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February, 2012
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Greg's Getaway
Warm Winter Fun on Hawaii’s Big Island
By Greg Aragon
It’s not every day one hikes through a giant lava tube or cuts through a lush rainforest in a raging downpour to stand at the
precipice of a thunderous waterfall. And it’s not often one stays in a room overlooking volcanic rocks, giant manta rays and
dolphin either. But then, Hawaii’s Big Island is not an everyday excursion.
A friend and I recently escaped to the island, trading the December chill of Southern California for warm tropical breezes.
Our getaway began at Kona International Airport, where we deplaned on the tarmac, walked through the little facility and
picked up our rent-a-car in about 10 minutes! From here, we drove 15 minutes past sprawling fields of black lava, lining
beautiful coastline, to the Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa in Kona.
Set atop an ancient lava flow cascading into the Pacific, the 521-room Sheraton is resembles a giant, modern, Mayan
pyramid with restaurants, shops, a spa, numerous activities, and well appointed guest rooms with gorgeous landscape
outside each window. And since it was Christmas-time, the place was decked in holiday trees, lights and ornaments
throughout.
Our room overlooked black volcanic rock and the ocean a few feet beyond. From our balcony we could see boats and
kayakers drift by and hear the crash of waves. Each night beginning at 7pm, with the help of powerful hotel lights, we could
see giant manta rays swim offshore.
By Greg Aragon
It’s not every day one hikes through a giant lava tube or cuts through a lush rainforest in a raging downpour to stand at the
precipice of a thunderous waterfall. And it’s not often one stays in a room overlooking volcanic rocks, giant manta rays and
dolphin either. But then, Hawaii’s Big Island is not an everyday excursion.
A friend and I recently escaped to the island, trading the December chill of Southern California for warm tropical breezes.
Our getaway began at Kona International Airport, where we deplaned on the tarmac, walked through the little facility and
picked up our rent-a-car in about 10 minutes! From here, we drove 15 minutes past sprawling fields of black lava, lining
beautiful coastline, to the Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa in Kona.
Set atop an ancient lava flow cascading into the Pacific, the 521-room Sheraton is resembles a giant, modern, Mayan
pyramid with restaurants, shops, a spa, numerous activities, and well appointed guest rooms with gorgeous landscape
outside each window. And since it was Christmas-time, the place was decked in holiday trees, lights and ornaments
throughout.
Our room overlooked black volcanic rock and the ocean a few feet beyond. From our balcony we could see boats and
kayakers drift by and hear the crash of waves. Each night beginning at 7pm, with the help of powerful hotel lights, we could
see giant manta rays swim offshore.
Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa
Hilton Waikoloa Village
Once cozy at the Sheraton, we explored the island, Hawaii’s largest and youngest landmass. Our first stop was 90 miles
south to Volcano National Park, home of the Kilauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes. Kilauea is the earth’s most active volcano
and has been erupting practically non-stop for the past 20 years. And at more than 33,000 feet, Mauna Loa is the world’s
tallest mountain when measured from the ocean floor.
We began at Kilauea Overlook, where we saw volcanic steam rising through fissures and giant clouds of gas erupt from the
Summit Caldera. Our next stop was Thurston Lava Tube.
Formed 500 years ago by a river of lava, this wondrous cave is about 100 yards long and tall enough to walk through. It is lit
by electric lights, so I could see the puddles on the floor, the colorful minerals shining on the walls, and water dripping
through the ceiling cracks.
Emerging from the cave we continued south around the island to the charming town of Hilo. Lined with historic buildings
facing a crescent-shaped bay, Hilo is a throwback to the old days of Hawaii. Instead of resorts, the town has small shops
and cafes and colorful locales strolling about. The town began as a fishing village, then became a sugar hub, and then the
seat of county government. In 1946 and 1960 it was nearly swallowed by a tsunami.
From Hilo we drove to Akaka Falls State Park, located in a rainforest along the northeastern Hamakua Coast. Here, with
buckets of rain pouring on us, we descended a staircase into a lost jungle and hiked through thick orchids, bamboo groves
and draping ferns.
Following a footpath into the rainforest, we came to100-ft Kahuna Falls and then encountered the massive and thunderous
Akaka Falls, which plummets 442-feet into a stream-eroded gorge.
south to Volcano National Park, home of the Kilauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes. Kilauea is the earth’s most active volcano
and has been erupting practically non-stop for the past 20 years. And at more than 33,000 feet, Mauna Loa is the world’s
tallest mountain when measured from the ocean floor.
