Filming Ensures That 'Love Never Dies'

Anna O'Byrne as Christine Daae and Ben Lewis as The Phantom.

This month crews completed filming the Australian production of 'Love Never Dies,' Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical that continues the story of 'The Phantom of the Opera.' Though the Australian production will close at the Regent Theatre in Melbourne on December 18 and reopen at Sydney's Capitol Theatre in January 2012, the intention of the filming is for a global DVD release.

The release date has not been announced. The Australian version of 'Love Never Dies' is a completely new production and different than the version that opened in London in March 2010 to cool critical response and closed on August 27th. The London version went on hiatus to install changes to improve production but did not prove to extend the life of the production. The failure of the 'Love Never Dies' in London scuttled an announced Broadway production that was to open in November 2010.

The Australian 'Love Never Dies' is directed by Simon Phillips ('Priscilla Queen of the Desert') with a production design by Gabriela Tylesova which gave the show a darker, more brooding approach. The show also incorporated revisions to the script and score that were installed in the London production. Ben Lewis stars as the Phantom with Anna O'Byrne as Christine Daae. 'Love Never Dies' is set ten years after the original story and follows Christine to New York's Coney Island where she is invited to perform for the mysterious Mr. Y. Characters from her past begin to emerge, including one with whom she shares a dark secret.

Update: The U.S. release of 'Love Never Dies' is May 29, 2012 and will be available on DVD and Blu-ray and available on amazon.com.

Guinness World Record Holder for the Most Performances in the Same Broadway Show

From left: David Cryer (Monsieur Firmin), Michele McConnell (Carlotta) and
Geroge Lee Andrews (Monsier Andre) in 'The Phantom of the Opera'.

With 'The Phantom of the Opera' on the verge of celebrating its 25th Anniversary since its London premiere, actor George Lee Andrews reached a milestone of his own with the Broadway production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical. Andrews has performed in various roles in the show (lately as Monsier Andre, one of the two opera manager characters in the show) for 9,382 performances. His last performance was on September 3rd.

A New York Times article about his achievement that is a Guinness World Record also revealed some interesting trivia:
- George Lee Andrews has been with the show for 23 years.
- During that time 12 different actors has played the title role.
- His contract has been renewed more than 40 times.
- Andrews is 68 years old by his last performance in the show.
- 'Phantom' has earned $825 million in New York so far.
- The Broadway production will celebrate its 25th anniversary in January 2013.
- More than 14.5 million people have seen the musical in New York.
- The show opened at the Majestic Theatre on January 26th 1988 with Andrews in the cast.
- Aaron Galligan-Stierle, 31, who is the son-in-law of Andrews will replace him in the role of Monsieur Andre.

The Times article indicate that lead producer Cameraon Mackintosh described the need for new blood to strengthen 'Phantom' for an indefinite commercial run as the reason that the contract with Andrews was not renewed.

Click HERE to read the full New York Times article. Below is an interview with Andrews on CBS News.

Review: 'The Phantom of the Opera' Haunts the Paliku Theatre at Windward Community College in Hawaii

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical “The Phantom of the Opera” is available to high schools and colleges nationwide and taking advantage of the opportunity is Windward Community College, part of the University of Hawaii system, with a production at its campus Paliku Theatre.

Prior to this production, there were only three times the residents of Hawaii could see the music locally. In 1993 the Canadian tour of the show grossed over $11 million during a 10-week run at the Blaisdell Concert Hall. That record gross held for fourteen years until 1997 when the national tour of ‘The Lion King’ roared into Honolulu at the same venue. The same ‘Phantom’ tour returned to Hawaii a year later in 1994 for a shorter grossing run. It wasn’t until 2010 when anyone in Hawaii would see another production locally. The students of the private Punahou School put on a six-performance run in fall of that year.

Now talents on stage and behind the scenes are taking on the challenge of tackling one of the most extravagant musicals ever produced and interpreting it for a college theater stage. It appears the title is still as popular as ever evidenced by the sold-out run of the show at the Paliku.

