Aloha Aulani
Helping you make the most of your stay.Cabanas and Casabellas
Cabanas and Casabellas are premium seating areas that you reserve in advance. A cabana is essentially a tent with seating and some added luxuries, a casabella is like a two-seat lounge chair with a rounded hood that will shade your top half. If expense isn’t necessarily a concern for you, and you expect to arrive sometime after early morning, consider renting one of these for your first day. This is not cheap, but if you are looking for “magic,” few things can pop your bubble as fast as a tired family combined with your room not being ready and no available pool chairs. Since the cabanas and casabellas can be reserved in advance for the day, you will all have a guaranteed place to put your things and relax.
General Information:
- To reserve cabanas and casabellas, excluding the casabellas on the beach or by the Wailana or Waikolohe pools, call the Lobby Concierge at 808-674-6200. Reservations can be secured up to 90 days in advance of your check in day starting at midnight, HST. For example, if your stay is 5 days, and you want a cabana for your third day, you can call 90 days from your check in day. This has the side affect of making it hard to get a cabana for your first day as everyone who’s stay starts before yours has priority. If making a reservation will result in you having to be awake at some crazy hour of the night, I recommend calling the day before to see if there’s any availability for your day to save the double aggravation of getting up in the middle of the night only to find there was never a chance anyway. Reservations can be made 24/7, the midnight HST thing is because that’s when it rolls over to the new day when your booking window opens up. A room reservation is required, so have your room reservation confirmation number ready when you call. If you are already on-site, go talk to the Lobby Concierge or the Rainbow Reef kiosk the to find out if there are any openings for your current stay. We’ve seen vacant cabanas on multiple occasions, so it does happen.
- To reserve Beachside Casabellas go to Makiki Joes. They are available for same-day reservations only on a first-come, first-served basis.
- To reserve the casabellas by the Wailana or Waikolohe pools, go to Rainbow Reef. They are available for same-day reservations only on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Payment is due on the date of your reservation.
- Cancellations must be made up to 24 hours in advance.
- You can request a specific cabana or casabella, but it is not guaranteed. Requests are generally honored in the order they are received. You will not find out which cabana in your category you are given until the day of your reservation.
- Half-day rates are not available.
- DVC blue-card members get 10% off cabana rentals. You will need to present your card.
- While Aulani says you get it for the “full day,” usage is restricted to between certain hours. Last I checked it was 9AM to 6PM, but the hours change with the seasons. Note that there are signs with the assigned family’s name on it in front of the cabana much earlier than that and we’ve seen people drop off things in their cabana much earlier than the official start time.
- Poolside/Beachside dining cast members come around regularly but whatever you order is at your expense. There’s also a little call button in cabanas to let a cast member know you’d like to order something.
The folks at Rainbow Reef showed me this map, but they did not have any to give out, so I apologize for the picture with glare. Regardless, this shows the locations and numbers of all the cabanas and casabellas (4 casabellas are missing on the map, this will be covered in the casabella section). Cabanas 1 through 5 (Keiki cove and Menehune Bridge areas) all seat 7 people and are for all ages. Cabanas 6 through 8 (Wailana Pool area) also seat 7, but only allow adults. Cabanas 9 through 12 (Ka Maka Grotto Pool area) all seat 12 people each and accommodate all ages.
Although Aulani says the cabanas seat 7 or 12 depending on the type, you can put more people in them. As we were told from cast members, it will just be less comfortable for you, and you won’t get any more water or snacks than what they usually provide. We were also told that you are not allowed to drag over any of the nearby beach chairs and you are not allowed to bring your own chairs unless it’s necessary to accommodate a disability.
You can request specific locations, but your request is not guaranteed. They generally honor requests as the reservations are received. Cabanas are found in four locations: Keiki Cove, Menehune Bridge, Wailana Pool (adults only), and Ka Maka Grotto Pool. Having access to a cabana does not get you access to the pools, everyone who will be in the cabana still needs to be a resort guest.
Cabanas
There are 3 categories of cabanas.
- The ‘Ohana Cabanas (Keiki Cove and Mehehune Bridge) accommodate up to 7 guests. The cost to rent these changes from $550 to $650 per day starting Sept. 29.
- The Mākua Cabanas (Wailana pool) also accommodate up to 7 guests, but all guests must all be over the age of 18. The cost to rent these changes from $550 to $600 per day starting Sept. 29.
- Ka Maka Cabanas (Ka Maka Grotto/Infinity Edge pool) accommodate up to 12 guest of all ages and cost $750 per day.
Reservations are required (see general information above). The ‘Ohana and Mākua Cabanas include the following:
- 43-inch flat-panel TV
- Ceiling fan
- Refrigerator
- Wi-Fi access (this is available everywhere at the resort, so no biggie)
- Upgraded furniture
- Complimentary bottled water
- Fruit platter
- Chip bowl
- Dessert platter
- Cabana host
The Ka Maka Cabanas include the following:
- 55-inch flat-panel TV
- Ceiling fan
- Refrigerator
- Wi-fi access
- Complimentary bottled water
- Fruit platter
- Naan bread & hummus platter
- Chips and Pretzels
- Dessert platter
- Cabana host
- Exclusive seating area
- Outdoor dining table with umbrella
Keiki Cove
There are 2 cabanas in this location and they are numbered 1 and 2. These are directly in front of the splash pad with an unobstructed view, so this is perfect for those with babies and toddlers.
