However, there is one hidden jacuzzi next to the Waikolohe Stream lazy river which goes unnoticed!
Here’s a few reasons why most people overlook it:
- The jacuzzi is not located in the proximity of the main pathway to the areas where the main pools are located.
- It does not make a great impression on sight at the first glance due to the crowd in the area.
- People are distracted by the presence of the water slides and the obvious jacuzzis.
During the busy time, especially after lunch, when families are using the slides, “headlines” hot tubs might become crowded. Go to this jacuzzi near the lazy river and it will offer much fewer people, quiet conversation and much more chances to find a spot.
This is how I used it last time. I would use the lazy river once and assess the mood, after that we will go straight to this jacuzzi to relax and watch people in lazy river float by.
Not fancy but perfect enough!
Secret Spot #6: Rainbow Reef’s Underwater Viewing Windows (and Cave)
The Rainbow Reef is the name of the lagoon where you have to go in order to engage in salt water snorkeling in this private theme park. This place is filled with tropical fish and resembles the experience of swimming into the aquarium.
However, there’s much more than just the chance to do some snorkeling.
On the wall around the Rainbow Reef, there are the underwater viewing windows. Also, there is a cave with bench seats that give you the possibility to sit inside and see everything that is happening on the reef.
Why does it resemble the resort experience? This area is less crowded than the one where you need to enter the lagoon, the cave is always cool, it provides the shadow and a nice bench where one can sit. Kids (as well as adults) can sit there for hours and look at all the fish that are moving. There are also feeding periods during the day when the whole lagoon gets active because all the fish try to take the food.
One can use the cave as a sort of rest place in case we were already swimming a lot in the pools. In this situation, it will be better to take a rest in this cave instead of going home!
Secret Spot #7: The ‘Ōlelo Room – Aulani’s Under-the-Radar Lounge
Some guides will mention Makahiki and ‘Ama ‘Ama realy quick but won’t go beyond that. But the best hidden gem at Aulani is definitely the ‘Ōlelo Room! It deserves more attention!
‘Ōlelo Room is one floor below the lobby and next to the koi pond with tropical landscaping all around it. As the restaurant is on the basement level, many of the guests staying on the lobby level won’t even consider going down and discover it.
So what makes the ‘Ōlelo Room special?
- Open-air seating next to the koi pond and tropical plants around it.
- Hawaiian background music in the evenings that is soft and sets the mood.
- Decor with carved items with explanations in Hawaiian along with the cast being always ready to tell more about the language and culture.
- The menu which can be either heavy or light bites depending on how you build it up from appetizers and dishes.
During the daytime, you can enjoy a quiet breakfast here having some coffee. During the evenings, you can join the table, have a drink and snack, and enjoy the live music and pond view during your dinner!
The ‘Ōlelo Room is perfect for those who appreciate little cultural spots!
Secret Spot #8: Early Morning Ko Olina Lagoon Walk – Your Private Coastline
Let’s venture out from the Aulani Resort a bit.
The area called Ko Olina has four lagoons, and there is a paved pathway that runs through these for 2.5 miles. This path goes through Aulani, past other resorts and beaches. Most of the Aulani Resort visitors will visit their lagoon and will not even take the full length of the path.
But if you get an early start (thank you jet lag) you’ll have your own secret move.
An early start on the Ko Olina path will provide you with:
- Calm, serene lagoon waters in the gentle light of dawn.
- Not many people, just joggers or resort workers getting ready.
- Possible wildlife sightings, such as sea turtles or fish close to the shore.
- A sensation of temporarily renting out the whole coastline.
Let’s say that you wake up at 6 a.m., and you can’t fall asleep again. Instead of looking at your phone, you get dressed, leave, and enjoy the start of the day watching the sunrise over the ocean. Technically, the resort is filled with guests. But at that point, it seems that it is yours alone.
You return, feeling recharged and ready for another busy day in the pool and doing activities!
Secret Spot #9: The Menehune Adventure Trail and Hidden Statues
But there were more things than swimming pools and water slides. Disney wove stories through all areas of Aulani, but one of the best layers is the Menehune.
In the Hawaiian folklore, Menehune are mythical little people who have supernatural abilities and dwell in secluded spots. Throughout the Aulani Resort, you can see the Menehune statues, drawings, and carvings in corners, above doors, behind bushes, on various signs and even within the food stands.
