Disney's Aulani Resort: Shopping at Kalepa's Store

(photos credit: TheHopefulTraveler)

This is one in a series of posts about Disney's Aulani Resort & Spa.

You've got to hand to it to the Walt Disney Co. for being understated in their retail efforts at the newly opened Aulani resort in Hawaii. Kalepa's Store serves both as a convenience store and souvenir shop. Particularly attractive to Disney fans is all of the new merchandise with the Aulani name. I was actually surprised that for a resort that includes time-shares with kitchens that the grocery items are very limited. Disney Vacation Club members can submit an order form to have grocery items delivered to their room.

OTHER SHOPPING OPTIONS
Across the street from the driveway that leads to the Aulani entrance and a few minutes walk from the resort is a small strip mall with restaurants and shops (but as of this writing many of the spaces are still vacant). Located here is Island Country Markets which includes all the sundry basics any resort guest may need for a vacation but it also features a grocery section and deli counter. Looking for last-minute resort gifts or for a great bottle of wine, they have it here too. The market is operated by ABC Stores, the ubiquitous convenience store of Waikiki.

About two miles from Ko Olina (where the Aulani is located) is the city of Kapolei's shopping district which includes major retailers such as Target, Costco, K-Mart and a Wal-Mart (the latter currently under construction) as well as several restaurants, fast-food places, gas stations, banks and even a 16-theatre movie multiplex.