3:00 PM
Anonymous
As of April 21, 2011, major structural work at the Ko Olina Resort, just west of Honolulu, has been completed. The resort is named Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, Ko Olina, Hawai'i and will open on August 29, 2011.
Disney feels that the name reflects the company's deep commitment to celebrating the Hawaiian Islands' rich history and traditions.
Joe Rohde, Senior Vice President, Creative for Walt Disney Imagineering explained that Aulani when translated from the Hawaiian language to English, means "the place that speaks for the great ones" or "the place that speaks with deep messages."
"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 Rohde. "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."
It's now Disney's "time to add the magic", weaving Hawaiian stories into the buildings, interiors, art and gardens of the resort with the help of local architects, artisans and historians. The celebrated Disney magic, storytelling and service will create wonderful family vacation memories at the resort, drawing on the beauty, fun, enchantment and traditions of the islands.