We began at Kilauea Overlook, where we saw volcanic steam rising through fissures and giant clouds of gas erupt from the
Summit Caldera. Our next stop was Thurston Lava Tube.
Formed 500 years ago by a river of lava, this wondrous cave is about 100 yards long and tall enough to walk through. It is lit
by electric lights, so I could see the puddles on the floor, the colorful minerals shining on the walls, and water dripping
through the ceiling cracks.
Emerging from the cave we continued south around the island to the charming town of Hilo. Lined with historic buildings
facing a crescent-shaped bay, Hilo is a throwback to the old days of Hawaii. Instead of resorts, the town has small shops
and cafes and colorful locales strolling about. The town began as a fishing village, then became a sugar hub, and then the
seat of county government. In 1946 and 1960 it was nearly swallowed by a tsunami.
From Hilo we drove to Akaka Falls State Park, located in a rainforest along the northeastern Hamakua Coast. Here, with
buckets of rain pouring on us, we descended a staircase into a lost jungle and hiked through thick orchids, bamboo groves
and draping ferns.
Following a footpath into the rainforest, we came to100-ft Kahuna Falls and then encountered the massive and thunderous
Akaka Falls, which plummets 442-feet into a stream-eroded gorge.
Sunset at Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa is a memorable Hawaiian experiences
From the falls we finished our southern loop of the island and headed back to the Kona area, where we discovered another
Hawaiian wonder – the Hilton Waikoloa Village.
A destination all its own, this magical 1,240-room resort is nestled on 62 oceanfront acres, teeming with breathtaking
tropical gardens, stunning artwork, pools and waterfalls, restaurants and shops and everything else to keep an entire family
occupied for a week without leaving the property.
Our 6th-floor room was located in the Lagoon Tower. To get there we caught a tram near the colorful parrots in the lobby.
We would have taken the boat, but it wasn’t running yet. The short ride was beautifully lined with resort shops on one side
and a canal with tiny islands and bird-filled trees on the other.
Hawaiian wonder – the Hilton Waikoloa Village.
A destination all its own, this magical 1,240-room resort is nestled on 62 oceanfront acres, teeming with breathtaking
tropical gardens, stunning artwork, pools and waterfalls, restaurants and shops and everything else to keep an entire family
occupied for a week without leaving the property.
Our 6th-floor room was located in the Lagoon Tower. To get there we caught a tram near the colorful parrots in the lobby.
We would have taken the boat, but it wasn’t running yet. The short ride was beautifully lined with resort shops on one side
and a canal with tiny islands and bird-filled trees on the other.
Thurston Lava Tube was formed 500 rivers ago by a river of lava
Akaka Falls plummets 442-feet into a stream-eroded gorge
Once in the room, we opened the curtains and were flabbergasted at the beauty before us. A hundred yards out was a
volcanic beach, with waves crashing on white and black rocks. The view also included the resort pool and lawn, a salt water
lagoon for snorkeling, a rope bridge, and a lagoon full of shiny grey and white dolphins, swimming in an interactive hotel
exhibit called Dolphin Encounter.
After unpacking, we donned swimming gear and went exploring in the 80-degree weather. We started at the Kohala River
Pool – a system of four pools interconnected by waterslides. Here we swam, played beneath a waterfall, soaked in the
Jacuzzi and sipped margaritas.
For dinner we discovered the Hilton’s romantic Kamuela Provision Company (KPC), winner of the Wine Spectator Award
of Excellence for 2005 and 2006. A sophisticated steak and seafood restaurant, the place looks over the water and offers
memorable views of the Hawaiian sunset. Our meal was highlighted by lobster tempura, Jumbo Shrimp, Kalbi beef ribs,
local beer, cheese cake, and the sun falling into the Pacific.
Other resort highlights include full-service spa, 2 championship golf courses, 8 tennis courts, a wedding chapel, $7 million in
art speckled about the grounds and 20,000 sq-ft of retail shopping.
For more info on staying at Hilton Waikoloa Village, visit www.hiltonwaikoloavillage.com. For more information on staying at
Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa, visit www.sheratonkeauhou.com. For more info on the Big Island, visit: www.
bigisland.org
volcanic beach, with waves crashing on white and black rocks. The view also included the resort pool and lawn, a salt water
lagoon for snorkeling, a rope bridge, and a lagoon full of shiny grey and white dolphins, swimming in an interactive hotel
exhibit called Dolphin Encounter.