The first picture shows the Keiki Cove splash pad with the two cabanas just behind it. You can see the splash pad directly in front of the cabana. The lounge chairs in front of the cabana come with the cabana, so they would be yours to use or move as you see fit. Directly behind the cabana is one of the two towel/band kiosks, so it’s very convenient when you want more towels. Out of all the cabanas, these are the most centrally located relative to all the pools. It’s also very close to Ulu Cafe.
The first picture below is a side view of Cabana #2 from a nearby walkway. Cabana #1 is directly on the other side of that closed curtain “wall.” The second photo is a straight on view when standing right in front of the cabanas.
Both of the following images are of the interior of the Keiki Cove cabanas. You can see the band/towel kiosk just behind.
Both of the following photos show the view you can expect from your cabana. In the first photo, the chairs in the foreground belong to the cabanas, so when sitting there, you can see you would be looking directly at the splash pad. The second photo is from behind Cabana #1, you can see directly through it to the splash pad.
Menehune Bridge
There are 3 cabanas in this location numbered 3, 4, and 5. They each seat 7 and they are ideal if you have young children (under 48″ tall) who will likely have a great time in the shallow water and structure. Given the location is pretty noisy and active, I wouldn’t recommend renting here unless you have little ones with you who would take advantage. These cabanas are tucked into a corner so they are somewhat insulated from the chaos, but it also means the vast majority of the play area cannot be seen while sitting here, so it’s hard to keep an eye on your kids from the cabana.
The first photo gives you some idea of the location with the cabanas in the back and Menehune Bridge on the left. The second is a close up of the cabanas. The third photo shows another perspective of the Menehune Bridge area with the cabanas on the right edge of the photo, and the fourth photo shows the view you can expect from the chairs that come with the cabana. Note that a good portion of the pool/play area is obstructed from your view.
Ka Maka Grotto Pool
Located on the far right side of the resort when facing the ocean, these four cabanas seat up to twelve and are numbered 9 through 12. I’m not sure why they say these seat twelve while the others seat seven. As far as I could tell, the couch is the same as are the two pool chairs. The only difference appears to be the table that seats four.
These overlook the Ka Maka Grotto pool and hot tub. While you can see parts of the pool from here, don’t rely on being able to stay in/at your cabana and keep an eye on your kids as there are a fair number of umbrellas, trees, and plants obstructing your view. Note that this location has zero shade and backs up to a wall which obstructs the breeze, so it can get hot inside. The Ulu Cafe, a pool bar, a restroom, and the Wailana (adults-only) pool are all directly behind these.
Wailana (adults-only) Pool
These three cabanas, seating up to seven people each and numbered 6 through 8, are located in the most out-of-the-way and secluded/quiet area. Over the last few years, the pool, seating area, and cabanas were open to all ages but they recently reverted back to being adults only. They back up to the Laniwai Spa, so Disney designed this area for maximum peace and quiet. These are shaded for most of the day by the many trees and the resort itself, so these cabanas tend to be cooler than the others.
They are located behind a number of rows of chairs, umbrellas, and plants, so there’s no view of the pool whatsoever. In the second picture below, the Wailana pool is in the foreground and you can just see the cabanas waaaay in the back behind all the other chairs (look for the curtains). The third photo is a little closer and shows the cabanas behind the main section of chairs separating the cabanas from the pools. The fourth photo illustrates the view you can expect from the cabana area, keep in mind this was taken while standing, so the view of the pool while sitting is non-existent.
Casabellas
A casabella is a two-seater wooden lounge chair with a hood that can be pulled up to offer some shade. There’s also two cupholders in the center between the two seats, although they really are more “designated locations” as they are just inch high circular rings. They won’t prevent a drink from spilling over on to you or your companion if bumped.
The primary advantage to any of these is that they are guaranteed seating that you don’t have to wake up early for (except for the beach ones, more on that in a minute). Another benefit is that you can leave your stuff there without worrying about cast members taking it all because you didn’t return to your seats every hour.
There are 7 types/locations: On the beach, Mālie Deck Veranda (the circled numbers 1 through 6 in the lower right corner of the map), ‘AMA‘AMA Upper Veranda (the circled “U”) , ‘AMA‘AMA Lower Veranda (“L”), and Executive ‘AMA‘AMA Lanai (“E”) . Not yet added to the map, are four new ones, two by the Wailana (adults-only) pool and two by the Waikolohe Pool. The Wailana, Waikolohe, and beach casabellas are rented as single units that seat two and can only be booked the day of, so it’s first come, first served. The Wailana and Waikolohe casabellas can be rented over at Rainbow Reef while the beach casabellas are rented from Makiki Joe’s. All the others can be reserved 90 days out by calling 808-674-6200.
