Aulani is nestled in Ko Olina, Oahu, offering a tranquil and serene atmosphere ideal for unwinding. On the other hand, Hilton Hawaiian Village is centrally located in the vibrant heart of Waikiki, Oahu, providing a traditional Hawaiian experience with a rich local culture.
The list doesn’t end here. Making a decision between Aulani vs Hilton Hawaiian Village needs consideration of more factors. So, let’s find out what the differences are in this article.
Aulani vs. Hilton Hawaiian Village: A Brief Comparison
Both Aulani and Hilton Hawaiian Village are fantastic for a Hawaiian vacation, similar to Moana Surfrider and Royal Hawaiian. So, it can be difficult to choose.
Let’s take a brief look at the comparison of the two places to help you decide which is for you.
| Factor | Aulani | Hilton Hawaiian |
| Location | Ko Olina, Oahu | Waikiki, Oahu |
| Atmosphere | Quieter and relaxing | Traditional Hawaiian experience |
| Activities | Family-friendly activities | Broader range of activities and amenities |
| Entertainment | Water park, lazy river, and a man-made lagoon | Multiple pools, a man-made lagoon, and a beach |
| Dining options | Multiple built-in restaurants outside the resort | More built-in restaurants outside the resort |
| Shopping | Fewer places | More places |
| Affordability | Expensive (Start from $500) | Less expensive |
| Reviews | Google- 4.6
Trip Advisor- 4.5 |
Google-4.3
Trip Advisor-4.0 |
Aulani Vs Hilton Hawaiian Village: A Detailed Comparison
Now, at this point, you will learn all the differentiating factors in a comprehensive manner.
Factor 1: Location
Aulani is situated in Ko Olina, Oahu while Hilton Hawaiian Village is located in the heart of Waikiki, Oahu.
Aulani offers a serene and secluded setting away from the hustle and bustle of crowded areas.
On the other hand, Hilton Hawaiian provides a vibrant and bustling atmosphere with easy access to the city’s activities and attractions.
Source: https://youtu.be/-HLnbqqsBkE?si=xxxMz7gNemp8PsME
Factor 2: Atmosphere
Aulani offers a quieter and more relaxing atmosphere, ideal for unwinding. In contrast, Hilton Hawaiian provides a traditional Hawaiian experience, immersing you in the local culture and ambiance.
So, to enjoy a quieter place you should go to Aulani. On the other hand, if you are more into Hawaiian experience, nothing can beat Hilton Hawaiian Village.
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PjKCqlxTMbw
Factor 3: Activities & Entertainment
Aulani specializes in family-friendly activities while Hilton Hawaiian provides a broader range of activities and amenities for both couples and families with kids.
Aulani is specially tailored to children and Disney enthusiasts, offering a delightful experience for families. Kids can play, socialize, and learn about the heritage, artisanship, and music of Hawaii at Aunty’s Beach House at Aulani.
Aulani’s impressive pool area and family-friendly beach ensure that even the youngest family members can enjoy pool activities and spa treatments. Also, movie nights and enjoyable games are organized by the resort staff to keep children engaged and entertained.
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-HLnbqqsBkE
On the other hand, The Hilton Hawaiian Village is a fantastic family-friendly resort packed with activities for kids, including six pools, waterslides, and a toy-lending room.
Families can enjoy complimentary activities like hula dancing and lei making, and kids have access to the Camp Penguin kids club. Also, kids can enjoy surfing, snorkeling, and swimming.
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_anqCUYGKo
Factor 4: Dining Options
Both Aulani and Hilton Hawaiian Village offer several built-in restaurants.
Aulani offers a diverse selection of built-in restaurant experiences within the resort, catering to various tastes.
Such as ‘AMA’AMA – Contemporary Island Cooking, Makahiki – The Bounty of the Islands, KA WA‘A – a Lū‘au at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, Ulu Cafe, Mama’s Snack Stop, Pāpālua Shave Ice, and Off the Hook.
Additionally, for those who prefer cooking their meals, Aulani provides outdoor gas grills near Hālāwai Lawn for guests to use at their convenience. And the good news is that visitors don’t have to pay money for that.
You can enjoy a variety of culinary experiences at Hilton Hawaiian Village in stunning tropical surroundings. Over 18 restaurants, cafes, and lounges offer a variety of flavors.
Factor 5: Shopping
Both Aulani and Hilton Hawaiian Resorts offer several shopping options.
In Aulani, for souvenirs, gifts, Disney character merchandise, resort logo wear, and even groceries, you can visit Kālepa’s Store and Hale Manu Boutique., Laniwai – A Disney Spa offers a range of spa products, including skincare, bath, and body products to help you indulge in some self-care.
Other than that, outside of the resort, you can go Shopping Around O’ahu and Ko Olina Golf Club for apparel, gifts, sundries, and more.
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5nawaYx6Jfs
On the other hand, Hilton Hawaiian Village Shops offers a variety of shops. The store carries luxury brands, jewelry, artisan items, and traditional aloha attire.
The Shops at Hilton Village, offer a wide array of merchandise and designer products. At Shop Hawaiian Village, guests can shop for convenient in-room amenities to ensure a comfortable stay.
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6kwBqBqaIA
Factor 6: Affordability
Aulani is mostly expensive while Hilton Hawaiian Village is the reasonable one.
Aulani is on the expensive side, with rates starting from $500. However, you can enjoy off-peak rates and savings on stays from August 23 to November 18, and November 25 to December 22. During Winter, receive a 25% discount on certain rooms and receive a resort credit when you book by October 4.
On the other hand, Hilton Hawaiian offers a variety of offer packages. One of the best ones among them is you can get up to a 30% discount when you make an advance booking.
Both resorts have options to pick between single rooms and double rooms so you can decide according to your needs.
Factor 7: Review
According to Google Aulani has a 4.6 rating while Hilton Hawaiian Village has a 4.3 rating. There is also a 4.5 rating for Aulani and a 4.0 rating for Hilton Hawaiian Village.
Aulani rated at 4.3, the property’s location is well-received, likely indicating a convenient or desirable setting. On the other hand, Hilton Hawaiian Village rated at 4.4, the location of this establishment appears to be well-regarded.
Then, With a commendable rating of 4.7, cleanliness appears to be a strong suit of Aulani. On the other hand, Hilton Hawaiian stands strong with a rating of 4.2 in cleanliness.
Moreover, Aulani scored 4.4 in the service at this location is generally positive. In contrast, Hilton Hawaiian Village scores 3.9 in service.
So, Which One Is Better for the Hawaiian Experience?
If you seek relaxation and want to fully immerse in Disney magic, consider Aulani for a few days of your trip. It’s not ideal for frequent sightseeing due to its location, but perfect for unwinding.
Hilton Hawaiian Village, while impressive, is better suited as a base to return to after exploring. It lacks Disney’s magic but offers a prime Waikiki beachfront experience at a more affordable price. Ideal for enjoying Honolulu’s tourist attractions and amenities.
Conclusion
Now, you know the differences between Aulani and Hilton Hawaiian Village.
Both are fantastic if you want to taste the Hawaiian experience. But you should pick one regarding your needs and preferences.
