FLOODING ON
KAUAI left at least two dead and five missing after a dam
at the Kaloko Reservoir breached on March 14, causing a landslide
on Kauais north shore. The flooding and landslide closed the Kuhio
Highway, which connects Princeville, Hanalei and Haena to the rest
of the island, stranding residents and visitors. According to
Winfred Pong, a project manager for the Hawaii Tourism Authority,
state and county officials were working to accommodate people who
were stranded; hotels and airlines also were accommodating guests
and passengers by waiving change fees and extending rates, when
available. At press time, only one lane of the highway had reopened
to traffic. According to local news reports, the highway will be
closed down to one lane for two to four months for repairs.
THE
RITZ-CARLTON, KAPALUA is getting ready for some sprucing
up. Following its acquisition by a partnership consisting of the
Gencom Group, Highgate Holdings and Whitehall Street Global Real
Estate, the 548-room hotel on Maui is set for a $40 million
renovation that will include renovations to all guest rooms, an
expansion of the 7,000-square-foot spa and a revamping of common
areas. The property, which will continue to be managed by
Ritz-Carlton, will stay under the Ritz-Carlton flag. In other news,
the property has launched a weekly concert series every Wednesday
evenin to celebrate the Grammy winning Masters of Hawaiian Slack
Key Guitar, Volume 1 CD, which was recorded live at the hotel. Host
George Kahumoku Jr., who accepted the Grammy, features a different
artist each week. Tickets are $40 per person; call (888)
669-3858.
GOGO
WORLDWIDE VACATIONS is bringing its Learning Conference to
the Big Island from April 27 to May 1, enabling agents to earn
their Hawaii specialist certification while enjoying a stay at the
Hilton Waikoloa Village. Four-night conference packages begin at
$829 per person, inclusive of roundtrip air on American to Kona,
most meals and airport transfers. Visit www.gogowwv.com for
applications.
THE REGENCY
ON BEACHWALK, Big Island investor Brian Andersons latest
condo-hotel property, has begun accepting reservations. Scheduled
for completion in June 2006, the former 48-room Marc Waikiki Royal
Suites is being marketed as an urban chic boutique hotel. One- and
two-bedroom units will sell for $400,000 to $700,000; nightly room
rates have yet to be determined. Anderson recently converted the
Radisson Kauai Beach Resort as well as the Royal Sea Cliff on the
Big Island.
PACKAGE
DEALS:
" The Hotel Hana
Maui will host Robert Glenn Ketchums Visions of Paradise
Photography Workshop, May 1 to 6. Recognized by Audubon Magazine as
a champion of conservation and environmental photography, Ketchum
will host the workshop, while the hotel provides five-night
accommodations, five breakfasts, a welcome reception, a farewell
dinner with wine pairings, one lunch, snacks during workshops and
access to the spa and wellness center. Starting at $1,547 per
person. Go to http://www.hotelhanamaui.com/ketchum.shtml?src=rgkHHM.
" Apple Vacations
is offering incentives to golfers who book at the Kapalua Villas on
Maui. The package includes five-night accommodations, roundtrip air
from Denver on United, a convertible car rental and a $100 credit
to be used at restaurants or pro shops resortwide. The price starts
at $1,399 per person. Valid through May 31. Go to www.applevac.com for
more information.