Kyle Mallis (Raoul), Lydia Pusateri (Christine) and Miles Wesley (The Phantom)
(photos: Paliku Theatre)

Though one would expect a downsized version of the original set and costume designs by the late Maria Bjornson, such a production should apply more focus on the performers, their acting and singing. It’s a given that budget restrictions would limit any theatre company in trying to duplicate the original production design. Also despite what theatre critics might say, Lloyd Webber’s music and lyrics by Charles Hart and Richard Stilgoe ably transports the audience to the world of the late 19th century Paris opera house with a through-sung device and melodies to match. The operatic aspirations of the composter are made accessible with sweeping tunes.

For those familiar with the original: the crashing chandelier, the grand staircase for the masquerade ball and the phantom’s underground lair are all splendidly designed and lit by Lloyd S. Riford III for the Paliku stage. The only distraction was the blue elephant for the ‘Hannibal’ opera sequence in the musical’s first scenes. Equally brilliant is the costuming designs of Evette Tanouye Allerdings in what appears to include a mix of rented costumes.

Aside from the visuals, the orchestra and musical director Clarke Bright provide justice to Lloyd Webber’s score. The melodies are still grand and haunting as played by the seventeen-member orchestra.

The role of the Phantom is in actuality a supporting one. But he is omnipresent throughout the evening even when the actor is not on stage. The true showcase role is that of Christine Daae, the ingénue that the Phantom bewitches. The score is a marathon for any performer especially for the actress portraying Christine (hence in almost every professional production with eight shows a week an alternate plays the role at certain performances).

Miles Wesley as the Phantom and Lydian Pusateri as Christine ably handle the plot demands. Both sing assuredly that “Music of the Night” and “Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again” will not disappoint and their duet of the title song is thrilling. Lloyd Webber has composed beautiful music linking these songs even if a chunk of them are to variations of the show’s big numbers. These moments deserve attention to carry the dramatic weight of the story. It’s likely that Wesely and Pusateri will grow into these characters over the remaining performances to deliver these sung lines with importance as they do the main numbers. 

The role of the Raoul, the Vicomte de Chagny, completes the love triangle. As written the character does not offer much depth. But Kyle Mallis reveals a professional stage presence in his performance and elevates the character more than it deserves. He is strong in voice and plays the character believably. The cast also includes Leonard J. Villanueva and Douglas S. Scheer as the opera managers who provide more than adequate comedic support. As Carlotta, Jaime Craycroft plays the opera diva with great fun and relish intentionally reducing her soprano to pale in comparison to Christine.

The timeless appeal of this beauty and the beast story especially when adorned with the score of Lloyd Webber has helped to make the musical the most successful entertainment endeavor ever. Director Ronald E. Bright brings a confident hand to realize this production at the Paliku that will delight new and old fans of 'The Phantom of the Opera.'

'The Phantom of the Opera' is presented at the Paliku Theatre at Windward Community College located in Kanoehe, Hawaii. Perfomances run to October 23, 2011; 7:30pm Wednesday, Fridays and Saturdays and 4pm Sundays. Tickets cost $30-$45; $49 for VIP ticket seating. Visit eticketshawaii.com to purchase tickets. Click HERE for more information.

Turndown Service on American Airlines

Duvet and pillow; light-weight day blanket; slippers; pajamas and
amenity kit for premium class.

Premium Class amenity kit.
(photos: aa.com)

This month American Airlines enhanced their first-class passenger service with turndown service starting for passengers flying on flights between the United States and London's Heathrow Airport and in October on select flights between the U.S. and international destinations.

The service will offer first-class passengers a quilted bed-topper custom designed to fit American's Flagship Suite onboard Boeing 777s, pajamas and slippers. Other added amenities include a lightweight day blanket, premium duvet and pillow, amenity kit featuring Dermalogica skincare products and other travel necessities. American is the first and only U.S. airline to offer the service and helps it to enhance the travel experience like their their Oneworld Alliance partners.

