KO OLINA, Hawaii – At Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, guests are entertained throughout the day with games, music, parties and a full menu of activities that celebrate the traditional and contemporary culture of Hawaii.
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Aulani is a place for fun, relaxation and learning, with a talented and knowledgeable cast on hand to entertain and instruct with a touch of Disney magic.
Many of the activities and some resort entertainment are hosted by Aunty and Uncle, the warm and welcoming heads of the Aulani ohana (family). A day at Aulani might begin with “Aunty’s Breakfast Celebration at the Makahiki,” where a delightful tropical breakfast buffet is served. Several days each 
week, Aunty welcomes resort guests and favorite Disney characters to celebrate the spirit of the islands, its people and culture with music, dancing and activities.
Throughout the day, Aulani offers a selection of experiences targeted to specific age groups or the entire family. Families may learn how to make poi or carve pineapple. They may learn the Hawaiian art form of the hula in a range of programs, including special premium offerings, “Ohana Hula” and “E Hula Mai ‘Oe,” conducted by a local practitioner who will instruct guests and help them gain a deeper understanding of the hula and its place in the culture and history of Hawaii.
Families also may gather poolside for a “Shake-A-Shaka Pool Party,” featuring surfer games, activities, dancing and surprise appearances by Disney characters. Or they may encounter Disney characters around the resort for a playful good time, local style, in “Aloha Fun with your Disney Friends.”
Younger children may choose to visit Aunty’s Beach House, where “Disney Junior Aloha” features dancing, games, crafting and cartoons. Aunty shares Hawaiian tales of mystery, fun and magic in “Aunty’s Once Upon an Island.” The Professor, one of Aunty’s neighbors, might stop by to demonstrate “Eruption Disruption Volcanic Science” or his formula for “Stitch’s Space Goo.” There are many more fun opportunities for youngsters at Aunty’s Beach House, including cooking and rainy-day movies in Uncle’s Study, where it may magically begin raining even when the sun is shining.
Teens and tweens will want to spend time on the beach with activities such as the “Island Beach Challenge,” with fun, team-based games and a scavenger hunt. In “Island Treasure Photo Hunt,” participants explore Aulani, capturing signature iconic elements on film and competing to win keys that might unlock a treasure chest full of surprises. And in the evening, “Kilo Hōkū” offers a stargazing experience focusing on ancient Polynesian navigation by the heavens.
While the younger members of the family are having their own fun, adult activities at Aulani will include live music in the lounges and restaurants and guided “Maka ‘Ika” (to make a tour) of the Hawaiian art, nature and wildlife that give the resort its unique character. And, of course, there’s always quiet relaxation around one of the Aulani pools.
As evening falls, special Hawaiian celebrations and storytelling take center stage. Nighttime entertainment includes:
- “Aulani Starlit Hui” - The spirit of life, love and fun that surrounds Aulani is celebrated in this signature nighttime event. Uncle and a talented ensemble of dancers, musicians, singers and cultural practitioners gather under the stars in the Makaloa Garden. A pre-show features traditional Hawaiian games as well as local artisans teaching and exhibiting popular Hawaiian crafts. Then guests are invited to enjoy a 25-minute show featuring live music and a hula performance. The evening ends with a DJ-driven, high-energy dance party, including a chance to bust a move with some favorite Disney characters.
- “Po La’ila’I” Sunset Gathering – As the day draws to an end, guests come together in the Makaloa Garden to welcome the night in a brief moment as the sun sets. Uncle and his kōkua (assistants) offer an original chant honoring the surrounding natural world.
- “Fireside Mo’olelo” (Storytelling) – Uncle shares stories of legendary Hawaii with guests gathered around the fire pit under the tropical night sky. He strums his ukulele, using music to support tales of nature, legends of the mischievous, magic-making Menehune, and scary tales of island ghosts.
- On selected nights, guests will bring the whole ohana (family) to “Disney Ohana Movie Nights,” where they may choose a mat and enjoy a classic Disney movie under the stars on the lawn of the Makaloa Garden.
