To most people, it may seem a little weird that one of the things we really wanted to do while in Hawaii was at least see Disney’s Aulani resort. So near the tail end of our trip, we decided to meet up with a college friend of mine that lives on Oahu and spend the morning with the kids where the trip first started, with Disney. As we approached the southwest side of the island, I started to remember visiting the area on my first trip back in 2006, as the same friend and I went to see the luau at Paradise Cove. Now, the landscape was quite changed with the addition of Disney coming to town.

Upon entering through the lobby, the openness of the design instantly welcomed you into the property. On all sides you are surrounded by local artists work depicting various periods of the Hawaiian culture.

Off of the front desk area, there was conveniently located a keiki (child’s) play area, complete with games and Disney shows on the several televisions. Can you find the subtle Mickey hidden in the play area?

Even the gift shop had cool little details reminiscent of the Hawaiian culture, such as the shaved ice light fixture or the inlaid floor with sandals footprints. Fortunately, by this portion of the trip, all of us had lost the desire (or luggage space) to want to bring anything back home from the gift shop.

What was located in the main building was beautiful, but no one comes to Hawaii to sit indoors. The open design drew one outside to experience what the rest of the property had in store.

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