THE
RITZ-CARLTON, KAPALUA, which reopened its Boutique Spa
earlier this year, has launched a new line of spa products, all of
which are locally created and packaged. Massage oils, scrubs,
lotion, body polishes and mists are used during all treatments and
are sold at the spas gift shop. The spas signature treatment, the
Hawaiian Healing Experience, begins with aromatherapy, using
flowers grown on Maui, followed by a massage using the clients
choice of body oil. For more information call (808) 665-7280.
THE HAWAII TOURISM AUTHORITY held its 14th annual
Keep It Hawaii awards that recognize community leaders that make a
difference in the tourism industry through cultural programs and
incentives. The Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows; Ritz Carlton,
Kapalua; Kaanapali Beach Hotel; Four Seasons Maui; Outrigger
Waikiki on the Beach; Hawaiian Airlines; and the Old Lahaina Luau
were among the winners of the Koa and Kahili Awards. Visit www.hawaii.gov/tourism for more information.
THE WENDYS CHAMPIONS SKINS GAME has been scheduled
for Monday, Feb. 6 on the Wailea Gold Golf Course on Maui. The
televised event will showcase an 18-hole pro-am the day before on
ESPN. The total prize purse for the tournament is $600,000. In
2005, Jack Nicklaus won the largest tournament paycheck of his
career when he beat out Arnold Palmer, Tom Watson and Craig Stadler
with 11 skins, earning him $340,000 for the day. For more
information, visit www.ChampionSkinsWailea.com or call the Wailea
Golf Club at (888) 328-MAUI.
THE BIG ISLANDS A Taste of the Hawaiian Range
Food and Agricultural Festival will celebrate its 10th anniversary
on Sept. 16 in the Hilton Waikoloas Grand Ballroom, from 6 to 8
p.m. Local chefs will showcase Hawaiian agricultural products while
demonstrating their culinary talents. Local ingredients will
include range-fed beef, lamb, pork, mutton, sausages, pasture
poultry and goat, which will be accented with locally grown
vegetables and fruits. Tickets are $35 pre-sale, $50 at the door;
call (808) 322-4892 or visit www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/forages/taste_of_hawaiian_range_04.html
for more info.
ANOTHER FOOD-RELATED event takes place on the Big
Island in September, the 14th Annual Aloha Festivals Poke Weekend
from Sept. 9 to 11. Poke is a Hawaiian delicacy usually made of
fresh, raw ahi tuna, sliced onion and various combinations of
seasonings and sauces. Participants will compete for $15,000 in
cash and prizes for the best poke recipe. Visitors will be able to
taste all the entries in seven categories, including Best
Traditional Poke, Best Poke with Soy Sauce and Best Spicy Poke, as
well as participate in a golf tournament on the 10th. The event
takes place at the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel. Tickets are $5; go to
www.pokecontest.com for more information.