JULY’S SIZZLIN’ NEWS FROM HAWAI‘I’S BIG ISLAND
07/01/2009
Come to the Big Island and explore Hawai‘i’s Island of Adventure
Hawai‘i’s Big Island (July 2009) — Hawai‘i’s Big Island is the coolest destination this summer with the hottest renovations, new adventures and unbeatable deals in paradise! And local talent makes a big splash. Read all about it.
ADVENTURES, ACTIVITIES & EVENTS
Renowned Hawai‘i Island artist/historian Herb Kawainui Kane created the painting on the new postage stamp commemorating Hawai‘i’s 50th year of statehood. In the vibrant art, a surfer rides a wave beside a couple surfing an outrigger canoe. The new 44 cent stamp will be unveiled during the state’s official Commemoration Conference in Honolulu on Aug. 21. The Hawai‘i Statehood stamp is available at all post offices nationwide that day, and online at www.usps.com. Kane, one of Hawai‘i’s beloved Living Treasures and recipient of numerous cultural awards, also designed the 25th anniversary statehood stamp, featuring a voyaging canoe and the migratory bird, the golden plover.
Short & Sweet. Pressed for time? Hawaiian Walkways now offers new two-hour Waipi‘o tours. Choose from a one-mile, round-trip hike through lush rainforest and swimming in a waterfall pool, or a two-mile rainforest hike featuring views of Waipi‘o valley and waterfalls. Reservations suggested but walk-ins welcome. Stop by the Honoka‘a headquarters or call (808) 775-0372. www.hawaiianwalkways.com, $50.
Want to be a Dolphin Trainer? Guests in Dolphin Quest’s “Trainer for a Day” program spend the day shadowing a trainer to observe and assist with all aspects of a typical day-in-the-life of a trainer. Or, delve deeper and be a “Trainer for a Week” and get immersed in what is possibly the world’s best job. Visit www.dolphinquest.com or call (800) 248-3316. Located at Hilton Waikoloa Village.
Great Golf Savings. Waikoloa Beach & Kings’ Courses offer valuable savings through Dec. 14 when prepaying for multiple rounds. Enjoy two, three or four rounds of golf starting as low as $93.75 per round (when prepaying for a four-round golf package) with no time or course restrictions. Cost includes greens fees, shared cart and bottle water. For details visit the Rates & Packages page at www.waikoloagolf.com or call (808) 886-7888.
Stellar free admission opportunities at ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawai‘i! Stay at Waikoloa Beach Marriott under the “Celebration of the Sky” package Aug. 16 to Dec. 15 and receive free admission to ‘Imiloa. Or, celebrate Smithsonian magazine’s Museum Day on Sat., Sept. 26 for free admission when you present a coupon from the magazine, available in the September issue or online. ‘Imiloa explores the stars through the lenses of both Hawaiian culture and astronomy. For details visit www.imiloahawaii.org.
See the magnificent manta rays without getting wet! Board the Spirit of Kona for its Evening on the Reef Glass Bottom Dinner Cruise. Sit back, relax and listen to live entertainment while enjoying your favorite cocktail and watch the “Kona Manta Ray Ballet” through giant glass-bottom viewing wells. Mention Big Island Visitors Bureau and receive 15 percent off all direct bookings. Call (808) 331-8875 or visit www.blueseacruisesinc.com
Back in the Saddle. Hawai‘i saddle makers and paniolo (cowboy) artisans gather in Waimea Sept. 18 & 19 for the first Paniolo Artisans Showcase. Sponsored by Paniolo Preservation Society (PPS) in partnership with the PPS Waimea Education Hui, and held at Kahilu Theatre, the showcase honors four of Hawai‘i’s master saddle makers and paniolo artisans from around the state demonstrate, exhibit and share their skills, cultural values and unique practices and perspectives. See www.paniolopreservation.org or call (808) 936-6220.