One of the attractions at the resort is the Menehune Adventure Trail where you take some kind of a devise (usually in Pau Hana Room) and follow a trail by solving the puzzles. And while you do it, the special effects start happening all around, the lights go on, the water flows, carvings come to life, and many other surprises occur.
Why this helps in achieving the “private resort” feeling:
- It takes you off the main route of the resort to its less known places.
- You come across some secret courtyards, pathways, and overlooks which you wouldn’t have otherwise discovered.
- And not many guests participate in it believing it’s just a kids’ adventure trail.
But if we treat it like explorers, it would be like a guided tour of all the secrets of the Aulani designed by the Imagineers!
Secret Spot #10: Ka Maka Grotto at Night – The Resort After Dark
During the day, Ka Maka Grotto is the infinity-edge pool that merges with the lagoon and the ocean behind it. At night, it becomes completely different! It’s honestly one of my favorite spots!
When the lights fade in the grotto rock formations, the water and pathways, when music gets lower at the resort and slides stop working, entire Waikolohe Valley changes its character from “water park for families” to “tropical resort ambiance.”
If the pools are not opened for swimming, you may walk inside, stay near the edges and enjoy the:
- Reflections of lights over the water.
- Sound of far-away waves and close-by elements flowing.
- Warmth of night air that does not have the sunlight of the day.
Nightwalk in the Aulani is actually the best “secret experience” because it takes place right there, and almost no-one perceives it intentionally. Considering it as ritual, such as after-dinner walk through the grotto, over the bridges above the stream, by the lagoon and back through the terrace, gives us a feeling that we have found the second resort right here!
Understanding Aulani’s Crowd Rhythm (So You Can Slip Into the Quiet)
All of these hidden gems become more effective if you know how to use them.
General flow at Aulani:
- Early morning: The most quiet hours in the lagoon and on paths; ideal for walking, terrace coffee time, and adult-only pool time until the families come.
- Late morning-mid after noon: Peak hours at the pools and slides; good idea to try spa, Wailana Pool, watch Rainbow Reef and hang out on your balcony.
- Late afternoon: Crowds begin to disperse at the beach and some pool areas.
- Evening: Great for ‘Ōlelo Room, lagoon walk and Ka Maka Grotto atmosphere.
Following this flow would make our stay feel more like a boutique resort vacation than a struggle to find a place!
FAQ: Common Aulani Questions (With a Secret-Spot Angle)
Will adults without children find their Aulani experience worth it?
Yes. From the adults’ only hot tubs, the spa, less crowded pools, ‘Ōlelo Room, and early walks, an adult-oriented beach vacation can be easily crafted.
Which is the best quiet pool of Aulani?
Wailana Pool seems to be the best choice when you are looking for a calmer atmosphere and a less crowded swimming spot. In case you will not be able to use other pools, choose this one!
Does it cost something to have fun at Rainbow Reef?
You will pay for diving in the lagoon itself but you can visit the underwater viewing windows and cave seating which is outside the lagoon and free of charge. You will find them very calming and peaceful places.
How do I avoid crowds?
Make sure that you will be in the place that you want to be before 9-10 a.m. and not after. Spend midday at the spa or participate in some other indoor activities. Make good use of mornings and evenings, they are magical!
Is it worth it to pay for the spa treatments?
For hydrotherapy fans, definitely! Kula Wai spa is unique on the whole island and provides great relaxation experience. Use it as an integral part of your vacation rather than a separate activity.
Is the Menehune Adventure Trail just for kids?
This trail tells the story about the resort and its design elements in a playful way. It gives you a chance to understand the resort better. Be ready to enjoy it.
Is it possible to visit Ko Olina lagoons being a guest of Aulani?
Definitely! The shoreline trail is available to everybody, so you can spend time at it in the morning or at sunset!
Find the Resort Inside the Resort
Aulani is huge. It is bustling. It is filled with families just like yours because they all came there for the same thing, a taste of Disney in Hawaii. Within that, however, Disney has tucked in something more subtle: terraces, lounges, gardens, pathways, and swimming pools that seem to be calling out only to those adventurous enough to venture forth just a bit!
To go through Aulani in check-list mode will allow you to enjoy yourself immensely; however, you will overlook the subtleties that will lead you to discover the hidden private resort within the bustling public one!