Competition is stiff for first-class passengers who are important for each airline's survival since these passengers pay the most for their airfare.

Airline Boarding Procedures Determines First Access to Overhead Bins

(photo: a380spotter/flickr)

Not all airline boarding procedures are the same and knowing the method an airline uses will help save some headache especially if you're eager to snag an overhead bin for your carry-on bag.

Usually most airlines employ the same method with allowing their first class passengers board first, then those requiring special assistance and then those holding elite level with the airlines. At this point each air carrier employs one of several methods for boarding. Each method is supposed to help turnaround the plane and have it off the ground by departure time. Adding to the confusion are airlines allowing economy passengers the privilege to board early at a price.

American Airlines boards by group numbers starting with passengers seated in the rear of the plane. Hawaiian Airlines boards by row numbers starting with the last rows while Southwest Airlines uses an open-boarding system. Airlines do not make easy as these procedures are not clearly advertised. You can call or email the airline before booking your ticket or you can ask the check-in or gate agent at the airport. As many of us realize if you're the last group of passengers to board, the odds are you will have check your bag, stow it under the seat in front you or ask for help to make room for your carry-on which may mean your bag is stowed rows in front or behind you.

An editor of Consumer Reports researched how the largest domestic airlines conduct their boarding and he found it can be complex. Here are the various methods he discovered:

*Method 1. Rear to front, usually by zone.
*Method 2. WILMA (as in window-middle-airline); first window, then middle, then aisle seats board, all rows simultaneously.
*Method 3. WILMA, rear to front, by by zone.
*Method 4. Reverse pyramid: rear window, followed by rear middle, front window, front middle, rear aisle, then front aisle seats.
*Method 5. Random seating, with assigned seats.
*Method 6. Open seating by group, with no assigned seats, the method made famous by Southwest.
*Method 7. Open seating, all passengers simultaneously (better known as "The Mosh Pit")

Click HERE to read the full USA Today article regarding the madness that is airline boarding methods.

(photo: AIRticulate/flickr)

The Grossest Things Flight Attendants Have Seen Passengers Do

Passenger resting his feet on the bulkhead. There was another photo
I could have used but I chose the one that grossed me out the least.
(photo: beezkneez/flickr)

The travel blog website jaunted.com published a story by a Sara Keagle, a flight attendant for over two decades, about the grossest things flight attendants have seen passengers do. The author pulled from her own experience and those of fellow flight attendants to come up with the list.

Among the incidents she reported are these untidy morsels:
Going No. 2: A passenger used the tissue (out of the tissue box dispenser in the restroom) to clean up after their bowel movement. They then placed the used tissues back into the tissue box. A fellow flight attendant reached into the tissue dispenser for a tissue and...discovered the issue firsthand.

Lost Panties: I was helping clean the plane at one of our out-stations so we could turn the plane on time and found a pair of bloody panties in the seat pocket. This is why we wear gloves.

A Little Laundry: A first class passenger took off his soggy socks and dried them by putting them over the air vent above his seat. Passengers all the way back in coach complained about the smell.

Impromptu Snacking: A first class passenger picked something off his bare feet...and ate it. I saw it myself!

In my experience one of the most common foul things that other passengers do is using any surface available as a foot rest with their bare feet. Not as gross as the incidents reported by the author but still bothersome. (Click HERE to read the comments that accompanied the photo above.)

Click HERE to view the full list. Be careful, I almost coughed up my dinner after reading the article.

Korean Air A380: Duty-Free Sky Shop

(all photos: Korean Air)

Last month Korean Air was the latest airline to inaugurate the massive Airbus A380 jumbo jet into service and became the first to fly the plane with regular service across the Pacific between New York's JFK and Seoul Incheon. One unique feature of Korean Air's version of the plane that been drawing attention is the onboard duty-free shop. In a first, passengers can browse actual items in a physical shop rather than through brochures that has been the common method for onboard duty-free shopping.