After unpacking, we donned swimming gear and went exploring in the 80-degree weather. We started at the Kohala River
Pool – a system of four pools interconnected by waterslides. Here we swam, played beneath a waterfall, soaked in the
Jacuzzi and sipped margaritas.
For dinner we discovered the Hilton’s romantic Kamuela Provision Company (KPC), winner of the Wine Spectator Award
of Excellence for 2005 and 2006. A sophisticated steak and seafood restaurant, the place looks over the water and offers
memorable views of the Hawaiian sunset. Our meal was highlighted by lobster tempura, Jumbo Shrimp, Kalbi beef ribs,
local beer, cheese cake, and the sun falling into the Pacific.
Other resort highlights include full-service spa, 2 championship golf courses, 8 tennis courts, a wedding chapel, $7 million in
art speckled about the grounds and 20,000 sq-ft of retail shopping.
For more info on staying at Hilton Waikoloa Village, visit www.hiltonwaikoloavillage.com. For more information on staying at
Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa, visit www.sheratonkeauhou.com. For more info on the Big Island, visit: www.
bigisland.org
Waikoloa Village Guests can take a boat or a tram to rooms or restaurants and shops around the lush tropical property
JANUARY'S SIZZLIN' NEWS FROM HAWAI'I, THE BIG ISLAND
ADVENTURES, ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS
Lava from Kīlauea's remote Pu'u 'Ō'ō vent has again reached the ocean within Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park boundaries, at a
location USGS scientists have named the West Ka'ili'ili ocean entry. The arduous hike from the bottom of Chain of Craters Road is
about four miles one-way across an uneven flow field. Several streams of lava are pouring into the ocean, providing dramatic views,
but conditions can change at any time. For more info, visit www.nps.gov/havo.
Lava touched the sea on December 9, 2011, and now you have the chance to view it up close and personal! Lava Ocean Adventures
offers lava boat tours to see, hear and feel the heat. Visit its new website at www.seelava.com or call (808) 966-4200 to find about
more about its menu of east Hawai'i Island tours and activities.
Spend the day at 'Imiloa Astronomy Center and enjoy its new planetarium offering: Wildest Weather in Our Solar System. This new
show takes the audience on a spectacular journey to witness the most beautiful, powerful, and mysterious weather phenomena in the
solar system. From a storm the size of a 100-megaton hydrogen bomb, to a 400-year-old hurricane, to a dust tempest that could
engulf entire planets, you'll be glad you live on Earth! Fly through the thick atmosphere of Venus, magnetic storms on the sun, liquid
methane showers on Titan, and anticyclones whirling at hundreds of miles per hour on Jupiter. For more information visit www.
imiloahawaii.org.
January 2012 marks the 100th anniversary of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO). Volcano Art Center shares in the celebration
by featuring an exhibition titled "Observation/ Inspiration" from January 7 - February 19, 2012, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. The show
features artists who gather inspiration from the volcanic activity at Kīlauea, including Catherine Robbins, Tim Freeman, Alan Fine and
Kimberly Dark. The exhibition takes take place at Volcano Art Center Gallery, located in the historic 1877 Volcano House in Hawai'i
Volcanoes National Park. Park entrance fees apply. Call (808) 967-7565 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org for more information.
Blue Sea Cruises now offers two ways to experience manta rays - wet or dry! The only Dry Manta Watch is aboard its 70' Spirit of
Kona. High intensity lights illuminate the underwater scene as giant graceful manta rays feed on the plankton forming near the lights of
glass bottom wells. Join the Wet Manta Snorkel aboard the M/V Makai for a cushy, comfortable cruise along the Kona coastline at
night. Large Kona manta rays will swim within inches of your viewing. Bring the whole family! Visit www.blueseacruisesinc.com or call
(808) 331-8875 for more information.
Narrated by the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary staff from the Pu'ukoholā National Historical Site
Visitor's Center, a free weekly shoreline whale watch takes place Fridays from 9:00-11:00 a.m. until April. The sanctuary lies just
behind the Park's shores and is where humpback whales gather to give birth, breed and escape the cold winter. Presented by staff
and volunteers who are well versed in whale biology and mo'olelo (legends). For more information, call (808) 327-3697.
