New Disney Character `Olu Now Available Exclusively in Hawaii

Introducing `Olu, a new friend of Duffy!

I was fortunate to attend an event yesterday at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa at Ko Olina, for the debut of `Olu, where we learned how Duffy and Mickey met `Olu.  The story goes that Mickey and Duffy were searching for the perfect present for ShellieMay's birthday.  The perfect gift came in the form of `Olu, the ukulele-playing turtle, who sings songs of love. 

Guests were treated to a delightful assortment of `Olu treats and a lovely Honu Cooler!

Honu Cooler

`Olu makes his worldwide debut today, with an exclusive line of merchandise available in Hawaii at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina's Kalepa Shop!

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Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa's Ka Wa`a Luau

Last night Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa debuted its new luau, Ka Wa`a.  I was honored to have been invited to the premiere, where my son and I enjoyed a fantastic evening of activities, food, and entertainment.

Upon arrival, guests were greeted with lei, took photos with luau cast members, and were escorted to their tables with Ka Wa`a Sunset Cocktails in hand (non-alcoholic versions offered to the kiddos).

Ka Wa`a Sunset

Pre-show activities and entertainment kept guests busy for the first hour.

Beautiful music performed during the pre-show activities

Activities included Na Pua U`i (floral craft), Kapa Printing (bark cloth design), Kakau (Hawaiian Temporary Tattoos), and Ku`i Ke Kalo (Taro Pounding).

Making a wristlet

Stamping fun

My son got a fish hook tattoo

You can sample poi!

The second hour is when guests can indulge in a traditional island buffet, which includes local faves, such as taro macaroni salad, lomi salmon, teriyaki chicken, and prime rib.  There was also a fab spread of sweets - fruit, bread pudding, brownies, and more!

Taro and Guava Croutons

Lomi Lomi Salmon Salad

Ahi Poke

Poi

Hawaiian Waters Local Catch with Crushed Macadamia Nut Sauce

Braised Pork Imu Style with Maui Onion

Teriyaki Chicken

Whole Roasted Hawaiian Raised Suckling Pig

Slow Roasted Prime Rib, Alae Sea Salt Crusted

Banana Bread Pudding

Guava Cake

Macadamia Nut Brownie

Haupia and Coconut Pudding

A keiki buffet is also offered with kid-friendly fare, such as veggie sticks, mac and cheese, and chicken strips.  I admit - I couldn't help but give that chicken a try - it was so good!  I even heard other adults rave about the mac and cheese!

Tiki Chicken Tenderloin

Pasta with Tomato Sauce and Meatballs

Big Wave Fruit Cup with Marshmallows

Moana Surprise Dessert

Guests sure were treated to a feast!  The food was delicious.  I especially loved the Macadamia Nut Brownie - it was rich and fudgy!

The pre-show entertainment continued with an Aulani hula lesson, in which keiki were encouraged to participate.

Even Mickey & Minnie joined in on the fun!

Soon after the official luau show started. 

Ka Wa`a, or canoe, represents the journey of Hawaii's people.  

During the show, Noa, a local storyteller, takes guests on a journey from ancient times to the present. Performers from Tihati Productions told tales through song and dance of significant people, places, and things in Hawaii's history.

The vibrant costumes, engaging chants, and graceful dances captivated the audience.  The performers weaved tales of family traditions, sacred places, and ancient legends.

My favorite segment of the show focused on the demigod Maui, in which fireknife dancers put on a thrilling performance (you can see a short clip on my Instagram here).

The magic of Disney's team, paired with the talent of the Tihati Productions' team, resulted in a fantastic show, enchanting guests of all ages.

Ka Wa`a Details:

• Luau is offered on Wednesdays and Saturdays (subject to change, based on season).  Pre-show begins at 5:00 p.m., followed by the buffet service and luau show.
• Admission starts at $119 for adults and $79 for keiki (children 3-9 years old). Keiki under 3 will be free.
• For reservations, call (808) 674-6850.

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Top 10: Reasons to Stay in a Villa at Aulani

While at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, our family stayed in a beautiful, spacious One Bedroom Villa, which provided all the comforts of home (there are Two and Three Bedroom options available).  Yes, they are more expensive than the standard rooms, but it's worth the price for all of the space an amenities you'll get with a Villa.  Here are my top 10 reasons why you should book a Villa when staying at Aulani.

1. Space - plenty of space for large families (like my family of 5!)

2. Separate bedroom(s)

3. Full kitchen - whip up your own meals and save money!

4. Multiple beds - A king bed, sofa bed, and pull-down bed in the 1 Bedroom Villa meant our family of 5 had room to sleep comfortably

5. Spacious bathroom - The 1 Bedroom Villa has 2 sinks, 1 shower, 1 tub, 1 toilet

6. Large dining area - love that we didn't need to eat on the bed!

7. Multiple TVs (The 1 Bedroom Villa has two TVs)

8. Whirlpool tub

9. Washer and dryer - especially helpful for extended stays.  Pack less clothes and simply wash and dry them (and leave more room in your suitcase for souvenirs!).

10. Dishwasher - Who wants to wash dishes while on vacation? I definitely don't! 

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