Plans are to outfit the the airline's order of 13 A380 jets with a duty-free shop at the back of the main deck. The Sky Shop (as it is named on the jet) takes the place of 13 economy seats, a lavatory and storage closet. The shop will focus on high-end goods such as makeup, perfume, jewelry and watches. Pricey bottles of perfume and liquor are magnetized to ensure they do not fall off the shelves during turbulence.

The airline reports that that Korean passengers tend to buy more duty-free products compared with Europeans and South Americans and Korean Air's flights tend to sell out of items. Though the airline loses revenue with the loss of seats, the airline's view is that they will make more money with duty-free sales and selling advertising space in the shop.

Each shop is designed with five display units, each of which can hold up to 66 pounds of merchandise, and has the room to display 64 different individual items. After take-off, the shop crew will take products out of storage and set up the store. First class passengers will have priority visit to the duty-free shop followed by business class and then passengers flying in economy. Orders are placed at the shop with a crew member, one of whom will later deliver the goods to the passenger's seat.

Click HERE to learn more about the Korean Air A380 which the airline advertises as "Where Dreams Are Made." The video below is about the design of the duty-free shop.

A White Elephant in Las Vegas is Blue: Harmon Hotel

(photo: Ali-PG/flickr)

It may appear like a glistening blue jewel on the strip, but the Harmon Hotel in Las Vegas is a dud of an empty shell. Last month press reports indicated that MGM Resorts International is recommending the tower, part of the massive City Center complex, be demolished because of construction defects.

On that notion this "white elephant" on the trip is becoming a favorite for photographs by visitors while the building is still standing. It's unlikely it will demolished anytime soon while litigation is ongoing between MGM and the building's general contractor, Perini Building Co.

If and when the Harmon Hotel is demolished it will be before the hotel ever welcomes even one guest. Initially it was to be a 49-story mixed-use complex with 200 condo on top of 400 hotel rooms. But structural defects were discovered in the building and this high-end luxury building was cut down to 29 stories. Construction ended in December 2009 with only the core and shell completed. In the dispute with MGM, the Perini company is debating that the construction defects can be repaired. Structural engineers reported to MGM that the tower would likely collapse in a strong earthquake.

In the meantime the $279 building is being used as an expensive billboard. The Harmon sits along prime real estate along the strip across from Planet Hollywood and next to The Cosmopolitan. It's been a while since the last building implosion in Las Vegas which was the New Frontier Hotel in November 2007.

(photo: roig61/flickr)

The Linq To Las Vegas: Opening June 2013

(all photos: Caesars Entertainment)

There may be dueling observation wheels in Las Vegas if the two projects are actually completed. In May, developers announced the 500-foot Skyvue Las Vegas Super Wheel. Then last month Caesars Entertainment Corp unveiled The Linq project, a $550 million outdoor retail, dining and entertainment district which will include the world's tallest observation wheel at 550 feet called the Las Vegas High Roller. The Linq will be located on the east side of the strip across Caesars Palace.

The High Roller will be taller than the London Eye and will have 28 enclosed, transparent sphere cabins that will hold up to 40 passengers each or 2,240 passengers per hour. Like the London Eye, it will take 30 minutes to make one revolution of the wheel. The attraction is expected to open in 2013.

Caesars also unveiled other details of The Linq project:
- A 200,000 square foot open-air marketplace will hold 30 to 40 retail, dining and entertainment attractions.
- Construction of the project will include the upgrade of three Caesars' properties, the Flamingo, Imperial Palace and O'Sheas.
- The Flamingo will receive a new pedestrian bridge that will connect it to The Linq.
- O'Sheas will be demolished and rebuilt 150 feet east within the Imperial Palace.
- The Imperial Palace will be renamed and transformed with a new facade, porte cochere and hotel reception as well as a remodeled casino.

