
Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii, prides itself on its celebration of the local culture and recently, the resort was recognized for that commitment by the Hawaii Tourism Authority.
At the 2018 Global Tourism Summit, organizations and business were honored for perpetuating the Hawaiian culture. Aulani Resort, along with Hawaiian Airlines and ‘Aha Punana Leo received the Tourism Legacy Award, the highest honor the Hawaii Tourism Authority can award for “helping to normalize Hawaiian language into everyday life.”
In accepting the award, Aulani General Manager Kimberly Agas said, “We provide a way for kama’aina [Hawaiian residents] to show their pride in their home, and a place where Hawaiian-language speakers can pursue and share their passion for ‘Olelo Hawaii. At Aulani Resort, Hawaiian language proficiency is a valued professional skill, and conversations in ‘Olelo Hawaii are a common daily occurrence.”
As an example of this, Agas and Aulani Cultural Advisor Kahulu De Santos encourage guests to stop by the ‘Olelo Room on their next trip to Aulani. Here, the Hawaiian language is evident in the music, the conversation, the furniture, and the decor, with wood carvings of common objects, each labeled with their Hawaiian names.
Source: Disney Parks Blog