This guide to Aulani Resort Restaurants compares 10 dining locations, from a reservation-worthy oceanfront dinner and character breakfast to poolside meals, quick snacks, and shave ice. This guide compares what each place is best for and the current reservation guidance, so you can choose where to plan ahead and where to keep things flexible.
Checked October 30, 2026. Menus, operating hours, character appearances, and availability can change. Confirm details in the official Aulani dining directory and the Aulani app before your visit.
Aulani restaurants at a glance
| Restaurant | Best fit | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| ‘AMA‘AMA – Contemporary Island Cooking | Oceanfront, special-occasion dinner | A more formal open-air setting with contemporary island cooking. Check the current menu and reservation availability before choosing a date. |
| Makahiki – The Bounty of the Islands | Breakfast and character dining | A family-friendly restaurant serving breakfast and dinner. Character appearances are offered at breakfast and may vary. |
| KA WA‘A Lū‘au | A Hawaiian dinner show | A cultural and culinary experience with a set event format. Reserve through Aulani’s official website and review current show details. |
| Ulu Cafe | Poolside meals and grab-and-go | A convenient option for casual meals, snacks, and take-away near the pools. Offerings vary. |
| Off the Hook | Casual poolside dining | A relaxed lounge for food and drinks by the pool. Check the current menu and service times. |
| Wailana Pool Bar | Poolside drinks and light meals | A poolside bar with beverages and light fare; a fit for a low-key break between activities. |
| The ‘Ōlelo Room | Evening lounge | A lounge with Hawaiian-language design details and drinks. See the official listing for current service information. |
| Mama’s Snack Stop | Quick poolside snack | A walk-up snack stop when you want something simple without planning a full meal. |
| Pāpālua Shave Ice | Shave ice and treats | A quick treat stop. Flavors and availability can change. |
| Little ‘Opihi’s Beachside Kiosk | Beachside snacks and drinks | A convenient stop for snacks, beverages, and treats near the beach. |
Which Aulani dining experiences should you reserve?
For ‘AMA‘AMA and Makahiki, Aulani currently says reservations can be made 45 days in advance through the Aulani app. KA WA‘A Lū‘au can be booked up to 180 days ahead through Aulani’s website. These windows apply to those experiences; do not assume every venue accepts reservations or follows the same schedule.
If a character breakfast or a particular dinner is important to your trip, check availability as soon as your booking window opens. For casual poolside dining and snack stops, check the app or resort listings during your stay because hours and offerings can vary.
Dietary requests, payment, and practical planning
- For food allergies or dietary requirements, contact Aulani before your visit and speak with the restaurant team when you arrive. Aulani says select restaurants can accommodate special requests; arrangements are not guaranteed at every location.
- Aulani dining locations are cashless. The resort lists room charging, major credit and debit cards, Disney Gift Cards, Disney Rewards cards, and mobile wallets among accepted payment methods. Confirm current accepted methods with the resort.
- Review the current menu directly before budgeting. Menu items and prices can change, and this guide does not promise a fixed meal cost.
- Check the Aulani app and official venue pages for current hours, menus, booking details, and changes to offerings.
A simple dining plan for your stay
Choose one meal that matters most to your group—such as Makahiki breakfast, ‘AMA‘AMA dinner, or KA WA‘A—and check its booking window first. Keep other meals flexible around pool time, beach time, and your itinerary. This avoids building a day around an outdated schedule or a menu that has changed.
For current venue details, start with the official Aulani dining page, Know Before You Go, and Guest Services. For more trip-planning context, see our Aulani resort guide.
This article is an independent planning guide and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Aulani or Disney. Always confirm reservations, menus, and policies with the resort.