THE HAWAII
TOURISM AUTHORITY (HTA) is holding a statewide seminar
entitled Creating Successful Festivals & Events from May 3 to
6. The seminars will feature full-day workshops with lectures by
national and local experts who will speak about sponsorship,
branding and marketing. The Oahu meeting will be held on May 3 at
the Hawaii Convention Center; May 4 at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott
on the Big Island; May 5 at the Marriott Resort on Kauai; and May 6
at the Wailea Marriott on Maui. Cost is $25 per person. The
registration deadline is April 27. Call (808) 528-4050.
THE AQUA
ALOHA SURF in Waikiki plans a $2.5 million renovation
project that will convert the budget hotel to a midrange property,
according to a spokesman. The hotel, now managed by Aqua Hotels
& Resorts, was last managed by Aston Hotels, which renovated
the property in 2000. Custom furniture, flat-screen TVs, wireless
Internet access and a new spa are part of the renovation plans.
Check out www.aquaresorts.com/surf_intro.php for more
information on the hotel.
THE MAUI
OCEAN CENTER will begin offering a day camp for children
ages 8 to 12 from June 6 through Sept. 2. The sessions will take
place Mondays through Fridays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will offer kids
the chance to earn a Junior Naturalist certification. Sharks,
stingrays, coral and other aquatic life are covered. The program is
being touted as a great way for moms and dads to get in a round of
golf while kids enjoy an educational experience. Cost is $55 per
day. Theres a 10% discount for Maui Ocean Center members. Call
(808) 270-7075 or visit www.mauioceancenter.com.
THE MAUI
VISITORS BUREAU launched its Malama Maui campaign, in
hopes of drawing attention to the islands agritourism and heritage
offerings. The initiative aims to promote Mauis farms, mom-and-pop
eateries, family-owned businesses, churches and historic sites. For
more information, visit www.visitmaui.com.
THE KAHALA
MANDARIN ORIENTAL on Oahu offers its Sensational Suite and
Dining package, which offers guests partial or prime oceanview
accommodations, roundtrip airport transfers, all meals (including
in-room dining for two) at Hokus, Plumeria Beach House, The
Veranda, Cabanas Seaside Grill and Honu Bar. Rates begin at $950
per night, double. Valid through June 30, 2005. Call (800) 367-2525
or log on to www.mandarinoriental.com/kahala.