Disney’s Aulani Resort and Spa in Hawaii

Rooms | DVC Rooms/Villas | Pools/Recreation | Dining | Excursions
Service/Amenities | Map | Kids' Club | the daily 'IWA | Photos

Disney's Aulani Resort and Spa opened in the Ko Olina Resort area of Oahu, Hawaii on August 29, 2011. The location for Aulani, right on the oceanfront in beautiful Ko Olina, about 17 miles north of the Honolulu Airport, is spectacular. Hawaiian culture and tradition come to life in this resort, modeled after the Hawaiian village concept.  The ocean views, white sandy beaches, tropical foliage and salt-water lagoons make this newest resort a great vacation destination.

DIS Unplugged Web Radio Show Podcast 09/21/11 - Corey Martin and Julie Martin talk about their stay at Aulani Discuss | Blog | RSS Feed | Add to iTunes | Podcast Main

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Get 6th night free, plus free breakfast!

Discount is valid for stays most nights 3/1/12 – 3/17/12 and 4/15/12 - 5/31/12.

When guests book a 6-night or longer stay at Aulani Resort & Spa, they will get the 6th night free!  Each guest in the room (age 3 and older) will also receive free breakfast in the 'Olelo Room each morning of their stay.

Sample Pricing:

• Standard View Room - from $1041*
• Poolside Gardens View - from $1235*
• Partial Ocean View - from $1365*
• Ocean View - from $1456*

Discount Codes: The following codes can be used to obtain these discounts by calling Disney directly, or by contacting Dreams Unlimited Travel.

• E7D

This discount must be booked by 2/29/12. All discounts are subject to availability, certain restrictions apply.

* Rates are per person, land only, based on double occupancy unless otherwise stated. Valid for select dates 4/14 - 5/26/12. Rates are subject to availability, certain restrictions apply. Taxes, gratuities, transfers, airfare and excursions are additional.

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• Aulani Photos: Pools, Hot Tubs, Cabanas
• Aulani Photos: Lazy River
• Aulani Photos: Beach and Lagoon
• Aulani 'IWA's - Your guide to events and activities
• Aulani Photos: Main entrance and lobby area
• Aulani Photos: Dining & Restaurants
• Aulani Photos: Laniwai Spa & Fitness Center
• Aulani Photos: Aunty's Beach House Kids Club
• Aulani Photos: Standard View Room
• Aulani Photos: Catamaran Excursion
• Aulani Photos: Rainbow Reef
• Aulani Photos: Kids Aquatic Play Area

Very similar to a Disney Cruise Line daily navigator, guests of Aulani receive a daily 'IWA (pronounced e-v-a) in their room every morning. These are crucial for planning your day at Aulani and something you should definitely read over in the morning. The daily 'IWA lists all of the events and activities, character greeting locations, and hours of operation for many of the venues. We've scanned a full week of 'IWA's for your reference. Please note that the details listed in the ones below are very likely to change and should only be used as a reference.

September 4-10, 2011

• Sunday
• Monday
• Tuesday
• Wednesday
• Thursday
• Friday
• Saturday

Aulani features 359 traditional hotel rooms, decorated with wood and Hawaiian elements. These rooms have several views available:  Standard View, Ocean View, Partial Ocean View, Poolside Gardens View, Island Gardens View.  All of these rooms sleep 4 and have either 2 queen-size bed or 1 king-size bed with queen-size sleeper sofa.  The 382 square-foot rooms have 1 bathroom. There are also handicap accessible rooms available for all views and on most floors.

Many of the contemporary custom furnishings pay homage to ancient culture. Fabrics in earth tones were inspired by kappa, or bark cloth, known for its subtle intricacy and embossed patterns. The headboards reflect outrigger canoe shapes and butterfly joints that were used to mend precious wooden bowls. Fabrics from the 1940s and 1950s have been reinvented in the room's pillow and bedding. Being a true Disney resort, you will find "hidden Mickey's" in the pineapple-patterned Hawaiian quilts on the bed and Ukulele-playing Mickey Mouse lamp on the desk.

