While the mainland is experiencing one of the worst winters in recent years, the weather is just great on Hawaii's Big Island. You may see snow on the summits of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, but the weather's just fine on all of the island's beaches and the Big Island's hotels, resorts and other accommodations are ready to welcome you with lots of aloha.
Let's see what's new with Big Island hotels, resorts and other accommodations for February 2011 and beyond.
Aston Waikoloa Colony Villas
Lunch with the Stars. Guests staying four nights at Aston Shores at Waikoloa and Aston Waikoloa Colony Villas can explore the Hawaiian universe at 'Imiloa Astronomy Center in Hilo, then savor a buffet lunch at 'Imiloa's Sky Garden Restaurant. A pass for two includes lunch, the award-winning Hawaiian cultural experience of the Center, the story of amazing astronomical research conducted atop Maunakea and information on the free nightly stargazing at the Maunakea Visitors Center, or weekend tours of the summit.
Dragonfly Ranch Healing Arts Center
Dragonfly Ranch Healing Arts Center hosts workshops and retreats this spring, designed for women seeking empowerment and joy. In April, facilitators Susan Prince, Victoria Bliss and Jennifer Hough have scheduled workshops from three to seven days. Includes great food and communing with friendly dolphins. Internationally renowned philosopher Patricia Sun offers a week-long retreat in May that will include her famous healing "sounds." Check their website for details or call (808) 328-2159.
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai has been named the "Best Hotel for Staying Fit" in the Fifth Annual Healthy Travel Awards of Shape magazine (February 2011 issue.) The award-winning Hualalai Sports Club consists of three separate gyms, with state-of-the-art fitness equipment; a wide range of fitness classes available from a team of accomplished fitness and wellness professionals; eight ACE Rebound tennis courts; a 25-meter, four-lane fitness pool; rock climbing wall; basketball half-court and sand volleyball court. Go to their website or call (888) 340-5662.
Hale Maluhia Country Inn (House of Peace)
Hale Maluhia Country Inn (House of Peace) is a Kona-coffee upcountry Eden with peaceful comfort, good beds, a "Breakfast Lovers Buffet" featuring self-service omelet bar and bird watching at friendly prices. Enjoy a gentle touch of aloha from old Hawai'i along the road less traveled. Less than a half-mile south of Kailua-Kona, three miles to the Holualoa artist community and 11 miles from Kona International Airport. Visit their website or call (808) 329-1123 for information.
King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel
The new Getaway 2011 Package from King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel, is perfect for families. Fourth night is free and keiki (children) under age 12 eat free breakfast each morning of their stay. Use "Getaway 2011" as the special promo code to book online at their website.
Kona Village Resort
Romance Your Valentine, All Year Long. The romance package at Kona Village Resort includes lei and tropical punch welcome, three oceanside meals for two daily, petroglyph tours, paddleboards or outrigger canoe, one-day car rental, transportation to/from Kona International Airport, and more. Rates start at $690/night. Additional nights available at prevailing rates. Minimum stay of five nights; book seven nights for a complimentary couples' massage. Valid now, and after Valentine's Day because there's always romance at the Village. Visit their website or call (800) 367-5290.
Prince Resorts Hawaii
Spring Into Summer with Prince Resorts Hawaii. Valid for stays between Apr. 1 and Sept. 30, 2011. Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel room rates start at $239/night for a partial oceanview room with a $50 daily resort credit. Mauna Kea Beach Hotel room rates start at $459/night for a golf vista room with a $100 daily resort credit. No minimum stay required. Members of Prince Preferred receive an additional 10% discount plus additional 1,500 bonus miles per stay for Hawaiian Miles members. For more information, call (866) Prince-6 or visit their website.
Royal Kona Resort
Tee off with Royal Kona Resort's Royal-Tee Package. This golf lover's dream package includes a five-night stay in a beautiful ocean view room, five days economy car rental, four rounds of golf per stay at West Hawai'i's award-winning Makalei Golf Club, and full buffet breakfast for two daily. Five-night packages start at $1,015 per stay for two. Valid now through Dec. 21, 2011. Blackout dates and restrictions may apply. Call (800) 22-ALOHA (222-5642) or visit their website.
Uncle Billy's Hilo Bay and Kona Bay Hotel
The always-affordable Uncle Billy's Hilo Bay and Kona Bay hotels now offer weekly and monthly rates. Weekly rates start at $450 (seven-night minimum) and monthly rates start at $1200 (30-night minimum). As always, all stays include free Wi-Fi and daily continental breakfast. Call (800) 367-5102 to reserve today. Restrictions apply, tax not included, based on single or double occupancy, subject to availability. Visit their website for more details.
Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
Experience the breathtaking breaching and fluke-slapping action of humpback whale season now with Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa's new Celebration of the Sea Package. Starting at $227/night, guests receive contemporary accommodations with private lanai (balcony) for two and two tickets aboard the Ocean Sports Whale Watch Cruise located on 'Anaeho'omalu Bay fronting the resort. Valid through April 15. Five-night minimum required. Based on availability, restrictions may apply. Visit their website and enter promotional code PK9.
