Archive for the hawaii Category

VOLUNTOURISM AND VOLCANOES…A LEARNING VACATION AWAITS YOU AT THE FAIRMONT ORCHID, HAWAII

Posted in foto-op www.talkintravel.com rich carlson, hawaii, sand, sunset, surfing, talkin travel, talkintravel, travel, vacation on March 3, 2009 by talkintravel

Kohala Coast, Hawaii’s Big Island, March, 2009 – The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii-a luxury AAA Four Diamond resort located on the Big Island of Hawaii is pleased to offer a newly formed Adventure Package which will include admission to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park as well as enrollment in one of the many classes offered by the Hawaii Volcanoes Institute, an educational arm of the Friends of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and a non-profit organization dedicated to the education of Hawaii Island geology, biology, history and culture.

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts’ existing partnership with the World Heritage Alliance makes this a perfect fit for travelers today who would like a bit more than just sand and surf during their Hawaiian getaway.

“The Hawaii Volcanoes Institute shares the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park’s educational mission as a partner providing quality programs that inspire and engage people in the understanding, appreciation and stewardship of this remarkable Park. We are delighted to see The Fairmont Orchid Hawaii’s involvement with this program,” said Cindy Orlando, Superintendent of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

“Fairmont Hotels & Resorts enjoys a long tradition of environmental stewardship,” said Ian Pullan, General Manager of the Kohala Coast Resort. “The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii is honored to be a partner with Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and the Hawaii Volcanoes Institute.”

Package includes deluxe accommodations, daily breakfast for 2, Fun in the Sun Activity passes, a picnic lunch for two, enrollment in a Hawaii Volcanoes Institute class, and a donation to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park through the Friends of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to be used to support the threatened and endangered species at the park including the Hawaiian Petrel (seabird), Hawksbill Turtle, the Mauna Loa silversword, and the Hawaiian Nene Goose. Prices from $449/night including taxes. Book your Adventure Package with your preferred travel agent, by calling the hotel direct toll free at 800-845-9905 or visit www.fairmont.com/orchid/hotelpackages Five-night minimum stay required. Valid through December 20, 2009. For more information on the Hawaii Volcanoes Institute as well as a listing of classes offered, please visit www.fhvnp.org

The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii on the Big Island is a AAA Four Diamond luxury destination resort on 32 oceanfront acres offering 540 guestrooms on the island’s northwestern coast. Facilities and services include the Hawaiian-inspired Spa Without Walls with 10 waterfall hale (hut) and 5 oceanside cabanas, authentically local daily beach and cultural activities, golf, tennis and water sports, year-round children’s program, six delectable restaurants and expansive indoor and outdoor meeting facilities all surrounded by service with Aloha.

ABOUT FAIRMONT HOTELS & RESORTS

A leader in the global hospitality industry, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is an extraordinary collection of luxury hotels, which includes iconic landmarks like Fairmont Le Château Frontenac in Québec City, Fairmont The Norfolk, Nairobi and London’s The Savoy, reopening in 2009. Fairmont hotels are one-of-a-kind properties where sophisticated travelers can discover culturally rich experiences that are authentic to the destination. Situated in some of the most exclusive and pristine areas in the world, Fairmont is committed to responsible tourism and is an industry leader in sustainable hotel management with its award-winning Green Partnership program. Fairmont’s portfolio includes 56 distinctive hotels, with plans to develop over 25 new properties in the coming years in destinations as diverse as Shanghai, Morocco and Anguilla.

Fairmont is owned by Fairmont Raffles Hotels International, a leading global hotel company with 91 hotels worldwide under the Raffles, Fairmont and Swissôtel brands. The company also manages Fairmon

TRAVEL TO THE 50TH STATE AND DISCOVER 50 WAYS TO LOVE O‘AHU

Posted in beach beauties, bikini, foto-op, hawaii, holiday, sunset, surf, talkin travel, talkintravel tv, tallkintravel, vacation on March 2, 2009 by talkintravel

