Visiting Aulani and Checking Off Adventure #3 - Going to a Lū‘au

As part of my journey to complete 40 unforgettable experiences this year, I had the absolute pleasure of spending three incredible nights at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, with my cousins. From sun-soaked beach days to unforgettable meals and thrilling water adventures, every moment was filled with joy. And to top it all off, our final night was spent at the magical KA WA‘A – a lū‘au, an experience we’ll cherish forever.

Making Memories at Aulani

From the moment we arrived at Aulani, the excitement was contagious. We checked into our beautiful room, eager to start our adventure. Our days were filled with unforgettable moments—playing at the beach, attempting to catch tiny fish in the shallow waters, and soaking up the Hawaiian sunshine. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of sand between your toes and the sound of the ocean as the backdrop to an adventure with family.

One of the highlights was our character breakfast, where we got to meet Goofy, Max, Pluto, and of course, Mickey himself. Seeing the smiles on everyone’s faces as we took photos and enjoyed a delicious breakfast made it such a special morning. Another favorite activity was floating on inner tubes along the lazy river, letting the gentle current carry us through lush tropical scenery. For those craving more excitement, the water slides provided just the right amount of thrill!

Of course, no trip to Aulani would be complete without indulging in classic Hawaiian treats. We cooled off with refreshing shave ice, each of us picking our favorite flavors, and snacked on Disney’s signature popcorn from their adorable souvenir buckets. Every meal was a celebration of island flavors, bringing us closer together over shared plates and laughter.

The Grand Finale: KA WA‘A – A Lū‘au

Our final night at Aulani was the most magical of all. We made our way to the registration line for KA WA‘A – a lū‘au, where we were greeted with beautiful kukui nut leis and refreshing cocktails. Once seated, we eagerly headed over to the organized activities, which included lei making, printing, ukulele lessons, temporary tattoos, poi pounding, and so much more. The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement as families and friends immersed themselves in these hands-on cultural experiences, setting the perfect tone for the incredible night ahead.

A Feast Fit for Royalty

Before the show even began, we were treated to a Hawaiian feast like no other. The buffet was overflowing with island favorites—succulent kālua pork, fresh poke, lomi lomi salmon, and sweet tropical fruits. Of course, I couldn’t resist going back for a second helping of the pineapple-glazed short ribs (absolutely divine!). We toasted with tropical drinks, laughing and reminiscing about past adventures while eagerly anticipating the night ahead.

A Journey Through Hawaiian Culture

As the sky darkened and the torches flickered to life, the show began. KA WA‘A, which means “canoe” in Hawaiian, took us on a mesmerizing journey through the history and legends of the islands. The performers brought ancient stories to life through hula, music, and fire dancing, weaving a tale of exploration, perseverance, and deep connection to the land and sea.

The rhythmic beats of the drums, the vibrant costumes, and the passion of the dancers created an atmosphere that was both powerful and intimate. It was more than entertainment—it was a true cultural experience that made me feel even more connected to the beauty of Hawaii.

Cherishing Family Moments

What made this adventure truly special was sharing it with my cousins. We’ve always been close, but there’s something about experiencing new things together that strengthens those bonds even more. From taking family photos at the beach to floating along the lazy river, every moment was a reminder of how important it is to embrace time with loved ones.

Saying YES to Adventure

Spending three nights at Aulani and ending it with KA WA‘A was more than just checking off another adventure on my list—it was a reminder of why I started this journey in the first place. Turning 40 isn’t about slowing down; it’s about saying YES to experiences that fill my heart and soul. It’s about being present, celebrating traditions, and making every moment count.

If you ever find yourself on O‘ahu, I highly recommend staying at Aulani and making KA WA‘A part of your itinerary. Whether it’s your first lū‘au or your tenth, the magic of Aulani will make it an unforgettable experience.

On to the next adventure—who knows what’s next? Stay tuned for more as I continue my journey of 40 adventures in one year!