MARCH’S SIZZLIN’ NEWS FROM HAWAI‘I’S BIG ISLAND

03/02/2009

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

Hawai‘i’s Big Island (March 2009) — Spring erupts on Hawai‘i’s Big Island in a bloom of sensational savings, celebrity-studded entertainment, enthralling new adventures, and of course, the eager anticipation of Hawaiian-inspired fun lasting all year long.

ADVENTURES, ACTIVITIES & EVENTS

Forget the Red Carpet. The Honoka‘a People’s Theatre was standing room only on Oscar night for the first public viewing of the touching new Japanese film, “Honokaa Boy” – the movie’s only American premiere. Filmed entirely on Hawai‘i’s Big Island last year, “Honokaa Boy” follows a young Japanese man and his time spent in rural Honoka‘a town on the Hāmākua Coast, working for the Honoka‘a People’s Theatre. When Yoshida returned to Tokyo, he wrote the book Honokaa Boy – the inspiration for the film. The four main actors, Chieko Baisho, Keiko Matsuzaka, Masaki Okada and Hilo actress Jun Hasegawa attended the premiere and gave thanks to the people of Honoka‘a for their cooperation. “Honokaa Boy” will be released in Japan Mar. 14. Visit www.honokaa-boy.jp for a peek at the trailer.

Blue Sea Cruises unveils the “Spirit of Kona,” a magnificent 70-foot long, eco-friendly power catamaran, offering glass-bottom sunset dinner cruises, dolphin and whale watching adventures, private parties, corporate events and more. The double-decked vessel launches off the Kailua pier and tours feature marine life and historical sites with narration and live entertainment. Rates start at $65. Call (808) 331-8875 or visit www.blueseacruisesinc.com.

Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, in partnership with Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, announces the new Hawai‘i Volcanoes Institute, a series of educational programs highlighting Hawai‘i’s geological, biological, and cultural heritage. Institute adventures range from one- to several-day excursions and combine instruction with hands-on learning. The classroom might be a crater’s edge, rainforest, or mountaintop. For a listing of 2009 programs, visit www.FHVNP.org.

Bottom Time Hawai‘i extends reduced rates on dive and snorkel tours through Summer 2009. Two-tank dive charters are $110 and three days of two-tank dives are just $325, including a manta ray night dive or snorkeling excursion. Snorkeling friends and family join for $85/person. Call toll-free (866) 463-4836 or visit www.bottomtimehawaii.com.

Ruth’s Chris Steak House has been called a “classic” by media across the country, and the popular steakhouse has introduced a limited-time menu called “Ruth’s Classics.” The three-course menu is offered at $39.95 and includes a choice of soup or salad; followed by a choice of Ruth’s Chris signature Petite Filet, Stuffed Chicken Breast, Barbecued Shrimp, or the Fresh Island Fish Selection, plus a side dish and a dessert. Reservations: Ruth’s Chris Steak House in The Shops at Mauna Lani at (808) 877-0800.

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

Big Island Film Festival celebrates new Independent Narrative Films and Filmmakers from May 14 – 17 at the Waikoloa Beach Resort. Visit www.bigislandfilmfestival.com or call (808) 883-0394.

Four Seasons Resort Hualālai and the Hawai‘i Performing Arts Festival present Jake Shimabukuro, on May 18 from 7 – 8:30 p.m. at the Hoku Amphitheatre, $40. Email webinfo@hawaiiperformingartsfestival.org.

Hawaiian Treasures Celebration Tour 2009 features Richard Hoopi‘i, Dennis Kamakahi, and George Kahumoku at the Palace Theater, May 29 at 7 p.m. $20/advance and $25/door. Tickets available at Palace Theater; call (808) 934-7010.

Want more? Click www.bigisland.org/calendar for detailed information about Hawai’i Island events.

