Aunties and Uncles are an enduring tradition at Aulani . PHOTO BY DANNY SHUSTER
BY MEGAN DUBOIS
Waking up at Aulani , A Disney Resort and Spa in Ko Olina , Hawaii , is a tropical dream come true for Disney fans . As you gaze out your villa window , you see the sparkling ocean , lush palm trees , and families buzzing by the pool , getting ready for a day of Hawaiian adventure in a way that only Disney can provide .
When Aulani opened in 2011 , the resort brought together the magic of a Disney vacation with a hyper-focus on Hawaiian culture . Part of that culture is the reverence for family elders . For Aulani , that meant creating a role in the entertainment department that emphasized a respected family member who knows when it ’ s time to have fun and when it ’ s time to pass down legends and lore of Hawaii .
Aunty Angela . © DISNEY
Those who have traveled to Aulani know this role as “ Aunty .” Angela Morales is the original Aunty who helped open the resort nearly 15 years ago . Angela is also an acclaimed musician , songwriter , and singer , which has informed her Aunty role throughout the years .
“ Here in Hawaii , our culture is very family-based ,” Aunty Angela told WDW Magazine . “ You know ‘ ohana ’ and ‘ aloha ’ are two words that we use , and they coincide , they are very pili , meaning they intertwine together .”
According to Aunty Angela , Aunties and Uncles are the cultural Hawaiian ambassadors of aloha at Aulani : “ When you first come to the resort , we are there to make sure everyone is having a great time .”
BACKGROUND : Enjoy some time by the water at Aulani , A Disney Resort and Spa . PHOTO BY DANNY SHUSTER