Visiting Hotel June Malibu — A Retreat Worth Unplugging For

Where to stay at Aulani

Aulani has 351 rooms for guests to stay in during their visit to the resort ranging from standard rooms and suites to more spacious villas. I stayed in a standard room during my stay and it was lovely. The bed had one of the most comfortable mattresses I've ever slept on and an exquisite bathroom. I wish there was a bit more counter space for all of my makeup, however, that's a tiny complaint in relation to how amazing the room was. My favorite part of the room aside from the mattress was the bathroom. I loved the overhead rainfall shower as it screamed luxury and was a great way to unwind and cool down after a long day at the beach.

What to do at Aulani

Take a class

For starters, there are many classes you can sign up for that are included in your stay such as ukulele classes, animation classes, hula lessons, etc. These classes vary based on the day, but you can check the Aulani app to see if there are any scheduled during your stay. You'll need to visit the community hall to reserve a time slot prior to the start time since space is limited so make sure you do that early on in the day. I took the animation and ukulele classes and they were fun ways to spend the later evening hours.

The resort also offers fitness classes for hotel guests they can participate in and those vary based on the day. You'll want to check the app to see what's going on during your stay whether that's pilates or sunrise yoga.

Meet the characters

What really makes Aulani stand out from the competition is the Disney magic inside the resort. At Aulani guests can meet characters from popular Disney films including Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Moana, Olu Mel, Angel, Shellie May, Duffy, Max, Stitch, Chip and Dale, Goofy, Pluto, Donald Duck, and Daisy Duck. The characters aren't the same everyday, but you can check the app to see who will be out starting at 9am the day of your stay.

Make sure you line up early because they get crowded and the lines close quickly. You'll also need to make sure you have a wristband so the character attendants can know you are a registered hotel guest.

Visit the Menehune adventure trail

There's so much to see and do at Aulani, but one way to get a lay of the land is by completing the Menehune adventure trail. This interactive activity allows people both young and old to explore the resort while they answer trivia and learn about the property. Be sure to look up as you walk to see the different flowers and murals on the walls. You'll need to pick up a tablet from the community hall in order to participate and it's included in your stay.

See the Mo'Olelo fire pit storytelling

At night you'll want to head over to the firepit located by the beach for a storytelling experience conducted by Uncle. Each night you'll be able to hear traditional Hawaiian stories that have been passed down from generation to generation. You'll want to check the app for accurate times but usually there are showtimes at 5:45pm, 6:30pm, 7:15pm, and 8pm.

Watch live entertainment

You'll find lots of live music and dancing at Aulani during your stay. Enjoy local musicians playing traditional Hawaiian tunes and pop classics or you may catch Uncle or Auntie Cass walking around playing the ukulele with some hula dancers by their side.

During my trip, I saw Uncle and Auntie Cass walking around the resort at various times of the day and they stopped at different locations to entertain the guests in the vicinity. There was also a live-action Moana show during one of the days of my stay which was adorable and brought theme park quality entertainment to the resort.

Go to Aunty's Beach House

Kids ages 4 to 12 can enjoy a variety of activities at Aunty's Beach House during their stay at Aulani. Most of the activities are complimentary, however, there are some paid experiences that you can sign up for if you'd like.

Relax on the beach

You can head on down to the beach to take a dip in the ocean or simply watch the waves crash onto the shore. Hotel guests can check out complimentary beach chairs, umbrellas and boogie boards to use while they are there or bring their own.There's also the chance to rent out snorkel gear and paddleboards if that's something you're interested in exploring during your stay. Be sure to head over to the beach during sunset to catch the most picturesque view.

Participate in a paid activity

While there are a handful of included activities, there are also paid activities you can sign up for. These vary based on the day but some of the most popular include making your own ears, hair braiding, painting, scuba diving lessons, and fish feeding opportunities.

Go to the Laniwai

Although Aulani is a resort, the property is also home to a spa and fitness center. At Laniwai, you'll be able to book an appointment for a spa treatment of your choosing from massages to manicures and hair styling sessions. These come at an additional cost, but treatments come with access to the Kula Wai which has other relaxing amenities including heated pools, rainfall showers, whirlpools, and cold plunges.

Where to eat at Aulani

There is no shortage of food options while visiting Aulani from quick service locations to sit down restaurants, bars, and character dining. I went to almost all of the dining locations during my stay aside from Ama Ama.

On select night's each week guests can participate in a traditional Hawaiian luau, called the Ka Wa'A Luau, on the lawn of the resort. With live music, hula dancing, and singing, guests are transported into the culture right in front of their eyes. I absolutely loved the luau from the food to the show. It was definitely more of a spectacle with incredible storytelling, lots of fire, and even some special Disney friends.

For more casual meals, there are more quick-service dining options such as Ulu Cafe

Off The Hook, The Olelo Room, and Mama's Snack Stop. Ulu Cafe had delicious breakfast flatbreads and noodle bowls – plus you don't want to forget to try the Olu Mel cupcake. For dessert, be sure to stop by Papalua Shave Ice and Little Opihi to grab the viral rainbow shaved ice and classic Dole Whip.