• Click Here for a photo gallery of a Standard View Room
  

Standard Room Amenities

• Ceiling fan
• Clock radio with mp3 capability
• Coffee maker
• DVD player
• Fully interactive flat panel television in each bedroom and living room with guest services, weather, and the ability to see your own "PhotoPass" photos
• Graco Pack 'N Play Playard
• Hair dryer
• Ice bucket
• Iron and ironing board
• Luggage rack
• Make-up mirror
• Small refrigerator
• Shampoo, conditioner, bath gel, bath soap, facial soap, lotion
• Tea kettle (electric) with tea supplies
• Wall safe in closet (laptop size)
• Wireless high-speed Internet access
• Full Room Service Menu

Handicapped Accessible Rooms:

• 532 Poolside Gardens View King Bed, Accessible Tub
• 533 Standard View King Bed, Accessible Tub
• 534 Poolside Gardens View King Bed, Roll In Shower
• 535 Standard View King Bed, Roll In Shower
• 832 Ocean View King Bed, Accessible Tub
• 833 Partial Ocean View King Bed, Accessible Tub
• 834 Ocean View King Bed, Accessible Tub
• 835 Partial Ocean View King Bed, Accessible Tub
• 1132 Ocean View King Bed, Accessible Tub
• 1133 Partial Ocean View King Bed, Accessible Tub
• 1433 Partial Ocean, Parlor Suite, Accessible Tub
• 1538 Ocean View King Bed, Roll In Shower
• 1642 Ocean 2 Bedroom –'Ahu'ula King Bed, Roll In Shower

The following hotel rooms are set up to accommodate guests who are visually impaired:

• 632 Ocean View King Bed, Visual
• 633 Standard View King Bed, Visual
• 932 Ocean View King Bed, Visual
• 933 Partial Ocean View King Bed, Visual
• 934 Ocean View Queen Bed, Visual
• 935 Partial Ocean View Queen Bed, Visual
• 1230 Ocean View King Bed, Visual
• 1231 Partial Ocean View Queen Bed, Visual
• 1533 Partial Ocean, Parlor Suite Parlor, Visual
  
  

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Disney resorts are known for their recreational opportunities and Aulani is no exception.

Waikolohe Valley
The Waikolohe Valley is the main pool area of the resort where the pools and water play area blend seamlessly into the beautiful surrounding scenery. There are two pools, both of which offer zero-entry as well as traditional steps. There are also two slides in Waikolole Valley, a tube (Tuberstone Curl) and a body slide (Volcanic Vertical) that takes you on a ride through volcanic rock, or you can float along in the lazy river that circles the entire valley (900 linear feet). There are also four Jacuzzis, two of which feature "infinity" edges that let you sit and soak in the beautiful Hawaiian sunsets.

Pool Hours:

• All Pools - 7:00 am - 11:00 pm
• Wailana Pool - 9:00 am - 11:00 pm
• Lifeguards on duty - 8:00 am - 8:00 pm

• Aulani Pool Photos

Menehune Bridge / Aquatic Play Area
This play area is for children under 48 inches and features 3 slides, a play structure and more! Children using this area must be supervised at all times and diaper age children must wear swim diapers. There is no lifeguard on duty here.

• Aquatic Play area photos

Rainbow Reef
The Rainbow Reef saltwater snorkel lagoon is filled with tropical fish for you to explore. The Rainbow Reef experience is $20 for adults and $15 for children, or you can purchase an length-of-stay pass at $39 for adults and $29 for children. This is open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Tip:
The water in the Reef is COLD, but it's definitely worth it. Snorkeling in the lagoon was not that enjoyable for us, but there's plenty to look at in the Reef. If you're trying to decide whether to spend your money on renting snorkeling equipment in the lagoon or doing this, I would say do this. I only saw a bunch of rocks in the lagoon. - Corey Martin

• Rainbow Reef Photos

Aulani Beach and Lagoon
Guests of Aulani have access to an exclusive beach and lagoon area that is only shared by one other resort. Relax on a beach chair or take advantage of the rentals from Makiki Joe's.

• Beach and Lagoon Photos

Makiki Joe's Beach Rentals

Makiki Joe's is located on the beach and is where you will rent single and double kayaks, snorkel sets, stand up paddle boards, beach umbrellas, canoe adventures, and paddle board lessons. Makiki Joe's is open from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm.



