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

05/19/2009

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

Hawai‘i’s Big Island (May 1, 2009) – Today is May Day, or Lei Day in Hawai‘i, and Hawai‘i’s Big Island celebrates with a new direct interisland flight into Hilo, a string of new activities and a colorful range of “stay for less” deals.

ADVENTURE, ACTIVITIES & EVENTS

Fly me to HILO! A new direct flight between Honolulu and Hilo international airports starts today. Mokulele Airlines, which offers four new direct flights between O‘ahu and Hilo, will increase the number of seats serving Hilo by nearly 4,000 per week. The company already flies numerous direct flights between Honolulu and Kona International Airport. Check www.mokuleleairlines.com for special interisland deals and info on the new airport lounge at the Honolulu International Airport, and the upcoming lounge in Kona!

Sail Holy Grail offers a greener way to see Hawai‘i’s legendary green flash at sunset…by wind power under sail! The 51-foot luxury yacht – which has sailed all over the globe – is available for private charters up to six passengers, and disembarks from Honokōhau Harbor in Kailua-Kona, burning less than one gallon of fuel for the entire sunset cruise. Visit www.konasail.com for charter rates, additional voyages, or call Capt. Howard at (808) 987-9698.

Hawaii Forest & Trail announces one exciting new adventure, and one fantastic new special! The Waipi‘o Rim Hike Adventure skirts the rim of Waipi‘o Valley, where guests are treated to awe-inspiring views of the valley’s towering waterfalls, enchanting taro patches, and stunning coastline as they trek along this historic trail through lush forest. Also new is the Get Back to Nature Special. Book select tours at 15 percent off, and receive successive tours at 25 percent off. Direct bookings only, some restrictions apply. Visit www.hawaii-forest.com or call (808) 331-8505.

Van GO! Happy Campers Hawaii – formerly GB Adventures – offers fully stocked, meticulously restored pop-top VW Westfalia camper vans and action-packed adventures to Big Island campsites. Rent a “home-on-wheels” for seven nights and get two of those nights FREE, saving $230. Valid now through Oct. 31, 2009. Visit www.happycampershawaii.com for more info and specials, or email happycampershawaii@hotmail.com or call (808) 966-6074.

Fly High…for Less! Paradise Helicopters is taking 20 percent off all its Big Island tours. Witness the awesome wonder of Kīlauea volcano and try one of their most popular tours: the Jack’s Lava House Landing tour. See the lava from the air and then take a self-guided walk out on to the lava field, or try the new Fly and Zip Line combination adventure. Call (866) 876-7422 for or visit
www.paradisecopters.com for more information. Not combinable with any other discount or offer.

In honor of the International Year of Astronomy 2009, ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawai‘i offers a free monthly Maunakea Lecture Series Talk. Visit ‘Imiloa’s planetarium on the third Saturday of every month at 7 p.m. for a chance to learn about the latest research from the Maunakea observatories. Guest astronomers provide insights on the night sky. For more information on the schedule of speakers, visit www.imiloahawaii.org.

A rarely viewed collection of pre-20th century Hawai‘i Island photographs is on display at the Lyman Museum through October 2009. Na Pa‘i Ki‘i ‘o Brother Bertram features the work of Marianist and pioneering photographer Brother Bertram Gabriel Bellinghausen, S.M., who served the Catholic mission in Hawai‘i from 1883-1905. These historic images showcase the landscape, people, and timeless beauty of the Big Island. Call (808) 935-5021 or visit www.lymanmuseum.org.

Body Glove Cruises offers “sea”sonal fun for less through early fall. Try the Snorkel Dolphin Adventure during the day, or end the day on the Sunset Cocktail Cruise. All cruises are aboard comfortable, luxurious boats staffed by knowledgeable, friendly crew. Book direct online at www.bodyglovehawaii.com and save $21 per adult ticket on any cruise! (800) 551-8911.

Want more?

