Paradise has a new name, and it is: Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa. You can call it Aulani (ow-la-nee) for short. They’re laid-back like that.

The resort is located in Ko Olina, Hawai’i on the island of O’ahu — about 30 minutes from Honolulu International Airport. It sits on a beautiful slice of sand and sea, and offers all of the amenities and luxuries that one would expect (or at least hope for) from a Hawaiian resort. Of course, the difference between Aulani and the rest is in the magic — Disney is good like that.

However, Aulani may not be filled with the kind of Disney magic that some people have in mind. There isn’t a bustling theme park on the property. There aren’t a lot of shows, parades and characters paying homage to Walt Disney or the various classic movies that the company has created. There isn’t a churro for miles.

No, the magic at Aulani, which I was lucky enough to experience firsthand, comes from Disney doing something that some might consider unconventional, they let Hawai’i tell the story. It is as simple as that. The emphasis of Aulani is on Hawai’i: the people, the culture, the stories. Then Disney did what Disney does best, and took all that Hawai’i offered, put it in the hands of their legendary Imagineers, and built a living, breathing testament to the islands. The end result showcases a respect and collaboration between one of the greatest story-telling cultures in the world and a company built upon words of dream and wonder.  The fit is seamless.

Here’s what I’m talking about:

There’s too much to write about Aulani in a single post, so make sure to come back for more updates!

Photos courtesy of Aulani/Disney.

Disclosure: I was Disney’s guest at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa for their grand opening and media event.

Valentine’s Day should inspire lots of romantic ideas and it doesn’t get any better than a picturesque vow renewal ceremony on a Hawaiian beach. Outrigger Hotels in Hawaii will offer complementary vow renewal ceremonies for hotel guests at Outrigger Reef on the Beach, Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach on Oahu and Outrigger Kiahuna Plantation on Kauai on February 14. Read More »

Aloha Santa

A month of holiday activities is planned for visitors to the Outrigger Hotels in Waikiki, (Honolulu, Oahu) Hawaii this December.  Highlighted by  Santa Claus’s arrival via outrigger canoe, there will be fun for guests and even some events open to the public starting December 1.

FREE PUBLIC EVENTS:

December 1 – 5 pm, Outrigger Reef on the Beach

Take part in an island-style tree lighting ceremony in the hotel lobby of the Outrigger Reef on the Beach, followed by festive holiday entertainment by Halau Ka Hale I O Kahala.

December 11 – Saturday, 9 am, Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach

Welcome the world’s most famous elf as he arrives via outrigger canoe on the beach in front of the Outrigger Waikiki hotel. Keiki from Halau `O Pua Kahale will be on hand to greet Santa with a gift of hula. The arrival will be followed by complimentary photo-taking with Santa in the hotel lobby. Read More »

The wild side!

Oh how I love Hawaii. The sun and the sea along with the wild landscape all make for a special little place in my heart.

Ka’ena Point State Park on the Hawaiian island of Oahu is described as a relatively remote and wild coastline. In fact it’s a really great place to watch the expert surfers and body-surfers because the waves and coast are not for the faint of heart. Read More »