Could There Be a Bonafide Disney Princess at Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa
Move over Moana! Aulani, A Disney Resort and Spa in Hawaii has its very own princess on staff (sort of)! Meet Moli Mapu who is a manager at Aulani Resort’s Laniwai Spa. Moli was born in American Samoa and happens to be the daughter of a prominent village leader in Aua on the main island of Tutuila!
For those unfamiliar, American Samoa is an unincorporated US territory, most villages adhere to a traditional governing structure called the Matal Chief System in which certain individuals are chosen by families to guide each village. It’s up to these chiefs to bring communities together and maintain harmony. An example Disney gave is that it’s up to the high-talking chief to call villagers together for funerals and weddings and to oversee the village council. He also helps make decisions on village life including a curfew, protection of religious rights, and more. It is also the Chief’s job to hear grievances and settles disputes.
Last September Moli’s father, Johnny Siaumau Mapu, was elected high-talking chief of Aua. This is regarded as an immense honor and is a recognition of his years of service to the village, community, and nation of American Samoa.
“There is a proverb in Samoa that says o le ala i le pule o le tautua, which means the pathway to leadership is through service,” Moli said. “I was so proud when my father was called to be our village’s high-talking chief. It was one of my favorite moments that I got to witness as his daughter. My father has always been the definition of service to me. For as long as I can remember, I have watched him serve wholeheartedly in many capacities – the church, the army, advocating for veterans. To watch him humbly accepting another opportunity to serve his “aiga” and village was beyond words.”
Moli returned to American Samoa last September to be there for her father’s momentous occassion. It was the first time she had been back in American Samoa in 20 years. Moli left home in 20002 and moved to Hawaii to further her education. She attended Brigham Young in Hawai’i. In 2008 she enrolled in the Disney College Program and moved to Orlando as part of the program in 2008. Moli would go on to work for Disney World for three more years at front desk, concierge, and VIP services.
In 2011, Moli moved to Aulani Resort as a member of the front office opening team. In August she will be celebrating her 15 years of working for Aulani in Disney.
So now that Moli’s father has been given such a high honor, is she a Princess!? “No, I’m not,” she said with a laugh. “There are village maidens called taupou that are similar to what Moana is, but that doesn’t apply to me. Taupou is designated by other high chiefs, but my father doesn’t determine that.”
With such an incredible life, heritage, family, and commitment to Disney, she’s a princess in our book. Be on the lookout for Moli during your next Disney Hawaiian getaway.
Readers are encouraged to keep following along with MickeyBlog for further Walt Disney World news and updates. We’ll be coming to you LIVE from the theme parks each and every week.
Have you heard the news? MickeyTravels just earned the incredible distinction of being a Diamond Earmarked Agency
Whether it’s a visit to the theme parks, a Disney cruise, a stay at Aulani in Hawaii, or the trip of a lifetime with Adventures by Disney, I can’t wait to help you plan your vacation utilizing all of our incredible concierge-level services. This includes discount monitoring, itinerary planning, flexible booking and so much more. Best of all my services are 100% FREE!
Find out more or get your FREE no-obligation quote at mroden@mickeytravels.com at 1.800.801.4025 or via Facebook
