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Aulani Hosts Meeting Planners And Media At February Site Inspection
 

The Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, strutted its stuff for a lucky group of meeting planners and travel writers during a media event held from February 23-26 at the spectacular O’ahu, Hawaii property. The 21-acre beachfront resort, located only 17 miles from Honolulu International Airport in Ko Ollna, opened its doors for business in late September.

Overlooking a beautiful beachfront lagoon less than an hour from Waikiki on Oahu, Aulani has been imaginatively designed to embrace time-honored Hawaiian traditions, inviting dreamers from everywhere to savor their time together. From the moment guests arrive at the resort, they will be enchanted by unique surroundings that pay tribute to the authentic arts of Hawaii and the melding of earth and architecture in one special place. And with Disney magic sprinkled throughout, guests will encounter a vacation paradise uniquely designed for families.

Invited guests were treated to tours of the property, with local historians highlighting the architecture, designs, artwork and amenities that has drawn much praise for observing and respecting authentic Hawaiian culture.

Aulani boasts 359 luxurious rooms, including 16 suites, plus more than 50,000 sq. ft. of flexible indoor and outdoor function space. Meeting areas include a 14,545-sq. ft conference center plus 36,695-sq. ft. of outdoor venues and the 4,680-sq. ft. Kaiona Ballroom.

Aulani is not only tops for planners and their attendees, but when the business day is done, guests will be able to customize their experiences – relaxing on the beach or in the Laniwai Spa, splashing through the pools and water play areas of the Waikolohe Valley, or discovering the island on specially planned excursions. Laniwai Spa, for adults only, is a haven of tranquility in 18,000 sq. ft. of space, with 15 treatment rooms, a fitness center and the 5,000-sq. ft. outdoor Kula Wai hydrotherapy garden, the only one of its kind on Oahu. For teens there is Painted Sky, a spa specially designed just for them with a yogurt bar, computer access, mixology station and a menu of treatments.

Among the unique experiences at Aulani are the Fireside Mo'olelo for storytelling (mo'olelo is the Hawaiian word for story), and spotting statues of Menehune (the legendary island little people known to accomplish marvelous feats of construction), hidden throughout the resort.

With that special magic only Disney can provide, Aulani draws families into fun experiences that bring everyone together, from movie nights under the stars to explorations of the Menehune Adventure Trail. Families can enjoy lei making, hula dancing and learning a Hawaiian sunset chant, all under the guidance of local artists and guides. At night, the beachside fire pit comes to life as storytellers speak and sing ancient tales of the islands.
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