Vacations to Hawaii were a common occurrence in the summer when I was growing up. I continue to have fond memories of my parents telling me where we were traveling for vacation, and I would create a countdown calendar to the start of our annual getaways. Even as I entered my twenties, I never tired of visiting Hawaii, but in 1998, I began to feel a nudge to explore more of the world. My global explorations for work made it so I wouldn’t return to Hawaii for 25 years.
The destination always stood out to me, from the first time I visited Hawaii in 1983, as a place that marched to its own beat. Even with the archipelago being a US state, it has a slower vibe than what I was accustomed to living in Southern California. The culture, the food, and the people of the islands, all left indelible impressions with me every single visit. So when an opportunity presented itself to visit Hawaii again after all of these years, I was very excited.
Of course, with all of my globetrotting, my level of expectation is exponentially higher than it was over two decades ago. As the time progressed towards the journey, I couldn’t help but wonder how has Hawaii changed. Has it lost its luster? Is it busier than ever? So many questions. But my concerns were allayed by the fact that I was staying at a resort in Oahu that has Disney sensibilities all over it –Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa.
“Aulani” in Hawaiian traditionally means “messenger of a chief” or “messenger of a greater authority.” The name is fitting as my initial impressions about the resort is that it truly does serve as a messenger of Hawaii, its spirit and its culture. Having experienced Disney’s mindful approach to its own resort offerings at Walt Disney World, as well as its experiences aboard Disney Cruise Line, I was confident that Aulani would be an over-the-top experience – and it was!
Upon arriving at Aulani, I was awestruck by its bold, yet tasteful, Hawaiian design elements. It is unlike any resort that I have visited within the islands]. The level of detail that Disney Imagineers ideated and executed to make this resort authentically Hawaiian is nothing short of a breathtaking miracle. And I was surprised to learn that the land on which the resort sits was once used by the NFL as a training site for its annual Pro Bowl game.
Aulani is a striking architectural gem that is the first resort in Hawaii to obtain Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED) Silver Certification. (In short, it’s an eco-friendly property.) Disney Imagineers consulted with local historians throughout the development and creation of Aulani, in order to be respectful of the land on which the resort is located. In addition, building traditions of the people indigenous to the island of Oahu inspired some of the construction techniques.
Disney Imagineers added to the largest private collection of contemporary Hawaiian art in the world by creating two massive 15-story exterior bas relief sculptures, with east and west positioning, on the resort structures. The sculptures are interpretative and focus on traditional Hawaiian concepts of balance, like night and day, sun and moon, etc.Additional bas relief sculptures highlight an outrigger canoe on the open ocean, another one is a tribute to the Hawaiian goddess Hina, and an additional sculpture stands at the end of the Waikolohe Valley and depicts Hina’s son, the demi-god Maui, lassoing the sun to slow its speed across the sky. Additionally, the resort is peppered with Menehune, the diminutive mythological people of Hawaii. Fun fact: While Menehune at the resort are concealed primarily at a level where children can find them, I did find one sleeping near the top right corner of one of the guest elevators. (If you happen upon this particular Menehune, please post it to Instagram and tag @uptownmagazine and use #AulaniMenehuneFoundUPTOWN.)
My ocean view guest room was sumptuous, grand, and full of the familiar touches that I have become accustomed to during my stays at Disney-owned resorts. One specific signature feature that I always welcome when staying on a Disney vacation property is the thoughtful under-the-bed luggage space. (This way, you’re able to fully take advantage of the closet space for your clothes without having to store luggage there.)
In the spirit of “aloha,” Disney Imagineers and local artisans took particular care to integrate traditional Hawaiian style with Disney sensibilities. For example, the Hawaiian florals camouflages Mickey Mouse all over the fabric used for the curtains and linens. Accommodations at Aulani also include lanai balconies or patios that offer stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, epic sunsets, the West Oahu mountains, and/or the pools and lush surroundings. While standard room accommodations sleep up to four guests, some villa accommodations can sleep from four to 12 guests. With layouts ranging from a deluxe studio to 1-, 2-, or 3-bedroom configurations, the villas at Aulani are ideal for families of any size. Large villas include full kitchens that are equipped with modern conveniences, furnishings, and other in-home accoutrements that guests are accustomed to.
