May's Sizzlin' News From Hawai'i, The Big Island

Hawai'i Island (May 3, 2011) - Spring has sprung on Hawai'i Island, where the yellow, red and salmon-colored blossoms of native 'ōhi'a lehua trees greet visitors in special abundance this time of year. Plan your spring fling now, and be inspired by Hawai'i Island's natural beauty all year long.

ADVENTURES, ACTIVITIES & EVENTS

Why Hilo? Fly Hilo! Hilo will welcome two new direct flights from California in June. United Airlines (operated by Continental Airlines) will offer daily nonstop service from Los Angeles (LAX) to Hilo International Airport (ITO) starting June 9 and Saturday flights from San Francisco (SFO) to ITO starting June 11. Rates and information at www.continental.com and www.united.com.

Located in Hilo, the Lyman Museum presents the special exhibit "Holo Ka Wa'a, A Pae I Kula" (The Canoe Goes, It Lands Ashore) from May 31 through Sept. 3. Models of South Pacific canoes, historical photographs, maps and legends illustrate the navigation, construction and cultural significance of the canoe within the Polynesian Triangle. For more information on the nationally accredited and Smithsonian-affiliated museum visit www.lymanmuseum.org or call (808) 935-5021.

Ocean Sports offers the new Dolphin Crystal Cove Snorkel Adventure. Cruise aboard a luxury catamaran, snack from a delicious continental breakfast buffet (including open bar), then snorkel in a protected cove. Marine naturalists are onboard to answer all your questions about the dolphins and Hawaiian marine life.  If the dolphins allow it, you may get to swim with them in their natural playground! A family-friendly adventure. Call (886) 6666 ext. 103 or visit www.hawaiioceansports.com.  

In 1936, due to the popularity of his colorful shirts, Ellery Chun registered the name "Aloha Shirt." These Aloha Shirts paved the way for all the colorful, island-inspired shirts being worn around the globe today. In celebration of the 75th Anniversary of the Aloha Shirt, Hilo Hattie has planned several events which include entering its World's Largest Aloha Shirt into several local parades and manufacturing an exclusive limited-edition nostalgic collection of vintage-inspired Aloha Shirts that will be available for sale at all Hilo Hattie stores - including Hilo and Kona.

The new Midweek Farmers' Market at Anna Ranch offers busy shoppers fresh, locally grown food on Wednesdays from 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., including organic produce, flowers, and prepared foods, including juices, sauces, salsas and honeys. Take a guided tour of Anna Ranch's historic home, gift shop and gardens. Anna Ranch is available for group events, affording a charming venue for weddings and other functions with stunning views. Visit www.annaranch.org, or call (808) 885-4426.

This July 4 celebrate Turtle Independence Day at Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows. For 22 years, the luxury Kohala Coast resort has been operating its Hawaiian green sea turtle (honu) program that educates guests about this threatened species. Three-month-old honu are raised in the resort's saltwater ponds until they grow to a size and weight appropriate for release into the ocean. An annual release and free community celebration takes place to commemorate the occasion. For more information visit www.maunalani.com.

Looking for more to do? Click www.bigisland.org/calendar for detailed information about additional Hawai'i Island happenings throughout 2011, like the Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park's Cultural Festival:

Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park's Cultural Festival (Sat., July 9) - Held in the special setting of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park's recently acquired Kahuku Unit, this popular annual festival helps perpetuate and celebrate Hawaiian culture and traditional arts. Featuring Hawaiian music, hula, crafts sales, food and demonstrations by local artists and practitioners. Kahuku is on the mountain side of Highway 11 near the 70 mile marker in Ka'u. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Free admission. Call (808) 985-6166 or visit www.nps.gov/havo. 

ACCOMMODATIONS

Four Seasons Resort Hualālai, the only AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Five Star property on Hawai'i Island, reopened April 30. The reopening follows a six-week closure due to damage resulting from the recent earthquake-generated tsunami. Landscaping was replaced throughout, while 12 guest rooms and suites, a restaurant and the pools were cleaned and repaired as needed. The resort opened in perfect condition and is welcoming new and return guests.  For more information and reservations visit www.fourseasons.com/hualalai or call (888) 340-5662.

Guests visiting Waianuhea, "An Inn of Luxury, A House of Aloha" in beautiful Āhualoa on the Hāmākua Coast this summer for five or more consecutive nights get their fifth night FREE! Please visit www.waianuhea.com or call (808) 775-1118 for information/reservations. (Fifth night free special excludes taxes and any other special promotions.)

