Summer has finally arrived and Hawaii's Big Island is ready to welcome visitors with a number of great lodging deals and plenty of new activities to keep everyone busy.
Lodging
Dragonfly Ranch
As a 2010 "recession" incentive, Kona's award-winning Dragonfly Ranch is giving two free nights (with some restricted dates) for week-long guests who mention this offer. Travelers at this eco-spa healing arts center/upscale "treehouse" B&B also receive a free DVD about water called "Tapped." All guests get a Dragonfly Goddess container filled (and refillable) with special "structured" water. Check out numerous fun, mind-expanding "green" play/workshops with special prices at Dragonfly Ranch or call soul proprietor, Barbara Moore at (808) 328-2159.
The Falls at Reeds Island
The Falls at Reeds Island, a sublime, private vacation rental in Hilo is offering special "Beyond Expectations" rates, up to 32 percent off, valid through end of 2010. A free welcome package highlights Hilo favorites, including fresh flowers, Hilo Coffee Mill coffee, Big Island Candies, Mauna Loa Macadamia nuts, and more. All guests receive free Wi-Fi, inter-island and U.S. mainland phone calls.
Hilton Waikoloa Village
Hilton Waikoloa Village's Ocean Explorer Family Escape Package includes Ocean Explorer Kids backpack filled with fun goodies; daily Big Island breakfast and an Ocean Sports Glass Bottom Boat Cruise for up to two adults and two children. Starts at $289 per room per night for two people. Four-night minimum stay required. Minimum 14-day advance booking required. Valid now through Dec. 20, 2010; ask for Package Code P8. Subject to availability, terms and conditions. For details, call (808) 886-1234, (800) HILTONS.
Honu's Hideaway
Honu's Hideaway is Kapoho's newest gem and by new, we mean completely renovated from top to bottom including gorgeous furnishings, granite counter tops, high-quality linens and electronics. But the best reason to stay here is to walk down the steps and to its pristine pond. An unbeatable introductory rate of $135/night for two, $10 per extra person up to six. Rate valid until Dec.15. (808) 965-0400
King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel
Who says a Hawaiian wedding has to cost a fortune? The wedding packages at the newly renovated King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel turn your dream of a Hawaiian wedding into reality. Options start at just $500 for the Plumeria package, which includes an oceanfront site overlooking Kailua Bay, wedding officiate and coordinator, leis for the bride and groom, a bottle of bubbly and of course, the wedding certificate. Start your future together, without paying for it forever. (808) 331-6387.
Kohala Coast Deals at Prince Resorts
Plan your Hawaii getaway and save with the best summer travel rates valid for stays now until Sept. 30. Choose the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel from $169 per night or opt for the legendary Mauna Kea Beach Hotel with rates from $299. Kids eat free with paying adult. Enroll into Prince Preferred Rewards Program and receive extra benefits during your stay and start earning points for free nights and more. (866) PRINCE-6.
Leilani Bed & Breakfast
Leilani Bed & Breakfast, a quiet retreat located off Highway 11 near South Point, is offering 10 percent off on five-night stays through Sept. 30. This peaceful, park-like property has two lava tubes where you feel a connection to the island. This sizzlin' deal includes a cool smoothie with your breakfast, refreshing island pupu after a day of sightseeing, and an option to purchase a carbon offset for your trip. Use code lbbssc2010 when booking.(808) 929-7101.
Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows
Committed to delivering the true spirit of aloha, the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows is taking a stand against charging resort fees. Now Mauna Lani guests can enjoy the luxury of complimentary valet parking throughout their stay, free Wi-Fi, free use of the beachside and poolside cabanas and the opportunity to take part in a full schedule of free daily activities. For information and reservations, call (800) 367-2323.
North & South
Two of Hawaii's premier inns, Waianuhea on the beautiful Hamakua Coast, and Kalaekilohana in peaceful Ka‘u, have joined forces with Luxury Link to offer a luxurious six-night package at more than 40 percent off. The package includes a cultural workshop, a dinner for two, and much more. Visit www.kau-hawaii.com and www.waianuhea.com to discover more about two of Hawaii's top properties, then go to www.luxurylink.com and get in on this unbeatable package at a rate you won't find anywhere else.
Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa
Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa has updated its popular "Dining Under the Stars" menus to make full use of the Keauhou Farmers Market held Wednesday at the resort and Saturday at Keauhou Shopping Center. Kohala field greens, pohole ferns, Hamakua Springs tomatoes and Hamakua mushrooms are peppered throughout the menus. Book the "Explore Hawaii" package and apply a $500 resort credit to a Dining Under the Stars evening. Five-night minimum stay required. Rate plan LCPKG1. Book by Sept. 30, 2010, travel through Jan. 7, 2011.