Throughout the duration of my stay, I took time to experience as much as possible of Aulani, and one thing I discovered is that this resort is multigenerational in every sense. Families can experience memorable moments of togetherness through the traditional Ohana Hula program, or enjoy the Waikolohe Stream lazy river, which features two exciting water slides and customizable pool experiences with Disney characters. Families can also enjoy classic Disney movies under the stars on the resort’s spacious lawn.
When parents or caregivers are in need “me time,” the 23,000 square-foot Laniwai Spa provides the ultimate respite within an idyllic destination getaway. Of the 150 treatments that are offered, I selected (and highly recommend) the Signature Lomilomi therapy treatment, which promotes healing through traditional Hawaiian massage techniques. ProTip: If possible, try to experience the Signature Lomilomi therapy treatment as soon as you arrive at Aulani, so you can immediately begin to unwind and enjoy the fullness of your vacation experience.
And when it comes to kids, Disney, of course, has plenty to keep them busy. Kids ages 4-12 can spend hours at Aunty’s Beach House where most activities are complimentary. This interactive kids club will immerse your children in the culture of the islands through Hawaiian storytelling, music, and hula lessons. During the day, teens and tweens can enjoy supervised scavenger hunting, games, and more with the Island Beach Challenge. In the evening, they can learn how to stargaze like Ancient Polynesians.
While Disney created Aulani to be a unique cultural experience that is symbiotic with its surroundings, Disney encourages guests to get out and explore the island of Oahu beyond the scope of its environs. A myriad of exciting excursions are offered, including a visit to the North Shore beach, where you can experience beach life like a local; the Kualoa Zip & Dip, which is an ecological tour with an adventurous edge; a hiking adventure in the adjacent Ko’olau Mountains to experience tropical flowers and other vegetation in their natural setting; or you might like to enjoy an activity I experienced, a catamaran tour off the Waikiki Beach coastline that includes snorkeling.
Culinary Offerings at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa
Another area where Disney struck a home run is Aulani’s cuisine that is all regionally authentic. Within each of the dining establishments, you will find culinary offerings that represent the historic melting pot of the islands, as well as traditional Polynesian fare. (And yes, the popular Dole Whips found at Disney Parks exist at Aulani.) Here’s a brief sample of some of the impressive dining offerings at Aulani:
Open for breakfast and dinner, Makahiki is a casual table service restaurant serving regional, western, and international offerings, and it is also known for its daily Disney Character Breakfast. Three-course selections made with seasonal ingredients are available for both breakfast and dinner. Reservations are recommended (and you can make dining reservations up to 30 days in advance, with a valid resort reservation).
For all day-dining, both Off the Hook and Ulu Cafe provide generous and flavorful entrees, fresh fruits, and snacks. Both restaurants provide grab-and-go items. Off the Hook also serves a selection of burgers and salads, while Ulu Cafe offers guests freshly made flatbreads, pizzas, and delicious made-to-order Poke Bowls, which were the best I’ve ever enjoyed).
For elevated contemporary island dinner cuisine, ‘AMAʻAMA is the place to be! This upscale open-air restaurant is not only known for its monumental culinary prowess, but also its jaw dropping views – and this is especially the case at sunset. While you’re enjoying the scenic views, the culinary team of ʻAMAʻAMA creates some of the most flavorful dishes in the islands. Its recently updated dining experience includes a 4-course, prix-fixe dinner menu that focuses on the heritage of the islands through its locally sourced ingredients and traditional flavors, all of which pairs exceptionally well with ‘AMA’AMA’s selection of wines. The desserts are simply decadent. Local flavors such as coconut, lilikoʻi, mango, and macadamia are thoughtfully incorporated into the dessert offerings. Reservations are HIGHLY recommended at this uber-popular restaurant. (You also can make dining reservations up to 30 days in advance there with a valid resort reservation.)
Be sure that you and your family experience Aulani’s luau spectacular, KA WA‘A. I have experienced luaus in Hawaii in the past, but the convergence of Disney production sensibilities with Hawaiian music and dance makes KA WA’A the exceptional experience, if not the very best demonstration of what guests should expect from a luau. The premise of the show’s story is inspired by the sacred canoe that brought the ancestors of Native Hawaiians to the islands. In addition to the inspiring performance and music of KA WA’A, guests will feast on a local island buffet.
Suffice it to say, I was thoroughly impressed with my latest visit to Hawaii that included a stay at the phenomenal Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa. No other resort in the Hawaiian Islands can match the creativity, deliberately mindful, and authentic offerings, as well as overall value for the dollar, that Disney’s Aulani provides its guests.
