Where to Eat Near Aulani: Oceanfront Dinners, Mai Tai Happy Hours & Local Joints
Most of my life I’ve pretty much been known for loving two things 1) Disney and 2) Hawaii.
So when Disney built its Aulani Resort and Spa in Hawaii, it’s like they were building it just for ME. And it’s since become my home away from home. I mean really…Disney AND Hawaii. What could be better???
I’ve written quite a few posts about Aulani (read through my archives here), but this particular post is all about…FOOD. The food situation at Aulani and options in the surrounding area.
“Disney” and “food” go hand in hand nowadays so if you’re the type who plans your park visits around a must try list of snacks, I KNOW you want to know about the food situation at Aulani.
Best Restaurants Near Aulani
This post may contain some affiliate links, which means I’ll make a little money on anything you choose to purchase. But of course, I only recommend my absolute favorites to you. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Mousin’ Around possible.
Stick around to find out the scoop on what’s worth it at Aulani (and what I would probably skip) plus my favorite spots within walking distance (or a short drive) of the resort.
The Food Situation at Aulani
Let’s start with the food situation at Aulani.
I’ll be honest…I vacillate on what I think about the food situation at Aulani. Some of it’s great, some not so great, but here’s basically what you need to know:
There’s a huge buffet restaurant (Makahiki) similar to what you’d expect from Disney (i.e. Chef Mickey’s, Boma, etc).. For breakfast it includes characters and for dinner SOME nights it includes characters but not all.
There’s the “signature” restaurant (think California Grill, Napa Rose, etc.) AMA AMA that sits right on the water and serves dinner.
There’s a quick service spot called Ulu Cafe which has grab and go snacks, poke bowls, acai bowls, flatbreads, and daily specials.
There’s a food stand at the pool that serves mostly baskets of fried foods (Mama’s) and a shave ice shack.
There’s a snack stand down by the beach, a coffee kiosk, an evening lounge, and a pool bar (Off Da Hook) which also does pool chair service.
Besides these options there are three other large resorts within walking distance that all have restaurants plus a shopping center across the street that has a handful of restaurants plus a small market.
That’s the basic lay of the land…now here’s what I think about all of it:
Makahiki (Character Dining)
I’ve done it three times now and every time I say I’m not going to do it again haha. But that’s mostly just because character dining kind of stresses me out, and it’s not cheap.
I will say though that compared to other breakfast buffets at resorts in Hawaii, Makahiki is about the same price PLUS you get to meet characters. And I’ve always found the food to be really good (in terms of selection and quality).
But after COVID the buffet has yet to return. So in its current form, breakfast is $50/adult (a bit more than the buffet used to be) and includes a drink, malasadas for the table, and a plated entree. That’s…a little steep. You’re really paying a premium for the characters.
If you have kids, it’s probably worth a one time splurge during your trip (assuming they enjoy character dining), but it’s definitely not something you’ll want to do on a daily basis.
A quick rundown on how it works: You check in at the podium and then get in line to meet Mickey out on the lanai. Once you’re seated, three more characters will make the rounds to your table (usually Minnie, Pluto & Goofy) plus “Auntie” provides entertainment with a ukulele, acknowledging birthdays and anniversaries, and organizing little games and shenanigans for the kids.
Check out the breakfast menu.
Makahiki also does a plated three course dinner (check the menu here) that’s $75/person. Again, I don’t find it an appealing option at all given that it used to be an all you can eat seafood buffet for quite a bit less.
‘AMA AMA
When ‘AMA AMA used to serve a la carte breakfast and lunch (before the pandemic), it was a hidden GEM.
I never used to be a huge fan of the dinner menu (I didn’t think it was good as other comparable places within walking distance, especially for the money), but it’s all changed since it reopened.
They invested quite a bit into remodeling the restaurant and the setting is lovely.
And they’ve changed the concept too. It’s now $125/person and you select four courses from this menu.
I haven’t been able to check it out yet, but I actually like the concept (one of my favorite spots on Maui – the Restaurant at the Hotel Wailea is set up like this), and if you want a nice, sunset/oceanfront dining experience this is definitely the spot. And honestly, comparing it to dinner at Makahiki ($75/person vs $125/person) it’s definitely a better value.
But I’m still hoping they start serving breakfast and lunch again soon.
Ulu Cafe
If you’re a frequent Disney traveler, you know the Disney quick service food scene. Ulu Cafe is on par with what you’d expect at a deluxe resort like the Grand Floridian or Polynesian and a little better than theme park food.
It’s fairly small and there’s not an enormous selection (some of it does vary day to day) but what they have is pretty good. There are usually a few different kinds of flatbreads and a daily special or two.
The poke bowls and acai bowls are both pretty decent here and there’s Dole Whip. And then there’s a grab and go section with treats (so many of them Mickey shaped).
The Mickey Musubi is a must try.
There is covered seating at the cafe, but it’s also easy enough to grab your food and take it back to your pool chairs. Ulu Cafe is also where you can get your refillable mugs filled (they’re about $20 and you’ll get unlimited refills on soda, coffee, tea, water, etc. for the length of your stay).
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Off Da Hook
I really like the pool bar. It’s a nice step up from Ulu Cafe without having to leave the pool.