Join the Paniolo Preservation Society (PPS) and delight in its new First Friday Paniolo Kanikapila Jam at Pukalani Stables on Friday,
January 6. From 4:00-7:00 p.m., celebrate the pleasures of life in the country when the work is pau (finished) with informal music, mea
'ai (good food), and bingo. PPS will have non-alcoholic beverages and food available. Donation suggested: $5/adults; $3/Seniors;
Free if you bring your own musical instrument. Dress warmly. For more information, visit www.paniolopreservation.org or call (808)
854-1541.
The Waimea Ocean Film Festival, a world-class film festival combining 30 wide-ranging films, breakfast talks with film makers and
ocean people, receptions, art exhibits and activities will inspire, educate and engage participants in our ocean and island culture as
well as celebrate the connections people everywhere share between land and sea. The second annual event will take place in two
phases, first in Waimea from January 4-8, then the Four Seasons Resort Hualālai from January 10-13. For more information, visit www.
waimeaoceanfilm.org or call (808) 854-6095.
The Iolani Air Tour Company is ringing in the new year with two new lava specials: 1) Party of Two? Take advantage of the Deluxe Air
Tour for Two from Kona. Now, couples aboard can experience the entire Hawai'i Island in the privacy and comfort of the company's
brand new state-of-the-art Skyhawk. It is the only company offering a full circle island air tour exclusively for two people priced at $325
each. 2) $99 Air Tours from Hilo! See the Volcano in its Airvan at a price that cannot be beat. Rainbow Falls included. Visit www.
iolaniair.com or call (808) 331-8308 for more information.
Hilton Waikoloa Village's 62-acre Pacific playground made dreams come true this holiday season by granting a wish for Alexandra S.
from the Make-A-Wish foundation. The Dolphin Blessing Ceremony on November 17, 2011 changed the life for Alexandra as she
announced the much-anticipated name of the newest dolphin member of Dolphin Quest. Join Dolphin Quest Hawaii as dolphins leap,
splash and amaze during its Tuesday afternoon dolphin shows! Stop by on January 17, 24 or 31 at 4:15 p.m. for a 15-minute dolphin
show set to music. Bring your family and friends. Dolphin Quest Hawaii is located at the Hilton Waikoloa Village. Visit www.dolphinquest.
com or call (808) 886-2875 for more information.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Celebrate Waipio Rim Bed & Breakfast's 2nd Anniversary with a rejuvenating stay at the only B&B overlooking majestic and historic
Waipi'o Valley. Book four nights and the fifth is free at this Tripadvisor Award of Excellence B&B. Sip wine and enjoy pupu (appetizers)
from the private deck while taking in a priceless view. Visit www.waipiorim.com or call (808) 775-1727 for more information.
Splash into the perfect vacation at Hilton Waikoloa Village and book the ultimate outdoor experience, Sail with the Whales for an
unmatched family vacation. Starting at $269 per room per night for two adults. Each package includes one Ocean Sports Whale Watch
Voucher, fun for guests of any age. A 3-night minimum stay and 3 day minimum advance booking are required. Valid through April 15,
2012. Visit www.hiltonwaikoloavillage.com for more information.
Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel recently made a big splash in its pool and beach area by enhancing its guest experience with brand-new
cushions for all lounge chairs, five new cabanas ($50 full day/$30 half-day) as well as all-new beach umbrellas for its award-winning
beach. The resort is also adding more beach activities to the line-up with boogie board rentals and snorkel gear at its beach shack.
For more information visit, www.princeresortshawaii.com or call (808) 880-1111.
Volcano Forest Inn is a natural paradise for bird watchers. High in the tree canopy of creaking ōhi'a trees, you'll see and hear
Hawaiian 'apapane honeycreepers, 'i'iwi, as well as the endangered Hawai'i 'ākepa which live only on Hawai'i Island in mid-elevation
rainforests. Occasionally you'll see Hawaiian hawks, a rare treat for birders. Birdsong can be heard from dawn to dusk amidst five lush
acres of tropical rainforest. If you're looking for beautiful and comfortable accommodations in a tranquil setting with excellent photo
opportunities of rare birds stay here! Visit www.volcanoforestinn.com or call (808) 985-9026 for more information.
