BLUE
HAWAIIAN helicopter tours expanded its operations to
include the island of Kauai. It already offered tours on Maui and
the Big Island. In business since 1985, Blue Hawaiian operates the
largest fleet of tourism-only helicopters. The new operation is
based in Lihue, at the Harbor Mall, across from Kalapaki Bay and
the Kauai Marriott. The first tour offered on Kauai by Blue
Hawaiian is a 50-minute island flight. Visit www.bluehawaiian.com for more information.
GARY
KELLY, Southwest Airlines CEO, said the code-share
agreement between ATA and Southwest, announced last month, has
already been profitable for the carrier. Kelly stated that booking
expectations match what executives hoped to achieve. When asked
about whether Southwest patrons would soon be able to redeem
frequent-flier miles for jaunts to Hawaii, Kelly said that it was
something the executive board was discussing.
HARMONY
AIRLINES, a Vancouver-based
carrier, signed an interline agreement with Hawaiian Airlines
earlier this month. The agreement enables Harmony passengers access
to Hawaiians interisland flights as well as Hawaiians flights
between Hawaii and Tahiti, American Samoa and Sydney, for instance.
In addition, Harmony president and CEO Gary Collins alluded to the
possibility of a code-share agreement with Hawaiian Airlines in the
near future. Harmony recently announced increased service from
Vancouver to Hawaii this summer, with four weekly flights to
Honolulu and three weekly flights to Maui.
THE KAHALA
MANDARIN ORIENTAL on Oahu introduced a series of cooking
demonstrations that will take place at the hotels Culinary Academy.
The courses offer trade secrets from professional chefs, who
prepare multiple items off their menus, complete with thorough
explanations and a tasting at the end of the session. Participants
take home recipes. Call (808) 739-8780 or visit www.mandarinoriental.com for pricing and more
information.
A FEW
MONTHS after the opening of the Westin Maui Resort &
Spas new fitness and spa facility, the resort completed the private
Pikake Spa Bridal Suite to accommodate the large number of weddings
the hotel sees each day. Craig Anderson, general manager, said that
during the summer months, the resort can have up to 15 weddings per
day. The bridal suite is available to those who purchase the Spa
Bridal Package, which includes hair styling, make-up, manicures and
pedicures. The suite has two manicure/pedicure stations, food and
beverage arrangements, massage services, a private dressing area
and make-up application areas. Packages begin at $230. Visit www.westinmaui.com for more information.