The food is good, drinks are good, but the main thing you need to know about are about the giant pineapple drinks. This is where you get them. They’re not cheap. But they’re fun! When I got mine, I think it was about $27 including tax and tip. You pick the drink you want and then I believe the pineapple was about $10 extra.
Olele Lounge
If there is one food and beverage related experience you definitely shouldn’t miss, it’s after dinner drinks at Olele Lounge. The inside is cool and tells the story of the Hawaiian language (there’s often a linguist on hand), but outside there’s live music every night and I’m not going to lie…it’s often the best music I’ve heard ANYWHERE in Hawaii.
I say “often” because they rotate different acts and they’re all great, but one night it was a duo playing traditional Hawaiian music and it was unbelievably good. The music usually starts around 6:30 and goes until 10 or 11. It’ll be printed in the Daily ‘Iwa.
Food and Snack Stands
There are a handful of food stands around the property. Mama’s is your best bet if you want to walk up and get something while at the pool. Burgers, chicken tenders, fried shrimp etc. can all be found there.
The shave ice stand is right next door. I’ll be the first to admit that I am not a major shave ice fan. That being said…I don’t think the shave ice at Aulani is the best I’ve ever had, but it is the cutest! You can add little Mickey ears for $1.
There’s a small snack stand close to the beach that’s not particularly notable but they do have Dole Whips and usually soft pretzels.
There’s also a coffee kiosk near Ulu Cafe which is where you’ll find your more high end caffeinated beverages.
Best Restaurants Near Aulani (Not at the Resort)
In a nutshell, I think Aulani has really good quick options for when you’re hanging around the pool and beach, and their sit down restaurants are honestly what you’d expect from Disney (pretty expensive and generally not as good as what you’ll find other places for the money but decent).
If you’re only staying at the resort for a couple of days, you may be fine with the on property options, but if you’re staying at Aulani for longer, you’re DEFINITELY going to want to venture “off property.”
And whether you’re looking for a fancy pants oceanfront dinner, the best mai tais at happy hour, or a breakfast dive, Ko Olina has you covered.
Most restaurants in the Ko Olina area are either located in resorts or the Ko Olina Center (a small shopping center across the street from Aulani).
Here are some of my favorites:
Monkeypod
I used to live on Maui and we went to the Monkeypod for happy hour sooooo often so when they built the one in Ko Olina I was THRILLED. Here’s the deal…it’s just always good. Food, service, atmosphere…check, check, check.
It has some haters (I think mostly because so many people rave about it that there’s bound to be some naysayers), but every night it’s where I gravitate towards.
Monkeypod is a concept by Hawaii famous chef Peter Merriman who pioneered the farm to table movement in Hawaii. He has some pretty highend restaurants, but the Monkeypod is considered the “bar food” version of his other places. It has the BEST food and I would consider it an “upscale casual” restaurant.
Their mai tais are legendary and the atmosphere is always a party. But like the kind of party it’s ok to bring your kids to. The only downside is that it’s usually pretty crowded. So make a reservation or show up early for happy hour (there’s a late happy hour too) when drinks are $12 and appetizers are half price.
Roy’s
Chef Roy Yamaguchi is famous in Hawaii and he’s brought his signature restaurant chain out to Ko Olina. It’s got a nice location on the golf course. You can expect your typical steak and seafood fare here.
La Hiki
This spot at the Four Seasons does a breakfast buffet every morning followed by American style lunch and dinner, but the real draw here is the weekend brunch buffet. It’s not cheap, but the all you can eat buffet hosted on Saturdays and Sundays may be the most lavish experience of your trip to Hawaii. If you’re staying in the area (and hey, many people drive all the way over from town for it), you’ve definitely got to make a reservation.
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Eggs ‘n Things
This famous Waikiki breakfast joint now has a location on the west side in the Ko Olina Center. It’s a great, low-key spot for breakfast.
Longhi’s
Located at the Marriott, Longhi’s has operated a couple of locations on Maui before coming to Oahu. They do a good breakfast/brunch and somewhat high end dinner. It’s not located right on the water, but most of the restaurant does face the ocean.
Mina’s Fish House
This upscale line-to-table seafood restaurant at the Four Seasons is probably the poshest place in Ko Olina. It’s a multi tiered indoor/outdoor restaurant with plenty of couches for lounging and taking in the sunset.
Noe
Located at the Four Seasons, this is probably your best bet for upscale Italian food in Ko Olina.
Island Country Market
AKA an ABC Store, which is a local convenience/souvenir shop chain in Hawaii. This one is really big though and has a decent selection of groceries and prepared foods. If you’re staying somewhere with a kitchen (or at least a fridge), you may want to stock up here. It’s located in the Ko Olina Center.
Island Vintage Coffee
In addition to your morning java, you can grab acai bowls and sandwiches here. It’s located in the Ko Olina Center.
Longboard’s Bar & Grill
Located at the Marriott, this is the place to go for a casual beachfront meal.
Ko Olina Hawaiian Bar-B-Que
Nothing much to write home about, but if you’re looking for something quick (for dine in or carry out), you’ll find some local style favorites here. Located in the Ko Olina Center.
Just Tacos Mexican Grill & Cantina
If you’ve got a craving for Mexican food, they can fill it here. They also have over 300 types of tequila. Located in the Ko Olina Center.
Want to read more posts about Aulani? I’ve got plenty!
Everything You Need to Know about Aulani (Start Here)
How Many Days to Spend at Aulani?
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