Rental Prices:

• Snorkel Set: $10 hourly, $15 half day, $20 full day
• Single Kayak: $20 hourly
• Double Kayak: $30 hourly
• Stand up Paddle Board: $30 hourly, $75 half day
• Beach Umbrella: $15 half day, $40 full day
• Double Chase Lounge Chair: $30 half day, $40 full day (not included with recreation pass)

Adventure Prices:

• Hawaiian Sailing Canoe Adventure: $99 adults / $79 kids
• Hawaiian Paddle Canoe Adventure: $79 adults / $59 kids
• Stand Up Paddle (SUP) Lesson: $39
• Stand Up Paddle (SUP) Adventure: $59
• Private and group lessons available upon request. Children ages 6-12

Poolside Cabanas:
There are a total of 8 pool cabanas that you can rent for the day for up to 6 Guests. The cost per day is $275 ($150 for half day) and includes lounge chairs, couch, 6 waters in a mini fridge, safe, iHome for your ipod/iphone, 32-inch flat panel TV, fan, WiFi, and a menu to order food from. These are available from 9:00 am - 6:00 pm.

Tip:
Cabana No. 1 has the best view, but it books fast and is often reserved. When booking your cabana, also ask if it's near the kids play area. Depending on your situation, having a cabana in the kids area can be a good or bad thing. - Corey Martin

• Cabana Photos

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Money Saving Tip:
There is a grocery store across the street from Aulani. It's called Island Country Markets (by ABC Stores) and it's literally across the street within walking distance. Picking up a few snacks to keep in your room might be a good idea. They also have hot food items available for less than what you would pay at Aulani. I considered breakfast at Aulani somewhat limited, so check out the selection at the store. They even have seating outside. - Corey Martin

Table Service:

'Ama'Ama Beach Restaurant

This signature dining restaurant serves local favorites while you dine alongside the Pacific Ocean. Ama Ama means Mullet Fish and the theming behind the restaurant is a fishing village. Ama Ama offers both lunch and dinner and may begin offering breakfast soon. Lunch is served from 11:30 am - 3:00 pm. Dinner is served from 5:30 pm - 10:30 pm. There is live music from 7:00 - 9:00 pm. This is not a cheap restaurant so be prepared to spend money.

There is a dress code for Ama Ama's dinner service:

• Not Allowed: tank tops, swim wear, men's hats, cut-offs and torn clothing
• Allowed:
  • Men - khakis, slacks, jeans, dress shorts, collared or aloha shirts (sport coats optional)
  • Women - capris, skirts, dresses, jeans, dress shorts, dress pants

Makahiki Buffet

A buffet of fresh, international foods are served in this open-air dining room. There is a breakfast and dinner buffet with a large selection of items on both. Makahiki is the season of the harvest and celebrated during the rainy season usually occurring from late fall to early spring. This buffet restaurant was created to honor this season of renewal and celebrated as a feast with gifts from the land. Traditional Makahiki ceremonies are held throughout Hawaii.

Breakfast Buffet: Breakfast is served from 7:00 am - 11:00 am. Price for adults is $27.00 and $14.00 for children 9 and under. Character breakfast is only offered on Saturdays, Sundays, and Wednesdays. Character breakfast price for adults is $32.00 and $18.00 for children 9 and under.

• *Example of items on the breakfast buffet include: Fresh fruits, assorted yogurt, cereals, pastries, Oatmeal with fresh Berries, Scrambled Eggs, Vegetable Frittata Omelets, Eggs Benedict, Pork Sausage, Turkey Bacon, Bacon, Portuguese Sausage, Aulani Potatoes, Loco Moco, Pancakes, Waffles, French Toast, Dim Sum, Seared Island fish, Miso Soup, Farm Greens, Tamango, Steamed Rice, Pickled Vegetables, Carving Station,

Makahiki Lanai Grill Out - Available on select days from 11:30 am - 3:00 pm

Dinner Buffet: Dinner is served from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Price for adults is $43.00 and $21.00 for children 9 and under.

