Disney’s Aulani Resort and Spa – The Hawaiian Artists of Aulani

Some of the artwork of Aulani

As you know, last week, I had the opportunity to visit Disney’s new resort and spa in Ko’Olina, Hawaii – Aulani, which is opening in August 2011.  During our visit, we had the chance to meet with four of the sixty artists who will be creating artwork especially for Aulani.

In talking with the artists, it became apparent that not only are they passionate about their art and their culture, they are also very protective of that art and culture.  Disney did a wonderful job of working with them in a collaborative manner to ensure their comfort in being a part of the project.  For me, this dinner with the artists brought Aulani alive in a way that no hotel or resort has ever been for me.

The artists we met were:

Solomon Enos: Solomon, who creates illustrations, murals, and paintings, will be creating murals for Aulani.

Rocky Jensen and his wife Lucia: both are artists, and both are extraordinarily passionate about their crafts and their culture.  Rocky is creating several of the wood carving structures that will live in the lobby of Aulani.

Dalani Tahany: a traditional Hawaiian Kapa artist who has created her own tools for her craft.  Much of the textile designs in Aulani, including the duvets, shower curtains, and window curtains, are Dalani’s designs.

McD Philpotts: McD, who is famous on Hawaii, is known for his elaborate art and furniture created from green sourced wood.  He’s creating wood panels for Aulani.

Disclosure: Disney paid my travel expenses for the Aulani preview in Hawaii.