Snow dusts the top of Maunakea, but wintertime is also tee-time with Aston Hotels & Resort's Sweet Suite Golf Package at Aston
Shores at Waikoloa and Aston Waikoloa Colony Villas. Based on a three-night stay, with rates from $238, the winter getaway package
offers luxurious suites, two rounds of golf on the famed Waikoloa Beach Course or the King's Course, access to the Waikoloa Beach
Resort's private beach, elegant shopping and dining. Gourmet kitchens, large lānais, pools, barbecues and tennis courts make
"staying in" a sweet pleasure. Visit www.astonhotels.com for more information.
Aston Hotels & Resort's FREE Aloha Book is back by popular demand in 2012! This value-added amenity is once again filled with
exclusive offers to Aston guests worth more than $2,500 in savings. For more information, visit www.AstonHotels.com.
The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii, a luxury AAA Four Diamond resort located on the Kohala Coast of Hawai'i Island, is pleased to offer a
variety of packages for discerning travelers seeking a luxury stay in paradise in 2012. The resort's signature Orchid Experience
Package includes daily breakfast for two, a $100 Food and Beverage credit, a $50 Spa credit to be enjoyed at the award winning Spa
Without Walls, complimentary self parking, in addition to complimentary internet access. A $609 value, rates for the Orchid Experience
Package begin at $369/night in Ocean View categories and above with a five-night minimum stay. Visit www.fairmont.com/orchid or
call (800) 845-9905 for more information.
Situated just a short walk from some of Hawai'i's finest black sand beaches, Castle in Hawai'i in Pāhoa on Hawai'i Island offers travelers
many kingly amenities, including a working drawbridge that runs across its "moat" swimming pool and a soothing hot tub with views of
the ocean. Be sure to book your stay at this unique oceanfront vacation rental for an unforgettable experience! Visit www.
castleinhawaii.com for more information.
TASTY TIDBITS
The CanoeHouse at Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows is the first restaurant on Hawai'i Island to offer a high-tech way for guests to
order wine during dinner. Instead of a printed wine list, guests are given an iPad with Tastevin software. Diners can view the
restaurant's wine list and menu pairings along with history of the wines, detailed descriptions, images and history of the vineyards. This
new service takes the intimidation out of selecting wines and it's an enjoyable way for guests to find a wine to suit their personal taste
and budget. Visit www.maunalani.com or call (808) 881-7911 for more details.
The Dragonfly Ranch B&B/eco-spa hosts free concerts followed by a $40 Dragonfly Healthy Food Club gourmet theme dinner on the
second Thursday of each month. Dragonfly Chef Aurora invites club members to assist her and learn as she prepares a gluten-free
meal that is educational, nutritious and delicious. Assistants are invited to tour the organic Dragonfly garden prior to feast preparation.
This award-winning Healing Arts Center also offers a number of rejuvenating treatments for Dragonfly guests, residents and tourists
wishing to enjoy day spa offerings. Visit www.dragonflyranch.com for details or call (808) 328-2159.
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.
For more information on Hawai'i Island, please visit http://media.bigisland.org
ADVENTURES, ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS
Lava from Kīlauea's remote Pu'u 'Ō'ō vent has again reached the ocean within Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park boundaries, at a
location USGS scientists have named the West Ka'ili'ili ocean entry. The arduous hike from the bottom of Chain of Craters Road is
about four miles one-way across an uneven flow field. Several streams of lava are pouring into the ocean, providing dramatic views,
but conditions can change at any time. For more info, visit www.nps.gov/havo.
Lava touched the sea on December 9, 2011, and now you have the chance to view it up close and personal! Lava Ocean Adventures
offers lava boat tours to see, hear and feel the heat. Visit its new website at www.seelava.com or call (808) 966-4200 to find about
more about its menu of east Hawai'i Island tours and activities.
Spend the day at 'Imiloa Astronomy Center and enjoy its new planetarium offering: Wildest Weather in Our Solar System. This new
show takes the audience on a spectacular journey to witness the most beautiful, powerful, and mysterious weather phenomena in the
solar system. From a storm the size of a 100-megaton hydrogen bomb, to a 400-year-old hurricane, to a dust tempest that could
engulf entire planets, you'll be glad you live on Earth! Fly through the thick atmosphere of Venus, magnetic storms on the sun, liquid
methane showers on Titan, and anticyclones whirling at hundreds of miles per hour on Jupiter. For more information visit www.
imiloahawaii.org.