Tip:
Items on the dinner menu might not appeal to everyone in your family. Take a look at the items listed below or in the photo gallery here. I personally thought the food was great, but I also like to try everything and eat plenty at a buffet. My wife did not have the same experience. - Corey Martin

• *Example of items on the dinner buffet include: Curried Mussels, Braised Lamb with Goat Cheese Polenta, Grilled Teriyaki Eggplant with Asparagus, Sautéed Bok Choy, Assorted Tempura: (Shrimp, Sweet Potato, Carrots, Green Beans, and Onions), Port and Vegetable Lumpia Spring Roll, Sauté Green Beans with Onions, Huli Huli style chicken, Roasted Strip loin of Beef with Spiced Hawaiian Salt Crust, Roasted Purple Sweet Potatoes, Traditional Pork & Butterfish Lau Lau, Assorted Vegetable Lau Lau, Chinese-style Steamed Fish, Beef Chow Fun Noodles, Assorted Dim Sum, Guava Barbecued Ribs, Sautéed Yellow Squash Zucchini and Peppers, Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Assorted Sushi, Charcuterie Platter, Poached Shrimp, Fresh Sashimi, Mixed Island Greens, Macaroni Salad, Buckwheat Soba Noodle Salad, Poke, Lomi Lomi Salmon, Poi, Edamame Salad, Fruit Salad, Mango Cheesecake, Brownies, Banana Cream Puffs. Kids Dinner items include: Bacon-cheeseburger Macaroni, Pepperoni Pizza, and Grilled Chicken Strips with steamed vegetables.

*Menus item are subject to change without notice based on seasonal local ingredients.

• Click Here if you would like to see photos of all the buffet items

Lounges:

The 'Olelo Room

'Olelo is the Hawaiian word for "language". This is an "interactive language lounge" that is full of sculptures labeled in 'Olelo Hawaii so that guests will increase their Hawaiian vocabulary. In 1896 English was made the main language of Hawaiian schools and children speaking it in class was punished, so parents discouraged their children from speaking it at home. As a result the Hawaiian language was nearly lost forever.

Continental breakfast is available from 6:00 am - 10:00 am. The lounge is open from 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm serving traditional food and drinks. There is live music outside of the 'Olelo room from 5:30 - 9:00 pm.

• Here are some of the food items you might find on the appetizer menu: Sashimi sampler ($15), Steamed Manilla Clams ($17), Ahi Poke ($15), Fresh Shrimp Summer Roll ($12), Kobe Beef Sliders ($15), Sweet Potato Fries ($8), Squid Ring Luau ($13), Domestic and Imported cheese platter ($12), Mini dessert sampler ($13).

Off the Hook

Off the Hook is the sports lounge located poolside and there are 2 large flat screen TV's that only show sporting events. The theming behind Off the Hook is that you are at a fisherman's house where the fishermen would gather after their day on the water to share stories about the "one that got away." Along the inner ledge of the building, you will find artifacts they brought back from their journeys. The 3 large hanging lights resemble fishing nets and water droplets.

Off the Hook is open 11:00 am - 12:00 am. An appetizer menu is served from 5 - 10 pm. This is the only place you can get an adult beverage at Aulani after 11:00 pm.

• Here are some of the food items you might find on the appetizer menu:
  
  Feast of the Sea - Build your own seafood platter. Priced per piece. (choice of Oysters ($1.50), Prawns ($3.50), Clams ($.50), Keahole Lobster ($28), and Kona Abalone sea snails ($15.00) served with Black Butter Bread, Mignonette, Chili Pepper Water, and Aioli)
  
  Hamachi and Ahi Sashimi with Ume Ponzu Sauce ($15), Prawns Satay on Sugar Cane skewers with peanut sauce ($15), Kobe Beef Sliders ($15), Peking Duck Flatbread with Hoisin sauce ($12), Domestic and Imported cheese platter ($12), Mini dessert sampler ($13).
  

Quick Service:

One Paddle, Two Paddle

This is a walk-up window. Freshly-made sandwiches and wraps, house-made desserts, refillable mug station.  Children's menu is available. Hours are 11:00 am - 8:00 pm.

