Skip to main content

Aloha! An Aulani Update

Aloha!

It’s been awhile since we’ve visited the magical resort of Aulani on the Hawaiian Island of Oahu.  Since my last visit, there have been some exciting additions going on at the resort!  Some of these new areas are open already, with the remainder currently expected to be completed at the end of September.  Let’s take a look at what the menehune are up to!

Down towards the lagoon, there are already a few new things to see.  First, there is a second beach access point just below ‘Ama ‘Ama Restaurant.  This new area also has lounge areas with beach chairs and cabanas on the terrace.  On the beach itself, there is a new quick grab-and-go food service station, Little ‘Opihi.  Here you can find sandwiches, salads, and a varitey of snacks and drinks.   I can’t wait to try the Haupia float!  Coconut always calls my name!

Photo Courtesy of Disney Parks Blog
Inside the lobby (or as it’s better known, the Maka’ala) is Hale Manu, a new gift shop.  The shop is rooted in story and culture, as is everything at Aulani, and you will see birds adorning the shop that are featured in other areas of the resorts as well.  Of course, there’s lots of fun things to purchase as a memory from your stay as well!

Back up in Waikolohe Valley, there are many wonderful changes coming.  First, the Starlit Hui, Aulani’s wonderful nighttime show, has moved to the larger lawn on the other side of the resort.  The small lawn where it used to be will now be the home to Ka Maka Grotto, Keiki Cove, and Ulu Cafe.  Ka Maka Grotto will boast spectacular rockwork, an infinity pool, and a misty grotto with a sparkling magic at night.  Keiki Cove will be a splash area for the smallest guests created by the menehune of Aulani.  Ulu Cafe will be located at the ground floor at the end of the Waianae Tower, and will serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner with outdoor seating.

Even with all that’s to come, Aulani has already been turning heads.  The resort was recently recognized by the US Green Building Council and given the LEED award.  Aulani is the first resort in Hawaii to receive this award in recognition of their environmentally friendly building and construction practices.

Want to check out all the amazing things Aulani has to offer?  You are in luck! 2014 travel package will be available for booking starting this Wednesday, July 10.  And here’s an even better deal!  Right now for Disney Visa Cardholders (and it will be released to the general public on the 10th), if you book a stay for select dates at Aulani, you will get 5 nights for the price of 4 and a $100 resort credit! Book now through September 3rd. Travel dates include 8/26/13-11/23/13 and 12/1/13-12/15/13. Give us a call or email for more details!


Comments

  1. This Resort looks very cool.. But i found it bit expensive :)

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Cruising with a Baby: A Complete Guide

You took a baby on a cruise!? Yep, and I'd do it again knowing what I know now. So, say goodbye to months of research - Everything you need to know is here!! One of the biggest challenges of traveling with a baby is planning what you need to bring. I wanted to share what worked for us, and hopefully help others who are planning their cruise! Remember, babies can only cruise after their 6-month birthday on sailings from the U.S. If you are going transatlantic, or have more than three days out at sea, they must be 12 months old by the first day of your cruise. Pre-Cruise   We flew to the cruise port, and I couldn’t bring all the food and snacks I needed, so I placed an Instacart order for pick up near the port. I chose Publix in Cocoa Beach which is a few miles from Port Canaveral. I placed the order a few days before we left home, and set the pickup time to 11:00 a.m. I ordered formula, a box of diapers, swim diapers, bottle brush, dish soap, baby food, and baby snacks. I also broug

Complete Guide to Disney's Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point

Disney's new Bahamian island destination, Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point is a pristine, secluded paradise reserved exclusively for Disney Cruise Line guests. The cruise port is located on the island of Eleuthera (pronounced uh-loo-tr-uh) at it's southern tip, amidst a nature preserve called Lighthouse Point. Far from any towns, Lookout Cay feels like a tropical oasis that is separated from the outside world by mangrove forests. The landscaping is gorgeous with flowers like plumerias, and tall swaying palm trees. Whether you want to just kick back and relax or go for a thrilling banana boat ride, this port has something for everyone. There are family friendly areas as well as those reserved specifically for adults. Expert Tip: If you want a view of the island from your stateroom, be sure to book a starboard (right) side stateroom. Disney Magic docked at Lookout Cay After disembarking your Disney Cruise ship, you'll cross the pier to the island on foot. (It looks longer in

The Villas at the Disneyland Hotel Review

I love staying at the Disneyland Hotel so when I got the opportunity to stay at the new Villas at the Disneyland Hotel during opening weekend, I couldn’t pass it up. Because it was opening weekend, we were greeted in the entrance way of the lobby with balloons and many photo opportunities. When we arrived, there was a mural of the Haunted Mansion. I love how the seats in the main lobby were designed like the teacups in the parks. You can check in using the Disneyland app, drop your bags with bell services and head into the parks or use the amenities why you wait until your room is ready. When your room is ready, the resort will send you a text and you can use the Disneyland app on your mobile device to unlock the room. We dropped off our bags and went straight to the parks. We received a text around 1PM that our room was ready. In the new Discovery Tower (the Villas), you'll find that the lobby is very spacious with many places to sit while you read or wait for your family. Th