The first photo below shows a casabella located down at the beach. The second photo shows an example of where the casabellas are located. The panorama below those gives more context.
Wailana Casabellas
$50/day (that’s not a typo, yes just $50 compared to $85 or $110 for the others) for a single casabella that seats 2. These cannot be reserved in advance. You can only book them the day of in person at Rainbow Reef. There are 2 of these, for a total of 4 seats, but you can rent just one that seats 2 people. Note, anyone who will be at these casabellas must be over 18 years old as this is in the adults-only area.
If you don’t have children with you, these are the best located casabellas in my opinion. They are in their own little area in front of the Wailana (adults-only) pool. No other chairs are nearby and it’s right next to the bar. The seats are right amongst the palm trees, so there’s lots of shade. You will still get some morning sun once the sun gets over the towers of the Aulani buildings, but it won’t last long. Unfortunately, during that time you will be looking directly into the sun. This is offset by the shade offered during the hottest parts of the day.
Waikolohe Pool Deck Casabellas
$110/day for a single casabella that seats 2. These cannot be reserved in advance. You can only book them the day of in person at Rainbow Reef. There are two of them, seating a total of 4 people, but you can rent just one (to seat 2 people).
These are next to the “Cave” Waikolohe Pool. Waikolohe pool is the primary pool at the resort, so don’t expect peace and quiet here. That said, if you have kids who are likely to want to spend hours in this pool, this is likely an ideal situation.
The first of the two photos below is a closeup of the cabanas and the second is a view of them from across the Waikolohe Pool. You can see they are right in front of the water so you have a great view of about half of the pool where you can keep an eye on your kid(s). They are a little set apart from the rest of the chairs and in an area which has shade for the majority of the day. The sun rises from behind these, so you won’t get sunshine until the afternoon.
Mālie Deck Veranda
$110/day for a single casabella that seats 2. These are directly in front of ‘AMA‘AMA and are more out in the open, not tucked away like the others. The view here is slightly better as it’s not closed off on one side, but it does come at the cost of a little less privacy. Unlike the others, you don’t get the surrounding area to yourself as there are 6 of these all sharing the same deck. The first photo below shows the view looking up at the casabellas from the beach walking path. The second photo is from the side and shows the proximity to the beach path beyond the plants. The chairs in the upper level in the second photo are not casabellas, casabellas are only in the lower half here. The chairs on the upper half are free for any resort guest to use.
‘AMA‘AMA Upper Veranda
$175/day. Includes 2 casabellas, seating up to 4 people. You cannot rent a smaller amount here as this is all there is in this location and it’s rented as a set. Be aware the “lower veranda” casabellas are directly in front of you and only about a foot or two lower, so the view is partly obstructed when you are lying in your casabella. Continue reading the lower veranda section for pictures and more information.
‘AMA‘AMA Lower Veranda
$250/day. Includes 3 casabellas, seating up to 6. Like the upper veranda, you can’t rent just one, it comes as a set. The following photos are of both the upper and lower ‘AMA‘AMA veranda casabellas.
These are all tucked in a corner at the far edge of the resort. One set of upper casabellas and one set of lower are in that area. These are about 3 feet above ground level and are parallel to a walkway lining the beach. The upper veranda is directly behind the lower, elevated up a few feet, and there’s a staircase on one side that has openings to each veranda. There’s a plant border about three feet wide separating you from the walkway, so it’s set back a little but you are still visible, so expect a few curious looks from people passing by as you relax. The plants, while giving you some privacy, also obstruct the view of the ocean a little, but the view is still lovely.
While the awnings aren’t displayed in the first photo, they are attached to the casabellas as illustrated in the second. The first photo also gives you a better idea of the layout of the two verandas. The third photo was taken from the top of the staircase leading to the beach entry/exit and the entry ways to the verandas, so it, combined with the fourth photo show the view you can expect.
Executive ‘AMA‘AMA Lanai
$350/day. Includes 2 casabellas, 2 lounge chaises, 1 table, 2 chairs, 2 umbrellas, a locking cabinet, a fruit platter, towels, and 10 bottles of water. This area is completely separated from everywhere else as it’s surrounded on three sides by rock walls. While lovely and semi-secluded, we’ve heard it gets pretty hot in the afternoon as there’s really no shade and the walls block the breeze. There’s a staircase along one side that allows access to the beach and to the rest of the resort. The stairway is used by other resort guests as well, but it’s not heavily trafficked. Still, you’ll notice anyone passing by as they’ll be eyeing you as they come in to the resort.
The first and fourth photos show you what you can expect to receive in terms of seating area, etc. You get the whole area, it is not shared with anyone else. The second photo is the view from the seating area and the third shows the area from above. In the third photo, you can see someone entering the staircase that leads to the entrance to the lanai from the beach walkway.
