July 23, 2009: The News about Disney from Ko Olina, Hawaii

[Werner Weiss]

Aloha! I’m at the Ko Olina Resort on the western shore of Oahu. Here’s a first-hand look at Disney’s progress in Hawaii and other news from around here.

Link to Disney Goes Hawaiian, Part 5: The News from Ko Olina.

Please discuss it here.

[Disney Vault]

I am so excited for this project! keep us updated!

[mark]

Although not as detailed, I posted a few photos of the construction yesterday on my blog. Great minds...
www.InsightsandSounds.blogspot.com
Mark

[TheDude]

Sooo, does this post make Werner's trip a... tax write off?



Lucky.


Good article by the way. I am one of those skeptics that wont believe it until I see a room key. Maybe the difference now is Robert Igar is in charge.

[litemizer]

In January, my wife and I were able to stay at the Marriott time share resort (next to the Marriott hotel, which is next to the resort site). It was our first time to Hawaii, and after doing much driving around Oahu, I realized that one of the big advantage to the location is that it's out of the sprawl of Honolulu.

The site is about 1/2 hour North of Honolulu, and has the feel of the Hawaii we expected, whereas Honolulu is modern city, crowded and noisy. When we were being given a tour of the area, they informed us that the site was for Disney. They could not have gotten a better location. Yes it lacks historical significance, but for being able to keep the expected Hawaiian feel, and still having easy transit (Honolulu airport is one of the biggest in the islands, most planes to the mainland route through there), it's the right middle ground.

[MarkTwain]

I'm sooooo excited for this resort! Disney's Vero Beach, which could be considered this resort's predecessor of sorts, is wonderful, so I expect this will be too. Any combination of Disney, Oahu, and water park will likely be an amazing experience. I hope to be there in 2012 or so.

Enjoy your vacation, Werner!

[Dustysage]

Fantastic! Thank you Werner and enjoy the rest of your trip!!!

-Dusty

[Werner Weiss]

Originally Posted by litemizer

In January, my wife and I were able to stay at the Marriott time share resort (next to the Marriott hotel, which is next to the resort site). It was our first time to Hawaii, and after doing much driving around Oahu, I realized that one of the big advantage to the location is that it's out of the sprawl of Honolulu.

First, welcome to MiceChat!

I agree that Disney picked a great site. Ko Olina is a planned resort like Kaanapali on Maui. Unlike Waikiki, it's not crowded. The beaches at Ko Olina are great (much better than Kaanapali). And all the historic, cultural, natural, and family attractions of Oahu are available to you.

[Werner Weiss]

Originally Posted by Dustysage

Fantastic! Thank you Werner and enjoy the rest of your trip!!!

Thank you!

We're trying for a good balance between doing things and doing nothing.

We went to the Bishop Museum today. It's an excellent museum, and it will be even better beginning August 8, when the Hawaiian Hall reopens after an extensive renovation and reinstallation. (We'll have to wait until our next trip to Hawaii.)

Hawaii has a fascinating history. I would urge everyone who goes to Hawaii to make an effort to learn something about it. It makes the vacation mean more.

[twobluestripes]

great update! i'm excited for this place. don't know if/when i'll ever be able to make it out to hawaii in my life again (only been once in 8th grade), but now i have a new dream vacation to think about!

[twobluestripes]

Originally Posted by Werner Weiss

Hawaii has a fascinating history. I would urge everyone who goes to Hawaii to make an effort to learn something about it. It makes the vacation mean more.

So true! The rich culture of Hawaii is what draws me too it. The language, all the different people, the unique philosophies and way of life (as compared to us here in so cal) are so amazing to experience or learn about. We have a large number of Hawaiian students here at Chapman, and I love having them as my friends in my class to be able to ask them questions about their home islands. The club here throws a GREAT luau every spring if anyone here wants a little Hawaiian flavor in their life and wants to buy tickets!

[SueinSac]

Just wanted to tell you how much I enjoy reading your articles. These ones on Hawaii are excellent and they sure make me want to use my DVC points.

I haven't been to Hawaii in 20 years, but your pictures take me right back again, and make me want to plan a new trip!

Sue in Texas
...hoping they use the name "Grand Hawaiian"...