If you’re traveling to Oahu, Hawaii, and want to add some extra magic to your trip, head to Aulani, a Disney Resort that immerses you in all things Hawaiian while also providing familiar Disney touches.
One of the most exciting things about a trip to Aulani is the opportunity to meet and interact with some of your favorite Disney characters, as well as a few unique ones.
In this post, we’ll explore the different Disney characters at Aulani, including meet-and-greets, parties, character meals, and more.
Character meet-and-greets at Aulani
Although there isn’t a Disney theme park in Hawaii, Aulani features multiple Disney character meet-and-greets and events at the resort so you can still get a bit of that extra special Disney magic.
The best part is that there are several unique characters that you can’t meet at Disney World or Disneyland!
Characters meet throughout the day at various locations around the resort, but mostly at the Halāwāi Lawn and the Koi Pond near the pools.
Many of the classic characters are available throughout the day, including:
- Mickey Mouse
- Minnie Mouse
- Donald Duck
- Daisy Duck
- Goofy
- Pluto
- Chip & Dale
You’ll find that all your favorite classic characters are dressed in their Aloha best, rather than their classic outfits. Think Hawaiian shirts, bright floral prints, surfer attire, kukui nut necklaces, and the like.
Occasionally Aulani will surprise guests with random character greetings or appearances at premium events.
For example, when I last visited Aulani, Max (Goofy’s son) was greeting guests at the Makahiki character breakfast!
In addition to the classic characters, there are several special meet-and-greets to keep an eye out:
- Moana
- Stitch
- Angel
- Duffy
- Shellie Mae
- ‘Olu Mel (unique to Aulani)
While you may be familiar with Moana and Stitch, the rest of the characters are pretty rare or not available at the US theme park locations.
Duffy, for example, used to be at Epcot, but these days it is extremely rare to see him! He last appeared as a last-minute meet-and-greet at Jollywood Nights, but other than that you likely won’t see him.
‘Olu Mel is the most unique character at Aulani, as he was created specifically for Aulani! He’s a green sea turtle, or honu as they call them in Hawaii, and Duffy’s long-distance friend.
If you don’t want to spend too much time meeting characters, I recommend focusing on these special meet-and-greets.
Lastly, if you are Disney Vacation Club (DVC) member, there is sometimes a DVC exclusive meet-and-greet during the day. It’s a nice little perk that comes with membership!
How to find Disney characters at Aulani
The character meet-and-greet schedule varies throughout the week, so it’s best to check the Daily ‘Iwa available in the Aulani app or website.
The daily schedule is displayed at various locations around the resort, as well.
Lastly, if you access the schedule via the website, you can download a PDF of the schedule.
Shake a Shaka Pool Party
In addition to the formal meet-and-greets at the resort, another way to have fun with characters at Aulani is at the Shake-a-Shaka Pool Party.
This fun pool party is free to all resort guests and takes place each afternoon at the Waikolohe Pool.
It includes fun music, dancing, games, and learning about Hawaiian surf culture, like how to do a shaka!
A few characters make an appearance as well. Usually it’s Mickey and Goofy, but other characters can join in or take their place, too!
This party really is a lot of fun and one of my favorite things to do at Aulani.
Disney characters at Aunty’s Beach House
Aunty’s Beach House is Aulani’s on-site kids club for keiki (aka kids) age 4-12. It is free for resort guests and includes a host of free and premium activities.
Occasionally, characters will drop by to greet the kids. It’s not guaranteed and there isn’t a schedule, but the surprise is the fun part in my opinion!
That said, if you’re kiddo has dreams of hanging out with some characters, there are a few premium character experiences available here.
Both experiences can be booked online and can be cancelled or rescheduled up to 24 hours ahead of the reserved time slot.
Kakamora chaos with Moana
At this fun character experience, keiki get 3 hours of Hawaiian fun, hosted by Moana!
Activities include learning traditional Hawaiian games, photo ops, and a delicious snack.
This is a premium event that costs $60-70 and is bookable online. There is only 1 event per day, so reservations are advised!
Surf’s Up – A Surfin, Fishin’ & Dancin’ Party
One of the most popular premium activities at Aunty’s Beach House is the Surfin, Fishin’ & Dancin’ Party.
At this party, activities include decorating a mini surfboard, playing games with characters, dancing, games, and even an opportunity to learn more about Hawaiian marine life!
The party lasts 3 hours and there are usually 2 time slots available per day. Reservations are highly encouraged, but not required.
This party cost around $60-70 and can be booked online. You can pay the day of if preferred, which is great because it makes it easier to reschedule or cancel if you decide to do an excursion instead.
Disney Aulani character breakfast
Another must-do character experience is the Aulani character breakfast.
Hosted at Makahiki on the first floor of the resort, breakfast includes pastries, fruit, an appetizer, and an entree. Adults 21 and over an also enjoy mimosas and “Aloha Marys” (aka Bloody Marys).
The menu features Hawaiian classics like malasadas, loco moco, portuguese sausage, tropical fruit, and kālua pig. Keiki can also get red velvet Mickey waffles and other delicious options.
Characters mingle throughout the resort so you can nibble while you wait. Plus, Aunty and Uncle will provide some fun entertainment like playing the ukulele or telling stories.
This experience used to be a buffet, but in recent years, has switched to a table-service meal.
Characters at the Aulani Luau
If you’re planning to go to a luau, consider the one right on property! Ka Wa’a takes place on the Halāwāi Lawn several times during the week.
In addition to authentic Hawaiian music, dancing, and food, Mickey and Minnie Mouse make an appearance!
You can read more about this fun premium event in my Ka Wa’a review.
Disney characters at special events
If you’re planning a special event at Aulani, such as a wedding or engagement party, you can add on a character meet-and-greet to your package.
How fun and unique would it be to have wedding photos with Stitch, Olu Mel, Moana, or another fun Disney character!?
This fun add-on is available at 30 minute increments, so pricing varies. Inquire with your Aulani event coordinator or by calling (321) 939-4225.
Who are your favorite characters to meet at Aulani?
Whether you’re a fan of the classic Disney characters or those unique to Aulani, you won’t be disappointed with the many character experiences at this gorgeous Hawaiian resort.
You never know who you might meet and what magical memories you might create at Aulani, a Disney resort.
So be sure to check the Daily ‘Iwa or Aulani app for availability and times and reserve any premium character experiences in advance.
See you at Aulani!
About the author
Meg Frost is the creator of The Park Pixie, where she covers Disney World, Disney+, and Disney fandom.
She holds an M.A. in Journalism from Northeastern University and B.S. in Communication & American Studies from University of Miami in Florida.
