Aloha Aulani

Aulani’s beach is a protected man-made lagoon that is open to the public.  Sheltered from the waves, the water is calm and ideal for children, though it will get really deep as you go further out. There are no lifeguards patrolling the beach, so take appropriate precautions.  Unfortunately, the water is a little murky and while there is some marine life to be seen, the snorkeling in other parts of the island is much better. 

Stop by Makiki Joe’s Beach Rentals, a kiosk by the beach that loans out life vests, sand toys (not currently available), boogie boards, and umbrellas.  This is also where you can get the things you need if you want to play at the nearby giant-sized Connect4 game and ping pong table (not currently available).  Makiki Joe’s will also rent you a stand up paddle board or a ride on a sailing canoe.

Aulani wait staff come around regularly and you can order off the poolside menu here, including alcohol.  There’s a kiosk called Little Opihi’s from which you can get a limited selection of beverages and snacks, including Dole Whip.   

A long, wide path wends its way along the beach for about a mile and a half, making for a lovely walk.  Follow it to see the other 3 lagoons.

If you plan to spend most of your day at the beach instead of the pools and want to splurge a little, you can rent a “Casabella,” a fancy beach chair with a built-in awning.  There are some on the grass along the beach and others up in Aulani property looking over the beach.

When you are done at the beach and want to head back to your room, there are showers and a foot wash station just inside Aulani’s entrance gate at the top of the stairs.  As this is a public beach, there are also showers and foot wash stations along the beach path, as well as public restrooms.  Most public restrooms in Hawai’i are… less than ideal.  Consider yourself fortunate if the stalls have working doors and the heavens have showered down upon you if there is toilet paper.  The Aulani lagoon’s public restrooms are not the norm as they are typically very well maintained.