What to Pack and What to Wear to Disney Aulani
Packing for Aulani is Not the Same as Packing for Walt Disney World or Disney Parks
Set in a luxurious location on the southwest side of Oahu, Disney’s Aulani Resort and Spa is a wonderful Hawaiian getaway that’s unlike any other Disney destination.
If you’re planning an Aulani vacation, packing for Disney Aulani is very different than packing for Walt Disney World or Disneyland. Here's what you need to know.
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A Disney Aulani Vacation is Not a Disney Parks Vacation
Disney Aulani offers a unique Hawaiian Disney experience. There are no theme parks, rides or attractions to distract from the magic of this immersive Polynesian destination, so it requires a very different approach when it comes to packing.
The first thing to know is that what you pack and what you wear at Disney Aulani is very different from what you would typically pack and wear for a Walt Disney World or Disneyland theme park vacation.
Aulani is a Disney resort yes, but it’s not a Disney Parks resort, so your packing considerations will be quite different. On top of not having to worry about packing theme park clothes or outfits (no matching family outfits required), you’ll also likely be doing some island exploring around Oahu beyond the Disney Aulani property itself. Depending on what excursions you may choose, your packing strategy will need to adapt. Plus, there should be some consideration for the various micro-climates on the island, which is another important point to remember.
Ko Olina, Oahu, Hawaii: The Home of Disney Aulani
Located in the picturesque town of Ko Olina on the southwest (or leeward) side of Oahu, Disney Aulani is perfectly situation in a very upscale area. Aulani is surrounded by other luxury resort destinations along with the natural beauty of the Hawaiian island of Oahu. Aulani has a lot to offer on the resort property itself, but the nearby area and the island of Oahu are also must-dos when visiting. All of this will impact what you should pack and wear for your Aulani vacation.
If you plan to visit Aulani from May to September, it’s an ideal time to go to Hawaii. Planning your wardrobe for the summer season on Oahu means considering a few factors. These include humidity, micro climates, upscale clothing or resort wear, your beach and swim attire and your casual wear.
We like to visit Aulani for two weeks when we go, so we stay in a Disney Vacation Club Villa and take advantage of the laundry facilities that they offer. Having the option to do a little laundry at the halfway mark of your stay makes packing for Aulani a lot easier and a lot lighter. Of course you don’t have to take this approach, but we find that it helps to free up luggage space if you plan to do laundry and it really isn’t that big of a deal.
Three Packing Categories for Disney Aulani Resort and Spa
When planning for what to pack and what to wear to Disney Aulani, consider putting your clothes into three categories:
1. Resort Wear or Casual Chic
You’ll want to have at least one nice outfit for your stay. Nice doesn’t mean formal, just something that’s a cut above your casual wear. Think of an elegant garden party for inspiration.
This outfit will be perfect for dining out, relaxing around the resort during the evenings (taking in live music at an outdoor lounge, for example) and visiting neighboring hotels for a nice dinner or drinks. For any of these types of experiences, you’ll want to pack something that’s a little more upscale than your everyday casual wear.
2. Swimwear or Beach Wear
Packing your swimwear for Disney Aulani takes a little more thought than packing for the pools at Walt Disney World or Disneyland. Beaches and pools will basically become your theme park at Aulani, so you’re going to need more than just a single swimsuit.
For the time you plan to spend at the Aulani pools or beach, bring multiple options. When packing what type of swimwear you will need, consider what you plan to do at Aulani: water slides, the cold water of the Aulani Rainbow Reef or just lounging by one of the many pools onsite.
If you plan to venture off of Disney Aulani property (and we highly recommend that you do), consider swimwear and beach wear for the offsite beaches. This should include what you may wear if you go surfing, boogie boarding or even just playing in the Hawaiian waves. A rash guard and appropriate swimwear for active water fun are key considerations here.
3. Casual Wear
Even though there are no Disney Parks at Disney Aulani, casual wear will still play a big role in what you pack for the resort.
Casual wear will be your everyday attire to wear around the resort and on day trips exploring the island of Oahu. But remember, you don’t have to go as heavy on the Disney-themed attire here, although Lilo and Stitch or Moana themed items (and that Hawaiian shirt of yours) will all be good choices.
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Thank you for listening and have a magical day!
Mike Belobradic and Amelia Belobradic