Aulani

A view from the hotel

Announced in October 2007,[7] Disney unveiled the resort's name in January 2010. The project was estimated to cost $800 million and eventually generate about 1,000 jobs at the resort. The project was managed by Disney Vice-President Djuan Rivers[8] and designed by Joe Rohde of Walt Disney Imagineering.[1]

The resort began timeshare sales on July 15, 2010, and began taking room reservations in August 2010.[9][10] On August 12, 2011, Disney suspended Aulani timeshare sales indefinitely and fired three executives, including Disney Vacation Club president Jim Lewis, after senior management realized the annual dues had been set too low to cover maintenance costs.[11]

Timeshare sales were subsequently re-started although an October 2018 review was unable to exactly determine the total number of sales since 2010 due to gaps in published information.[12]

In March 2019, the resort was named "Best Hotels/Accommodations – Luxury Accommodations" in the 2019 aio Media Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Awards.[13]

Walt Disney Imagineering collaborated with Wimberly Allison Tong & Goo and Architects Hawaii Ltd. and cultural experts to design and construct what will celebrate the customs and tradition of Hawaii.[14] The company also created an advisory council of Hawaiian elders to ensure great authenticity to Hawaiian culture.[15]

A review in 2018 stated that "the modus operandi at Aulani is 'Big H, Little D', as in: big emphasis on Hawaiian traditions and history, with just a little bit of Disney fairy dust sprinkled over the experience".[16] Other reviews specified the Disney influence as including poolside visits by characters, Mickey-shaped foods, and character breakfasts and dinners.[17][18] Disney characters that one could meet at the resort in 2018 included Lilo, Stitch, Nani, David, Moana, Donald Duck, Pluto, Mickey and Minnie Mouse.[19]

When staff are hired, Hawaiian language skills are preferred for all jobs as part of the resort's plan to expose guest to the language of the land.[20]

In July 2019, Forbes magazine review emphasized the company's extensive use of Hawaiian culture, including art and architecture and the program that exposes youngsters to the "culture, art and music of Hawaii through interactive play".[21] The reviewer made this comment:

"There is both a dramatic and sublime sense of place here, as everything—from architecture to art, activities to aliments—at Aulani connects to a deeper meaning and embraces the people, places, past and present, art, music, dance and foods of Hawaii ... Aulani is not a theme park; it is a ... hideaway with just enough Disney-orchestrated animation and activity to add rhythm and variety to your vacation days.

• Official website