If you're interested in meeting characters as you eat, Makahiki has a character dining meal every morning. The three-course meal allows guests to enjoy traditional Hawaiian dishes while they meet some special characters.

How much does Aulani cost?

In terms of price, Disney's Aulani Resort & Spa is pricey. Frankly, it's more expensive than a standard room at some deluxe hotels at Walt Disney World. The standard room rate starts at $999 per night. While you don't need to spend a week at the resort, even three or four nights will run you between $3,000-$4,000. Although you do get access to the pool area and the character meet and greets, that price doesn't include food and drinks or booked excursions — all of that is separate.

How many nights is enough at Aulani?

I can only speak from experience but I'd say four days is the perfect amount of time to stay at Aulani. During that time period, you'll be able to relax, enjoy the amenities and see different characters without having to rush. If you plan on staying longer in Hawaii, there are other hotels you can stay at and sights to see which you can find more about below.

Are there rides at Disney Aulani?

No, there are no rides at Aulani since it's only a resort and not a theme park. While there are character sightings at the resort, there are no rides or attractions for hotel guests to experience during their stay.

Can non guests go to Aulani?

Yes, non-guests can go to Aulani, however, they won't be able to participate in the character meet and greets, included activities, or swim in the lazy river or pools. A majority of non-resort guests visit the property to eat at some of the resort's top-tier dining options.

Other hotels on Oahu

While I loved my time at Aulani, I decided to venture to other parts of Oahu and checked out some other gorgeous properties.

The Royal Hawaiian

As a pink enthusiast, The Royal Hawaiian is a historic hotel that's all pink. From pink buildings to pink pancakes at breakfast, you'll be immersed in a chic and sophisticated pink palace. Located only steps away from the Royal Hawaiian Center, it's the perfect spot if you're looking to get a feel for Waikiki. My favorite part of my stay at the hotel was the hospitality — all of the staff were so friendly from the front desk workers to the valet employees.

In terms of food, I mentioned above that Aulani had a luau but there's also one at The Royal Hawaiian that's worth checking out. Aha'aina takes place steps away from the beach and you can listen to traditional Hawaiian stories while being entertained by hula dancers, singers, and fire knife dancers.

Outrigger Reef - Waikiki Beach

I also spent a few days at Outrigger Reef - Waikiki Beach which was right on the beach. When I tell you that my room was directly on top of the water I mean it — I was essentially sleeping on top of the waves. The rooms were chic, clean, and modern, but where the property really stood out was the location. It's right next to the shopping district and steps away from the beach. I took advantage of the on-site dining locations such as Monkeypod Kitchen which was absolutely delicious. Not only did it have a breathtaking view of the beach, but the flatbread was unlike anything I've ever had. Plus, I had a reservation at Merriman's Honolulu which was a 10 minute drive from the hotel and I was blown away. The property was so close to everything I wanted to check out during my stay while still providing a feeling of luxury.

What type of bottled water is healthiest?

Mineral water is considered the healthiest bottled drinking water since it contains additional minerals and vitamins.

What is the top-rated bottled water?

According to our ranking of the best and worst bottled waters, Roundy's bottled drinking water is #1.

Is bottled water safe to drink?

In terms of your health, all plastic bottled waters are the worst – they can contain hundreds of thousands of microplastics that harm the body. The safest bottled water you can drink is likely some filtered drinking water that you put into a reusable water bottle.

What are the top 5 worst bottled waters?

Propel, Dasani, Ice Mountain, Aquafina, and Naleczowianka are the top 5 worst bottled drinking waters, according to their taste.

What is the top 5 best drinking water?

According to expert water sommelier rankings, the top 5 best drinking waters are: Evian, Smeraldina, SmartWater, Fiji, and Roundy's.

Meet Sommelier Brenda Chang!

Belinda Chang hails from Chicago, and was formerly the head of the wine and spirits program at upscale steakhouse Maple & Ash, so she knows her drinks. While she usually puts her skills towards perfect pairings of wine and sumptuous meals, Belinda welcomed Thrillist into her domain to put water to the ultimate test.

Belinda compared ten different bottled water brands by evaluating their flavor, aroma, texture and finish of each, giving them a score out of a possible 100 points. Her bottled water ratings shed light on which brands you should drink!

“A good bottled water shouldn’t have any off-putting aromas or flavors – that would be an automatic negative,” Belinda explained. “In wine, we always talk about terroir, and I think for water, it’s the same. You want it to speak of the place where it comes from. And, of course, you want it to be delicious.”

The Best Bottled Drinking Water, Ranked

10. Propel: 69/100

When it came to tasting Propel bottled water, Belinda was immediately put off by the odor, saying it smells "salty, metallic.” Ew. When it came to taste, it might not have been as bad, but it certainly wasn’t an A+.