Bougainvillea B&B in Ocean View is extending the Free Gas Package! Rates start from $89/night (plus tax), book three nights and get $35 in free gas, or stay seven nights and get $50 in free gas! Includes discount rental car arrangements and expert concierge service. Offer expires Dec. 15, request "free gas" when making reservations: (800) 688-1763, and visit www.bougainvilleabedandbreakfast.com.

Linger Longer in Paradise With Your Fifth Night Free. The Fairmont Orchid, Hawai'i is pleased to offer a new fifth night free with breakfast package.  Package includes luxury accommodations, daily breakfast for two at Orchid Court Restaurant, and every fifth night free. Prices from $271/night. Book with your preferred travel agent, by calling the hotel at (800) 845-9905, and visit www.fairmont.com/orchid/hotelpackages. Four consecutive nights must be booked, subject to availability. Valid now through Dec. 22, 2011. 

Hale Maluhia Country Inn (house of peace) is a Kona coffee upcountry Eden that offers peaceful comfort, good beds, "breakfast-lovers buffet including self-service omelet bar," bird watching and friendly prices. Stay seven nights and get a 10 percent discount. Enjoy a gentle touch of aloha from old Hawai'i along the road less traveled. Just 0.3 miles south of Kailua Village, three miles to the Hōlualoa Artist community and 11 miles from Kona International Airport. Visit www.hawaii-bnb.com.

Come visit Sea Mountain Resort located next to the mesmerizing black sands of Punalu'u Beach Park, and only a 30-minute drive from Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. Specials rates from $99/night are valid now through Oct. 31, 2011. Call (800) 525-5894 or email virentals@viresorts.com.

Keauhou Beach Resort in Kona is offering an excellent Conference Package, which includes continental breakfast, deli lunch buffet, executive afternoon break, meeting room rental and free parking.  The price is only $55 per person and includes tax and service fees.  When booking the Conference Package, meeting planners are guaranteed a special ocean view room rate of $135/night (single or double occupancy) for all attendees.  This rate includes a complimentary self-serve full breakfast buffet daily.  For details, call the hotel's catering department at (808) 324-2553.

Summer travel plans in the works? Think Aston! With up to 40 percent off at Aston properties, travelers can pocket the extra savings or use it towards activities from exploring Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park or stargazing 13,796 feet atop Maunakea. Starting rates at Aston Kona by the Sea, $180/night; Aston Shores at Waikoloa, $185/night; Aston Waikoloa Colony Villas, $212/night. Rates valid now through Aug. 25 for stays dates June 21 - Aug. 25. Visit www.AstonHotels.com or call (866)774-2924.

Honoring Hawai'i's civil marriage law, Dragonfly Ranch: Healing Arts Center offers wedding and honeymoon specials. Take 20 percent off stays of five or more nights. Extras include honeymoon portraits, free use of kayak/snorkel gear, exploring the labyrinth, infrared sauna, and organic garden. Free guided ocean tour of nearby pristine bays favored by wild dolphins. This award-winning South Kona B&B/eco spa, with private indoor/outdoor romantic treehouse-like suites, also arranges special sacred union ceremonies to suit the desires of couples in love. Visit www.dragonflyranch.com, or call (808) 328-2159.   

TASTY TIDBITS

Eddie Would Go.  Learn about the legend and experience the Kohala Coast's coolest new lunch and dinner hotspot, the Eddie Aikau Restaurant & Surf Museum, making its big splash July 4 during the Kings' Shops annual Rubber Duckie Race for Cerebral Palsy.  Sample Chef Scott Lutey's new Hawai'i Fusion Cuisine, check out the latest from Quiksilver, meet pro surf celebrities, and enjoy great Hawaiian music surrounded by memories of Hawai'i's hero, who inspired the legendary surf contest, Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau. Contact eddieaikaurestaurant@gmail.com.

Spring time has hatched at Mountain Thunder Coffee Plantation's Kaloko farm, with 10 new Chinese (white) and Toulouse (grey) geese. The award-winning, family-owned organic Kona coffee farm keeps the geese as weed control and organic fertilizer producers. See the goslings; enjoy a free coffee tour and a free taste of delicious 100 percent Kona coffee. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Directions at www.mountainthunder.com, or call (808) 325-2136.  

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.gohawaii.com/big-island