When we traveled to Aulani<\/a>, a Disney resort and spa on the island of Oahu in Hawaii, I expected to like it, but\u00a0I was surprised by how much I loved it. I fell head over heels, and quickly. One aspect I adored was that there was always something to do and<\/em>\u00a0there was also plenty of space to relax and do, well, nothing. You can strike whatever balance makes you happiest.<\/p>\n While there’s lots to do and see as a family on Oahu<\/a>, you can have a great time without ever leaving the resort. Here are 25 of our favorite\u00a0activities at\u00a0Aulani that we enjoyed on our visit there<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n Get great family photos along the beach<\/strong><\/p>\n PhotoPass photographers are hanging out at the beach around sunset. In addition to taking photos with their great cameras, they can grab a few shots with yours (or in our case, our phones). It may depend on how many people are waiting.\u00a0You don’t have to make an appointment, just wander down to the beach. Character dining at Makahiki<\/strong><\/p>\n Meals with characters are a ton of fun. Diners meet and get a quick photo with one character before heading into your meal, and then a few others circulate. There aren’t a ton of characters but they are super interactive and a ton of fun.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n Listen under the water at Ka Maka Grotto<\/strong><\/p>\n As if being in this infinity pool isn’t already awesome, listen under water for some other treats. I don’t want to spoil the fun and tell you exactly when you’ll hear. However, it’s worth checking out a few different places in the pool, as the sounds you’ll hear can vary.<\/p>\n Borrow a boogie board and play in the ocean<\/strong><\/p>\n I loved that the boogie boards were free. They’re great for kids to play on and for adults to use as floats out in the water.<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n Menehune Adventure Trail<\/strong><\/p>\n Sign up for an iPad from the Pau Hana room for free and embark on this fun adventure that delights all ages, even teens. It’s great to do at twilight, when the magical effects that include lights are most visible and get the biggest “wow!”s.<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n Say “Aloha” to\u00a0Chip & Dale \u00a0(and your other favorite characters)<\/strong><\/p>\n You can call a number each day to find out which characters will be greeting guests that day, as well as when and where to find them.\u00a0Get more tips for meeting characters at Disney\u2019s Aulani here. <\/a><\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n Float along the lazy river<\/strong><\/p>\n My whole family adored the lazy river. It’s relaxing, but not boring, and different times of day felt like different experiences. And this isn’t just any old lazy river – it’s unique to Aulani and being able to inhale the scent of the flowers, enjoy the music and spot the menehune along the way makes it special.<\/p>\n Visit Laniwai Spa<\/strong><\/p>\n Definitely leave time for relaxing in the garden.<\/p>\n Send your kids to do to their own things, whether that’s at Auntie’s\u00a0Beach House of sending teens to Painted Sky, the only teen spa on Oahu<\/strong><\/p>\n You can read my teen’s review of her facial here<\/a>.<\/p>\n
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