Want more? Click bigisland.org/calendar for detailed information about Hawai‘i Island events, and don’t miss these:
The Hawaiian Cultural Weekend at Waikoloa Beach Resort, Sept. 4-6, www.waikoloabeachresort.com, (808) 886-8822
14th Annual “Mealani A Taste of the Hawaiian Range and Agriculture Festival,” Hilton Waikoloa Village, Sept. 18; for events schedule visit http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/taste, (808) 981-5199
Hawaiian singer Keola Beamer and Native American flutist Carlos Nakai perform at Hilo’s Palace Theatre, Sept. 18; www.hilopalace.com, (808) 934-7010
ACCOMMODATIONS
Grand Re-Opening Special at King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel. Save 30 percent each night in all new Hawaiian-inspired rooms! Enjoy the only hotel with a white sandy beach in Kailua-Kona and experience the amazing history, culture and activities of the Kona District, including the charming Kailua village, home to many restaurants and shops. Visit www.konabeachhotel.com.
The 18-month-long, $40-million enhancement at the AAA Five Diamond Four Seasons Resort Hualālai will be unveiled in late July. Designed by Michael Booth of the internationally acclaimed BaMo, the enhancement includes 20 new suites, a significant spa expansion, retail shops and a transformed Beach Tree, the beachfront bar, lounge and restaurant. Chef Nick Mastrascusa, who comes from 57 Restaurant at Four Seasons New York, will oversee a menu featuring fresh cuisine with Italian, California and tropical touches. Go to www.fourseasons.com/hualalai.
“Tri” This! In addition to swimming, biking and running in the inaugural Lavaman Keauhou Triathlon Sept. 13, the Keauhou Beach Resort invites participants to stay at this beautiful oceanfront property for only $109 per night, per room, single/double occupancy, including free self-service breakfast buffet each morning. Come early to acclimate to the course and stay late to re-energize after the challenging competition. Call toll-free (877) 532-8468 or direct (808) 324-2515 and ask for the Lavaman Keauhou rate.
Freedom. Enjoy free parking and free Internet at Outrigger Fairway Villas, Outrigger Royal Sea Cliff and Outrigger Kanaloa at Kona. Fitness enthusiasts will enjoy the free use of the fitness room at the Outrigger Fairway Villas, and Outrigger Royal Sea Cliff and Outrigger Kanaloa at Kona offer guests free tennis court time. www.outriggercondos.com
Fabulous Fall Special! Stay three nights at Waianuhea Bed & Breakfast during September, October or November 2009 and get a fourth night free. Rates at this gorgeous getaway on the Hāmākua Coast start at $195/night plus tax. This offer excludes any other specials or discounts. Call toll-free (888) 775-2577 or visit www.waianuhea.com
Kids Stay, Play & Eat Free at Aston Kona by the Sea* and Aston Shores at Waikoloa. Children 17 and younger stay free when using existing bedding and children 12 years and younger receive free admission at top island attractions and free meals at popular family friendly restaurants when accompanied by a paying adult. This program allows families to experience a variety of the Big Island’s activities and dining options. Visit www.AstonHotels.com or call (866) 774-2924.
Hat’s Off to Half Off! In celebration of the 50th anniversary of Hawai‘i’s statehood, The Fairmont Orchid slashes 50 percent off published rates now through Dec. 20. Book by calling toll-free at (800) 845-9905, or visit www.fairmont.com/orchid/HotelPackages and enter promo code PFPO. No minimum-stay required. May not be combined with any other promotion.
Links & Lunch. One of Golf Digest’s greatest since the list began in 1966, the Mauna Kea Golf Course designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. ranked #26 in the magazine’s “100 Greatest Public Golf Courses” last month. Hotel guest exclusive “Links & Lunch” special includes 18 holes plus lunch at new restaurant Number 3, named for spectacular over-the-ocean hole #3 and the Big 3 Palmer-Player-Nicklaus match that introduced the course in the 1960s; $235 includes golf, cart, lunch and luxury. www.maunakeabeachhotel.com, (808) 882-5400.
The Falls at Reeds Island, a luxe, modern three-bedroom vacation rental located in Hilo’s exclusive riverside enclave, is offering a discount for guests who book four nights or more. Rates start at $329 per night; add a second couple for only $99 for the entire stay, plus tax. Stay seven nights or more, and receive a gourmet catered dinner served on site in the spacious dining room, overlooking one of Hawai‘i’s most magnificent waterfalls. All guestrooms feature private bathrooms and gorgeous views from every window. Valid through November. Visit www.reedsisland.com or call (808) 935-7920.