Included in this post are renderings of The Linq released by Caesars Entertainment.

At this point one can be assured that observation wheels are tourist magnets and they do not have to be constructed in a prime location. The London Eye transformed the South Bank of London bringing thousands of tourist and their money to what was once a much quieter corner of the city. The London Eye was initially a temporary structure to celebrate the millennium. Now it is permanent.

The Waikiki Edition Becomes The Modern Honolulu

Since I'm a Marriott Rewards member and stayed at The Waikiki Edition back in June, I'm going to add my thoughts about the controversy and lawsuits and counter suits that erupted earlier this month. First of all the reason I stayed at The Waikiki Edition was because of a USA Today article published in May that reported the owners of the hotel, M Waikiki LLC, was suing Marriott and Ian Schrager, the creative partner of the hotel brand. The 27-page lawsuit indicated that they didn't do enough to make the hotel success. The hotel owner indicated they lost $3.9 million in three months of operation.

This was a bad omen and I wanted to stay at the hotel. But if I was going to book a stay I was going to book one while earning Marriott Rewards points. So I called the hotel and their reservations desk gave me a kama'aina rate (local resident rate) of $199 for my Friday night stay. It's probably a rate the owner's were not keen on knowing that the normal rate for a standard room was $379 per night.

I wrote an entire series of posts about The Waikiki Edition praising the property overall. But now and likely indefinitely Aqua Hotels is the new management company for the hotel renamed as The Modern Honolulu after the owners took control of the the hotel from Marriott over the cover of night.  Marriott sued and a New York judge returned management to Marriott. But that wasn't it. The owners filed for bankruptcy essentially overriding the judgment and keeping Marriott out.

The huge publicity was due to the fact that The Waikiki Edition was the first hotel in the Edition brand, the newest among Marriott's family of hotels, and the method of the takeover. The only other location in the Edition brand is in Istanbul, Turkey. The brand was Marriott's chance to finally tap into the boutique hotel market that catered to media types that have been attracted to competing brands such as the W Hotel chain.

I have to admit it that if the hotel remained The Waikiki Edition I would have definitely returned for another stay. I live in Hawaii but the one-night staycation in June was an excellent one and I was looking forward to repeating the experience again.

Though I am disappointed that The Waikiki Edition is no longer part of the Marriott chain of hotels, I am not surprised. I have been a Marriott Rewards member since 1995 and there are other hotels at which I've stayed and would have stayed at again should they have remained part of one of the company's brands. So the odds that that hotels change name or brands seems high or it's just by coincidence. Most of these changes are made amicably and with very little publicity in the mass media.

Here are some properties that are no longer part of the Marriott chain, the year when I had stayed at the hotel and the present operator* of the hotel:

Renaissance Parc 55 Hotel (1999) - Now is the Park 55 Wyndham

Renaissance London Chancery Court Hotel (2010) - Now operated by Preferred Hotels simply as the Chancery Court London

Renaissance Ilikai Waikiki Hotel (2003) - Now (ironically) operated by Aqua Hotels as the Ilikai Hotel

Courtyard by Marriott at Disney World (2002) - Now is the Holiday Inn in the Walt Disney World Resort

The lawsuit and counter suit will take a while to settle. It's probably unlikely that The Modern Honolulu would revert back to The Waikiki Edition. Probably Marriott's best bet is seeking a pay day in a damage to their brand. The owner's of the hotel would have to come out of bankruptcy sometime or sell the property.

*These are the present operators of the hotels but the history of these properties may have included other companies managing the hotel before them and after it was part of one of the Marriott hotel brands.

"A Kiss Is A Terrible Thing To Waste" from Andrew Lloyd Webber's Musical 'Whistle Down The Wind'

Cover of the 1998 Original Cast Recording featuring the London company.

