Our Visit to Aulani – A Disney Resort & Spa

I’ve always envied people like Cathi who are able to visit Disneyland on a whim. “Hmmm . . . what should we do today? How about going to Disneyland?” No planning, no packing, just get in the car and go. Well, today was kind of like that for Kaila and I.

I was at home trying to find our Disney Trading pins for our upcoming Disneyland trip when I realized it might be pretty cool to add some Aulani pins to the collection. I searched online and found that people were selling them at an outrageous price! However, I was desperate and even considered buying a few. But then I remembered, “Hey, I live 20 minutes away from Aulani! Why don’t I just go there and buy them myself?” Within 15 minutes Kaila and I were on the road headed to Ko’Olina.

Here we are pulling up to the hotel.

The beautiful “Rainbow Wall” behind the Registration Desk in the Maka’ala Lobby. These photos were taken by Hawaii students, grades K to 12. Their mission was to take a photo of something that they feel showcases our beautiful islands. Each submission had to focus on one color.

The view from the Maka’ala Lobby. Here you can see most of the property as well as the property’s Waikolohe Valley. This Valley includes various water activities. You can see a partial view of the Waikolohe Stream where visitors can take a relaxing tube ride along the 900-foot-long path.

The 3,800 square-foot Rainbow Reef where guests can snorkel with beautifully colored fish that live in the waters around the islands.

Or how would you like to get up close and personal with some friendly stingrays at the Makai Preserve?

Here’s the 2,200-square-foot Menehune Bridge where kids will have a blast playing on the bridges, slides, and waterfalls.

Or take a swim in the hotel’s main pool

You can even take a stroll to Ko’Olina Lagoons and spend the day on the beach.

I mean, who wouldn’t love to sit under these beautiful cabanas?

You may even get to see a concert under the stars.

Back in the lobby is where we found this cute little area for the kids.

And of course, our visit wouldn’t be complete without meeting a few Disney characters. Stitch decided he was hungry and tried to eat some of Kaila’s cereal. She was definitely NOT happy about it and started to cry. He tried to kiss and make-up which brought a few smiles and in the end Kaila threw kisses to him as we left.

Mickey was another story. She just would not look at him!

The Aulani is a beautiful resort showcasing the largest collection of contemporary Hawaiian art in the world. At every turn, you’ll see beautiful Hawaiian flowers, artifacts, photos, painting, statues, and music. What I really liked was the laid-back feel that the hotel promotes. You just can’t help but relax as you slowly stroll through the property as the cast members greet you with smiles and Hawaiian greetings. It’s truly paradise.

Yoga Loft Hawaii

Prenatal Yoga helps calm expecting moms

The transformation of a woman’s body during pregnancy is dramatic and life changing to say the least.  Unfortunately, this transformation comes at a high price, giving up control of one’s body and dealing with the discomforts of pregnancy. In order to help alleviate many of the bodily discomforts of pregnancy, such as back pain, tight shoulders, etc. as well as the mental obstacles such as high stress and waves of emotions, an increasing number of women are turning to Prenatal yoga.

“Yoga helps expectant mothers cultivate inner calm, specifically through the breathing and meditation exercises.” explained Zeny Ogrisseg, Prenatal yoga instructor of Yoga Loft Hawaii.

Prenatal yoga is also being praised for its physical benefits and the way in which it can help prepare the body for giving birth.

“In my Prenatal class I focus specifically on exercises that help delivery such as gentle core strengthening exercises as well as poses to stretch the lower back and open the hips.  The breathing exercises of Yoga help to keep both mother and baby oxygenated during delivery, as well as give moms the stamina to endure delivery.” said Zeny.

Yoga Loft Hawaii
94-547 Uke’e St. Suite 205
Waipahu, HI 96797

Courtesy of Yoga Loft Hawaii

“Save the Date” – Disney Store’s Grand Opening at Ala Moana Center (June 2nd)

Celebrate Disney Store’s Grand Opening at Ala Moana Center
Guests are invited to meet Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse at Disney Store’s newly-designed location in Honolulu

WHAT: Disney Store will celebrate the grand opening of the newly designed store at Ala Moana Center, in Honolulu, Hawaii on Saturday, June 2, 2012. The newly-designed Disney Store at Ala Moana Center relocated and was remodeled to offer an interactive and magical experience for Disney fans of all ages. Disney Store’s new design concept aims to deliver “the best 30 minutes of a child’s day” through immersive storytelling neighborhoods featuring a Disney Princess castle with magic mirror, translucent trees, and the Disney Store Theatre featuring the latest Disney entertainment.

WHEN: Saturday, June 2, 2012

• 9:30 a.m. – Disney Store opening ceremony where a local child from Make-A-Wish® “will “unlock imagination” and officially open the store. The first 500 guests will receive a free gift.
• 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. Meet and Greet with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse at center stage. Don’t forget to bring your camera!*

*Characters alternate every 30 minutes. Character appearances are subject to change or cancellation without notice.

WHERE:
Disney Store at Ala Moana Center
1450 Ala Moana Blvd.
Honolulu, HI 96814

Courtesy of The Disney Store

May Day is Lei Day in Hawaii

May 1st is Lei Day in Hawaii. It’s a time for residents and visitors to celebrate an island tradition of making and wearing leis. It all started in 1928 when poet Don Blanding wrote an article in a local newspaper suggesting that this custom become a local holiday.

Since then, every year on May 1st the people of Hawaii participate in festivities involving lei making demonstrations, exhibits, hula performances, lei making contests and local musicians. Even our local schools hold annual May Day Programs where children dress up in colorful outfits and perform for family and friends.

However, most of the events take place in Waikiki which allows visitors to enjoy this island tradition as well. It’s a great way to experience the Hawaiian culture.

For more information on May Day festivities as well as other upcoming events, stop by About.com.

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