Aulani: Where California Residents Vacation

LOS ALAMITOS, CA — When you live where other people vacation, eyes turn to the west for a real tropical getaway. In Oahu, Hawaii, the Disney Aulani Resort is the ideal spot for California families who truly want to get away from it all and still have plenty for all to do.

For many southern Californians and Disney lovers Aulani is the trip of a lifetime and saving for the journey feels like it might take that long to get you there, however if you are a Disney Vacation Club Member, Aulani is just your next stop on a long list of places to visit around the globe.

Owned and operated by Disney Resorts, Aulani is 100-percent Hawaii. The resort, set back into the green hillside of Ko'Olina, in a resort district of Oahu, Aulani was built with a big 'H' and a little 'd', according to Aulani Public Relations Manager, Noriko Harimoto.

The resort pays homage to the island in ways that range from subtle to obvious, but nowhere more breathtaking than in the open air main lobby, upon entry into the grand hotel.

Walking inside, Aulani visitors will find themselves surrounded by native art, pictures of Hawaiian culture and larger than life sculptures carved from Monkeypod tree wood. The masculine and feminine Hawaiian gods and goddesses are addressed in subtle ways, as is the thanks to Moana, now-familiar demigod Maui, whose presence is found across the grounds.

Taking our DVC consultant's advice, we filled out and faxed in our grocery list, and pre-registered online prior to our arrival.

Imagine the delight and surprise when we were met at the entrance with a flower lei greeting and a citrus infused water (hidden Mickey inside, of course) while we sorted out cab fare and luggage.

There is nothing like being draped in orchids, and being told "Welcome home."

Except, of course, a Mickey Mouse out of hand towels and a flower to clip in your hair, as well as bookmark for your favorite book.

We were afforded a pool-front room, with glimpses of the ocean from the upper floors.

The arms of the hotel reach toward the coast, with the horseshoe beach and calm warm tropical water waiting down below. Between beach and hotel, the water park, many pools and spas, and the famed lazy river. No fewer than five restaurants from ultra casual walk-ups to the sit-down luxury of the Ama Ama can feed any appetite during your stay.

Off The Hook, a sit-down bar that serves the poolside menu, became a favorite with something for every palate in our group. The Hawaiian Pulled Pork tacos were a delight, as was the ready-access to a Blue Hawaiian. There is hardly a need to go across the street to the Monkeypod Cafe, however they do offer a delightful, succulent fish sandwich if that is on your list of foods to enjoy during your stay.

Also, there is no need to go broke eating out at Aulani, as the suites to villas offer kitchenettes or full kitchens that you can stock at the ABC store across the street, or even comparably priced market within the Aulani resort.

The air lilts with Hawaiian music following the daily morning blessing in a beautiful traditional Hawaiian chant every day at 7 a.m.

If you want to enjoy all day poolside, with a view, be ready to work as a group. The early risers get the best spots, scouted out and savored along with the morning's Kona coffee.

If you're feeling spry, head over to Island Coffee across the street for delicious 100% Kona coffee. Or, the Ulu Cafe will fill your cup and provide delicious pastries for those up early and hungry.

Purchasing a refillable cup for each family member allows you not just a keepsake from your Aulani trip, but saves an innumerable amount over the course of a week-long vacation. Plus, kids love filling from the drink stations located around the property. Be sure you visit your chairs at points throughout the day, or take turns camping out pool or spa side.

Once you can round up your towels and wrist bands allowing access to the daily activities. DVC members enjoy shorter line waits, as well as a few perks, including discounts at restaurants and shops as well as activities like paddle boarding and the snorkeling adventure at the Rainbow Reef.

Down at the beach, boogie boards are available for checkout. Two water slides offer a fantastic start to the lazy river, enjoy floats either single or double, as you drift along this anything but lazy affair. Kids love to play here, and adults with relaxation in mind should head to the adult only spa with one of the best views at the Aulani.

Pool and beach-side servers will bring lunch, snacks or even a fruity drink served in a pineapple, should you choose delight in that decadence.

Above all, remember sunscreen and hats, as nothing will ruin a trip faster than a bad-first day sunburn. If you need it, sunscreen and rash guard shirts are available at almost every store in the resort.

Chances are, you'll notice the kids taking part in a Menehune scavenger hunt across the resort. If you look closely, you'll see the miniature man and his friends hiding in corners, inside elevators, under bridges and even inside a keyhole.

This little character is the "Hidden Mickey" of the Aulani, though you will find a few nods to the mouse in your room with both a traditional Hawaiian quilt pattern and bedside lamps.

Also, some favorite characters can be found across the property, from Moana herself to that lovable space alien, Stitch, who just may hide your flip flops while you float the lazy river. Don't worry if you can't find them. If you're traveling with kids, their true characters are bound to surface after a week in paradise.

Have a character dinner at the Makahiki Restaurant, and get your autographs signed. Also, enjoy Uncle's stories by the fire pit and hear more stories about Moana and Maui, up close and personal. And if you visit Ama Ama, that's Uncle's House. Built in three definitive sections, from humble beach shack to stunning architectural style, Ama Ama is the best view for dining on the island of Oahu.

If you love Disney pin trading, bring your pins along. There are many places throughout Aulani for pin trading, and chances are you'll go home with a plethora of international pins from Paris, Tokyo, and more. Also, find touches of Disneyland at the Olelo Lounge, where you can learn how to speak Hawaiian over appetizers and drinks.

Aside from that, Aulani is all Hawaii, and nowhere better to learn and listen, enjoy in the magic than at the new Luau, Ka Wa'a.

Pre-Luau events include making leis with the ladies, pounding poi with the men, and everyone getting a chance to get tattooed with Maui's hook.

All guests are given a taste of Hawaii with an island cocktail upon arrival and your typical pose with the dancers photo op.

The Ka Wa'a story, told in achingly beautiful detail, will draw you in with music, dance and light while you dine on a delicious buffet dinner with the traditional roast and poi thrown in for good measure. The Ka Wa'a is a must, at least once, in an immersive story told in Disney style.

For Mahalo Mama month, ante up to send mom to the spa at Aulani. The Laniwa Spa is the first Disney Resort spa experience developed by the Disney team of Imagineers. Inside, visitors who partake of a spa treatment can enjoy the many types of rainfall experienced on the islands, as well as sensory and relaxation therapies.

All told, the Disney Aulani Resort is a place to go and stay. Day trips and visits are available, but for our family, once we arrived there was no where else on earth we would rather be.

And looking up to see a hidden mickey in the clouds before we journeyed home?

Hopefully we will return sooner than later.

For more information, visit: www.disneyaulani.com

Photos, courtesy Ashley Ludwig