Makamaka Means Friend
Throughout the year, people from all over the world come to Hawaiʻi and Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa to enjoy our island home and immerse themselves in the aloha spirit. Often, visiting us leads to memories and friendships that last a lifetime. In Hawaiʻi, makamaka is just one of many words we use for friend.
It is a special word from a time when hoʻokipa, or hospitality, was necessary for survival. If a person were on a long journey in old Hawaiʻi, there were no hotels to check-in to, or restaurants to dine at. So, hospitality among strangers was commonplace. When the visitor and guest developed a friendship through hospitality, they were more than just friends – their friendship was called makamaka. When the visitor would pass through again, or vice versa, they would be sure to pop in and say aloha again!
That’s one of the best things about summer at Aulani Resort – we have Cast Members everywhere who will assist you with your needs, but also talk story and maybe even develop a friendship. Next time you make your way to Aulani Resort, head down to Pau Hana community hall and reconnect with the menehune through the Menehune Adventure Trail, or maybe learn a little bit about Hawaiian printing from our Cast Members. If you haven’t visited yet, be sure to visit Uncle at the Circle of ʻAlae ʻUla to learn some stories about our home here in Ko Olina.
To all of our guests and Members – both new friends and old friends who are on the way to visit us again – be sure to take the time to meet more of our Cast Members so we can all become makamaka to one another. In other words, be our guest!
A hui hou!
