Press Releases

JULY'S SIZZLIN' NEWS FROM HAWAI'I'S BIG ISLAND

07/01/2008

Come to the Big Island and explore Hawai’i‘s Island of Adventure

Hawai’i‘s Big Island (July 2008) – Kīlauea’s not the only thing that’s hot on Hawai’i Island this summer. Check out new red-hot adventures and cool accommodation specials that celebrate summer vacation in paradise.

ADVENTURES, ACTIVITIES & EVENTS

Vavoom Volcano Tours is offering a “buy-one, get-one-free” special through the end of the year. Choose a full-day hiking tour of Kīlauea volcano’s crater attractions at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, or try the new “Summit to the Sea” which includes a trek to see lava as it enters the sea near Kalapana. (808)966-8858, www.vavoomhawaii.blogspot.com.

Pedal pushers love Bikevolcano.com’s new guided bicycle adventure to Kīlauea’s flow where it enters the ocean, with spectacular ocean views on the way, dinner in Kalapana, and the fiery red glow of Pele’s hypnotic creation. Call toll-free (888) 934-9199 or (808) 934-9199, www.BikeVolcano.com.

Listen to the stories of the stars and much more at ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawai’i. A new free headset in English or Japanese provides a self-guided audio tour of stellar exhibits about celestial navigation, Hawaiian culture and the astounding astronomy happening on Maunakea and beyond. www.imiloahawaii.org.

Hawai’i Island Festival – “30 Days of Aloha” celebrates Hawai’i‘s cultural traditions and aloha spirit, with its popular signature events like the Royal Court Investiture, Waimea Paniolo Parade, and the Ms. Aloha Nui, Kindy Sproat Falsetto and Poke contests. Happening throughout September, the former Aloha Festivals has a new direction for 2008. Held in conjunction with the Waikoloa Beach Resort “Weekend of Hawaiian Culture,” Sept. 5-7, the event is presided over by Hawai’i‘s “Ambassador of Aloha” Danny Kaleikini. Contact Moani Akana (808) 885-3110, or Linda Pokipala (808) 885-9259 for details.

Looking for more to do? Click www.BigIsland.org/calendar for detailed information about additional Hawai’i Island events, and make sure you don’t miss these:

The 34th Annual Parker Ranch Round-up Club Rodeo Aug. 30-31, (877) 885-7999 or (808) 885-5898, www.ParkerRanch.com.

Yummy! Lyman Museum presents Key Ingredients: America by Food (a Smithsonian traveling exhibit) AND Hawai’i by Food: A Celebration of Hawai’i‘s Food Culture. Oct. 31, 2008 – Jan. 31, 2009. Call (808) 935-5021, www.LymanMuseum.org

HOTELS, RESORTS AND B&Bs

Nestled in the rainforest, A Beautiful Day Spa offers eco-camps and jungle-style lodging from only $20 per person per night – or pay with your own “elbow grease” and three hours of volunteer farm work daily, an affordable way to participate in a lomilomi massage internship program, starting at only $249. (808) 982-7252, www.ABeautifulDay.tv

Bottom Time Hawai’i and the Keauhou Beach Resort team up for and incredible deal with “Stay & Dive.” Certified Divers or diving students who book direct, get four nights in the hotel and three days of two-tank boat dives, including the famous manta ray nighttime adventure, for only $650 – plus a room upgrade at Keauhou Beach Resort (based on availability), valid to Dec. 31. (866) GO DIVE N or (866) 463-4836, www.BottomTimeHawaii.com.

ResortQuest Hawaii offers golfers the royal treatment with its new Kings’ Club Golf Package. Check out the savings at the Shores at Waikoloa (one and two-bedroom suites deluxe suites from $264 and $308), Waikoloa Colony Villas (two-bedroom villas from $331) and play the Kings’ Course for only $50 and the Beach Course for $75, through Jan. 1, 2009. Toll-free (866)-774-2924, www.ResortQuestHawaii.com.

What’s hot in Hilo? Naniloa Volcanoes Resort debuts beautifully renovated Deluxe Ocean Front and Superior Ocean View rooms, each with original art by Kristie Fujiyama-Kosmides, all new furnishings and beds, imported German tile and Italian fixtures in the baths, 32” flat-screen TV and free high-speed internet. Special introductory and travel agent rates available. (808) 969-3333, www.hottours.us.

Strolling distance to Kailua-Kona’s excellent shopping, dining and activities, the Royal Kona Resort offers reduced rates in Bay Tower rooms now through Dec. 21, from $115 per night, double occupancy. (Blackout dates Oct. 6-12.). For reservations, call toll-free (800) 22-ALOHA, or visit www.RoyalKona.com.

Mauna Lani Resort has been a pioneer in “greening” the resort industry for over a decade, and it generates more solar electric power than any luxury resort in the world. And, from now to Dec. 23, guests save some “green” with a fifth night free. (800) 367-2323, www.MaunaLani.com.

Castle Hilo Hawaiian Hotel offers a premier “one-stop” meeting package through Dec. 30 that includes everything for groups of 25-400 on business: meeting space and set-up, projection screen, podium, microphone, water station and mid-morning or afternoon refreshments. (10 room-night minimum).For details, email groups@castleresorts.com or call toll-free (800) 733-7753.

The Fairmont Orchid, Hawai’i is riding a new wave with “Stand Up Surfing,” where guests learn how to stand on a surfboard and paddle for a total body workout. Its new “Surf, Sand & Spa” day package includes a lesson, oceanfront spa treatment and box lunch for $219 through Dec.20. Call toll-free (800) 845-9905, www.Fairmont.com/Orchid.

Kona Village has partnered with Brilliant Earth to offer a “Perfect Green Proposal Package” – three nights in a thatched-roof bungalow, a bottle of organic sparkling wine and all meals. At a romantic torch-lit private proposal dinner on the beach, the bride-to-be receives her conflict-free Brilliant Earth Platinum Halo engagement ring with diamonds. Package starts at $7,335, valid Sept. 1-Dec.20. (800) 367-5290, (808) 325-5555, www.KonaVillage.com.

Chill out with “Some Like it Cool,” a three-night adventure package at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, featuring Cabana room accommodations, a Kohala Waterfalls Adventure Hiking Tour, Aroma Spa Ocean Wrap and Massage for two daily and a very “cool” arrival amenity. Package starts at $3,325, valid through Dec. 21, subject to availability. (800) 922-5533, www.waikoloamarriott.com

TASTY TIDBITS

Waikoloa Beach Grill overlooking the first tee of the picturesque Beach Course now offers chefs Steve Tabor and David Brown’s acclaimed dinner menu “tapas-style” with tasting portions of classic and island-inspired cuisine. (808) 886-6131, www.WBGrill.com.

Romano’s Macaroni Grill opens at the Queens’ MarketPlace in November. The popular Tuscan-inspired, family-priced restaurant showcases classic Italian cuisine with indoor and patio seating options for lunch, cocktails and dinner and an extensive menu.

NOTE: BIVB recognizes the use of diacritical markings, i.e., glottal stop (’), macron (ā), in place names of Hawai’i, such as Kīlauea. However, BIVB respects the individual use of these markings for names of organizations and businesses.

Big Island Visitors Bureau Media Contact:
Jessica Ferracane, Irondog Communications, (808) 895-5740, jessica@irondogpr.com