Click bigisland.org/calendar for detailed information about additional Hawai‘i Island events, and make sure you don’t miss the 50th Anniversary of the Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament! July 20-24, www.hibtfishing.com

ACCOMMODATIONS

Incentives! Book your next meeting at Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa with the Marriott Resorts Hawai‘i Meeting Incentive Package, offering meeting planners a 10 percent rebate offer on their master account, including meeting-related charges such as guestroom, food and beverage, meeting room rental and other items. Not valid in conjunction with previously booked or held meetings or events. May not be combined with other promotional offers. Valid through Dec. 15, 2010. Visit www.marriotthawaii.com/groups or call toll-free (866) 516-5381.

Arnott’s Lodge in Hilo offers arguably the least expensive digs on Hawai‘i’s Big Island, and its central location in Hilo appeals to adventurous backpackers and budget-oriented family travelers. For a limited time, book a semi-private room with a shared bathroom and kitchen for only $50/night! Visit www.arnottslodge.com for other offers, including a variety of guided Big Island adventure tours.

7th Night Free with Luau at Hilton Waikoloa Village …receive the seventh night free and two general admission tickets to the Legends of the Pacific Lu‘au! Starting at $219/room/night for two people, the offer is valid now through Dec 20. Black-out dates apply, reservations based on availability. Not valid with any other discounts, offers, or specials. For reservations call (800) HILTONS or (808) 886-1234. Request promotion code BIV7NL or rate plan code 7NL Or visit secure.hilton.com/en/hi/res/choose_dates.jhtml;jsessionid=OFB1O2RDHZARCCSGBJC3EWQ?ctyhocn=KOAHWHH&spec_plan=7NL&spec_plan_desc=7th+Night+Free+plus+Lu’au+for+2+Package&_requestid=183801

Kalaekilohana Bed and Breakfast offers the “Go Ahead and Get Away Super Saver” special for girlfriend getaways and other intimate groups, valid through 2009. Enjoy luxury for less, including suite accommodations, a gourmet breakfast daily, and a special welcome gift each day. Customize your getaway with a great menu of add-ons, including spa services and cultural workshops. The bigger your group, the more you save. Three nights start from $149/night per person. Call (808) 939-8052 for all the savings, all the luxury, and none of the guilt. www.kau-hawaii.com

Plan ahead with friends and family and save with *Sheraton Keauhou Bay*’s “Reserve & Relax” rates valid on stays booked at least 30 days in advance. Rates begin at just $167 per night and are valid through Dec. 25 on arrivals any day of the week with no minimum length of stay required. Promo code ADV21. Rates are pre-paid and non-refundable. Visit www.SheratonKeauhou.com or call (866)-924-8746.

Uncle Billy’s announces new deeply discounted “Deals in Paradise” at both Hilo Bay and Kona Bay hotels. Rates start at $77/night in Hilo and $83/night in Kona and include free early check-in and late check-out (upon availability). Includes a complimentary continental breakfast. Offer applies to reservations booked by Sept. 1, 2009. Visit www.unclebilly.com, or call (800) 367-5102.

Holualoa Inn, located on 30 lush acres of upcountry farmland in charming Hōlualoa village, makes every day May Day! Book any room or suite and be greeted with traditional lei, a petal-strewn bed, a $50 dining certificate to a local restaurant, afternoon tea and snorkel gear. Breakfast included daily, www.holualoainn.com or (800) 392-1812. Three-night minimum required, valid through Oct. 15, 2009.

The Naniloa Volcanoes Resort in Hilo is offering FREE NIGHTS! From now until Nov. 30, stay three nights and get your third night free. Rates start from $99 per night for a stylish tropically renovated room. For more information, visit www.hottours.us or call the hotel at (808) 969-3333.

