I certainly wouldn't recommend Aulani over other Hawaiian accommodations if you don't have kids, but I so very much appreciated that the resort intentionally offered plenty of opportunities to behold the wonders of Hawaii without always incorporating a Disney connection.
From daily walking tours that teach guests about that area's nature and wildlife to Mo'olelo fireside chats in which a master storyteller (like Disney, Hawaii is rooted in storytelling!) shares the history and traditions of the island's indigenous people, there's plenty to learn. Locally well-known musicians perform most nights, and if art moves you, just walking through the hotel is like meandering through a museum – Aulani has the largest collection of Hawaiian modern art in the entire world.
Above all, the Ka'Wa'a luau – an evening of authentic cuisine and breathtaking performances – is a must to fully understand the island's legends, to try out traditional arts like papa printing and kakau tattooing.
We returned home after one week with new customs, new words in our vocabulary (we now use "ohana" interchangeably with family), and a new appreciation for a culture we knew very little about before. It's a major perk that even the most dutiful trip "around the world" at Epcot can't quite offer.