The resort opened to the public on August 29, 2011, and features 359 hotel rooms and 460 time-share villas spread across 21 acres.

This decision was made in response to senior management's recognition that the annual dues had been set too low to adequately cover maintenance costs.

[15] A review in 2018 mentioned 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.

[17][18] Characters that one could meet at the resort included (as of October 2023) Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Goofy, Max Goof, Pluto, Chip 'n' Dale, Stitch from Lilo & Stitch, Duffy the Disney Bear, Shellie May, 'Olu Mel and Moana from the eponymous 2016 film.

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."