THE
STATEWIDE ALOHA FESTIVAL, a collection of over 50 events,
will take place throughout September and October and showcase
Hawaii's culture, history, music and cuisine. Founded in 1946, the
festival hosts events such as a floral parade through Waikiki and
outdoor performances by musicians and artists. Each island will
host an opening evening celebration, in most cases a luau, on or
around Sept. 9 and 10 (see Web site for dates and locations on each
island), and will proceed with events like steel guitar
demonstrations, flower-weaving sessions and hula and ukulele
lessons. Visit www.alohafestivals.com for schedules and more
information.
HAWAIIAN
AIRLINES said that the beta-testing of an in-flight,
personal entertainment system was a success, and the carrier put in
an order for 1,500 units and will position them on all
trans-Pacific flights -- including those to Sydney, Pago Pago and
Tahiti -- and mainland flights. The units will include 10 to 15
full-length movies, 8 to 10 sitcoms, 20 music videos and 100 audio
tracks. They will be free in first class and $10 in
coach.
COFFEE
LOVERS VISITING THE BIG ISLAND now have a new excursion
that teaches them how to roast coffee. Seven days a week, between
9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m., The Ueshima Coffee Company Hawaii gives
roasting tours and lets visitors roast a pound of beans and take
them home. Aficionados will roast freshly-picked beans in small
metal pots. When they are done, high-powered fans cool the beans.
The process takes between 12 and 20 minutes. Cost is $30 per person
and reservations are recommended. Call 888-822-5662 for more
information or go to www.ucc-hawaii.com.
THE KAPALUA
VILLAS, luxury condominiums that wind through golf courses
and to the ocean at the Kapalua Bay Resort, are offering fall
getaway specials that include an extra night for free when
traveling before Dec. 19. Guests staying at the Fairway View Villas
will receive a fourth night free. Those staying at the Ocean View
Villas receive a fifth night free. Nightly rates start at $199 at
the Fairway View Villas, $239 at the Ocean View Villas. See www.kapaluavillas.com for more information about the
villas.
EXPEDIA'S
PRIVATE-LABEL SERVICE added a new customer, Aston Hotels
& Resorts, which will now use Expedia's technology and air/car
inventory to sell vacation packages to online customers.
CORRECTION: The Aug. 16 Hawaii E-letter
incorrectly listed the price of a daily meal credit for the
Honeymoon Spa package at the Radisson Kauai Beach Resort. The
correct amount is $25 per day.