Lama pa'ipa'i on the Lanai – an Aulani TR -Aloha and Mahalo Aulani! Link to PTR 11/5

[eandesmom]

Enough of ADR's and Running! Let's go back to Hawaii. After Happy Hour at Monkeypod we headed back to the villa to shower and change. Tonight was the Starlit Hui. Not a luau in the traditional sense (which includes food and bad drinks...you can walk down the road a couple of blocks from Aulani for one of those) it has all the elements of the luau we like (story and music) without the overpriced mediocre food and drinks. Plus it’s a lot shorter! Disney offers this twice a week, for free, to guests. They do ask for room keys as you head in. Walking in you are given a mat and in many cases they will set it up for you on the lawn. We found a spot and got settled.
Our vantage point. As you can see the mats hold their "rolled" curve quite a bit. A family next to us had theirs upside down and couldn't figure out why it wouldn't go flat.





See the moon? It was gorgeous!

Maybe that explains this look



I got comfy



There was some pre-show entertainment going on and stuff with the kids




Soon enough, "Uncle" came out and began to explain the Hui





I will be honest, I took no notes and can't recall at all the story line of anything so this will be a lot of the pictures telling (or not) the story

Welcome?









Okay that one almost looks like they are doing the YMCA

And..another story!







Praying for a Mai Tai after work?



Or good waves?

And then something with sticks



Good thing she moved



There’s that moon!



Jeff insisted I get it in the picture



And then he decided to map the night sky with his app





Pretty cool huh

Uncle looks like this one might be serious



Blurry





Continued in next post

 

[eandesmom]

Continued from previous

Ooh, flames!






Id be sitting down too!



And on to the big stick thingys that they beat to make noises but dont fan themselves with. Whatevertheyarecalled


Whip it, whip it good!





I dont even want to know





A ghost?



No, just really cool birds on a stick



The kinds that fly mind you, not that you eat







Our moon again!



And now for something completely different, Heart and Soul, a ukulele duo



They get INTO it!





Not your mamas ukulele!















They look miserable didnt they?

I LOVED these guys, seriously would have bought an album then and there. In fact I was busy checking itunes and googling as they performed Pretty sure I took some video so will try to upload

Continued in next post

 

[eandesmom]

Continued from previous

And now…another story. Great commentary huh!



With some sort of flag things that make cool swirls on film



Uh oh, someone is getting sacrificed





Oh maybe not



It’s Hula meets Bollywood!







Thank you, thank you very much!



Ooh, a butterfly!



Nah, just someone tied to a bazillion strips of fabric



After all the performers came out, were thanks, a few more hopped on stage. Recognize these blurs?





Yeah, it would have been nice to be closer

















And with that, and children dancing up front, it was over. On the way out the characters beeline for a photo ops but no no photopass. Jeff wanted to get to dinner, but wanted a Stitch picture. The handler rushed us so much, this is what I got



And if the pictures aren't enough, check out the videos here


I had made a late dinner reservation at Monkeypod for after the Hui. I wasn't sure the ressies were really needed but figured better safe than sorry. Walking across the street we were quickly there and asked to be seated outside so we could enjoy the live music.

It was dark



We ordered drinks

For me a glass of Sancerre if memory serves and for Jeff and IPA that he’d not had before but our server talked up. He liked it but not nearly as much as the Maui Big Swell.

Given the hour and the happy hour fries it was straight to entrees for us. Do note that we got about the most expensive things on the menu. Tons of less expensive options, sandwiches, pizza, etc. When I'd planned to eat there, that is the kind of food I assumed we'd order but instead, we splurged.

Ginger Crusted Kona Kampachi - 32.95
Garlic Hapa Rice, Mushroom Ponzu Sauce, Sea Asparagus and Fennel Salad



For Jeff




I am almost positive this was a special of some sort, a fish with a citrus buerre blanc and some kind of mashed potatoes. I think it was Ono. Jeff was sold at the words "mashed potatoes".

Our server was a hoot and a half. Surfer dude turned waiter who “like had never had wine before he worked here! And like, now I have to do food and wine pairings all the time, I love it”. Between him and the poor family next to us we had triple live entertainment if you add the music. The family next to us had kids, probably 5 and 7, literally passing out in their plates.
Literally.