• Here's an example of the menu items served here: Kalua-Roasted Pulled Pork Sandwich ($12.45), Soy-Marinated Tofu Wraps ($10.95), Today's Hawaiian Sustainable Catch Fish Tacos ($12.95), Crispy Marinated Check Lettuce Wraps ($11.95), Crispy Marinated Chicken Lettuce Wraps ($11.95), Angus Chuck Burger with Bacon and Cheddar Cheese ($12.45) . Some of the above items are served with chips or carrot-sea asparagus salad.
  
  Kids menu (choice of...Angus Chuck Cheeseburger, Today's Hawaiian Sustainable Catch Fish Taco, Fresh Vegetables with dip): $6.95. All kids meals are served with choice of fresh fruit or Taro chips.

The Lava Shack

The Lava Shack is the grab & go food and beverage location offering cold plate lunches or snacks. A refillable mug station is also available. Since this is located near the pool area, you can pick up pool and sun essentials here too. Hours are 9:00 am - 6:00 pm.

Papalua Shave Ice

Pool-side stand that serves fruity shaved ice treats.  Open 11:00 am - 6:00 pm.

Rip Swirl Yogurt Bar

Yogurt with fresh fruit and other toppings are available in the youth spa, Painted Sky.  This is open 11:00 am - 6:00 pm.  Adults are allowed to purchase yogurt but are not allowed to hang out in that area.

Room Service

Available from 6:00 am to midnight daily. 

Poolside Service

If you're lounging around the pool, you can take advantage of being served food and beverages without having to get up.

Money Saving Tip:
You're paying for convenience when you order from this menu. Take a look at the One Paddle, Two Paddle menu and you will find similar items for less. It might be worth it to send dad over and have him walk the food back. Give him the tip! - Corey Martin

• Here's an example of the lunch menu that is served around the pool and pool bars: Kalua-Roasted Pulled Pork Sandwich ($19), Soy-Marinated Tofu Wraps ($17), Today's Hawaiian Sustainable Catch Fish Tacos ($19), Crispy Marinated Check Lettuce Wraps ($18), Char-Grilled Vegetable Wrap ($17), Turkey Wrap ($18), Angus Chuck Burger with Bacon and Cheddar Cheese ($21) *All of the above are served with chips and Chocolate Cake.
  
  Kids menu (choice of... Turkey wrap, Mac & cheese, Peanut butter & jam, burger, chicken strips, tuna salad): $8.50

Transportation

Self-parking and valet is $35 per night and is assessed at check-in. 

Ko'Olina Intra Resort Shuttle is available from 6:00 am - 11:00 pm outside of the Aulani porte cochere; check with concierge.
Car rental is available at the Holoholo Desk.  

Laniwai Spa
Laniwai means "freshwater heaven." As you enter the 23,000 square-foot spa and see the tranquil reflection pool, you'll immediately feel the calm surround you. Enjoy a massage therapy session, facial, or a full body treatment. Kids ages 13+ can head to Painted Sky, a 1,500-square-foot spa complete with a yogurt bar, computer station, and a mixology station where girls can learn to make cosmetics from natural ingredients.

• Click Here for the Laniwai Spa pricing sheet.
• Click Here for a list of Laniwai Spa treatments.
• Photo Gallery of the spa

Kula Wai
Kula Wai (meaning "water source") is Aulani's 5,000-square-foot outdoor hydrotherapy garden where you can relax before your massage treatment. You can soak in an outdoor vitality bath meant to calm your mind and refresh your body. Used in tandem with a massage session, early Hawaiians believed that using fluctuating water temperatures helped to reset the body, boost immunity and increase circulation. This is a part of of the Laniwai Spa and is not available to non-spa guests.

• Kula Wai Photos

Mikimiki Fitness Center

The 2,000 square-foot health club is the perfect place to stay in shape while on vacation. The state-of-the-art facilities offer yoga and tai chi classes, group fitness training, sport-specific training, and boot camp series spa treatments; relax after class in the sauna and steam rooms. You will need your room key to enter and exit.

• Mikimiki Fitness Center Photos

Pau Hana Room
Enjoy board games, arts and crafts, books and Disney Family Movies together. DVD rentals also available. This is also where you will need to sign up to play the Menehune Adventure Game.  Open from 8:00 am - 8:00 pm.

Tip: Check your daily 'IWA for some of the free classes that are held here, such as lei making.

