Disney's Aulani

Located on the Southwest shores of Oahu is a Hawaiian treasure which has barely been discovered. Disney pooled its’ resources from around the world to build a stunning and authentic Hawaiian experience on the beaches of Ko Olina. Built in 2011 this luxurious resort has everything for kids, families, adults and honeymooners. The resort features three hundred fifty-one hotel rooms, four hundred eighty-one villas, two award winning restaurants, three lounges, a private lagoon, lazy river, massive pool, a world renowned Disney spa, breathtaking views, and the Disney character experience.

As we pulled up to the resort my wife and I were greeted with an Aloha and flower lays by the hotel staff. The resort host introduced herself and offered us ice cold cucumber water as our car was valeted and the bell hop took our bags. As we stepped through the doors we were hit with a cool Pacific Ocean breeze in the wide open lobby. My wife waited on line as I looked off the panoramic terrace to see the lagoon, lazy river and huge pool areas. My vision was also teased by pieces of the beach in the distance and my ears were tickled by the laughter of adults and children in warm weather soaking in the sun. We waited in line briefly to check in while waves crashed in the distance. I could not get over the beauty of the décor and the idea that we would be staying at the resort for the next nine days. The lobby is a large open space and above the lookout entrance area there is a large triangular shaped window with lots of yellow, orange, and clear glass shapes that allows lights to shine in throughout the day. I thought our vacation started when we landed but clearly it was just beginning.