As the sun dipped toward the ocean at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, 10-year-old Alex stood on the beach with his family. For Alex — a heart transplant recipient from Texas — the moment was more than a beautiful end to the day. It marked the beginning of Aulani Wish Week and, for his family, the start of a hopeful new chapter.
“When I was on the beach watching my family, I was reminded of every moment we fought to be here,” said Alex’s mom, Karen. “It felt like the closing of a chapter. We don’t always have to be surviving — we get to thrive. That’s this gift.”
Alex and his family were among 28 wish children and their families from across the country brought together earlier this month by Make-A-Wish Hawaii for Aulani Wish Week. The gathering marked the tenth group wish event since Make-A-Wish Hawaii and Aulani Resort launched Aulani Wish Week in October 2023.
These events build on the longstanding relationship between Make-A-Wish Hawaii and Aulani Resort to create meaningful experiences for wish children and their families. Since opening in 2011, Aulani Resort has helped grant more than 2,000 wishes, welcoming families every week of the year. Across the company, Disney is the world’s largest wish granter, helping fulfill approximately one wish every hour.
Throughout Aulani Wish Week, families made memories with favorite Aulani Resort experiences: splashing in the pools, snorkeling at Rainbow Reef, meeting Mickey and his friends, learning hula, and enjoying Hawaiian music, song, story and dance at KA WA‘A, a Lū‘au.
October Wish Weeks also feature extra magic with Halloween fun. Every child picks out a Halloween costume, gifted by Disney Consumer Products, and can show them off at Aunty and Uncle’s Backyard Jam-BOO-ree dance party at the end of the week.
Yet the most lasting moments were often the ones that could not be planned — the friendships formed among children, siblings, and parents who understood one another’s journeys, and the comfort of knowing they were not alone. In those connections, families experienced the spirit of aloha: care, belonging, and a community they could carry home.
For 7-year-old Austin from Florida, who loves Disney characters, Aulani Wish Week offered the joy of stepping into a place filled with friends, ‘ohana and new memories. For her parents, that shared understanding brought a rare sense of ease. “We’re seeing her make friends with others who have gone through the same thing, and I was able to connect with other moms who just get it,” said Austin’s mom, Crystal. “It feels so easy.”
Eleven-year-old Max from California, who has kidney disease and loves to swim, found joy in Aulani Resort’s water activities — a chance to simply play, explore, and be a kid. “We love being able to be together as a family and enjoy Max in a good spot,” said Max’s dad, Jason. “We’re enjoying the moment, and this is one of those great moments.”
Five-year-old Nairi from California wished to meet Moana at Aulani Wish Week because she says Moana is strong, just like her. Her wish came true when Moana herself stopped by for a surprise visit. Nairi’s face lit up as the wayfinder greeted her, turning an ordinary moment into an unforgettable island adventure. Her brother, Chris, who remained by her side throughout her cancer treatment, said one of his favorite parts of the week was simply seeing his sister smile — a reflection that captured the heart of the experience.
For Alex, Austin, Max, Nairi, and every child and family who shared the week, the greatest gift was not only the experiences they had at Aulani Resort, but the aloha that surrounded them — the joy, connection, and hope to imagine all the chapters still waiting to be written.