Dean Collison and Veronica Hart in the scene from the original London
production of 'Whistle Down The Wind'.
(photo: reallyuseful.com)

'Whistle Down The Wind' is not one of Andrew Lloyd Webber's successful or well-known musicals. Despite it's shortcoming that lead to a cancelled Broadway premiere in 1997 and a shortened U.S. tour in 2007-2008, the score does boast some of my favorite songs by the composer. Though the original London production which opened 1998 lasted two-and-a-half years, this was not a considerable run for a Lloyd Webber musical.

Cover of the 1997 recording of that preceded the opening
of the show.

Rather than discussing the entire score I'd like to focus on the song "A Kiss Is A Terrible Thing To Waste." Originally the song was featured on the CD collection of select numbers from the musical performed by both American and British artists from the world of pop and the stage. On this album "A Kiss Is A Terrible Thing to Waste" is performed by Meat Loaf. It was rather appropriate since the lyricist is Jim Steinman who is also a composer himself and who has written several of Meat Loaf's biggest hits.

Once the song was featured in the Original London Cast recording, the song was given back to the characters and is sung by actors Dean Collison, Marcus Lovett, Veronica Hart and Lottie Mayor. The song is one of those epic rock numbers that Steinman could have composed himself. Lloyd Webber pulled out his "rock and roll" side when he composed the song.

The box-set collection of Andrew Lloyd Webber
songs that span his career up to 2001.

The version I listen to most often was featured on the five-disc box-set collection of Lloyd Webber songs spanning his career. A previously unreleased version by an experimental group called the Metal Philharmonic Orchestra has awesome vocals by Kyle Gordon and orchestrations that rock.

I've managed to see the original London production and the U.S. Tour and I believe there is still a successful musical within its framework. Critics and audiences have argued what worked or what didn't but the idea is definitely intriguing. In a sentence the show is about three children who find a man in their barn whom they believe to be Jesus.

Recently I discovered an alternately composed version of "A Kiss Is A Terrible Thing To Waste" with two different orchestrations on YouTube.com (posted below). Though each lacks any video, I've been playing either version on my iPad regularly for the past week. One is performed by the Everly Brothers and the other is by Rory Dodd whose vocals have been featured in recordings by Meat Loaf and Steinman. Some sources credit both Steinman and Lloyd Webber but this version was composed in the late 1980s and many music experts agree that these two versions has music and lyrics only by Steinman despite sharing some lyrics and musical motifs with the song of the same title that eventually appeared in 'Whistle Down The Wind.'

By the way you may not be familiar with the musical 'Whistle Down the Wind' but you are likely to have heard one of its songs which was a huge hit for the boy band Boyzone called "No Matter What" (click HERE for a video; or HERE to sample on iTunes).

For your listening pleasure, below are all the versions of the "A Kiss Is A Terrible Thing To Waste" as discussed in this post. Only the version by Meat Loaf includes any actual video. Links to the songs on iTunes and the recordings on Amazon.com are listed down below.

Version by the Metal Philharmonic Orchestra


Version by the Everly Brothers


Version by Rory Dodd (vocals begin at about 2min 10 sec)


Version from the Original Cast Recording featuring Dean Collison, Veronica Hart & Lottie Mayor


Version by Meat Loaf


Listen on iTunes:
(note: "Andrew Lloyd Webber - Now and Forever" and "Songs from Whistle Down the Wind" are not available on iTunes. The version of the song on these recordings have been included on other collections on iTunes listed below. The versions by Rory Dodd and the Everly Brothers are not available on iTunes.)
'Whistle Down The Wind' - Original London Cast (1998)
The Essential Meat Loaf
Andrew Lloyd Webber 60

Find it on Amazon.com:

Disney's Aulani Resort: Welcoming Guests to Hawaii

This is one in a series of posts about Disney's Aulani Resort & Spa.

