21 Reasons Disney's Aulani Resort in Hawaii Is Just as Magical as the Mainland's Parks

The classic Disney snack is available at the Lava Shack at Aulani! Guests can grab one from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and order a pineapple, vanilla, or swirl Dole Whip. Taking this frozen treat down to the pool makes it even better.

One of the best things about Aulani is the traditional Hawaiian shaved ice. Guests can pick their flavor, and it even comes out looking like Mickey Mouse.

One of the biggest draws at Aulani is its beautiful beaches. The resort has its own private beach with tons of activities for adults and kids. This is what fun in the sun is all about!

The pool at Aulani is massive and is zero entry, meaning little ones can easily splash in the shallow part of the pool. And being so close to the beach, it's easy to jump from one body of water to another. Aulani pools are also heated year-round, so even if the ocean is cold, the pool is always the right temperature.

Disney is known for its amazing character dining experiences. Breakfast at Aulani is filled with yummy foods like Mickey waffles and Hawaiian specialties, and Aunty's Breakfast Celebration at the Makahiki is offered daily.

A dinner show all about the Hawaiian Menehune, a mythical people of the islands, is also available at Makahiki. With Aulani's well-loved Uncle and Disney characters, tales of the Menehune are brought to life with music and storytelling.

The girl from the islands is ready to meet young wayfinders at Aulani. The meet-and-greet times and locations are all available in the daily times guide at the resort.

Character fun is all around at Aulani, from meals to scheduled meet-and-greets. For the full list of characters and times, be sure to check the daily times guide. Some characters that have been known to meet guests on vacation are Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, and, of course, Stitch.

Catch your favorite Disney movie out on the lawn at Aulani. Grab a snack and enjoy the evening with your family after a full day of fun.

If you've ever been to Walt Disney World and participated in Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom, this interactive game is similar. Guests will solve riddles from a small handheld tablet and along the way, interactive clues will bring scenery to life when a clue is answered correctly.

When the adults want some time to themselves, take the kids to Aunty's Beach House. The kids club at Aulani has dedicated kids councilors and fun activities all day long.

Part of the massive pool at Aulani is dedicated to Menehune Bridge. This splash zone features two water slides, interactive water elements, and a climbing structure.

Aulani has the only private snorkeling lagoon on Oahu, Rainbow Reef, which is home to thousands of tropical fish. If snorkeling isn't your thing, guests can watch the fish through a viewing window.

Aulani's version of Disney World's Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is the Painted Sky: HI Style Studio. Kids ages 3 to 12 can transform into a mermaid or Moana, or get dressed for an adventure throughout Oahu.

In Hawaiian, keiki means kid or child. This kid's cove is a water playground designed for little ones 5 and under, though it's open to all ages. Keiki Cove is inspired by tidal pools that are found throughout Hawaii.

Every good pool needs a lazy river, and Aulani's is spectacular. Waikolohe Stream has three experiences — a traditional lazy river and two rapid experiences. Volcanic Vertical is an enclosed body slide that ends at Waikolohe pool, and Tubestone Curl is an open-air tube ride that ends at Waikolohe Stream.

Pool parties at Aulani bring together Hawaiian culture and Disney magic. Guests will learn about Hawaii's surf culture, dance, play games, or just relax in a lounge chair. Disney characters also come to join the fun, and even get in the pool with the kids.

Family excursions are available through Aulani, including family surf lessons. Imagine having this view while you're learning one of Hawaii's favorite sports!

Guest can join Uncle, a master storyteller, as he shares legends and lore of Hawaii around the fire pit. Kids will love the puppetry, props, and magical effect that bring Uncle's stories to life.

The Maka'ika'i, the Nature and Wildlife of Aulani Resort, is a complimentary tour suitable for the whole family. This walking tour shows families the highlights of Hawaiian culture, landscaping, nature, and wildlife at Aulani. Guests will get an in-depth look at the one-of-a-kind environment Walt Disney Imagineers created to reflect the beauty of Oahu.

Families can enjoy a traditional luau, which will tell tales of Oahu, the 'Ewa plains, and the legends of the demigod Maui. Before the luau begins, kids can learn the Aulani Hula and perform with some Disney pals. Dinner includes local seafood, a whole roasted pig, and lots of house-made desserts.