Ever since its opening nearly 5 years ago, Disney's Aulani Resort & Spa has been immensely popular, drawing in many guests for all there is to do and its beautiful style. Being the first Disney hotel to open in Hawaii, it offered a new type of authentic experience. It was and will always be about being able to really immerse yourself into the Hawaiian culture on a once-in-a-lifetime journey, rather than other Disney resorts where the focus is more on the rides and characters. With our Phase 2 plan, we intend to take this idea and truly expand upon it, make the resort an even larger and greater trip, while not forgetting the mission of this resort.

The main focus on this phase 2 project will be a new shopping and dining district called theMakana Hoa Noho Village, meaning "Gifts from a Neighbor". It will be located right across the street from Aulani, replacing a current marketplace Disney will buy the land from. Because Aulani is located near a small community in the town of Ko 'olina, and this current marketplace is already a current popular destination during the morning for breakfast, throughout the day for a little shopping, or in the evening as a part of the nightlife, Disney would make a fair profit from owning the district. However, for that same reason, it will be a public area with free entry, and a second parking garage will be built right next to the current one for parking capacity. For people living in the small housing community, there is a very short walkway connecting to the area.

During the retheming of this marketplace, the buildings will all receive a new, artful style that crosses old Polynesian architecture with modern designs. Several of the establishments already there will stay, including popular restaurants/retail locations such as Ko 'olina's own 5-Star Monkey Pod restaurant, with its name taken from the beautiful, unique, and quaint Monkey Pod trees found all throughout Oahu. Many new locations will also open though, including Disney originals designed by the Imagineers.

The biggest and most exciting part of the complex though is a new Luau center. On select evenings throughout the week, vacationers from all over the island (with Disney guests receiving 15% off) can book a spot at the Luau, where they can truly feel connected to Hawaii in a classic, cultural celebration filled with live dance performances, fire stunts and tricks, and of course, a huge feast of authentic Hawaiian food, with the star of the meal being the roasted pig.