beachscenics-178-copybbb-copyTRAVEL TO THE 50TH STATE AND DISCOVER 50 WAYS TO LOVE O‘AHU TRAVEL TO THE 50TH STATE AND DISCOVER 50 WAYS TO LOVE O‘AHUy. The island of O‘ahu provides the allure of an exotic destination while still allowing travelers to stay in the U.S., and with low airfare and hotel rates, now is the perfect time to come. To help you commemorate Hawai‘i’s statehood in the heart of Hawai‘i®, O‘ahu hotel, activity and meeting partners are offering special rates and promotions in 2009. The following are special O‘ahu hotel and activity offerings, as well as a list of some of the 50 ways to love O‘ahu in 2009 and beyond. For more information, go to http://www.visit-oahu.com/50ways. Hotels and Resorts Hilton Hawaiian Village’s “50 Years of Aloha” Package In honor of the 50th anniversary of statehood, Hilton Hawaiian Village is offering a “50 Years of Aloha” special. Four nights’ accommodations are priced at $219 per night, with the fifth night at just $50. Guests will have the choice of one $50 spa credit, $50 dining credit, or $50 watercraft rental credit (kayaks, aqua cycles and waterbees), and receive two commemorative State of Hawai‘i quarters in a collector’s case as an anniversary memento. In addition, guests born in 1959 receive a complimentary dinner entrée at one of the resort’s restaurants. The package is bookable now through April 30, 2009 for travel through Dec. 20, 2009. It is based on availability, blackout dates apply and the rate does not include local taxes. To book, visit http://www.hiltonhawaiianvillage.com and use plan code “OX.” Marriott Resorts Hawai‘i’s “Hawai‘i Statehood Package” Marriott Resorts Hawai‘i is offering a “Hawai‘i Statehood Package” at the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa and JW Marriott Ihilani Resort & Spa at Ko Olina. The package is available throughout 2009 and includes a free fourth night when guests book three nights, VIP turndown service, daily breakfast for two, one-time $50 resort credit, and a newly minted Hawai‘i state quarter. For reservations, please visit http://www.marriott.com and use rate code “PRO.” Commemorate Statehood with Starwood Hawai‘i In honor of Hawai‘i’s statehood, Starwood Hawai‘i invites guests to enjoy one of its distinct Waikīkī properties – the newly renovated The Royal Hawaiian, A Luxury Collection Resort; Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort; Sheraton Waikiki; and Sheraton Princess Kaiulani – and save 50 percent off the rack rate for stays from now through June 30, 2009. Reservations must be made by March 5, 2009. This offer cannot be combined with other offers and can be subject to change; blackout dates and other restrictions may apply. To book, visit http://www.starwoodhotelshawaii.com or call (866) 716-8140 and use rate code “SPG50OFF.” Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa’s 50th Anniversary Promotion Guests who book at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa for a minimum of five nights can receive a 50-minute Na Ho‘ola Spa massage for $50 per person. This offer is valid now through Dec. 31, 2009 and can be combined with Three for Free, Sunshine on Sale, Aloha Rates, and Rack Rates. Spa reservations are based on availability. For more information, visit http://www.waikiki.hyatt.com. Hawai‘i Prince Hotel’s “Spring into Summer” Package Hawai‘i Prince Hotel is offering a $50 daily resort credit with its “Spring into Summer” package. With the “Spring into Summer Package,” guests will enjoy discounted luxury accommodations for select room categories, starting at $219 per night. No minimum night stay is required. For reservations, please visit http://www.princeresortshawaii.com or call (888) 977-4623. “Escape” to Hawai‘i with Aston Hotels & Resorts In honor of Hawai‘i’s 50th anniversary of statehood and Aston Hotels & Resorts’ 60 years of hospitality in Hawai‘i, Aston Hotels & Resorts is offering “Aston Escapes,” featuring discounts of up to 40 percent off at select properties for travel between March 1 and June 11, 2009. Guests will also have access to valuable discounts worth $2,000 on gifts, meals, and admissions through Aston’s “Aloha Book.” The book also serves as a guide to some of the best culture, history, cuisine and attractions on the island. For more information, visit http://www.AstonHotels.com or call toll free (866) 774-2924. Castle Hotels & Resorts’ 50 Percent Off Promotion From Feb. 17 to Dec. 31, 2009, guests who book at one of Castle Hotels & Resorts’ O‘ahu properties can enjoy 50 percent off published rack rates. Castle Hotels & Resorts’ properties include the Maile Sky Court, Ocean Resort Hotel Waikiki, Waikiki Shore, Hokele Suites Waikiki, Queen Kapiolani Hotel, Pacific Marina Inn Airport, and the newly acquired Lotus at Diamond Head. For reservations, visit http://www.castleresorts.com or call (800) 367-5004. Meetings and Conventions The Hawai‘i Convention Center’s Hawai‘i 50th Promotion The Hawai‘i Convention Center is offering The Hawai‘i 50th Promotion to qualified meeting groups who confirm their bookings by Dec. 31, 2009. The promotion includes 50 roundtrip airline tickets, $50,000 in destination support, $50,000 in global outreach and attendance/marketing promotional support, $50,000 in hotel credit, and 50 percent off the center’s rental fee. To qualify for this promotion, groups must book a meeting with at least 3,000 