Mom and dad were eating away, enjoying their food and drink, not rushing at all. They had just landed late evening arrival from CA and were trying to keep everyone up for the time change. Kids had been great at the table and then just all of a sudden crashed. Hard. As they gathered them up to leave (both kids being unbelievably non cranky about it. Quiet and out of it but not a whine to be ad) and apologize we told them we’d have done (and have) the same exact thing.

Both of our entrees were outstanding, the night was lovely and so was the company. After a lovely day from start to finish we headed back to our lanai for a nightcap and a good nights sleep.

Tomorrow…the life of the loung(er) lizards was going to get shaken up a bit. After being bums for 2 days straight, we needed to move.

Monks and Tradewinds

 

[MEK]

I meant to comment on this. It's a double edged sword. People have assumed in the past that I run already simply based on looks. If they actually learn that I am now, they assume I am fast, again based on looks. Unless you actually know me for some time and then of course it's more of a pitiful look, like my brother. Like an "oh dear, really?" look. I am not fast, probably will never be but it doesn't stop snap judgement. Goes back to the under the radar thing. What I wanted to avoid, and ended up unable to was the snide comments by real runners, or by others at our start stop point as if somehow running in public and letting folks we know "see" us is somehow showing off (that we actually exercise, that yes, I sweat quite a bit and will do so in public) but then give that "oh" look if the mileage reported back doesn't seem worthy enough. Women are messed up that's all I know. I'm just happy when we don't see anyone we know while out as it just avoids the whole thing. Sad huh. Don't get be wrong, some people are fabulous others well...we will leave it at that.

Sorry if that sounds whiny, a couple of "run ins" over the past week. Won't stop me from going but it's a bit of a bummer at times.

If you are already up to 5 miles you are doing great. The thing I like about running is there are so many levels and its all about personal bests and motivation.

I hope you do get to the point where you can get Zen during your run. I think you will. I do. It took awhile, but it particularly works best for me in the morning. It's a cool feeling.

 

[MEK]

Cool show and fun commentary.

Dinner looks delish. Glad that those kids passing out in their plates caught your attention and gave you inspiration for dinner. Yum!

Great day!

 

[Poolrat]

That's exactly it, the weight bearing aspect. So good for us as we get older. Sad but true and, I hope, worth it!

Swimming just doesn't provide the gravity advantage.

I had heard that, last 3 miles or so, right?

The ramp is mile 10 so yup just about the last three. What stink is you can see EPOCT, You know that is the finish but it is 3 MILES to get there literally. To add insult it is not a straight line but rather switch backs. Run up and down turn around, run up another bridge and run down, run in the park to the lagoon and back to the ball. Seems so close but no such luck.




The show looks cool and dinner sounded yummy and entertaining.

 

[jedijill]

The show looks like a lot of fun. Nice that there is a free option without the expensive and bad food and drink!

Monkeypod sounds really good...its going on my list.

Jill in CO

 

[rentayenta]

Thank you for all of the running tips. I'll keep this Disney focused and email you with my progress.


Great update and I love your descriptions, they sound like mine. The show looked very entertaining and dinner looks incredible. So that Monkey place isn't part of Aulani right?

 

[eandesmom]

Heart and Soul! These guys are amazing! Sorry I turned the phone sideways...but you can still hear lol.




And what party would be complete without a little electric slide?



And one last shot of the night sky...with Jeff's app

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Tonight was the Starlit Hui. Not a luau in the traditional sense (which includes food and bad drinks...you can walk down the road a couple of blocks from Aulani for one of those) it has all the elements of the luau we like (story and music) without the overpriced mediocre food and drinks. Plus it’s a lot shorter!

And if you're really lazy and have a room overlooking the lawn, you might be able to check it out from your balcony!

See the moon? It was gorgeous!

Did you or Jeff start growing any fangs?

Soon enough, "Uncle" came out and began to explain the Hui

Looks like the same guy who does the storytelling by the fire pit.

Okay that one almost looks like they are doing the YMCA

I think this sounds better than the story.

Ooh, flames!

Everything is better with flames!

Whip it, whip it good!

And now for something completely different, Heart and Soul, a ukulele duo

Everything is better with flames and ukuleles!

The handler rushed us so much, this is what I got

Looks like Jeff photobombed Stitch!

Given the hour and the happy hour fries it was straight to entrees for us. Do note that we got about the most expensive things on the menu. Tons of less expensive options, sandwiches, pizza, etc. When I'd planned to eat there, that is the kind of food I assumed we'd order but instead, we splurged.

