Despite being home to amazing sunsets, trade-winds an incredible pool, and that warm Hawaiian hospitality, Disney’s Aulani Resort and Spa in Hawaii is also stacked with tons of incredible food and drink options that you won’t find at any other Disney Resort or even Park.
From shaved ice and spicy tuna poke bowls to malasadas and spicy Korean chicken wings, there are so many delicious options to choose from at Aulani.
And to help you save your valuable stomach space, I went ahead and made a list of my recommended food options that are a must-try!
So with that being said, let’s jump straight to my Aulani food and drink recommendations.
Best Aulani Snacks, Food, and Drinks
Below are some of my favorite foods and drinks, many of which I enjoyed during my last visit to Aulani in March and December 2021.
Just remember to pack your stretchy pants!
(Also, please note that some of the options listed aren’t available at the moment due to covid but will be returning this summer.)
1. Poke Bowl (ulu cafe)
If there’s one thing I dream about constantly, it’s this poke bowl. I don’t know what it is but I can never find a suitable replacement here in Florida.
When at Aulani, I recommend that you try the spicy tuna bowl topped with unami drizzle and fried Maui onions. It’s so dang good.
You can get this from Ulu Cafe but only during lunch.
2. Mickey Ears Shaved Iced
Hawaiian-style shaved iced with your choice of fruity flavors including some exotic Hawaiian/Asian ones. Plus, for $1 more, you can get it with Mickey Ears. But to be honest, unless you eat it quickly, the ears are kind of a pain to eat around. (But it does make an awesome Instagram pic)
I recommend that you get it with vanilla ice cream on the bottom and topped with condensed milk. It’s honestly the best way to enjoy this! Overall, this is by far the best snack at Aulani.
You can get this from Papalua Shave Ice
3. Mickey Musubi
This is literally one of my favorite “snacks” at Aulani. I mean I can easily make this at home, but there’s just something about Mickey ears that makes everything taste a little bit better.
This right here is worth the room rate.
You can find this at Ulu Cafe but only during lunch.
4. Lilikoi-lada
I’m not a big drinker but I do like those super typical beach drinks. But what makes this special is that it’s a Hawaiian twist on a pina colada because it adds lilikoi (passion fruit) syrup.
You’ll find this at every bar as well as the pool hostesses scattered throughout the resort.
5. Malasadas
Now let me be clear, these are in no way on the same level as Leonard’s Bakery, but in terms of a delicious, warm, and sugary breakfast donut option, this is by far the best thing available at Aulani.
Get these for breakfast at Ulu Cafe.
6. Garlic Shrimp Tacos with Volcano Fries (Off the Hook)
Sure you’ll find better shrimp trucks around the island, but when we’re strictly talking about resort food, these tacos actually were a huge surprise.
Plus, the volcano fries helped take this meal to the next level.
Get this from Off the Hook.
7. Hawaii Ranchers Holua Sliders (Olelo room)
You really can’t mess up sliders. The main reason this is on my list is because it’s probably the best burger in Ko’Olina.
Plus I loved that it’s made with a sweet roll bun and Maui Onion marmalade.
Get these from the Olelo Room.
8. Buttermilk Pancakes with Macadamia Nut Vanilla Sauce
Although the view is the main highlight of this restaurant, these buttermilk pancakes are so dang good.
Get these from Ama Ama, which is the best restaurant at Aulani.
9. Teriyaki Chicken
The dinner buffet at Makahiki isn’t incredible, but there are a few highlights. One being this teriyaki chicken. Pair that with some fried rice and it’s a beautiful match.
Get this during dinner at Makahiki.
10. Peking Duck Roll
A five-spiced roast duck wrap filled with rice, hoisin sauce, spring onions, sesame seeds, and crisp skin shards.
Get this from the Olelo Room.
11. Dole Whip
Although you can find this at Magic Kingdom, I feel like you need to get a Dole Whip in Hawaii, just because. Plus, during the holidays, they also offer unique flavors. For example, the one time we went during Halloween, they had pumpkin whip. And before you knock it, pumpkin and pineapple ice cream swirl was actually kinda good.
Get this from Ulu Cafe.
12. Makahiki Buffet
To be honest, I’m not a big character buffet person, but this was one of those few exceptions. Not because of the characters and live ukulele music, but because of the food.
There’s something about loco moco and fried rice for breakfast that just hits different.
Get this from Makahiki Buffet during breakfast.
13. Breakfast Platter
If you haven’t had rice, scrambled eggs, and Portuguese sausage along with a drizzle of Aloha Shoyu, then you’re missing out.
This is a solid breakfast option that I found myself getting 4 out of the 6 mornings we were there. It’s probably one of, if not, my favorite Aulani foods for breakfast.
Get this from Ulu Cafe.
14. Korean-Style Chicken Wings
Fried chicken wings tossed in a spicy Korean barbecue sauce along with some toasted sesame. These are actually a pretty good pupu.
Get them from the Olelo Room.
15. Nigiri Sushi
There’s just something different about getting fresh-caught local fish sushi. I recommend you try at least a couple of pieces of the Maguro Nigiri which is Hawaiian Big Eye Tuna.
Plus look at that Mickey wasabi. Talk about attention to detail.
Get this from Olelo Room.
Hopefully at least one thing I’ve enjoyed at Aulani makes it to your food bucket list.
But if there was anything that I missed, let me know in the comments below, thanks!
Dave Delizzio
Great info!!!! Thx