January 2012 marks the 100th anniversary of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO). Volcano Art Center shares in the celebration
by featuring an exhibition titled "Observation/ Inspiration" from January 7 - February 19, 2012, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. The show
features artists who gather inspiration from the volcanic activity at Kīlauea, including Catherine Robbins, Tim Freeman, Alan Fine and
Kimberly Dark. The exhibition takes take place at Volcano Art Center Gallery, located in the historic 1877 Volcano House in Hawai'i
Volcanoes National Park. Park entrance fees apply. Call (808) 967-7565 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org for more information.
Blue Sea Cruises now offers two ways to experience manta rays - wet or dry! The only Dry Manta Watch is aboard its 70' Spirit of
Kona. High intensity lights illuminate the underwater scene as giant graceful manta rays feed on the plankton forming near the lights of
glass bottom wells. Join the Wet Manta Snorkel aboard the M/V Makai for a cushy, comfortable cruise along the Kona coastline at
night. Large Kona manta rays will swim within inches of your viewing. Bring the whole family! Visit www.blueseacruisesinc.com or call
(808) 331-8875 for more information.
Narrated by the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary staff from the Pu'ukoholā National Historical Site
Visitor's Center, a free weekly shoreline whale watch takes place Fridays from 9:00-11:00 a.m. until April. The sanctuary lies just
behind the Park's shores and is where humpback whales gather to give birth, breed and escape the cold winter. Presented by staff
and volunteers who are well versed in whale biology and mo'olelo (legends). For more information, call (808) 327-3697.
Join the Paniolo Preservation Society (PPS) and delight in its new First Friday Paniolo Kanikapila Jam at Pukalani Stables on Friday,
January 6. From 4:00-7:00 p.m., celebrate the pleasures of life in the country when the work is pau (finished) with informal music, mea
'ai (good food), and bingo. PPS will have non-alcoholic beverages and food available. Donation suggested: $5/adults; $3/Seniors;
Free if you bring your own musical instrument. Dress warmly. For more information, visit www.paniolopreservation.org or call (808)
854-1541.
The Waimea Ocean Film Festival, a world-class film festival combining 30 wide-ranging films, breakfast talks with film makers and
ocean people, receptions, art exhibits and activities will inspire, educate and engage participants in our ocean and island culture as
well as celebrate the connections people everywhere share between land and sea. The second annual event will take place in two
phases, first in Waimea from January 4-8, then the Four Seasons Resort Hualālai from January 10-13. For more information, visit www.
waimeaoceanfilm.org or call (808) 854-6095.
The Iolani Air Tour Company is ringing in the new year with two new lava specials: 1) Party of Two? Take advantage of the Deluxe Air
Tour for Two from Kona. Now, couples aboard can experience the entire Hawai'i Island in the privacy and comfort of the company's
brand new state-of-the-art Skyhawk. It is the only company offering a full circle island air tour exclusively for two people priced at $325
each. 2) $99 Air Tours from Hilo! See the Volcano in its Airvan at a price that cannot be beat. Rainbow Falls included. Visit www.
iolaniair.com or call (808) 331-8308 for more information.
Hilton Waikoloa Village's 62-acre Pacific playground made dreams come true this holiday season by granting a wish for Alexandra S.
from the Make-A-Wish foundation. The Dolphin Blessing Ceremony on November 17, 2011 changed the life for Alexandra as she
announced the much-anticipated name of the newest dolphin member of Dolphin Quest. Join Dolphin Quest Hawaii as dolphins leap,
splash and amaze during its Tuesday afternoon dolphin shows! Stop by on January 17, 24 or 31 at 4:15 p.m. for a 15-minute dolphin
show set to music. Bring your family and friends. Dolphin Quest Hawaii is located at the Hilton Waikoloa Village. Visit www.dolphinquest.
com or call (808) 886-2875 for more information.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Celebrate Waipio Rim Bed & Breakfast's 2nd Anniversary with a rejuvenating stay at the only B&B overlooking majestic and historic
Waipi'o Valley. Book four nights and the fifth is free at this Tripadvisor Award of Excellence B&B. Sip wine and enjoy pupu (appetizers)
from the private deck while taking in a priceless view. Visit www.waipiorim.com or call (808) 775-1727 for more information.
