Springtime at Aulani: An animal lover's paradise

Swim with tangs, rainbow fish and butterfly fish in Aulani’s Rainbow Reef. Credit: Paul Hiffmeyer/Disney Destinations.

By Jill E. Cooper

As spring break crowds head to traditional destinations in Florida and Mexico this year, travelers with a fondness for wildlife should head west to Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa, the newest and arguably most magnificent resort designed by the magic-makers at Disney. There, along the sun-kissed southwestern shoreline of Oahu,some of nature’s most awe-inspiring creatures have returned to celebrate spring.

While native wildlife is abundant on Oahu throughout the calendar year, springtime marks the return of the majestic “kohola,” or humpback whale. From December to early May, these astonishing creatures call the waters surrounding Hawaii home. Each year, the humpback whales travel 3,000 miles from the Gulf of Alaska to breed and give birth in the warm shallow waters of Hawaii. Guests of Aulani can arrange for whale watching cruises at the resort’s Holoholo Tours and Travel desk. Once aboard the 53-foot Gold Coast Catamaran, guests will revel in the sounds of the ukelele, enjoy a tasty lunch and scout out the perfect destination for snorkeling, all while keeping an eye on the Pacific, knowing that a 45-foot long kohola could breach the surface at any moment. It’s a life-changing experience to see these unimaginable animals at play.

Aulani guests can also discover Hawaii’s extraordinary wildlife on the leeward side of Oahu by taking a private shuttle to the resort’s Kailua Sea Kayaking experience. With fine white sand, calm crystal waters and tropical vegetation, Kailua Beach has earned its spot as one of the top beaches of the country. Here, experienced guides help guests put their two-man kayaks into the tranquil waters of Kailua Bay, where they’ll paddle 30 minutes to nearby Popoi’a, the state of Hawaii’s sea bird sanctuary. After taking in some fascinating natural history lessons and having numerous face-to-face encounters with extraordinary and rare winged residents, guests paddle their kayaks back to the beach.

Along this voyage they’re likely to encounter curious Hawaiian green sea turtles, or “honu.” The last time I went on this adventure, one little sea turtle swam right up to our cluster of kayaks to greet us — the highlight of an already unforgettable day.

Meanwhile, back at Aulani, get up close and personal with more Hawaiian marine life. Feed friendly, yet mischievous stingrays at the Makai preserve, Aulani’s interactive conservation lagoon, or swim alongside angelfish, butterfly fish and tangs at nearby Rainbow Reef, Oahu’s only 3,800 square foot, saltwater snorkel lagoon.

So it’s your call: commune with Mother Nature in the islands or spend another day laying out on the beach? It’s a no-brainer.

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Tagged: Disney, Hawaii