ACCOMMODATIONS

The Fairmont Orchid celebrates Hawai‘i’s 50th anniversary of statehood with its Hawai‘i 5-0 package, including accommodations in an ocean view room, third night free, $200 resort credit and $50 credit at hotel shops. Prices from $599/night, no minimum stay required, valid through Dec. 20, 2009. Call toll-free (800) 845-9905 or visit www.fairmont.com/orchid.

Book Early for a Sizzlin’ Summer Deal at Hilton Waikoloa Village. Book 90 days in advance and you’re eligible for Hilton’s Early Saver Bed & Breakfast rates, saving you 30 percent and includes daily breakfast buffet for two. Offer valid now through Dec. 31, 2009. 30 percent deposit due at reservation, non-cancelable, based on availability, restrictions apply. Call (800) HILTONS or (808) 886-1234 or visit www.hiltonwaikoloavillage.com/specials_and_packages.

Aston Hotels & Resorts’ Big Island Volcano Adventure package provides guests with accommodations and admission for two adults on the Hawai‘i Forest & Trail Kilauea Volcano Adventure. All three of Aston’s Big Island properties offer the package. Rates start as low as $220/night (3-night minimum). Valid until Dec. 21, 2009. Restrictions apply. Visit www.AstonHotels.com or call (866) 774-2924.

Prince Resorts Hawaii Stimulus “Splash Package.” Super-low rates ($490/night at the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel and $500/night at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel), buffet breakfast for two each morning, a $100 resort credit every day, and the added value of kids 12 and under eating for free Apr.1-Sept. 30 make this one of the best economic plans around. Valid until Dec. 19, 2009. Visit www.PrinceResortsHawaii.com or call (866) 774-6236.

Big Island, Small Price. Castle Resorts connects both sides of Hawai‘i Island with the ease of flying into Kona and the ‘wow’ of visiting Kīlauea volcano. The 2009 Kona/Hilo Combo Package includes four nights at Castle Kona Bali Kai, three nights at Castle Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, a seven-day pass to Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, and a seven-day compact car rental. Package price is $917 plus tax. Call (800) 367-5004 or visit www.CastleResorts.com.

The Lokahi Garden Sanctuary, located in charming North Kohala, offers guests a FREE massage, spa treatment or private fitness session from March through August. Offer based on two-night minimum. Rates at $95 per night plus tax. Visit www.lokahigardensanctuary.com or call (808) 889-0001.

Springtime Special! A hidden gem on the Hāmākua Coast, the Waianuhea Bed & Breakfast offers a 20 percent discount on reservations made for April and May. Rates start as low as $156 per night and include evening wine and pupus and a gourmet breakfast. Call toll free (888) 775-2577 or visit www.waianuhea.com.

New Virtual Visit. Visit Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa online at www.SheratonKeauhou.com and take the new self-guided 3D SuperTour. The “tour” allows users to peek into a Presidential Suite, check out the amazing pool, and navigate the 22-acre oceanfront resort. Powered by Everyscape, SuperTour makes you feel as though you are already here.

Click! A new online booking system for Big Island Vacation Rentals’ allows guests to check availability and confirm a reservation at over 35 vacation rentals on the Big Island, no matter what time zone they are in. Check out www.bigislandvacationrentals.com

KUDOS

Hilo’s historic Shipman House Bed & Breakfast has been named a Top Romantic Pick by BedandBreakfast.com, a comprehensive online B&B directory and reservation network. A Hilo landmark, this rare island Victorian has five guestrooms with private baths, original furnishings from Hawai‘i’s monarchy period, and an outstanding breakfast buffet. Proximity to restaurants, volcanoes, waterfalls and gardens add to its allure. Rates from $209. Call (808) 934-8002 or visit www.hilo-hawaii.com.

The newest edition of Zagat Hawai‘i reports that Kona Village’s signature restaurant Hale Samoa received the highest total survey score of any dining establishment on the Big Island. Those voting for Hale Samoa said, “If the gang from Gilligan’s Island opened a four-star restaurant, this would be it.” Visit www.KonaVillage.com.

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