Ko Olina Resort Golf
Reserve tee times at an 18-hole championship golf course created by legendary course designer Ted Robinson.

Conference Center & Outdoor Venue
Aulani has a 15,000+ square-foot conference center available for all of your group's needs.  If an outside venue would suit your needs better, select one of the outdoor locations in the available 40,000 square-foot area.

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• Aunty's Beach House Photos

Aunty's Beach House - Kids' Club
Aunty's Beach House is designed just for kids ages 3 to 12 and it offers secured programming where all children will be within sight or sound of the Youth Activities Counselors. Base activities (covered by the Resort room charge) and premium experiences (offered for a fee) will surprise and delight guests at Aulani by encouraging and promoting physical, intellectual, emotional, social and cultural development. The counselors are trained in basic first aid, CPR and AED. Also, each one goes through a basic ASL class, as well as a basic Japanese language class. There are three certified teachers on staff and one teacher is always working on Aunty's side of the house.

Drop the kids off while you go have a little adult time and know that they will be having the time of their lives. The Beach House is divided into two sides, Aunty's and Uncle's, and features traditional Disney music in Hawaiian. The keiki (children) will learn about Hawaiian culture in Aunty's living room where she gathers the children for Once Upon an Island storytelling, Make Believe Magic, lei making, hula lessons and ukulele playing. An enchanted fireplace and a magical ceiling window make this area extra special. Meals and snacks are served in Aunty's Kitchen. Snacks are provided free of charge every two hours and lunch and/or dinner are provided at an additional cost. Kids can also watch movies here and participate in Eruption Disruption! (a Volcanic experiment) as well as Stitch's Space Goo.

Tip:
If you were a fan of the Adventurers Club at Pleasure Island you have to check out Uncle's T.V. Room. You might spot a few familiar artifacts here. You won't be able to just walk in on your own, so ask about tour times. - Corey Martin

The interactive touch table games located in Uncle's Den will keep even the most tech-savvy kid entertained. Kids can "make it rain" to start movie time in Uncle's T.V. room or watch their favorite Disney show. Nap mats are available here for those keiki that need daytime rest. There are computers and gaming consoles in Uncle's Surfboard Workshop. Uncle's Garage is where your child can participate in arts and crafts, face painting, and the Fish Are Friends program (this is a premium experience at an additional charge and reservations are required). Kids will get an inside look at how the Aulani Animal Programs train, feed and care for the resort marine life. Not only will they see the animals first-hand, but they will make fish food and feed it to them. With all these experiences available, you may have to bribe them to leave!



If you are the parent of a child under the age of 3, you can take advantage of the Disney Aloha Junior program. This allows the parent and child to use Aunty's Beach House during the earlier part of the day. Parental supervision is required for all children under 3.

Aunty's Beach House is open 7 days a week, 12 months a year, but operating hours vary by day. Sunday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 am until 11 pm. Monday and Saturday from 8am until 9pm. Tuesday and Thursday from 7:30 am until 9 pm. All children participating in secured youth activities must have a completed Youth Registration Form on file and they must wear a Mickey Band while checked-into the beach house. The primary cell phone number for the child's family will be used as the point of contact between Aunty's Beach House and the child's family. Children are encouraged to leave all personal toys and gaming equipment with their families. Any items brought in will be labeled and stored until the child's check out from Aunty's Beach House. Kids are required to be potty trained, but potty accident clothing is provided by Aunty's Beach House just in case. Cast Members will not provide medication to guests in Youth Activities. The only medications allowed are prescribed asthma inhalers and EpiPen.

Aunty's Beach House accommodates all children, including those with disabilities, and the cast will work with each family to ensure the needs are met for each child to the best of the staff's abilities.

The Hawaiian legend of the menehune, or mischievous and playful little people, will inspire visiting children of all ages. The menehune (May-nay-hoo-nay) were believed to inhabit Hawaii long before the Polynesians settled into the islands. They are a mischievous race of hard workers and traces of their work and culture still remain on many of the islands, including the Fish Pond on Kauai.

Imagineers have hidden menehune statues all over the resort for keiki (the Hawaiian word for children) to discover. Players are given a handheld device and there will be audible and visual clues that will help guide them on their adventure to find the menehune.

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