Aulani Awarded Highest Honor By Hawaii Tourism Authority
One of the highlights of a visit to Aulani Resort is to be immersed not only in the culture of this vibrant Hawaiian getaway but also to learn a bit of the local language. Disney believes that a commitment to promote the Hawaiian dialect is essential to understanding the culture and the heightens the experience you’ll get at Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa. It is this commitment to language and culture that has led the Hawaii Tourism Authority to award Aulani Resort with its highest honor- The Tourism Legacy Award.
The award was presented at the 2018 Global Tourism Summit which honors organizations and businesses that perpetuate Hawaiian culture. This year’s honorees were singled out for helping to normalize the Hawaiian language into everyday life.
One our favorite places at Aulani where you can see this commitment to language first hand is the ‘Olelo Room. At this meeting spot, the Hawaiian language plays a central role. You’ll find Hawaiian words in the decor, furniture and even in your interactions with the Cast Members. This makes the ‘Olelo Room a favorite spot for guests and locals alike! ‘Olelo is a Hawaiian word for “to converse.” The Cast Members working in this area are fluent in Hawaiian and are more than happy to pass their knowledge on to visitors. During a visit to the ‘Olelo Room you can hear Hawaiian music played nightly by award-winning artists, learn a thing or two from the native local speakers and even practice the language on your own as common objects around the room are all labelled with their Hawaiian names! Check out the table above!
Aulani Resort General Manager Kimberly Agas had this to say about the guest experience, “We provide a way for kama’aina (Hawaii residents) to show their pride in their home, and a place where Hawaiian-language speakers can pursue and share their passion for ‘Olelo Hawaii. At Aulani Resort, Hawaiian language proficiency is a valued professional skill, and conversations in ‘Olelo Hawaii are a common daily occurrence.”
So as you can see Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa is not just a tropical island getaway but a fully immersive cultural experience. Enjoy the sights, sounds and culture of this amazing resort by planning your Hawaiian vacation with Disney! Packages are currently available to book through until the end of 2019. Simply fill out our form below for your FREE, no-obligation quote with MickeyTravels.
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