Five Hawaiian Expressions to Know for Your Visit to Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa

Aloha! Are you ready for your trip to Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa? One of the travel tips my mom passed down to me was to always learn five key expressions that are used in the place you are visiting. In that spirit, I asked Aulani Cultural Advisor Kahulu De Santos to recommend the five most useful expressions that every Aulani guest should know.

1. Aloha – “Hello”

Aloha is the Hawaiian word I used most during my visit to Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa. From the moment you arrive, the spirit of aloha is alive in every cast member interaction. A fun tip about this Hawaiian word is that also can mean “goodbye.” So, you can start and end a conversation with aloha!

2. E komo mai – “Welcome”

Just as Walt Disney said at the dedication of Disneyland park, “To all who come to this happy place: Welcome,” a welcoming spirit is the foundation for all Disney Parks & Resorts, and Aulani is a beautiful example of that spirit.

3. ‘Ohana – “Family”

There are so many activities available for your entire family to enjoy. A few of my favorites include Disney Family Fun Animation, ‘Ohana Hula and of course, the Aulani Starlit Hui.

4. Keiki – “Child” or “Children”

Disney Characters, Aunty’s Beach House and Keiki Cove are just three of the options available for your keiki (pronounced kay-key) to enjoy at Aulani. Even as keiki grow older, there are daily tween and teen activities that allow every member of your ‘ohana to meet new friends and take home treasured experiences.

5. Mahalo – “Thank You”

Mahalo was another Hawaiian word I used frequently during my visit. You’ll often hear cast members thanking you for visiting Aulani by saying, “Mahalo!”

I hope these expressions help you and your ‘ohana feel at home during your visit to Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa! Do you have any other Hawaiian words or phrases to recommend to new visitors? Leave your answers in the “Comments” section!

Aloha!

Five Hawaiian Expressions to Know for Your Visit to Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa by Tyler Slater: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog