DVC Resale Aulani

Experience Island Luxury and Disney Magic at a Great Resale Value

Why Aulani Is a Unique Disney Vacation Club Destination

Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa stands out as one of the most beautiful properties in the Disney Vacation Club portfolio. Located in Ko Olina on Oahu's west shore, about 30 minutes from Honolulu, this resort blends authentic Hawaiian culture with Disney's signature storytelling in a way that feels natural and respectful.

The property sits on a pristine lagoon with white sand beaches and crystal-clear water. Palm trees line the walkways, and the architecture reflects traditional Hawaiian design while incorporating subtle Disney touches. It's different from any other DVC resort because it creates a true tropical retreat rather than a theme park adjacent experience.

A Resort Built for Relaxation

Unlike most DVC properties, Aulani isn't connected to a theme park. This makes it perfect for families who want a peaceful Hawaiian vacation with Disney's service standards. The resort offers studios and one, two, and three-bedroom villas, many with ocean or pool views.

The villa accommodations include full kitchens in the larger units and kitchenettes in the studios, which comes in handy when you want to prepare simple meals or store snacks and drinks. The washer and dryer in each villa is particularly useful for beach vacations where you'll go through more clothes than usual.

Waikolohe Valley: The Heart of the Resort

The pool complex at Aulani, called Waikolohe Valley, is designed around the concept of a Hawaiian valley with streams and waterfalls. The area includes:

• A lazy river that winds through the complex
• Multiple water slides including the Volcanic Vertical
• Keiki Cove, a shallow area perfect for toddlers
• An adults-only pool area called Wailana Pool
• Private cabanas available for rent

The lazy river is particularly popular with guests of all ages. You can float along while taking in views of the ocean and the resort's lush landscaping. The water slides offer enough excitement for kids without being too intense for younger family members.

Dining That Celebrates Hawaiian Flavors

Aulani's restaurants focus on fresh, local ingredients and traditional Hawaiian cooking methods. The dining options include:

• 'AMA'AMA Contemporary Island Cooking: The signature restaurant offering ocean views and dishes that change with the seasons
• Makahiki , The Bounty of the Islands: Features character dining at breakfast and a buffet dinner with Hawaiian specialties
• Mama's Snack Stop: Quick service poolside dining with local favorites
• Papaʻaina: Grab-and-go options in the resort lobby

The character dining at Makahiki is different from what you'll find at other Disney properties. Mickey and his friends wear Hawaiian attire and the experience feels more relaxed than typical character meals.

Beach Access and Spa Services

The resort sits on a protected lagoon that's perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and stand-up paddleboarding. The water stays calm most of the time, making it safe for children. Beach chairs and umbrellas are available, and you can rent snorkel gear and other water equipment.

Laniwai Spa offers treatments inspired by traditional Hawaiian healing practices. The spa features co-ed outdoor vitality pools and private treatment rooms. Reservations are recommended well in advance, especially during busy seasons like summer and the December holidays.

For more details about the resort's amenities and activities, visit the official Disney Aulani website.

Understanding Aulani in the DVC Resale Market

Purchasing an Aulani contract through the resale market can provide significant savings compared to purchasing directly from Disney. Current resale prices for Aulani typically run $30 to $60 per point below Disney's direct pricing, depending on the specific contract details.

When you purchase Aulani points, you can use them at Aulani itself or exchange them to stay at other DVC resorts. However, if Aulani is your primary destination, purchasing there as your home resort gives you an 11-month booking window at the property, compared to the seven-month window you'd have if your home resort were somewhere else.

What Makes Aulani Different on the Resale Market

Aulani contracts often have some of the best resale value retention in the DVC system. The resort's popularity and limited availability of new contracts help maintain demand in the resale market. Additionally, because it's not connected to a theme park, Aulani points tend to be more seasonal in their usage patterns, which can create opportunities for strategic purchases.

The resort's point chart reflects the seasonal demand patterns of Hawaii tourism. Peak seasons like December, summer months, and major holidays require more points per night, while spring and fall offer better point value. This seasonal variation can work in your favor if you have flexibility in your travel dates.

Considerations for Aulani Resale Purchases

Before purchasing an Aulani resale contract, consider how often you realistically plan to visit Hawaii. The resort is spectacular, but it's also isolated from other DVC properties. If you primarily want to visit Walt Disney World or Disneyland, an Aulani home resort might not provide the best booking advantages.

The annual dues at Aulani are typically higher than mainland DVC resorts due to Hawaii's higher operating costs and property taxes. In 2024, the annual dues are approximately $8.76 per point, compared to around $7.50 to $8.20 per point at most Walt Disney World resorts.

Transportation to Hawaii obviously costs more than driving to Walt Disney World, and you'll want to factor those expenses into your vacation budget. However, for families who already vacation in Hawaii regularly, an Aulani membership can provide substantial savings over booking cash stays at comparable resorts.

Making Your Aulani Resale Decision

Aulani works best for families who value relaxation over theme park experiences and who plan to visit Hawaii multiple times during their contract term. The resort provides a genuine Hawaiian vacation experience with Disney's service standards and attention to detail.

Use our DVC price comparison tool to see how Aulani resale contracts compare to other DVC options in terms of total cost and point efficiency. You can also use our point calculator to estimate how many points you'd need for your typical Aulani vacation.

We've helped many families through the process of purchasing Aulani contracts, and the key is matching your vacation preferences with the resort's unique offerings. If you're drawn to Hawaii's natural beauty and prefer a more relaxed pace, Aulani could be an excellent choice for your DVC membership.

For current Aulani resale listings and pricing information, browse our available contracts or contact our team to discuss your specific needs and preferences.