Across the west side of North America, tucked in O’ahu is a beautiful hotel: Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa. This iconic Polynesian inspired hotel not only has magnificent eats, fun and unique activities and a lush landscape; it also has a plethora of Disney characters roaming about that are not as common in traditional Disney parks. Here, Disney loves to blend its signature characters with Hawaiian culture, creating a lineup of rare and not so rare characters, with a little twist. In this article, we will be discussing the characters that can be found in this picturesque resort and why meeting them will be the highlight of your trip. Let’s get started!
1. Olu Mel
Who is this beloved and adorable turtle? Olu Mel is a gentle sea turtle who sings and plays the ukelele. He made his debut in this resort back in 2018. He is a part of the Duffy and Friends storyline, which is common in the Asian Disneyland parks and resorts. What does Olu Mel stand for you may be asking? Well, Olu means pleasant and kind in Hawaiian, while Mel is short for melody. How sweet! This charming turtle can be found in this resort and is a fan-favorite for his rarity.
2. Stitch and Angel
Who doesn’t know Stitch? He makes his renowned appearance at this resort, as he should. However, Angel, or experiment 624, is his pink, female equivalent and love interest. She was first introduced in the Lilo & Stitch series. Rare as she is, she can be found in this resort and is a favorite among Stitch fans. Her appearance is quite fitting in Hawaii, as her story ties hand in hand with Hawaii’s chosen representative Stitch.
3. Duffy
While Duffy, Mickey’s teddy bear (original lore), can be found in most of the Asian Disneyland parks and resorts, he is unique to this resort for his outfit. Only at Disney’s Aulani can you find him dressed in a splendid purple and blue Hawaiian shirt. This is a rare treat for those who cannot travel further into Asia and wish to meet this lovable and sweet friend.
4. Mickey Mouse and Friends
You can’t have a Disney resort without Mickey, Minnie and all their pals. You can find Goofy, Chip & Dale, Pluto and more of his friends dressed in vibrant island-inspired outfits. They are clearly embracing the spirit of Aloha in their clothing and in their mannerisms, occasionally throwing out a “shaka.” On my last visit, I took the opportunity to say hi to Goofy, my favorite of the fab five. I told him he looked amazing, to which he responded in mime and gestures, that, no, you look amazing. The interaction was so fitting to Goof’s personality, and I absolutely loved my moment with him. So, it is nice to see familiar faces with an exclusive twist.
5. Moana
Aulani must include their signature princess Moana, as she is a true presence of Polynesian culture. Her inclusiveness in this tropical setting is perfect as she is known to sail the open seas of the Pacific. However, her “stop” at this resort is fitting as she is always looking to make new friends. She may ask you if you’ve seen Hei Hei or Pua or perhaps ask if you would like to join in her Wayfinder journey. It is nice to see a familiar face and although she can be found in Disney parks worldwide, her presence in this lush resort, so close to the ocean, is only fitting for her persona.
Truly what makes character experiences at Aulani so unforgettable are not who we meet, but where we are meeting them. This exclusive and somewhat private encounter with characters, compared to traditional park lines and crowds, makes each interaction feel personal and natural. Whether you decide to pose with familiar friends, or make a new friend on your trip, I guarantee these moments will capture the true magic of Aulani. So dear reader, what are you waiting for? Are you going to book the flight? I think you should!
Written by
Maria Mora
For as long as Maria can remember, there was always a Disney movie playing in her house. Whether it was The Little Mermaid, Dumbo, or Tarzan, she became enthralled with all things Disney. She has visited the Disney Parks over 100 times and on different continents! Her love of Disney goes hand in hand with her love of reading, which has motivated her through the years to become a zealous writer. She hopes that whatever she does helps her community. After all, with a little faith, trust, and pixie dust, anything is possible!
