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			Open August 2010! Aulani, a Disney Resort 
			& Spa | 
|  Aloha, 
			welcome to Hawai`i Every place tells a story. Here in Ko Olina, Disney has created a very special Resort & Spa that tells the story of Hawai`i through its inspired architecture, distinctive design and connection to its island home, creating a unique and remarkable sense of place that unites families in a shared experience of pure Hawai`i. | 
| In a nutshell, how would you describe the Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawai`i? A premier oceanfront resort on the island of O`ahu, Hawai`i, the Aulani, A Disney Resort &  Spa 
			in Ko Olina is a place for families to gather, reconnect and immerse 
			themselves in the stories of Hawai`i. Storytelling vividly brings to 
			life Hawaii's culture and connection to nature, so each member of 
			the family gains from a deeper understanding, appreciation, and 
			ultimately, enjoyment of Hawai`i. The design of the Resort honors 
			Hawaiian tradition in its village concept, including hotel rooms, 
			Disney Vacation Club Villas, meeting rooms and wedding 
			facilities-spread over 21 wondrous acres. Disney's world-class 
			service caters to your family's needs in ways unique to this 
			destination. In a breathtaking setting-sweeping ocean views, 
			glistening white sandy beaches, a pristine cove, lush tropical 
			foliage, a water garden and salt-water lagoons perfect for swimming 
			and snorkeling-this Resort & Spa is a premier vacation destination. Why would I choose Ko Olina as a destination? On the Wai`anae Coast of O`ahu, sheltered by mountains to the north, Ko Olina is a secluded paradise in a beautiful island setting, yet close enough to Waikiki to enjoy the shopping and activity there. Ko Olina is legendary as a source of inspiration to travelers. A place of breathtaking natural beauty where it's said that the goddess Pele visited to re-energize after traveling, Ko Olina was also a sacred place of renewal for Kamehameha the Great and his wife, Ka`ahumanu. Known for its sandy beaches, majestic seascapes and snorkeling, Ko Olina is home to many islanders who make their living from the rich agricultural tradition and fishing in the area. What makes this a world-class resort unlike any other?  The 
			Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina offers you the opportunity 
			to discover Hawai`i, while experiencing everything you want from a 
			vacation-leisure, adventure, family time and romance. Designed with 
			families in mind, there's so much for each member of your family to 
			do and see that you can choose to enjoy a complete vacation here-or 
			venture out to nearby points of interest. You can spend hours just 
			exploring the grounds. Pathways wind throughout a wonderland of 
			water, with a river, large pools, waterslides and sparkling lagoons. 
			Children will particularly enjoy the resort's fish ponds and tide 
			pools filled with bright native sea life. Symbolic of the balance 
			and harmony of masculine and feminine elements, 2 streams join 
			together in a waterfall that flows into the tropical garden, giving 
			way to majestic stands of coconut palms, then sandy beach. A family 
			Resort, the Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina calls children 
			to adventure. To the delight of our younger Guests, the magical and 
			mischievous menehune (mythical Hawaiian elf-like inhabitants) are 
			playfully hidden under lobby tables and are out in full view at the 
			water playground, offering endless entertainment. For our adult 
			Guests, Ko Olina offers all the amenities of a world-class resort. 
			Unwind in our extraordinary spa, surrounded by peaceful rainbow 
			reflections of light and color, where you can experience the 
			traditional healing arts of Hawai`i and services, such as 
			hydrotherapy and aromatherapy. What was the inspiration for the remarkable design? Celebrating the elegance and history of Hawai`i, the architecture and interior design of the resort takes its inspiration from Hawaiian culture. Inside and out, simplicity, fine materials and attention-to-detail reflect the layers of refined thinking that  characterize Hawaiian art. The unique architecture evokes Hawaiian 
			villages in a modern, awe-inspiring interpretation. At the Aulani, A 
			Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, ancient meets modern in a way that 
			will make you marvel at the natural beauty and sophisticated 
			elegance. A large volcanic rock passes from outside to inside the 
			glass lobby wall. This reverence for nature is seen throughout, with 
			volcanic stone columns that line the hallway, works of art perched 
			in the crowns of lava rock rising from the lobby floor, and the 
			lavish use of wood. Pools of water traverse the lobby, one tranquil 
			and filled with lilies, the other rocky and wild, rushing out 
			towards the sea. A dramatic, pitched-beam ceiling soars upward, 
			enhancing the open-air ambiance created by walls of glass. Torch 
			lights and calabash-inspired bowl lamps bring warmth to the 
			interiors. Rooms are appointed with lustrous wood and Hawaiian 
			elements, from the geometric patterns inspired by kapa cloth 
			(textiles made from tree bark) to the craftsmanship you encounter at 
			every turn. What was the approach to creating this Resort? Disney Imagineers teamed up with members of the local community to determine how the story of the Resort & Spa would unfold for Guests. Through this collaborative approach, the team sought to create an experience of total engagement with the land-revealed through storytelling. Examples of storytelling elements include the lobby mural depicting Hawaiian life and the pathfinding symbols on the floor, pointing makai, "towards the ocean," or mauka, "towards the mountain." Storytelling elements are woven together into an experience for each member of the family, in a journey of discovery and wonder at Ko Olina, "Fulfillment of Joy." When will it open? The Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina opened in Fall 2011. | 
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			Travel is an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner Specializing in Walt Disney World, Disneyland Resort, Disney Cruise Line and Adventures by Disney Vacations Back to Articles |