Adventures, Activities, Events and Food
Atlantis Submarines
Atlantis Submarines' undersea exploration of Kona's Kailua Bay now features the fascinating sight of two sunken shipwrecks that have become home to many types of tropical fish and delicate marine life. Atlantis is a true eco-friendly tour experience using battery-powered submarines that also safely carry guests more than 100 feet underwater to a magnificent 25-acre coral reef garden that grew from a lava flow 18,000 years ago. (800) 548-6262
Body Glove Cruises
Body Glove Cruises is now 100 percent wheelchair friendly on its Snorkel Dolphin Adventure, Sunset Dinner Cruises and Whale Watching excursions. The customized boarding ramp with portable extensions accommodates all wheelchairs including manual, electric and scooters. The lower deck is fully accessible from bow to stern including tables and restrooms, and an array of flotation devices are provided. All crew are lifeguard, first-aid and CPR certified. For those that just want to go along for the ride, special "Ride-a-Long" rates are available. (808) 326-7122
Second Annual Don the Beachcomber Mai Tai Festival
Make a mean mai tai? You could win $10,000! The *Royal Kona Resor*t is gearing up for the Second Annual Don the Beachcomber Mai Tai Festival, Aug. 14, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Festivities include the World's Best Mai Tai contest, a Mai Tai Marketplace, Battle of the BBQ, and Third Eye Blind in concert! Oceanfront and under the stars, tickets are on sale now. Call Liz Bell at (808) 270-9780 for information.
Kau Kau Kailua Restaurant Week (Sept. 19- 25)
A festive week of all things food (kau kau) in historic Kailua Village. The week kicks off with the monthly Kokua Kailua Village Stroll, when Ali‘i Drive is converted in to a pedestrian-only marketplace with restaurant specials, sidewalk vendors and entertainment including a free Hawaiian music concert on the lawn at Hulihe‘e Palace.
Kona Honu Diver
Check one more off your bucket list and join* Kona Honu Divers* for the world famous Manta Ray Night Dive. Join an experienced crew on the largest dive boat in Kona for an afternoon reef dive leading up to the evening show watching gentle manta rays feeding in the lights. Not a diver? Snorkelers enjoy the same show from the surface. Don't miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime experience. (808) 324-4668.
Mountain Thunder Coffee Plantation
Mountain Thunder Coffee Plantation offers free tours on the hour tour with coffee sampling, or choose from three different paid tours for in-depth insight into the coffee making process at the Kaloko location on the slopes of Hualalai mountain. Choose from a visit to the* organic coffee orchard*, to a coffee roasting lesson or the VIP tour which includes a comparison sampling of Mountain Thunder's award-winning Kona coffees. Be sure to get a free taste of 100 percent Hawaiian Espresso, too.
Ocean Sports
Ocean Sports is offering a Two For One special on the Sails & Cocktails catamaran adventure. Enjoy tropical cocktails including Mai Tais, Passionate Pirates, Pineapple Express, and local brews on tap. Come learn the ropes, grab the helm and join the party! Departs daily from ‘Anaeho‘omalu Bay in Waikoloa. Prices $104/adults; children half off. For reservations, phone (808) 886-6666 ext. 103.
Pa‘ani Ranch & ATV Adventures
The 220-acre Pa‘ani Ranch & ATV Adventures in Mountain View offers ziplines, horseback, ATV tours and more family-friendly fun. A children's Lil' Wrangler Program includes wagon tour, pond fishing, pony rides, and petting zoo. Enjoy views of the coastline, an active volcano (Pu‘u ‘O‘o vent), and majestic Maunakea and Maunaloa mountains. Open daily and easy to find off Hwy 11, just 15 minutes away from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and close to Hilo Coffee Mill. Zipline Summer Special is just $80/person! (808) 968-7529.
Queen's Court Restaurant at the Castle Hilo Hawaiian Hotel
The Queen's Court Restaurant at the Castle Hilo Hawaiian Hotel has completed a major renovation. New seating configuration in the dining room further enhances the panoramic views of scenic Hilo Bay, and many of the new dishes feature local produce from the Hilo Farmer's Market and other Big Island providers.
W. M. Keck Observatory
An Astronomical Offer. Residents and visitors are encouraged to visit the W. M. Keck Observatory's headquarters in Waimea to learn about the twin 10-meter Keck telescopes and other observatories on Maunakea. The Keck Observatory Visitors Center is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday through Friday and is located at 65-1120 Mamalahoa Hwy. in Waimea. Admission is free, no appointment needed.
For information on more things going on this summer and fall on Hawaii's Big Island, visit www.bigisland.org/calendar.
