Since the opening of Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in August 2011, Guests have enjoyed outstanding amenities and accommodations at this oceanfront Resort. And today, we continue to look for ways to enhance your vacation experience.

With this in mind, Resort improvements are underway—they began September 10, 2012 and are expected to be complete by the end of September 2013. You may notice some of our work in progress as areas of the Resort undergo these enhancements and expansions. Rest assured, you can still anticipate a fun-filled vacation at Aulani during this period.

Below, explore additional details about the Aulani expansion:

Waikolohe Valley Pool Area
Waikolohe Valley will soon delight Guests with more pool experiences and dining options, including:

• A themed family pool featuring an infinity edge, a misty grotto with beautiful sunset views and an after-dark experience with glittering lights
• A kids' splash zone that's designed to resemble a tidal pool, with images of tidal pool creatures on the pool floor, rainbow water jets and hidden menehune&151;the legendary "little people" of the islands
• Additional deck space, chairs, chaises and cabanas surrounding the new water features
• A poolside dining venue serving breakfast, lunch and dinner—and featuring an outdoor patio with beautiful ocean view

During the pool area expansion, much of Waikolohe Valley will remain open—including Waikolohe Pool, the lazy river, slides, whirlpool spas and Rainbow Reef.

Please note that Makai Preserve is no longer available, and enhancements to Wailana Pool (the quiet pool) and Wailana Bar are expected to be complete by the end of September 2013.

Dining Additions
Aulani will offer 2 new food service locations:

• A poolside venue serving breakfast, lunch and dinner—and featuring an outdoor patio with beautiful ocean view
• The newly opened Little 'Opihi's, a beachside, quick-service eatery with convenient grab-and-go selections

Beach Views and Beachfront Food & Beverage
With work starting in early December 2012, the terrace below 'AMA'AMA - Contemporary Island Cooking will be enhanced with additional deck space, spectacular ocean views and stairs leading down to the beach. While this work is underway, you will see and hear construction-related work around ?'MA'AMA during breakfast and lunch hours. Views from the restaurant may be partially affected.

Plus, beachgoers can enjoy the newly opened Little ?Opihi's, a beachside, quick-service eatery offering grab-and-go selections.

Merchandise Locations
In early 2013, work will begin on a second retail store located just off the Maka'ala (lobby), where you can shop for Hawaiiana products, Aulani watches, handbags, sunglasses and more!

Expansion-related Sights and Sounds
If you visit during the expansion, you may hear and/or see work taking place between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on weekdays and some weekends. This may include construction equipment, vehicles, and workers in the various affected areas of the Resort. Please know that we are making every effort to ensure your comfort and enjoyment while Aulani undergoes expansion.

Mahalo (thank you). Your patience is greatly appreciated during this enhancement period.

For more information, please view our frequently asked questions.

What is the timeframe for the enhancements planned in fall 2012 at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa?
Enhancements in Guest-facing areas are scheduled from September 2012 through the middle of 2013.
Note: Some decorative beam work may be visible in non-Guest areas prior to this time period.

What enhancements are planned in Waikolohe Valley?
Waikolohe Valley will be expanded and will offer more pool experiences and dining options, including:

• A themed family pool featuring an infinity edge, a misty grotto with beautiful sunset views and an after-dark experience with glittering lights.
• A kids' splash zone that's designed to resemble a tidal pool, with images of tidal pool creatures on the pool floor, rainbow water jets and hidden menehune-the legendary "little people" of the islands.
• Additional deck space, chairs, chaises and cabanas surrounding the new water features.
• A poolside dining venue serving breakfast, lunch and dinner—and featuring an outdoor patio with beautiful ocean view.

During the pool area expansion, much of Waikolohe Valley will remain open—including Waikolohe Pool, the lazy river, slides, whirlpool spas, Rainbow Reef and Menehune Bridge. However, Makai Preserve will close permanently this fall, and Wailana Pool (the quiet pool) and Wailana Bar will close for an extended period.

What enhancements are planned for the event lawn that typically hosts special events, weddings, ‘Ohana Disney Movie Nights and Starlit Hui?
To accommodate more Guests, there will be a new, larger lawn location for events, weddings, 'Ohana Disney Movie Nights and the nighttime Starlit Hui hula show—a popular Guest experience.

What enhancements are planned at Makahiki - The Bounty of the Islands?
Due to the popularity of Makahiki, an overhead trellis with retractable awnings will be added to the outdoor dining area to provide daily shade and to accommodate additional Guests in inclement weather.

Will Makahiki be closed during this enhancement period?
No. While enhancements take place, Makahiki operations will continue with interior seating only. As a result, the Disney Character Breakfast—Aunty's Breakfast Celebration at the Makahiki—will be extended to 6 days a week! This experience will be available Tuesday through Sunday, and Resort Guests will enjoy priority for advance reservations.

What is the decorative beam work?
Finishing touches are being put on the Resort, and work on the decorative beam joints on the exterior of the buildings will soon be completed. While this work is in progress, you may notice some scaffolding and covered walkways at Aulani.

Will the work be noisy?
You may hear and/or see the work taking place during your visit. We appreciate your patience and understanding. Please know that we are making every effort to ensure your comfort and enjoyment while Aulani undergoes expansion.