“When it gets onto your tongue, the impact is bizarre. The texture and flavor is a lot like Gatorade, but not masked with orange or blue raspberry.”

9. Dasani: 70/100

Dasani was another bottled drinking water that was... somewhat stinky. “See, this one does not smell good — it smells like a wine that’s been dosed with sulphates.” What’s with all the smelly water?

Belinda deemed that when it comes to Dasani, “The thirst-quenching quotient is really low on this guy.”

8. Ice Mountain: 81/100

Ice Mountain bottled drinking water got it right if you’re looking for nothing but water – tasteless water.

“It’s completely neutral in almost every way, which I think is a total positive.” In this case, definitely. Though Belinda did note a slight “mineral-y” aftertaste, a “pipe-like flavor.” No thanks.

7. Aquafina: 84/100

Instead of tasting pipe-like, Belinda felt Aquafina tasted “a little powdery, with some dissolved minerals and a little bit of salt.” Still, she felt that this was a decent thirst-quencher.

“For an inexpensive water that you’re just drinking because you’re in the airport and you want to hydrate before you go on a flight, I think this is a good option.”

6. Naleczowianka: 89/100

Naleczowianka bottled drinking water was another water with a “distinctive” smell — this time, a stony hint. Kinda strangely, it made Belinda think of “a salt character — I want it with a pierogi.” That’s… specific.

Overall, this one failed where it seems to matter the most, with the skilled sommelier noting, “It’s not that thirst-quenching. It dries out the palate.”

5. Evian: 90/100

Evian bottled drinking water is better when it comes to the smell, Belinda claiming it’s “really clean on the nose.” But interestingly, she also noted, “I do taste the Alps — I don’t smell them, but I taste them. And I can definitely imagine myself après-ski with a bottle of Evian.” That’s a plus for Evian!

4. Smeraldina: 92/100

Smeraldina bottled drinking water scored slightly higher than Evian despite the fact that “after you have a sip of it, it feels like there’s this fine silt lying on your tongue.”

Besides that, however, “this would transport you back to the south of Italy.” Whoa. First the Alps, now Italy. We’re globetrotting with every sip.

3. Smartwater: 93/100

Smartwater is actually something that Belinda is familiar with herself, but admitted, “I’ve always chugged this the next morning when I’m hungover.” However, when she took some time to consider it, she claims, “it’s probably 1000% the marketing, but it does taste different,” i.e. a really interesting texture in the mid-palate, which Belinda assumes is the added electrolytes.

2. Fiji: 98/100

Fiji took the runner-up spot of the best bottled water to drink, partly due to the fact that it’s “totally neutral on the nose, which [Belinda thinks] is important,” but it was also the fact that it’s a heavy water that got Belinda’s stamp of approval.

“[If] you want to drink a glass of water after a spectacular dish or, like, a great bite of a burger, you want something that cleanses, and this is it. I really love this water.”

1. Roundy's Purified Drinking Water: 99/100

And the bottled water winner is… Roundy’s!

First, the smell won Belinda over. “This is going to sound so weird, but it’s a little sweet-smelling — which I like!” But, of course, that wasn’t all. Taste is the major factor here, and the sommelier thought this option was delicious. “It has no pretension, it’s incredibly thirst-quenching."

"It doesn’t taste like anything, which is perfect. When you’re drinking water you just want to be drinking water, and this is the most watery of all the waters. This is the Moet Imperial of bottled water — it’s simple, it’s classic and it does exactly what it’s supposed to do. It delivers and that’s my professional opinion.”

Michelle Randolph teases '1923' season 2 finally gives us answers to the Dutton family tree.

By the end of season 2, Michelle Randolph says "we might be able to fill in some blanks" in the Dutton family tree, which is a very hot topic for internet users! "I had to make my own [family tree] because all of the ones I saw on the internet were like — every single one was different. I was like 'I'm confused.'"

The Dutton family is made up of incredible cast members like Brandon Sklenar, Harrison Ford, and Helen Mirren, and Michelle reveals that the cast are just as close as their characters.

"There's a giant group chat called Giddy Up, which started during cowboy camp of season one," she says. "A cute little name, and I think I mean we all were on location in Montana and all in the same hotel, and we would get dinners after [filming], so I think even though our characters are very different and in different story lines like we all really did bond, which was really helpful to have each other throughout the chaos of of shooting a show."

The actress also says Elizabeth would connect with her 'Landman' character Ainsley.

And if you're a tried and true Taylor Sheridan fan, you've probably picked up on the fact that Michelle isn't just in 1923 — she also has a starring role as Ainsley Norris in Landman! But would Elizabeth and Ainsley get along if they met in an alternate universe?

"That would be a fun thing to witness. I think they would," she says. "They're very different, but the similarities between them is they're both young women who are finding their place in this world and I think that they both actually look at the world through very bright eyes and have a lot of hope, which is an interesting correlation between the two of them. I think Elizabeth has gone through so much more than Ainsley obviously, so there might be a difference there, but I think they would get along."