“Girlfriends Give Back in Paradise Package” at Hilton Waikoloa Village. You and your gal pals receive a lei greeting, choice of front row luau seating, or Ocean Sports Champagne Sunset Sail, PLUS Meet & Greet with a Torch Lighter , Daily Lava Flow Cocktail, Queen’s Marketplace Shopping Bag & Chocolate, and for every night paid, Hilton Waikoloa will donate $5 to the Hawaii Chapter of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Rates start at $275 a night, double occupancy; three-night minimum stay. Certain restrictions apply; offer valid now through Dec. 20. For reservations call 1-800-HILTONS and request rate plan P3 or online at www.hilton.com/en/hi/reservations/index.jhtml?ctyhocn=KOAHWHH&spec_plan=P3&spec_plan_desc=Girlfriends+Give+Back+In+Paradise+Package
Hawaiian Ku‘uipo (Sweetheart) Holualoa Inn mixes romance with tropical adventure for fantastic savings. Book any room and be greeted with a petal-strewn bed, a $50 dining gift certificate to a local restaurant, traditional lei welcome, signature gourmet Holualoa Inn breakfast, afternoon tea, and snorkel gear. Three-night minimum required. Valid through Nov. 1. www.holualoainn.com
Dragonfly Ranch is holding a contest to celebrate its 35th anniversary. Whoever guesses closest to the number of dragonfly images at this unique treehouse-like Healing Arts Center will win a free week’s lodging – a $2000 value! Located near the ancient Place of Refuge, Pu‘uhonua o Hōnaunau, this idyllic hideaway offers eco-spa pampering. Submit your guess by Nov. 1 to info@dragonfly.com, enter online at www.dragonflyranch.com, or call (808) 328-2159. Winner announced at the November anniversary party.
Royal Kona Resort Offers Free Upgrade. Reserve the Aloha Bay Tower Ocean View special and get a guaranteed free upgrade to the remodeled Ocean View guestrooms in the Ali‘i and Lagoon Towers, now through Dec. 21. Rates start at $135/night, based on double occupancy, excluding tax. Some restrictions and blackout dates may apply. Call (800) 22-ALOHA (800-222-5642) or visit www.royalkona.com
Summer Blast Deals at Uncle Billy’s! Book now until the end of 2009 and save on deeply discounted rates starting at $73/night in Hilo and $79/night in Kona. Stay three or more nights and save even more! Visit www.unclebilly.com. Offer subject to availability.
Happy Campers Hawaii added a new VW Westfalia Camper to add to its fleet of custom vans, the Wiki Wiki Kai. Take Wiki on her maiden voyage at 20 percent off the regular daily price of $115. She’s a beauty and will be fully stocked and ready for the Big Island camping scene by July 20. Contact www.happycampershawaii.com or call ( 808) 966-6074 or toll free (888) 550-3918. Offer good while bookings last.
SPA-TACULAR
Hawaiian lomilomi is one of the oldest and most powerful forms of healing. Available at Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa’s Mandara Spa, this traditional massage technique has been handed down from generation to generation. While other forms of massage focus on relaxation techniques, lomi is a rhythmic massage that works gently but deeply into the muscles to release tension and bring energy to the entire body. Visit www.waikoloamarriott.com. Rates start at $145 for a 50-minute massage.
Coffee In Cream. Visit Mountain Thunder Coffee Plantation in Kona and receive a 15 percent discount on its beautifying “Kona Cream” made with organic Kona coffee. Kona Cream is light enough to use for face and body, regularly priced at $33.50 for an 8-ounce bottle, special price is $28.48. Available online and at both the Kaloko Cloud Forest and Kainaliu locations. www.mountainthunder.com, (888) 414-5662.
KUDOS
Readers of West Hawaii Today have voted Kona Village’s lu‘au the best on the island. Visitors can enjoy Kona Village’s authentic lu‘au, the longest running on the island, for an unparalleled cultural experience highlighted by foods, song, dance and chants of the islands. Kona Village’s aha ‘aina honors old traditions while adopting a decidedly upbeat format. Wednesday evening showcases the music, dance and chants of Hawai‘i while Friday’s celebration honors the cultures of Polynesia.
www.KonaVillage.com or call (808) 325-5555.
Special note to media: The Big Island Visitors Bureau (BIVB) recognizes the use of the ‘okina [‘] or glottal stop, one of the eight consonants of the modern Hawaiian language; and the kahakō [ā] or macron (e.g., 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
