Aulani: A Model for Honoring Cultural Heritage

A few weeks ago I made a trip with son Matthew Randle and my colleague Rebecca Tobias to the Disney Aulani Resort & Spa. The trip proved to be an experiential educational experience of Hawaiian culture, an opportunity to connect with nature, and fun.

Unlike other Disney resorts that mimic another location and build on that theme such as Old Key West, Saratoga Springs, Animal Kingdom Lodge, Beach & Yacht Club, etc. Aulani has taken a different approach. Rather than attempting to bring another themed place to Hawaii, Disney has chosen to build Aulani as a celebration and preservation of the ancient and existing Hawaiian Culture.

 The name Aulani itself means “the place that speaks for the great ones” or “with deep messages”.   Our experience was that throughout our week stay at Aulani we were immersed in many deep messages through the multitude of stories the resort has to tell.

The stories can be found in a number of features and programs of the resort including but not limited to:

• the architecture
• the art work
• the cultural tour
• the storytelling and self guided tour
• the food & beverage
• the pools
• Rainbow Reef
• The Lagoon
• The Laniwai Spa
• The Imi Loa Na Noku Explore the stars
• Aunties Beach House
• The Oleo room
• the Luau

The architecture of the building was modeled after a traditional fishing village.    Before any construction took place a team of 40 cultural  advisors were consulted so the design would represent authentic Hawaiian culture.  As you enter the lobby known as Makaala, the open air structure  is designed to invite the outside world in.   It combines coral and lava stone flooring on top of a rock foundation.  As you walk through the entry you are looking west with a view of the ocean.   On either side of the lobby there are two rivers that run down to the beach front, one is fast moving representing the masculine and on the other side a slow and serene river representing the feminine.  

 In the same way the two towers are said to represent the masculine and feminine as well.  The Wai’Anae (masculine) tower has the spa and fitness center while the Ewa (feminine) tower has the sunset views.

We learned that in Hawaiian tradition rocks and stones are living parts of nature and have spirits. To honor this part of the culture when the site was excavated, all of the coral boulders were removed and placed along the beach to be admired by all the guests.

The resort has a specific design so that various sections of the resort represent the mountains, the fertile land, and the sea.

Care was taken to use local sustainable materials and to utilize traditional construction techniques in the development of the resort.

The art was everywhere.  As I walked through the resort my thought that it was its own art museum.  In fact Aulani claims to be one of the largest private collections of contemporary Hawaiian art with paintings, batik on silk, carvings, and sculptures to view.   Murals in the lobby depict the past on the hotel entrance side and the future on the lagoon / ocean side.  All created by local artists to tell the stories and share the traditions of Hawaiian culture.

The Culture Tour was offered both  for DVC members and another tour for other guests.  

Our DVC tour was led by Uncle Ito who gave us an overview of the story behind the resorts creation, the integration of the cultural features in the hotel.  

Our tour featured the back story of how the imagineers interwove the cultural features of Aulani, the unique vegetation, a visit to the Oleo room, and the art and architecture of the resort.

One of the fun things we learned on the cultural tour is the presence of the Menehune at the Aulani resort.  The Menehune are the legendary little people known for their magical powers and mischief.   They are also known to be incredible builders as well.     There is even a Menehune scavenger hunt that guests can participate in.   Little Menehune are likely to appear almost anywhere in the resort.   One of my favorites was one particular elevator in our tower where a Menehune was spotted looking down in the top corner of the elevator.

Maka’Ika’I: Tour – This evening tour is the art and culture of the Aulani resort.  Aulani has one of the largest collections of native Hawaiian art in the world.  The tour focuses on the heritage, culture, and artistic vision of all the art work that surrounds the guest every day at Aulani.

 

 

 

 

 The Mo’olelo Fire Pit Storytelling – Each evening at [5:45], [6:45] and [7:45] guests are invited to gather around the Mo’olelo fire pit where Uncle tells a story from the Hawaiian traditions.   Each night the story is different and each story enhances one’s understanding of the Hawaiian culture.   A Mo’olelo is a story, legend, or piece of literature that is part of the history of the Hawaiian people that creates its sense of place..   That is exactly what our experience was in the times we attended the story telling.

The Food  & Beverage at Aulani ranged from a variety of quick service restaurants, snack shops, bars, the Character buffets, and the Ama Ama restaurant.

Quick service restaurants include the Ulu Cafe featuring poke bowls, flatbread sandwiches, and pizza, and Off the Hook featuring sandwiches, salads and tropical cocktails at this poolside lounge.   Snack shops include Mama’s snack stop featuring items like fish and chips, chicken tenders, and coconut shrimp, Little Opihi’s Beachside Kiosk featuring salads, sandwiches, and snacks, and Paualua Shave Ice with a variety of tropical flavors to choose from.  The two

The two featured bars include the Wailing Pool Bar by the adults only pool, and the Olelo room featuring creative cocktails and appetizers inspired by the Hawaiian language.   