Don't worry, we'll take care of the cheap stuff for you.

Our server was a hoot and a half. Surfer dude turned waiter who “like had never had wine before he worked here! And like, now I have to do food and wine pairings all the time, I love it”.

Was it Keanu Reeves?

Kids had been great at the table and then just all of a sudden crashed. Hard. As they gathered them up to leave (both kids being unbelievably non cranky about it. Quiet and out of it but not a whine to be ad) and apologize we told them we’d have done (and have) the same exact thing.

Sounds like they were good kids. Hard to blame them for being tired.

 

[mickeystoontown]

I had to giggle at your show commentary. It so sounds like the descriptions that I use. The show looks very entertaining and I'm sure that it was a great way to spend your evening.

Your dinner looks so good even though I'm not a big fan of fish. Well, other than fried catfish which is one of the staples in Louisiana cookin'.

 

[Leshaface]

What a fun show! And nice that it's free.

Dang, while were the stitch handlers rushing so much? It looked like you got a picture while your husband was running

Mmm, dinner sounds fabulous! I imagine, when my DS gets older, he'll be doing the same thing as those children at dinner...and we'll still be enjoying our drinks

 

[KatMark]

Looks like a fun show, Cynthia. You got some great pictures for not being up closer.

I can't believe Jeff photobombed the picture with that horrid Stitch.

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Looks like a fun luau show. Your commentary was rather hilarious!

We just watched the podcast of the DISunplugged crew at Aulani (did I say that before? It sounds familiar)
and they mentioned Monkeypod. So of course, I say to Dave, Cynthia and Jeff went there, so we should remember that place!

I also said "I want to go there so bad!" about 10 times.

 

[teekathepony]

Hi Cynthia! I'm all caught back up.
Loved the Hui, especially with your commentary! It looks like it was a really beautiful show. Love the little Disney touches all throughout, like the characters coming out on stage at the end! Oh, and Heart and Soul are really cool too!
Your meal looks really good. What a nice evening!

 

[eandesmom]

If you are already up to 5 miles you are doing great. The thing I like about running is there are so many levels and its all about personal bests and motivation.

I was pretty happy when I hit that 5 mile mark and it didn't suck.

I hope you do get to the point where you can get Zen during your run. I think you will. I do. It took awhile, but it particularly works best for me in the morning. It's a cool feeling.

Well if I ever get to the point of not obsessing about when I'll get to the bathroom it would be good. LOL! It does detract from the zen-ness. Maybe, in my own way it is kind of zen I guess. A good playlist helps.

Cool show and fun commentary.

Dinner looks delish. Glad that those kids passing out in their plates caught your attention and gave you inspiration for dinner. Yum!

Great day!

They were so cute, I loved that mom (or dad) wasn't stressed about it, just relaxing and enjoying her beer. Reminded me of Happydog's boys who always seem to fall asleep at Tokyo dining and just have a nice nap while they enjoy the fireworks. LOL!

Swimming just doesn't provide the gravity advantage.

Nope. It is great exercise though! If it wasn't for the fact that my dumb eyes can't take the chlorine I might have considered it as one of the last resort alternatives as well. I can't even be indoors at a pool to watch the kids swim anymore. Outside is ok though. I'm not sure I could make it a full lap.

The ramp is mile 10 so yup just about the last three. What stink is you can see EPOCT, You know that is the finish but it is 3 MILES to get there literally. To add insult it is not a straight line but rather switch backs. Run up and down turn around, run up another bridge and run down, run in the park to the lagoon and back to the ball. Seems so close but no such luck.

That's what I've heard. A 5K tease!

The show looks cool and dinner sounded yummy and entertaining.

It was perfect. Quality entertainment, not too long, lots of families but also lots of adult only groups and then a really yummy dinner just a stroll away!

The show looks like a lot of fun. Nice that there is a free option without the expensive and bad food and drink!

It was perfect, and really really good entertainment as well! I think we brought a "good" drink down with us but can't recall for sure. Would seem rather unlike us not too...I did bring a bigger bag for the camera so am guessing we put our mugs in that after.

Monkeypod sounds really good...its going on my list.

Jill in CO

You'll get to see it again in this TR

Thank you for all of the running tips. I'll keep this Disney focused and email you with my progress.

