“This is amazing, that we can learn and grow in our culture at a place where we work, few people get the opportunity to do so.”
To work at the Olelo Room, the staff must be proficient in the language. “Those that are not fluent can always visit and learn our beautiful language,” says Kanoa Kawai, Aulani’s Disney ambassador. These Hawaiian-speaking employees also host weekly language classes for other colleagues who might want to learn. “This is amazing, that we can learn and grow in our culture at a place where we work. Few people get the opportunity to do so.
Some of the carvings in the Olelo Room at Aulani Resort on Oahu are nods to Disney, like one of Mickey Mouse to accompany the Hawaiian word for mouse.“It’s important to protect all cultures,” Kawai says. “Hawaiian culture specifically is more than just a group of people. Our culture is the land, the ocean, the sky, all that came before us and those that have yet to come. Within Hawaiian culture is kaulike and hoihi, balance and respect for all.
Now at Aulani, he cherishes having a workplace that embraces the movement. “I do not consider myself fluent in Hawaiian language, but I do enjoy having a place where I can learn and grow in my culture and language,” he adds. “I personally hope that guests take with them the spirit of aloha that they find in our Olelo Room,” Kawai continues. “I hope they gain pride for their own culture, and I hope their eyes are open to see how similar we all are as people but how unique we are because of our experiences and stories. I hope everyone gains a sense of respect for one another’s differences.”
Editor’s note: SFGATE recognizes the importance of diacritical marks in the Hawaiian language. We are unable to use them due to the limitations of our publishing platform.
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