attendees or 1,500 room nights peak for one of the following years: 2011, 2012, 2016, and 2017. To take advantage of this offer, interested groups can call (800) 295-6603 or email info@hccsmg.com. 50 Ways to Love O‘ahu In addition to these great hotel and meetings offers, the O‘ahu Visitors Bureau also encourages visitors to experience the 50 ways to love O‘ahu. Below is a small sampling of activities and attractions unique to O‘ahu: · The natural and cultural history of Hawai‘i and the Pacific region are on vivid display at Bishop Museum. Charles Reed Bishop built the museum as a tribute to his late wife, Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, the last descendant of the royal Kamehameha dynasty. The Bishop Museum is renowned for its impressive collection of Hawaiian and Pacific region artifacts, royal memorabilia, planetarium, Science Adventure Center, Hawai‘i Sports Hall of Fame, and world-class research facilities. On Aug. 8, 2009, the museum will reopen its acclaimed Hawaiian Hall, designed by Ralph Applebaum, which showcases Native Hawaiian cultural artifacts, many of which have never been publicly displayed before. Hawaiian Hall will also include an interactive resource center providing hands-on children’s activities. · Pay a visit to ‘Iolani Palace, the only royal palace in the United States and the official residence of the last Hawaiian monarchs, King Kalākaua and his sister and successor, Queen Lili‘uokalani. This beautifully restored National Historic Landmark in downtown Honolulu provides visitors with an opportunity to go back to the 19th century and learn much about Hawai‘i’s royal family. · Catch a live show at Hawaii Theatre, a fully restored performing arts showcase dating back to 1922 and situated between Chinatown and Honolulu’s financial district. A year-round calendar of entertainers makes this a lively destination. Before or after the show, enjoy a sumptuous meal at one of the many great restaurants in downtown Honolulu. If it happens to be the First Friday of the month, spend some time walking through the local art galleries during Chinatown’s First Friday gallery walk. This free event draws thousands of locals and visitors of all ages to Chinatown every month. · The annual Honolulu Festival celebrates cultures from across the Pacific. This three-day celebration of art, music, dance, and crafts, held this year from March 13-15, is filled with spectacular sights and sounds, including aboriginal dance performances, cultural demonstrations and a vibrant parade through Waikīkī. · Surf’s up this winter on O‘ahu’s famed North Shore as men and women compete in Vans Triple Crown of Surfing, the final events on the Association of Surfing Professionals’ 2009 calendar. The competitions, which run from November to December, kick off with the Op Pro at Haleiwa, followed by the O’Neill World Cup of Surfing and women’s Roxy Pro at Sunset Beach, and conclude with the Billabong Pipeline Masters at Banzai Pipeline. · O‘ahu’s farmers’ markets reveal the rich diversity of O‘ahu-grown produce and locally made foods. The Hawai‘i Farm Bureau Federation sponsors farmers’ markets throughout the week at Kapi‘olani Community College and in Kailua, Mililani and Wai‘anae. · Stand up paddleboarding, also known as SUP, has been around for decades, and is growing in popularity around the world. The sport combines surfing and canoe paddling and is best done in calm, flat water. Maneuvering the paddleboard with the paddle requires balance and provides an excellent core workout. The tranquil waters of Waikīkī, Kailua Bay, and the North Shore in summer are ideal for SUP and for travelers who want to stay in shape during their vacation. · Venture to O‘ahu’s Leeward Coast to swim with dolphins and green sea turtles with Wild Side Specialty Tours. A twin-hulled vessel will embark from Wai‘anae Harbor, and before long, dolphins will surround the vessel. An onboard marine biologist will educate guests about O‘ahu’s marine life and adventurous marine lovers can don snorkeling equipment and swim with the dolphins. Later, when the vessel nears the shore, guests can snorkel among green sea turtles and colorful tropical fish. · Located in the heart of Honolulu, Ala Moana Center is the world’s largest open-air shopping center with more than 290 merchants including major department stores, international luxury brands, local specialty shops, fine dining restaurants, and an international food court. Shop for chic apparel and accessories at Tori Richard, Shanghai Tang, Neiman Marcus, and Nordstrom; take home surf wear from Town & Country and Hawaiian Island Creations; and sample ethnic cuisines of Thailand, Korea, Japan, Hawai‘i, Mexico, and Italy at the Makai Market. · Spend a morning strolling the aisles at the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet, a popular outdoor bazaar where local vendors sell a wide range of products at very reasonable prices. Located at Hawai‘i’s largest sports venue, the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet attracts hundreds of vendors, crafters, and artists from across the globe. Come early on a Wednesday, Saturday or Sunday to find everything from souvenirs and plants to t-shirts, handcrafts, art pieces, and collectibles. All packages and events are subject to change without notice. Certain restrictions and additional taxes and fees may apply. # # #