The Walt Disney Company has created the most beautiful resort in Ko Olina on the Hawaiian island of Oahu. The Walt Disney Imagineers worked hand in hand with locals to create Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa. Once you’re on the property, you feel like you’re in another place. When you arrive at the property, you’re greeted by name and given leis. A cast-member will assist you with your check-in and tell you more about the resort. Original music by Keali’i Reichel can be heard throughout the lobby, and you begin feel like your vacation has just begun.
What you’ll notice is that special care has been given to present the local Hawaiian culture very well. There are Disney references and excellence throughout the resort, although quite subtle. The cast-members are extremely courteous and friendly. There are Disney characters available throughout the day for pictures, and at the morning character breakfast on certain days.
Central to the resort is the lazy river, also known as Waikolohe Stream and 2 water slides. You can spend a lot of time relaxing and floating down the river. There are several hot tubs, and one of them is located at the edge of the resort overlooking the lagoon. You can also swim with salt-water reef fish in another area and visit sting-rays in another area.
The main gift shop is Kalepa’s Store. There you’ll find many Aulani branded merchandise, food, and drink. You can also go there and fill your unlimited use mug with soda, coffee, hot chocolate or tea. One last thing, the store carries one of my most favorite things in the Disney Park, the Mickey Ice Cream Bar!
Aloha!
