Travel Disney Resort, Hawaii
Hawaii’s Disney resort has the whole family covered
We’re off on holiday but I’m keeping the destination a secret from my 10-year-old daughter Astrud till the very last moment.
As we settle into our plane seats, I finally break the news that we’re heading to the Aulani resort on Oahu, Hawaii, to hang out with her favourite Disney characters. The excitement on her face is enough to get this mum in the mood for some Disney magic too!
The fun starts now
As soon as we arrive, Astrud’s straight into her swimmers ready for some waterslide action at the hotel’s Waikolohe Stream. Meanwhile, I spend a few blissful hours relaxing in the adults-only pool area, complete with super-comfy sun loungers and a waterfall. At the resort children are well supervised by the “cast members” – aka the staff – who host all kinds of fun activities such as building canoes, making leis and surfing lessons.
That leaves me free to indulge my own inner big kid, so I set off to find out more about the famous Menehune – mythical beings, similar to pixies or trolls, who are said to be responsible for mysterious happenings on the islands of Hawaii. I also discover the Disney characters Lilo and Stitch are inspired by Hawaiian traditions.
But not everything is Disneyfocused around here. After a sunrise yoga class on the beach, we head to the resort’s Laniwai spa for a skin-yoga facial and traditional lomilomi massage.
The tranquil rainforest retreat offers more than 150 treatments – even catering for children as young as newborns. It also boasts an outdoor hydrotherapy garden, a steam room to help banish jetlag, and a reflexology pathway to massage weary feet. I’m even given a personalised vanilla salt scrub to take away.
With a bit of time to spare, my fashion-loving daughter and I jump in a cab for the 15-minute trip to nearby Waikele Premium Outlets, where we kit ourselves out in designer goods at seriously discounted prices.
I could mooch around here all day, but Astrud’s keen to get back to the fun – and her new American friends, who are all intrigued by her Aussie accent – at the resort.
Wildlife adventure
Aunty’s Beach House – the resort’s complimentary kids’ club – caters for children aged three to 12. There’s a movie room, arts and crafts, dressups, magical portals depicting spectacular scenes from the islands, and visits from a host of Disney friends.
After Astrud’s activities are over, we slip into our cossies to board the 53-foot Honi Olani
catamaran. Sailing into the famous surfing beach Mahana, we’re excited to spot a pod of spinner dolphins. Astrud joins the guided marine tour and goes snorkelling in search of Nemo and Dory, while I spot sea turtles in the turquoise waters while sipping a cocktail on deck.
A very Disney dinner
Meals at the hotel’s Makahiki restaurant are certainly lively affairs. Over brekkie, Astrud is absolutely thrilled to have her photograph taken with Donald and Daisy Duck as they dance over to our table.
Later, after dinner, we join a man known simply as “uncle”, a master storyteller who regales us with legends and folklore of the island.
As we watch the sun set one last time, it’s time to pack up our Disney souvenirs and memories and head back home. It’s been a magical tropical break for this big and little kid alike.