No worries, I've hijacked Ann's thread a few times on the subject and besides, it's a runDisney event...so it is Disney focused

Great update and I love your descriptions, they sound like mine. The show looked very entertaining and dinner looks incredible. So that Monkey place isn't part of Aulani right?

Yeah...a Pod Thai at Monkeypod and a rum/pog concoction (Jeff and I need to come up with a name for it) in my mug and that's the commentary you get.

Monkeypod (techincally Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman) is locally owned. the original one is on Maui and they are big on buying local, using organic and outside of Hawaii local it's mostly all pacific rim sourced items. The Ko Olina one is new and just opened last Jan I think. It is literally across the street from Aulani.

 

[englishrose47]

What a fun night !!The show looks amazing!! It is such a shame youcouldn't get apix of the moon!!!Carol and I want to see if we can get a Hawaii trip ( as in FREE) next year !!!!

 

[princess_momma]

Oh running...yikes. I've only recently started getting back into it. I have a love/hate relationship with it. I loved it when I had gorgeous trails to run along. Then I moved into a super urban area and I hate running in that atmosphere. Then I ran a half marathon (with little to no training) and hated it more. But I'm getting back into it. Sadly, on a treadmill for now...still in a urban area. That's awesome you can run so far without getting tired!

I loved hearing about your beach bum days...I can almost feel like I'm there, and it's quite relaxing! Excited to see where the next adventures take you!

 

[Pinkocto]

What a fun evening. How nice the resort offers something like that, very cool. Dinner looks delicious. I went on their website to check out the menu, so many delicious sounding items.

 

[eandesmom]

And if you're really lazy and have a room overlooking the lawn, you might be able to check it out from your balcony!

Oh you got one of THOSE rooms did you? Lucky guy! We were very surprised that more folks weren't out watching it from their balcony, I would have?

Did you or Jeff start growing any fangs?

And if we did, would we tell?

Looks like the same guy who does the storytelling by the fire pit.

Yep, he is. One of them anyway.

I think this sounds better than the story.

Well maybe you remember the story....

Everything is better with flames!

Universal thinks so

Everything is better with flames and ukuleles!

now that's a twist

Looks like Jeff photobombed Stitch!

It does! I thought it looked like he was running away but photobombed is better.

Don't worry, we'll take care of the cheap stuff for you.

So did we, but that's another update.

Was it Keanu Reeves?

Seriously

Sounds like they were good kids. Hard to blame them for being tired.

They were good and the parents were doing the right thing. It was cute and made us smile, they were fun to chat with.

I had to giggle at your show commentary. It so sounds like the descriptions that I use. The show looks very entertaining and I'm sure that it was a great way to spend your evening.

Clearly I was tracking the moving storyline huh!

Your dinner looks so good even though I'm not a big fan of fish. Well, other than fried catfish which is one of the staples in Louisiana cookin'.

I do like fried catfish as well, but in generall, I love me some fish. Good, fresh flavorful fish that is. Spoiled living here. It was delicious!

What a fun show! And nice that it's free.

It is a really neat "extra" that they have, just lovely.

Dang, while were the stitch handlers rushing so much? It looked like you got a picture while your husband was running

I know! And the lighting was SOOOO bad.

Mmm, dinner sounds fabulous! I imagine, when my DS gets older, he'll be doing the same thing as those children at dinner...and we'll still be enjoying our drinks

Works for me!

Looks like a fun show, Cynthia. You got some great pictures for not being up closer.

We actually had a great view, we were quite happy with our seats. It was really only an issue at the end when the characters came out as many of them were on the lawn, not the stage and you really couldn't see.

I can't believe Jeff photobombed the picture with that horrid Stitch.

It was pretty funny!

Looks like a fun luau show. Your commentary was rather hilarious!

Really fun show, I am so glad we went. Jeff wasn't convinced but enjoyed it quite a bit.

We just watched the podcast of the DISunplugged crew at Aulani (did I say that before? It sounds familiar)
and they mentioned Monkeypod. So of course, I say to Dave, Cynthia and Jeff went there, so we should remember that place!

I also said "I want to go there so bad!" about 10 times.

Oh no, I'm going to cost Dave more money!

I need to see/hear that one. I heard the first one and the other for some reason hasn't shown up on my podcasts and I'm not sure why so need to check it out. Is it video only? I always just listen...

It was very yummy, this is not our last trip there either!