The Makahiki offers a character buffet breakfast and dinner.  The character buffet comes in two options, one with the favorite Disney characters, Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, and Goofy, and the other called the “Menehune Mischief” Character Dinner.   

The Menehune buffet is advertised as follows:

“Celebrate the Menehune – magical little people of Hawaiian legend – as Uncle and his friends tell delightful tales that come to life through enchanting music, sing-alongs and interactive adventures. Enjoy the entertainment as you dine on a fresh, locally sourced buffet loaded with delicious favorites that the entire family will love.”

Makahiki is an ancient Hawaiian festival that honors the god Lono, god if fertility, agriculture, rainfall, music and peace.  The atmosphere and art of Makahiki inspires the festive celebration. 

 

The Ama Ama restaurant is the table restaurant is named for the local mullet fish.  It was inspired by fishing villages dating back in the 12th century.  The food features local sustainable seafood, and local flavors and ingredients to create some incredible dining delights.

AMA‘AMA is designed to resemble a beachside house. Its dining room features a thatched roof, mosaic designs, a fountain and a reflecting pool with fantastic sunset views looking west to the ocean.

 

 

The Pools in Aulani include water slides, the opportunity to float down the Lazy River, the main swimming pool, splash zones, an adult only pool, whirlpool spas, and the infinity pool.

The Waikolohe stream (which means mischievous water) includes two options, a gentle float on a tube down the Lazy River, or rapid adventures of the volcanic vertical body slide that plunges you in the the Waikolohe Pool or the Tubestone Curl which is a twisting and turning tube adventure that launches you into the Waikolohe stream.

Check out the Waikolohe video for more info.

The Waikolohe Pool is an 8200 sq foot zero entry pool with water slides into the pool.  This is the place where the pool parties happen. Nearby are the infinity whirl pools.

The Wailana pool and Wailana pool bar is for guests 18 years and older.  It is more secluded and serene and includes tropical trees for shade.  The name Wailana means tranquil seas or peaceful waters and that is exactly the atmosphere of this pool.

 

The Ka Maka Landing offers both splash zones for kids and  two whirlpools over looking the beach.   The Keiki Cove Splash Zone for kids 5 and under includes sea creatures on the pool floor, rainbow water jets, and hidden Menehune, the legendary little people found throughout the resort.  The word Keiiki means child and so the area is appropriately named for the delights that children can experience here.

 

The Ka Maka Grotto includes a rock grotto, after dark thousands of glittering lights, and an infinity edge overlooking Ko Olina Beach offering great ocean views and views of the sunset. When you go underwater in the Ka Maka Grotto pool you can hear the sounds of the whales.

 

Rainbow Reef is a saltwater lagoon that contains over 1100 fish from 43 different species.  The manmade lagoon includes artistic carvings in the rocks, hidden Menehune sculptures, and a variety of colorful fish to snorkel with.  The Reef also offers the option of S. A. S. (Supplied Air Snorkeling).  This is an opportunity in a safe space to experience diving without the need for certification.  If one looks carefully under the water in the reef they may spot a couple of Menehune, one who is talking on his Shell Phone.

 

 The Lagoon is a short walk from the hotel.  Makiki Joe’s Beach rental, named after the legendary Imagineer Joe Rohde, who grew up in Makiki, offers complimentary boogie boards, sand toys, life jackets, beach chairs, and umbrellas.   For a fee you can also rent stand-up paddle boards, snorkel equipment, and beachside casabella ((2-seat lounger with awning).  Also offered on the beach is morning sunrise yoga and a sailing canoe excursion.

 

 

The Lagoon has a walking / jogging trail that connects Aulani with the near by Four Seasons, Beach Villa, Marriott, and nearby Harbor.

Walking along this path on two separate morning, I came across an Endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal.   The Animal and Environment teams that include local volunteers were quick to tape off the area so that the seal who needed rest on the beach could do so peacefully.

The Lagoon walking path connects three different lagoons and then goes on to the harbor.. Several people are out each morning walking, jogging, attending yoga classes or just enjoying nature.

 

The Laniwai Spa – The Laniwai Spa where you can experience massage, herbal body remedies, skin care, a state of the art fitness center and unique outdoor hydrotherapy garden. Early Hawaiians used this ancient therapy as they bathed in fresh cool streams, mineral baths and the sea. The fluctuations in water temperature helped “reset” the body’s regulatory system, boost the immune system and increase circulation, which washed away daily aches and pains.

Kula Wai takes rainwater therapy to a unique level. We invite you to let the soothing sanctuary of Kula Wai invigorate you from the inside out. Enjoy our luxuriating private vitality baths, soaking pools, six unique waterfall rain showers, whirlpool jet spas and more.

The Imi Loa Na Noku Explore the stars experience –  Guests have the opportunity to gaze at the stars through a powerful telescope and learn how the stars were used for navigation.  The Hawaiians were able to navigate without maps or GPS with the aid of the position of the stars, the rising and setting the sun, the position of the moon, winds, currents, and birds.

