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. |