Post #507008 by christiki295 on Mon, Jan 25, 2010 11:55 PM

On 2010-01-23 16:04, hanford_lemoore wrote:
I think that this quote from the press release:

Disney Senior Vice President Joe Rohde said Tuesday that "aulani" means "the place that speaks for the great ones" or "the place that speaks with deep messages."

We want this resort destination to reflect the vibrant culture that surrounds it. The name ‘Aulani’ expresses a connection to tradition and deep story-telling — and its roots are here in this land,” said Joe Rohde

gives you some insight into what approach they're taking with this hotel. It's not called Disney's Hawaiian Vacation Club or Disney's Old Hawaiian, like most of their Florida hotels are named.

If the "Great ones" are the Kahunas, and disney is attempting to focus on tradition, hopefully they will simply emulate Pu'uhonau o Honaunau (Place of Refuge):

After all, the Tiki on the right has a happy smile!