Guests will immediately notice that Disney's Aulani Resort was designed and constructed with much care and thought. However one's view of Aulani will depend on how one feels about Disney opening a commercial venture in Hawaii. I myself was impressed with what I viewed as soon as I walked into the open-air lobby. Much has been written in the local press of how the resort celebrates Hawaiian traditions, art, history and culture. Some would would argue that Aulani is not much different from the company's Polynesian Resort at Walt Disney World. But it is different and its designers have as best as possible managed to capture various essences of Hawaii.

There are the obvious features like Kaplepa's which is meant to recall a local country store and Waikohole Valley to resemble a volcano and the water features of the islands. But the most dramatic features is the art and decorative features that is found at almost every corner of the hotel but none more so than in the dramatic lobby.

Even more impressive is that Aulani as a whole claims to have on display one of the largest collections of contemporary Hawaiian art. Over 200 pieces of original art were commissioned by Disney for Aulani with many by Native Hawaiian artists. As a taste the photos above and below gives one glimpses of the design and decor of the resort's lobby.

Though the towers envelope the property, the lobby which overlooks the property gives one a vista that is indeed breathtaking from the manmade features that is Waikohole Valley, which has been manicured with landscaping that seems to have been growing before Aulani's creation, to the Pacific Ocean just beyond.

Side note: I was quite bewildered by more than one guest staring at rocks at Aulani. Apparently in keeping with the spirit of other Disney resorts, the image of Mickey Mouse or "missing Mickeys" is hidden from rock to the wallpaper.

FROM THE OUTSIDE
Walking from the resort's parking structure to the hotel entrance one can only admire the detail that is the Waianae Tower. It's probably best that the feast for the eyes awaits behind this tower. It must be mentioned that the footpath leading from the parking is not on the ground level of the structure but mid-level. Then it's a walk along the mountain side of the Waianae Tower then a few more steps to the entrance beneath the porte cochere (note: valet parking available).

I have to admit that driving along Farrington Highway on the way to the exit road to Ko Olina the two resort towers dominate the landscape even from a distance. But I'd much rather view and admire the economic difference that Aulani will make for the residents of the Leeward community in terms of jobs and spending from visitors.

Porte cochere

Mauka side of Wai'anae Tower. 

Road leading to port cochere and main hotel entrance.

Disney's Aulani Resort: Makahiki & The 'Olelo Room

This is one in a series of posts about Disney's Aulani Resort & Spa.

Because of the time of day when I visited Disney's Aulani Resort on Friday the main restaurants were not open as they were preparing for dinner service. The beachside lounge called Off The Hook was open but busy with guests enjoying the afternoon sun and view of the beach. I was not able to view the resort's fine dining restaurant 'Ama'Ama but I have definite plans to visit it in the future and will publish a post of the experience.

The above photos are of Makahiki (a Hawaiian reference to a "festival") which features a dinner and breakfast buffet. On select days a Disney Character breakfast is offered on (check with the concierge or restaurant for scheduled dates). A striking red mural greets visitors entering the dining room. Look closely and see Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of fire and volcanoes.

Makahiki is open 7am-11am for breakfast and costs $14 for children (ages 9 and under) and $27 for adults. The character breakfast officially called Aunty's Breakfast Celebration is priced $18 for children and $32 for adults. Dinner served from 5pm-10pm is much pricier at $43 for adults and $21 for children. The links below connect to the restaurant's sample menu which is subject to change:
Breakfast Menu
Dinner Menu
Click HERE to make a reservation to Makahiki or 'Ama'Ama.

The 'Olelo Room (pictured above) is a bar and lounge that adjoins Makahiki. It is open for a continental breakfast (6am-10am) and appetizers and drinks during dinner (5pm-11pm). This bar and lounge takes its name from the Hawaiian word for "voice" and hence the decor is labeled with their Hawaiian names. The staff at 'Olelo must also know the Hawaiian language. The lounge does not accept reservations.

VIEW FROM THE OUTSIDE
One of the attractions of both Makahiki and 'Olelo is that both are open to the elements as guests have a view of the resort's Waikolohe Valley recreation playground. A calming fountain and waterfall embrace the restaurant guests.