Splash into the perfect vacation at Hilton Waikoloa Village and book the ultimate outdoor experience, Sail with the Whales for an
unmatched family vacation. Starting at $269 per room per night for two adults. Each package includes one Ocean Sports Whale Watch
Voucher, fun for guests of any age. A 3-night minimum stay and 3 day minimum advance booking are required. Valid through April 15,
2012. Visit www.hiltonwaikoloavillage.com for more information.
Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel recently made a big splash in its pool and beach area by enhancing its guest experience with brand-new
cushions for all lounge chairs, five new cabanas ($50 full day/$30 half-day) as well as all-new beach umbrellas for its award-winning
beach. The resort is also adding more beach activities to the line-up with boogie board rentals and snorkel gear at its beach shack.
For more information visit, www.princeresortshawaii.com or call (808) 880-1111.
Volcano Forest Inn is a natural paradise for bird watchers. High in the tree canopy of creaking ōhi'a trees, you'll see and hear
Hawaiian 'apapane honeycreepers, 'i'iwi, as well as the endangered Hawai'i 'ākepa which live only on Hawai'i Island in mid-elevation
rainforests. Occasionally you'll see Hawaiian hawks, a rare treat for birders. Birdsong can be heard from dawn to dusk amidst five lush
acres of tropical rainforest. If you're looking for beautiful and comfortable accommodations in a tranquil setting with excellent photo
opportunities of rare birds stay here! Visit www.volcanoforestinn.com or call (808) 985-9026 for more information.
Snow dusts the top of Maunakea, but wintertime is also tee-time with Aston Hotels & Resort's Sweet Suite Golf Package at Aston
Shores at Waikoloa and Aston Waikoloa Colony Villas. Based on a three-night stay, with rates from $238, the winter getaway package
offers luxurious suites, two rounds of golf on the famed Waikoloa Beach Course or the King's Course, access to the Waikoloa Beach
Resort's private beach, elegant shopping and dining. Gourmet kitchens, large lānais, pools, barbecues and tennis courts make
"staying in" a sweet pleasure. Visit www.astonhotels.com for more information.
Aston Hotels & Resort's FREE Aloha Book is back by popular demand in 2012! This value-added amenity is once again filled with
exclusive offers to Aston guests worth more than $2,500 in savings. For more information, visit www.AstonHotels.com.
The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii, a luxury AAA Four Diamond resort located on the Kohala Coast of Hawai'i Island, is pleased to offer a
variety of packages for discerning travelers seeking a luxury stay in paradise in 2012. The resort's signature Orchid Experience
Package includes daily breakfast for two, a $100 Food and Beverage credit, a $50 Spa credit to be enjoyed at the award winning Spa
Without Walls, complimentary self parking, in addition to complimentary internet access. A $609 value, rates for the Orchid Experience
Package begin at $369/night in Ocean View categories and above with a five-night minimum stay. Visit www.fairmont.com/orchid or
call (800) 845-9905 for more information.
Situated just a short walk from some of Hawai'i's finest black sand beaches, Castle in Hawai'i in Pāhoa on Hawai'i Island offers travelers
many kingly amenities, including a working drawbridge that runs across its "moat" swimming pool and a soothing hot tub with views of
the ocean. Be sure to book your stay at this unique oceanfront vacation rental for an unforgettable experience! Visit www.
castleinhawaii.com for more information.
TASTY TIDBITS
The CanoeHouse at Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows is the first restaurant on Hawai'i Island to offer a high-tech way for guests to
order wine during dinner. Instead of a printed wine list, guests are given an iPad with Tastevin software. Diners can view the
restaurant's wine list and menu pairings along with history of the wines, detailed descriptions, images and history of the vineyards. This
new service takes the intimidation out of selecting wines and it's an enjoyable way for guests to find a wine to suit their personal taste
and budget. Visit www.maunalani.com or call (808) 881-7911 for more details.
The Dragonfly Ranch B&B/eco-spa hosts free concerts followed by a $40 Dragonfly Healthy Food Club gourmet theme dinner on the
second Thursday of each month. Dragonfly Chef Aurora invites club members to assist her and learn as she prepares a gluten-free
meal that is educational, nutritious and delicious. Assistants are invited to tour the organic Dragonfly garden prior to feast preparation.
This award-winning Healing Arts Center also offers a number of rejuvenating treatments for Dragonfly guests, residents and tourists
wishing to enjoy day spa offerings. Visit www.dragonflyranch.com for details or call (808) 328-2159.
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.
For more information on Hawai'i Island, please visit http://media.bigisland.org