FEBRUARY’S SIZZLIN’ NEWS FROM HAWAI‘I’S BIG ISLAND
02/04/2009
Come to the Big Island and explore Hawai‘i’s Island of Adventure
Hawai‘i’s Big Island (February 2009) — With mesmerizing volcanoes, irresistible accommodations packages offered all year long, and value-packed adventure around every corner, Hawai‘i’s Big Island keeps the love alive throughout 2009!
ADVENTURES, ACTIVITIES & EVENTS
Pele Loves Water. Hawai‘i’s volcano goddess is still flowing into the ocean near Kalapana in Coastal Puna, providing a dazzling show for lucky visitors who watch her meet Kanaloa, the Hawaiian male ocean deity, in a frenzy of dramatic explosions and steamy plumes. The public viewing hours at the free Kalapana Lava Viewing Site have changed, now open daily from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Visitors must enter the viewing area parking lot before 8 p.m. to allow time to hike to the viewing site, and be back before 10 p.m. Call the County of Hawai‘i Lava Hotline at (808) 961-8093 for daily updates, and visit BIVB’s eruption update site, www.bigisland.org/volcanoupdate.
Meanwhile, up at the Summit, the historic show continues at Halema‘uma‘u Crater at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, with a photogenic plume of gas and ash continuing to emit from Pele’s legendary home. Kīlauea Volcano marked its 26th year of continuous eruption last month, and HVNP – the only World Heritage Site in Hawai‘i – continues to provide amazing vantage points and unparalleled hiking and cultural adventures Visit www.nps.gov/havo for the latest.
After Dark in the Park. Each Tuesday at 7 p.m. Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, in conjunction with the Hawai‘i Natural History Association, hosts a special event at the Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. Call (808) 985-6011. Park entrance fees apply and a $1 donation helps to support park programs. Check out www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/events_adip.htm to see what’s going on when you’re here.
Keauhou Beach Resort offers a FREE cultural walking tour, every Tuesday at 8 a.m. This guided tour explores historic and cultural sites around the Resort; discover ancient heiau, petroglyphs and the fascinating Kahalu‘u area. See the newly restored Hāpaiali‘i Heiau and the nearby Ke‘eku Heiau. Open to hotel guests, and the public. Call (866) 326-6803 or visit www.keauhoubeachresort-hawaii.com
Bottom Time Hawaii, one of Kona’s top dive companies, has lowered rates for its two-tank morning dives to just $110 per person. Rental gear prices have also been reduced to $25 for a weight integrated BCD, regulator, octopus, and wetsuit. All dive charters include tanks and soft weights, sandwiches, snacks and beverages. Call (866) 463-4836 or visit www.bottomtimehawaii.com
Lights! Camera! Yee-haw! Rolling green hills, rugged valleys, stark lava outcroppings and verdant pasturelands are among the many reasons film production companies choose Parker Ranch. From cable TV productions to high-end commercials, film scouts like what they see. With 130,000 acres to choose from and ideal conditions much of the year, Parker Ranch is becoming almost as well known for its film backdrop as for its cattle, Historic Homes, Cattle Country Tours and hunting adventures. Visit www.ParkerRanch.com.
Looking for more to do? Click www.biglsland.org/calendar for detailed information about additional Hawai’i Island events, and don’t miss these:
The theme for this year’s Pacific Tsunami Museum’s Annual Talk-Story Festival is “First Responders.” Hear the heartwarming (and sometimes heartbreaking) stories of those who were first to respond during the 1946, 1960 and 1975 tsunamis. Sun., Apr. 5, 6 p.m.; $25 includes dinner; Sangha Hall in Hilo. www.tsunami.org, (808) 935-0926
May Day is Lei Day at the Queens’ MarketPlace. Hawaiian cultural displays, lei making, musical entertainment, and selection of a May Day Queen mark this May 1 event. Call (808) 886-8822 or visit www.waikoloabeachresort.com.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Spa-tacular! Fresh-faced from her recent makeover, the new Mauna Kea Beach Hotel announces the new Mandara Spa, to open on Mar. 20, 2009. This follows a soft re-opening of the iconic resort on Dec. 20, 2008. With a combination of Balinese and Hawaiian-inspired services, Mandara’s 4,000-square-foot spa includes five luxurious treatment rooms and a couple’s suite. Spa hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and groups enjoy a 10 percent discount. Visit www.mandaraspa.com. For updates visit www.MaunaKeaPreview.com.