Auntie’s Beach House is a delightful 5200 sq. ft Kids Club for guests 3 to 12.    The kids are supervised by trained Disney Youth Counselors who provide the guest the opportunity to explore Hawaiian culture, art, story telling, and music.  Of course being Disney there is also a little touch of magic thrown in with some visits from time to time with some favorite Disney characters, enchanted fireplaces, a movie room, and portals depicting spectacular scenes from around Hawaii.  

A lifelong resident of O‘ahu, Aunty is considered by locals to be a true expert on Hawaiian history and cultural traditions. Aunty invites you to become a part of her extended ‘ohana and make yourself at home at Aunty’s Beach House.

The children’s program at Auntie’s Beach House is included in the stay.

The Oleo Room – is a bar that further immerses the guest in the Hawaiian culture.  ‘Ōlelo (pronounced oh-leh-low) is Hawaiian for “word,” or “to converse”—and this  lounge truly celebrates the Hawaiian language. Inside the bar are several wooden carvings of common objects, with labels that convey their Hawaiian names.   This is a fun way to learn phrases in the Hawaiian language.  The bartenders are more than happy to assist with the pronunciations of the Hawaiian language while you enjoy your favorite beverage and/or Hawaiian appetizers or relax to the Hawaiian music.  The live music included a blend of traditional and contemporary Hawaiian music.

 

 

 

The KA WA‘A – A Lū’au was one of the highlights of our week.  The Luau takes place on the large Hallway Lawn that we viewed from our room all week.   Ka Wa’a symbolizes the incredible journey of the first people who crossed the ocean to Hawaii and the Hawaiians that have continued that journey from ancient times to present.   

 

 

 

 

 

The Lu’au started with a number of pre-show activities including traditional arts such as kapa printing, flower arranging, temporary kakau tattoos and paʻi ai taro pounding.

 

The pre activities were followed by a festive buffet that included carving stations with a traditional pig and prime rib, fresh local seafood, and authentic island choices.  There were  also offerings for kids’ and a dessert bar.

Following the meal was the performance that was designed under the direction of the Aulani cultural adviser to insure that the songs, stories, dance and costumes were all in keeping with the authentic legends and traditions of the ancient Hawaii ways.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We felt so fortunate to have an  opportunity before the Luau to spend some time with Kahulu De Santos, the resorts Cultural Advisor.   

Learning about the care and addition to detail to make sure that not only the Lu’au but every aspect of the resort experience contributed to an immersion in Hawaiian culture gave us a much greater appreciation of the global model that Aulani was for cultural heritage enhancement and preservation.

The Lu’au takes place four nights of the week. On nights there is not a Lu’au it is Movie night out on the large Halawai Lawn where various disney movies are shown.

The day after the Lu’au we had the pleasure of visiting nearby Lanikuhonua, whose name means “Where Heaven meets the Earth.  Lanikuhonua is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Hawaiian culture.  Lanikuhonua offers classes, sponsors festivals, and provides public events for people to experience the uniqueness and beauty of the Culture of Hawai’i.

Our host for this visit was Auntie Nettie Tiffany, the curator who also is recognized as the spiritual advisor of Aulani.

Auntie Nettie made it clear early in our conversation that though she was a spiritual person, and that she was not one of those people who jump around or dance while chanting and shaking beads.

When asked what her major role was for Aulani she replied “to tell them what not to do” that might be offensive or out of sync with the Hawaiian culture.

When asked what advise she had for other resorts concerned about protecting cultural heritage she replied it was really simple, “Listen to the wisdom of the Elders”.   

I  left Aulani not only impressed with the model it provides for preservation of cultural heritage and sharing cultural traditions in appropriate and authentic ways, but also the need for this model to be replicated in so many other parts of the world.   

Indigenous and long standing local cultures are increasingly threatened through environmental threats, development, and assimilation.    Without more places taking the kind of steps to honor the local culture as Aulani has done we risk losing many cultural treasures around the world.

Rebecca Gonzalez Tobias, the Blue Community Intercultural Advisor stated it this way:

“The Disney Aulani Resort well-researched cultural heritage programs stand as paramount examples of cultural immersion and sense of place identity. The resort thus serves as a model for other resorts and destinations to protect and preserve cultural heritage, and Indigineity that is increasingly becoming an integral value-added part of the future for sustainable tourism.”

For anyone interested in experiencing a best practice model in cultural preservation, I highly recommend you consider Aulani.    Aulani clearly has lit the torch and shown us a pathway to follow for preservation of cultural heritage.

 

 

 

 

 

For the three of us there was so much to learn and so much to do in Aulani as we were immersed in the Hawaiian culture. One week was not near enough time.  Each activity and feature of the Aulani resort has its own story to tell.   Kahulu De Santos said it best in a follow-up email following our trip when she wrote:

“There are so many stories yet to be heard and a richness of culture to be experienced.  We look forward to another opportunity to welcome you home to Aulani Resort.  Until then, aloha and take care.”