What's New in the Islands of Aloha

The following are a few excerpts from this monthÕs ÒWhatÕs New in the Islands of AlohaÓ:

Accolades

á       TripAdvisor, one of the worldÕs largest travel Web sites, has announced the winners of its 2008 TravelersÕ Choice Awards. Seven Hawaii hotels were recognized in various categories of the Best Hotels in the U.S. Four awards went to the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea and two each to Aloha Pualani Hotel on Maui and the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai at Historic Kaupulehu on HawaiiÕs Big Island. Additional Hawaii winners below.

á       Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa – #1: Top 10 Best Hotel Pools

á       Halekulani – #3: Top 10 Best Hotels for Romance

á       Aloha Pualani Hotel Boutique – #5: Top 10 Best Hotels for Romance, #8: Top 10 Best Hidden Gems

á       Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea – #2: Top 10 Best Hotels for Romance, #2: Top 10 Hotels for Best Service, #4: Top 10 Best Luxury Hotels, #5: Top 10 Best Hotel Pools, #64: Top 100 Luxury Hotels in the World

á       Four Seasons Resort Hualalai at Historic Kaupulehu – #3: Top 10 Best Hotel Pools, #9: Top 10 Best Hotels for Romance

á       Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel – #1: Top 10 Best Hotels for Romance

For more information, visit TripAdvisor.com.

Events and Attractions

á       Commemorate 25 years of KilaueaÕs ongoing eruption as Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Puuhonua o Honaunau (Place of Refuge) National Historic Park, and Haleakala National Park offers the Tri-Park Pass. Experience how volcanoes create and impact the Hawaiian Islands and learn about the native culture at all three parks with the $25 pass, which allows entrance to all three for a year from the date of issue. For more information, call 808-985-6151.

á       Experience the latest diving trend of going black and blue. Konaquatica Dive Center takes divers out in the day to experience pelagic marine life of the deep Pacific for blue water diving. At night divers are taken out for black water diving, a great adrenaline rush as strange, unearthly invertebrates swim through beams of powerful dive lights. Divers are secured to a line connected to the dive boat and drift suspended 60 feet below the surface, never touching the oceanÕs bottom. For more information, visit Konaquatica.com.

á       MauiÕs renowned Kapalua Resort has launched Kapalua Adventures, which offers the islandÕs visitors a rare, outdoor experience. Kapalua Adventure Center and Mountain Outpost opened January 7, 2008 and features the largest and longest zipline system in North America with eight dual-track ziplines, two suspension bridges, a high rope challenge course, and a four-station climbing tower. Mountain Outpost also gives guests the opportunity to learn about geological, natural, and cultural history of the area from knowledgeable guides trained in guest service, and the history, culture, flora and fauna of the area. For more information,

visit Kapalua.com.

New Developments

á       The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel will reopen in December 2008 after a $150 million renovation to repair structural damage resulting from the October 2006 earthquakes. The refurbishments focus on the interior of the hotel including the guest rooms, lobby, restaurants, and common areas. Retail shops, a spa, and fitness center will also be introduced onto the property. The Mauna Kea Golf Course has also begun restorations and will reopen in November 2008.

For more information, visit PrinceResortsHawaii.com.

á       Kelea Surf Spa is the newest addition to OahuÕs North Shore. Located in a beautiful ÒHawaiian-styleÓ home, the surf spa is steps away from the beach and only five miles from the historic town of Haleiwa. Founded by two women who love the sport of surfing and being active outdoors, Kelea offers single and double rooms with private bathrooms as well as activities such as surfing lessons, yoga sessions, and relaxing massages. For more information, visit KeleaSurfSpa.com.

á       Mauna Lani Resort has partnered with Hawaii Forest & Trail to offer the Mauna Lani Resort Volcano Package, which includes accommodations at the resort and two passes for Hawaii Forest & TrailÕs Kilauea Volcano Adventure. Available February 14 – December 23, 2008, the volcano adventure begins in Kona traveling by car up the coast over desolate lava flows and into the rolling pasturelands on the flanks of Mauna Kea. Next, stop for a short break and breakfast, then continue on through Hilo and begin the climb to KilaueaÕs summit and the entrance to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. On the way back, travel along the Hamakua Coast and pass through Waimea before returning to Kona. For more information,

visit MaunaLani.com.

Transportation Updates

á       Hawaiian Airlines has announced plans for their new non-stop service between Honolulu and Manila beginning April 14, 2008. Flights will leave Honolulu four times a week, departing Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 12:30 p.m. and will arrive in Manila at 5:15 p.m. the following day. Return flights will depart Manila Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 7:00 p.m., arrivi
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