KO OLINA, Hawai‘i, Jan. 19, 2010 – The highly anticipated Disney destination resort currently under construction on the Hawaiian island of O‘ahu now has an official name and a dynamic new Web site offering an inside look at the project. The resort’s name – Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, Ko Olina, Hawai‘i – reflects the company’s deep commitment to celebrating the islands’ rich history and traditions. Plans call for the first phase of the resort to open in fall 2011.

You can keep up with the details and progress by visiting this article. 

Disney Vacation Club Press Release: Hawaiian Resort

Disney To Build Hawaiian Resort

Luxury family resort planned for Ko Olina Resort Property on the island of Oahu.

BURBANK, Calif., October 3, 2007 - Walt Disney Parks & Resorts has announced that the company has finalized plans to purchase 21 acres of oceanfront property on Hawaii's island of Oahu.

The property, located on the island's western side in the picturesque Ko Olina Resort & Marina, Honolulu's premier resort destination, will be home to Disney's first mixed-use family resort outside of its theme park developments. The expansive resort, scheduled to open in 2011, is planned to have more than 800 units, including hotel rooms and Disney Vacation Club villas.*

"This resort hotel will give our Guests another way to visit an exciting part of the world with a brand they trust," said Jay Rasulo, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks & Resorts. "In fact, Hawaii has been among our most requested Disney Vacation Club getaway locations beyond our Theme Parks. We are looking forward to building a special family resort that honors the cultural diversity of Hawaii and reflects the spirit of aloha that makes this location so unique."

Consistently ranked as one of the top family destinations in the world, Hawaii's natural beauty and extensive offering of family activities make it an ideal location for a Disney resort.

"Disney and Hawaii have something special in common, and that is the recognition of the importance of 'ohana," said Hawaii Governor Linda Lingle. "Not only does Disney provide wonderful family vacations, but as a media company, it also touches people worldwide with its entertainment offerings. The new Disney hotel will be a great addition to Oahu, and I am pleased to welcome a company that can also bring the world of new media and digital technology to Hawaii, opening new opportunities for innovative partnerships in non-tourism related sectors."

Aulani

The new resort hotel (to be named Aulani) will be the latest addition to the Ko Olina development, known for its sweeping ocean views, picture-postcard white sand beaches and tranquil crystal blue lagoons.

Jeff Stone, President of The Resort Group and master developer of the Ko Olina property, has been working closely with Disney on the land acquisition and project.

"Ko Olina means 'place of joy,' and I can't imagine a more perfect fit here than a Disney resort that will bring joy to people from around the world," Stone said. "For many years, it has been our vision to continue to expand Ko Olina as a premier vacation destination for families and business travelers, and this new Disney resort hotel is making that vision a wonderful reality."

“We want this resort destination to reflect the vibrant culture that surrounds it. The name ‘Aulani’ expresses a connection to tradition and deep story-telling – and its roots are here in this land,” said Joe Rohde, senior vice president, Creative for Walt Disney Imagineering. “We’re so grateful to the local Hawaiians who led us to the discovery of this name, and our goal is to live up to its meaning.”

Rohde noted that Aulani translated from the Hawaiian language to English means “the place that speaks for the great ones” or “the place that speaks with deep messages.”  

The Resort

 Nearby to historical sites on the western side of O‘ahu, Aulani will be located on 21 acres of oceanfront property in the Ko Olina Resort & Marina development. The resort is planned to have 360 hotel rooms and 481 two-bedroom equivalent Disney Vacation Club villas. 

Design plans call for amenities to engage every member of the family, a hallmark of a Disney vacation. Among the recreational highlights planned for the resort are pools and sunset-facing hot tubs, a snorkeling lagoon, a variety of kids’ club and other play programs for children, and a river, suitable for tube floating, running through a specially created volcanic outcropping.