King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel creates a bundle of special savings with its new Mahalo Card. In addition to a 30 percent discount off of your room when you stay four nights or more, you’ll also save up to 20 percent off at the hotel’s restaurant, bar, and luau, along with discounts off tours, golf, shopping and more at a dozen stores in Kailua-Kona. Card good during stays through Dec. 16. Visit www.konabeachhotel.com or call (800) 367-2111.

Book a ‘Vacation Bailout’ from Aston Hotels & Resorts. Starting rates at Big Island properties are Aston Shores at Waikoloa, $166 per night and the Aston Kona by the Sea, $169 per night. Added value incentives include the free Aloha Book – $2,000 in savings on dining, shopping and activities – and Aston’s “Kids Stay, Play & Eat FREE” program. Rates valid for travel June 12 through Dec. 21; blackout dates and restrictions may apply. Visit www.AstonHotels.com or call (866)774-2924.

Ladies: Mark Your Calendars. After a successful debut “Girls Getaway in a Day” earlier this month, the new 10-acre Lokahi Garden Sanctuary in peaceful North Kohala is offering dates for future GGs: June 28, Aug. 15, Oct. 24 and Dec. 5. Wine, herbal teas, fresh organic cuisine, and health and wellness treatments are all on the agenda, or not. Girlfriends, mothers, and daughters choose as little or as much as they want to do. For pricing and reservations, contact (808) 889-0001 or visit www.lokahigardensanctuary.com

Set oceanfront overlooking the sparkling blue waters of the Pacific Ocean and Kailua Bay, the Royal Kona Resort is offering a fourth night free in the upgraded Ali‘i and Lagoon Tower guestrooms for travel now through Dec. 21. Garden View rooms start at $160 per night. Rates are based on double occupancy and exclude tax. Some restrictions and blackout dates may apply. For more information and reservations, call 1-800-22-ALOHA (800-222-5642) or visit www.royalkona.com.

The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls in upper Hilo offers private accommodations for the budget-minded. Highlights include a private 120-foot waterfall, Asian architectural themes, a pristine rainforest and views of Hilo, the Pacific Ocean, and gorgeous Kulaniapia Falls. Rates from $119 include full breakfast. Contact (808) 935-6789, visit www.waterfall.net or email waterfall@hilo.net

Kona Village’s new online “Hut Offer” starts at $550 to $610 per night, and includes for two: three island-inspired meals a day, a twice-weekly lu‘au dinner show, a weekly paniolo (cowboy) bbq, numerous ocean activities, plus cultural tours and highlights. The Hut Offer also includes an upgrade to the best available bungalow category. Value of more than $330 per night! Call (800) 367-5290 or visit www.konavillage.com for details. Based on availability, valid through Dec. 3.

TASTY TIDBITS

New Restaurant in Keauhou. The Outrigger Kanaloa at Kona announces the grand opening of Akoni’s at Kanaloa, located poolside on the 18-acre oceanfront condominium property. Akoni’s is owned by chef/restaurateur Anthony Farace, and is open for breakfast and lunch. Hours are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Make sure to try the homemade ice cream! Call (808) 322-1003 for reservations and information, and visit www.outriggerkanaloaatkonacondo.com

The Fairmont Orchid, Hawai‘i introduces Pau Hana at Luana happy hour and late-night offerings at Luana Lounge. Pau Hana at Luana features $5 draft and domestic Beer, $6 cocktails and imported beer, and $4 to $8 appetizers offered daily between 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., and 9:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Luana Lounge’s contemporary residential decor rambles through indoor/outdoor seating areas, inner bar and lanai overlooking the grounds and the Pacific. Visit www.fairmont.com/orchid.

Ruth’s Chris Steak House presents the Sizzlin’ Prime Time Menu. Enjoy a full three-course meal featuring a starter, entrée, side dish and dessert starting at $39.95. Signature entrée selections include a Petite Filet, Fresh Island Fish or Stuffed Chicken. The menu is available nightly from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Ruth’s Chris Steak House at the Shops at Mauna Lani. Call (808) 887-0800 www.ruthschris.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.