It was just a normal training session at Cobleskill Tae Kwon Do for Landon Diamond, but things took an unexpected turn for this young orange belt when it was time for kyukpa, the practice of breaking wooden boards with the hand or foot. There was something a little mysterious about the boards his sabom (instructor) was holding up, and Landon quickly discovered that hidden between two of them was a slip of paper with a special message: Landon and his family were headed to Disney’s Aulani Resort in Hawai’i! But first, there were boards to break, delicious cupcakes to snack on, and a moment to celebrate with his mom, dad, and brother as they prepared for their Hawai’ian adventure.

Albany to Detroit, Detroit to Honolulu. After almost 12 hours in the air (complete with a cockpit tour before takeoff) the family arrived in The Aloha State, where they were warmly welcomed with traditional lei necklaces made of fresh flowers. Then, it was off to Aulani! Situated on the beaches of Ko Olina on the leeward coast of Oahu, this expansive, family-friendly resort encompasses 21 acres and places a special emphasis on Hawai’i, its surroundings, people, and culture. But the most fun is had, of course, in the water. There’s no end to the excitement whether you’re in the grotto, the splash zone for little ones, zooming down a water slide, or snorkeling Rainbow Reef, a 3,800 square-foot private saltwater lagoon—the only one on Oahu—where you can get up close with tropical sea life without worrying about strong currents or waves. 

Landon and his family visited during Make-A-Wish’s Wish Week, and each day had the opportunity to meet various Disney characters in a private setting. Over the week, Landon got to hang loose with many of his new Disney friends, including Aulani’s own ‘Olu Mel the sea turtle, Angel and Stitch, Daisy and Donald Duck, Chip and Dale, and of course, Minnie and Mickey Mouse.

Snorkeling is a must when in Hawai’i, and Landon spent quite a bit of time floating on the calm, clear waters of Rainbow Reef, where he was able to paddle along the surface while checking out the hundreds of colorful creatures swimming around him, including many Humuhumunukunukuapua’a, the official State Fish of Hawai’i, whose name translates to “the fish that snorts like a pig.”

Before the week’s end, Landon and his family got to experience everything Aulani has to offer, including a live performance of Moana by The Disney Players, a festive luau where they met the dancers, a scavenger hunt, and a Disney movie night. The family also set off on their own adventure, where they visited Manoa Falls and The Honolulu Zoo. Ever the dedicated Tae Kwon Do student, Landon didn’t let his adventure keep him from his passion—he practiced his poomsae (a series of Tae Kwon Do moves) against the backdrop of a sparkling blue Pacific Ocean. It was a moment (and a week) Landon and his family will never forget.

We’d like to extend a special thank you to Charley’s Taxi, Make-A-Wish Hawai’i, Aulani Disney Resort & Spa, and all our donors and supporters for helping make Landon’s wish come true.