Aston Hotels & Resorts RETURNS. ResortQuest Hawaii is returning to its esteemed and well-recognized name of Aston Hotels & Resorts. The name change is the centerpiece of a complete re-branding campaign that encompasses a new image, including a contemporary logo. Aston Hotels & Resorts Big Island properties are Aston Kona by the Sea, Aston Shores at Waikoloa, and Aston Waikoloa Colony Villas. Visit www.AstonHotels.com or call toll free (866) 774-2924.
Naniloa Volcanoes Resort in Hilo offers a third night free with its “Love is in the Air Getaway” package. Includes a deluxe ocean front room, daily breakfast buffet for two, and a “Love is in the Air” gift basket. Rates start at $175; valid until May 31, 2009. Call (808) 969-3333 or visit www.hottours.us.
Hilton Waikoloa Village’s “50 Years of Aloha” package celebrates with a fifth night at $50, two keepsake State of Hawai‘i quarters, a complimentary entrée in select restaurants for any guest born in 1959, and choice of one of the following: $50 credit at the Kohala Spa, $50 dining credit at Hilton restaurants, or $50 credit on non-motorized Lagoon Beach craft rentals. Rates start at $219, with a minimum five-night stay required. Package code: OX “50 Years of Aloha.” Valid until Dec. 20, 2009. Call 1-800-HILTONS or (808) 886-1234. Visit www.hiltonfamilyhawaii.com/aloha.
The new Champagne Pond Cottage in sunny Kapoho has its own private white sand beach. The beach overlooks a private pond that opens up into the famous Champagne Pond. Light, bright and completely remodeled, the property has two bedrooms and sleeps six. Rates from $155 offered now through May. Visit www.bigislandvacationrentals.com or contact stay@Hawai‘i-holiday.com or call (808) 965-6400.
Great accommodations? Check! Convenient transportation? Check! Access to volcanic wonder? Check! Explore East Hawai‘i with a package that includes three nights at Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, a seven-day pass to Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, and a three-day compact car rental from Dollar Rent-A-Car. Offer based on a three-night minimum stay, priced at $417 plus tax, and valid until Dec. 31, 2009. Call 1(800) 367-5004 or visit www.CastleResorts.com.
At Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa, with everything from rejuvenating spa treatments to an entertaining lu‘au, the “Value in Paradise” program rates begin at just $179 for tremendous savings year round. No minimum stay required. Rate code VALPAR. Visit www.SheratonKeauhou.com or call (866) 716-8140.
Uncle Billy’s has extended its super-low holiday rates throughout 2009. Rates in Hilo start at just $81 a night, and in Kona at just $86. Free continental breakfast, early check-in, and late check-out are included for added value. Visit www.unclebilly.com or call (800) 367-5102. Rates based on single or double occupancy, tax not included, and offer subject to availability.
The Dragonfly Cottage, a vacation rental and health retreat on the South Kona Coast, is being offered at 50 percent off, or just $150 per night through May. The three-bedroom/two-bath cottage is equipped with full kitchen, washer and dryer, a far infrared sauna, rebounder, free weights, and chi machine. Massage outcall available. Call (808) 328-2159 or visit www.dragonflyranch.com.
Sweet Sounds. Revisit Hawai‘i memories with Kona Village’s newly released “Sounds of the Village” CD. With the expertise of Gordon Hempton, The Sound Tracker®, every nuance of sound at the 82-acre oceanfront Kona Village is captured. The sound portrait has no added music, studio editing or enhancements and paints a picture of a tranquil Hawaiian paradise. Cost $8. Call (808) 325-4260 or email boutique@konavillage.com to purchase.
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
