LANAI is celebrating Travel Agent Month in
September. Special rates start at $100 per night at both the Manele
Bay Hotel and the Lodge and Koele. Golf is 50% off, introductory
lessons at the Lanai Pine Sporting Clays are 30% off, snorkel and
scuba excursions with Trilogy Ocean Sports are also 50% off, as are
vehicle rentals from Dollar, organizers said. Photo ID and valid
IATA card are required. There is a maximum of three nights at each
resort at this rate [call (808) 565-3868 to arrange). Next year,
the Lodge at Koele will host the first Croquet Fever event of 2004
on Feb. 6 to 8, with international rules, cash prizes and plenty of
special prizes [for croquet information call Danny Huneycutt,
(336)764-4554). Special $275 nightly rates are available at the
Lodge. (800) 321-4666; www.islandoflanai.com
ASTON WAIKIKI BEACH HOTEL wants travel agents
to experience first-hand the bold results from its $30 million
renovation. Now through Dec. 23, agents can stay in an oceanview
room for $89. The first night is free when booking a minimum of two
nights at the 716-room resort, which is decorated with a "hip
Hawaiiana" theme. Those who want to upgrade will receive 50% or
more off rack rates in other room categories, including ocean-front
rooms and junior suites. A travel agent ID with valid IATA, ARC or
CLIA number is required. Free breakfast on the beach is included.
Inquire about restrictions. (800) 922-7866; www.astonhotels.com
MARC RESORTS has a new travel agent section on
its revamped Web site that's filled with incentives, the latest
promotional information and last-minute consumer specials. A secure
log-in requires an IATA number. Commission is 10%; there is a $25
bonus for every booking of five nights or more [including
reservations through wholesale partners] and travel agent rates are
up to 50% off published prices. During April and September, agents
can receive a free night when booking two nights at travel agents
rates. (800) 535-0085; www.marcresorts.com
THE ROYAL HAWAIIAN IN WAIKIKI will host a
ceremonial Royal Court Sept. 19 at 5:30 p.m. on the Ocean Lawn. A
cultural part of Aloha Festivals and Hawaiian history, the court
consists of a king, queen, prince and princess, as well as an
entourage of 8-18 volunteer members. For more than 15 years, the
Royal Court has opened the Waikiki Hoolaulea celebration. (808)
922-4422; www.starwood.com
RATES & DATES
• Blue Sky Tours is working with Radisson Kauai Beach Resort to
give last-minute travelers excellent bargains. Mountain-view rooms
start at $77 with bookings made 30 days prior to travel. Prices are
land only, per person, based on double occupancy, and valid now
through Dec. 23. (800)678-2787; www.blueskytours.com
• SunTrips has its Hawaii Christmas program ready to go, with
departures Dec. 18 to 30 on sale. Flight schedule includes nonstop
service to Maui and Honolulu and direct service to Kauai and Kona.
For details, call (800) 786-8747; www.suntrips.com
CORRECTION: The Aug. 4 Hawaii E-letter
published an incorrect Web-site address for the Sheraton Molokai
Lodge & Beach Village. Its Web site is at www.sheraton-molokai.com.