The Language of Aloha at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa: Kukuna o ka la

Kukuna o ka la means rays of the sun.

In this series, we've been diving into the Hawaiian language, which is a personal passion of mine. Today I'd like to raise us up into the sky and tell you about the kukuna o ka la, or rays of the sun, in Hawaiʻi.

Throughout Hawaiʻi, and especially here at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, we tell moʻolelo, or stories, about how the demi-god Maui captured the sun. According to some stories, he captured the sun at a mountain just down the road from Aulani called Heleakala. Maui wanted the sun to slow down so our Hawaiian bark-cloth, or kapa, would have time to dry. So, he captured the sun and made it rise and fall on a regular cycle. Now, we are so thankful that he did! You can see this story gloriously brought to life as part of Aulani's KA WA'A lu'au.

During summer at Aulani, you can enjoy the kukuna o ka la in so many ways! You can greet the sun in the morning with yoga at our lagoon. Or perhaps you might enjoy some time splashing around our Waikolohe Stream in an inner-tube that allows you to float through the valley. Or maybe you will play hide-and-seek from the kukuna o ka la by relaxing in one of our poolside cabanas during your stay.

One thing you shouldn't miss is the best show on all of Oʻahu: our beautiful sunset. As Moana sings, "There's a line where the sky meets the sea, and it's calling." Come experience the kukuna o ka la at Aulani.

A hui hou, until we meet again.

Note: In printed materials, Aulani Resort uses the contemporary spelling of Hawaiian words, which includes marks such as the kahako (macron). Because these marks do not often display correctly in electronic formats, including the text of the Disney Parks Blog, we've omitted them to ensure clarity.

Celebrate Fourth of July Week with Special Entertainment at the Disneyland Resort

If you are visiting the Disneyland Resort this week, be sure to wear your red, white and blue, and check out the special entertainment leading up to Independence Day. Now through July 3, patriotic performances will pop up in locations across the Disneyland Resort, including performances by the United States Air Force Honor Guard, the United States Army National Guard Band, and the 191st and the 300th Army Band.

June 28 – July 1: The United States Air Force Honor Guard out of Washington, D.C.

• Paradise Pier at Disney California Adventure park – 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.
• Town Square at Disneyland park – 3:15 p.m.
• Disneyland park pre-parade – 4:05 p.m.

July 2: The United States Army National Guard Band

• Disneyland park pre-parade – 4:10 p.m.

July 3: The 191st and the 300th Army Bands

• Downtown Disney District main stage – Ongoing performances from 9:45 a.m. – 1:45 p.m.
• Disneyland park pre-parade – 4:10 p.m.

Hats Off to New Headwear Coming to the Disney Dream Store at D23 Expo 2017

The D23 Expo 2017 returns to the Anaheim Convention Center from July 14-16 across the street from Disneyland Resort. This Ultimate Disney Fan Event brings together all the worlds of Disney under one roof for three packed days of presentations, pavilions, experiences, concerts, and sneak peeks. Today, I'm excited to share a first look at products coming to the Disney Dream Store, the spot to find Disney Parks-inspired apparel, art, collectibles and much more.

"Disney ear hats are must have item from Disney Parks, so we're delighted to offer a specially designed ear hat at D23 Expo 2017," explained Jeanne Lewis, merchandise product developer for headwear. "In addition to the ear hat, we will debut the new Interchangeable Bow Collection that's coming to Disney Parks this fall. We love being a part of the Disney Dream Store as it's a wonderful way to introduce new products to our most enthusiastic Disney Parks' fans."

You may recall getting a first look at the Interchangeable Bow Collection last December in a Disney Parks Blog Unboxed video.

To start your headband collection, you will need the mouse-eared headband that comes with a removable sequin-covered bow. This starter headband contains three spaces where an interchangeable bow can be attached using a clip.

Guests will also find six Disney character-inspired bows sold separately, which can be easily attached to the starter headband. Jeanne told me there will be 10 specially designed bows available when the collection is officially released this fall at Disney Parks.

Finally, Jeanne shared with me a limited edition, genuine leather hat that celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction. Presented in a decorative treasure box, this hat will contain a pirate-themed metal medallion, and will have an edition size of 230. It's the perfect hat to wear when visiting the Walt Disney Archives Exhibit, "A Pirate's Life for Me: Disney's Rascals, Scoundrels and Really Bad Eggs," at the D23 Expo this year.

Stay tuned in the coming weeks for additional looks at commemorative products coming to the Disney Dream Store. You can also discover the latest D23 Expo 2017 news by visiting D23expo.com.