Rainbow Reef at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa

Rebecca Jones5.18.19When you visit Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii, you will be surprised by all there is to do right at the resort. You can learn about Hawaiian culture, attend a luau, swim in a pool or the ocean, float along the lazy river, or simply lay on the beach and soak in the sun. I loved snorkeling in the Rainbow Reef. The Rainbow Reef is a large saltwater pool, right in the middle of all the action at Aulani. You must purchase a pass to gain access. A day pass is only $20 per adult/$15 per child age 9 and younger, while a length-of-stay pass is a better deal at $39/$29, respectively. When you purchase the pass, the cast member will punch a fish shape out of your wristband that day. (Each day you receive a different colored wristband, noting you are a guest at Aulani and thus, have privileges at the pool and water area.)You can then head up to the Rainbow Reef, where you will receive an inflatable vest and snorkel mask and mouthpiece. After rinsing off, you’re then invited to swim with the fishes, as it were. Walking in, you might hear a sharp intake of breath all around you, or maybe you’re doing that yourself, because that water is cold! The tropical fish thrive in the cooler temps, so the water is kept much cooler in the Reef than anywhere else.Once you’ve passed the shelf and are ready to swim, your vest will come in handy by helping you float and stay on top of the water. The cast members ask that you not stand on any of the structures in the water, but you’ll be able to see all the fish swimming around. You can either float in one place and let the fish swim around you, or you can swim around and take in all the sights. The Reef isn’t very large, and they don’t really limit the number of guests in it at any one time, so be sure to watch around you as you snorkel so you don’t accidentally kick anyone or splash them unintentionally.Not interested in being in the water with the fish? Aulani has you covered! You can also see all the fish through two large windows that look under the water from dry land near the pool. They even have charts that show you all the fish in the Reef and their names. My favorite was the Black Durgeon. It was striking in the water, completely black except for a bright white stripe along it’s back.Of all the activities at Aulani, the Rainbow Reef is a definite must-do. The pass is good for all day (or your entire stay), so you can enter the area as many times as you want. It makes it a nice way to pass the time and connect with nature while surrounded by the beauty that is Hawaii.If you are interested in visiting Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii, please contact me at Rebecca@WishesFamilyTravel.com, or (325) 733-8399. I’d love to tell you more!