The resort will also include an 18,000-square-foot spa designed with families in mind. The resort, built adjacent to a crystal-blue lagoon and a white-sand beach, is planned to also have two restaurants, a 14,545-square-foot conference center and 48,685 square feet of outdoor venues. Located nearby are the existing Ko Olina Marina and a Ted Robinson-designed, 18-hole championship golf course. for more information see my pre-opening report from May 2012 http://www.tikimanpages.com/tiki/news/197-aulani-tour-edited-version  

The Web Site

Disney has launched a new preview Web site, www.DisneyAulani.com, to provide updates and background information on the resort now under construction. The site also details some of the adventures and amenities under development, and includes conceptual art, descriptions of resort highlights, regularly updated resort information and photos of Aulani as it nears completion.

 “We are looking forward to welcoming guests to Aulani to share the fun, immersive family vacation experiences Disney is known for combined with the beauty and culture of Hawai‘i,” said Djuan Rivers, vice president, Disney Vacation Club and Resort, Hawai‘i. “We are turning to the Hawaiian culture for inspiration in everything we are doing at Aulani, and we hope our guests will not only enjoy the Disney experience, but will also embrace the unique culture of Hawai‘i and its diverse people.” 

Why Hawaii?

Some facts that lead Disney to purchase the land in Hawaii to add to their hotel rooms and Vacation Club collection are facts like Hawaii being the most popular destination outside the parks for DVC member getaways. Also Hawaii is the number 1 destination for people to look at purchasing a timeshare. Also Hawaii usually has a hotel occupancy of in the 80% range as opposed to Orlando being in the 70% during non recession times. The length of stay in Hawaii also is an average of over 9 days.

I was pleased to see that this resort was not going to be just Disney Vacations Club rooms. We have looked into DVC and even with as much as we go we did not find it to be a wise investment for us so it will be nice to still be able to book at the new Hawaii location.  As time passes and owners accumulate, it will be interesting to see how the Disney Aulani Resort timeshare villas fare in comparison to average occupancy in the hotel portion of the resort.  350 of the rooms will be Hotel rooms and 480 will be Vacation villas.

Oahu is not our favorite island to visit but Disney will create a destination of itself. With 18,000 sqft spa, 8,000 sqft banquet space, two restraints, a kids club and wedding area. There will be an inland saltwater lagoon, quiet pool and water park with slides, rapids and waterfalls. This will all be next to the beach on the North west side of Oahu.

Check out Hawaii Magazine's article with info and construction photos. 

Disney Aulani Resort Hawaii: We take the first "hard hat" tour 

The Schedule 

August 29, 2011: 200 hotel rooms and 73 Disney Vacation Club 2-bedroom units will open.

End of 2011: 130 more rooms and 134 more Vacation Club units will open.

2013: The remaining 274 Vacation Club units will open. 

Special rates for 2012 

COME WITH MAGICAL VACATIONS TO AULANI - 2012 !
 
Join Magical Vacations & the Tikifest Ohana as we head to Hawaii in 2012 !
 
For those of you who have been with us at Tikifest at the Walt Disney World Resort with Steve (aka Tikiman) from the Unofficial Polynesian Resort Pages, we have such a treat planned for you in 2012 !
 
Magical Vacations has obtained exclusive rates on various room categories at this exclusive Disney tropical paradise !
 
In addition to special discounted room rates, we will also be putting together a fun activity (optional) for those who would like to get together while at the resort.  
  
 
The travel period associated with this offer will be between July 7 and 14, 2012.  Additional days, if needed, subject to availability at discount rate.  For rates and availability, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
 
Tip:  Magical Vacations is also coordinating mini-trips to Disneyland for those guests who plan to make a stop-over in California on their way to/from Hawaii.  To book a stay at Disneyland California, please contact us.

Island Garden View:  $345.93 per night (tax included)
Poolside Garden View:  $402.64 per night (tax included)
Partial Ocean View:  $425.32 per night (tax included)
Ocean Front:  $459.35 per night (tax included)

Parking Fee at resort is also included complimentary for those guests who will have a rental car.
*All room rates are based upon single/double occupancy.  Additional persons in room (18 yrs and older) will be charged an additional $25 per person, per night.
 
Aulani opens late August 2011; for guest interested in other travel opportunities here, please let us know and we'll be glad to help you.