RUNAWAY is courting travel agents with a new "Reap
the Rewards" program. It starts with awards of $10 for each
qualified booking, paid in increments of five bookings. In addition
to cash or gift certificates, agents can earn one ticket on United
Airlines for four qualified bookings, a second airline ticket for
seven bookings, plus incentives from Aston, Outrigger, Hilton and
Prince Hotels. New bookings are valid for departures through Jan.
31. (800) 622-0723; www.runawaytours.com
FAIR WIND CRUISES is getting set for the
migration of humpback whales with whale watching tours Jan. 5 to
March 15. Whale expert Jonathan Opey shares the history of the Kona
coast and his knowledge of whales--gleaned from 20 years'
experience--with guests aboard the 60-foot long catamaran. The
three-hour excursion includes fruit, snacks and juice and is
offered Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 2 p.m. Adults $45,
children 4-12 are $35. (800) 677-9461; www.fair-wind.com
THE WOMAN WHO THREATENED to harm passengers
aboard a cruise ship sailing in Hawaiian waters was sentenced to
two years in prison. Her term begins Nov. 4. Late last month,
Federal Judge Helen Gillmor sentenced Kelley Marie Ferguson to the
maximum penalty under federal guidelines in the U.S. District Court
for the District of Hawaii. Ferguson, a 20-year-old woman from
California, had pleaded guilty in May to writing and posting notes
aboard the Legend of the Seas cruise ship sailing from Mexico to
the Big Island of Hawaii. After the ship was diverted to Honolulu
and a terrorism response team of more than 100 law enforcement
officers and 40 bomb-sniffing dogs boarded the ship, she declared
that she wanted to return home to her boyfriend. She was pregnant
at the time. Her baby is now three months old.
DOMESTIC VISITOR ARRIVALS to Hawaii continued
to increase in August, according to the state Dept. of Business,
Economic Development and Tourism. The number of people arriving in
Hawaii jumped 5.1% over the same period in 2002. The total number
of meetings, conventions and incentive visitors also increased,
helped along by the American Society of Assn. Executives
convention, which brought 4,000 attendees to the state.
ALOHA AIRLINES has made it easier--and
cheaper--for groups to book interisland and transpacific flights
with the carrier. A 10% discount is available for Tuesdays and
Wednesdays travel when booked by telephone or the Internet. At the
Web site, pull down the Group Dept. Pricing Request form. When you
provide details about the group's size and travel plans, the group
department will take it from there. Deposits and change fees apply.
(800) 367-5250; www.alohaairlines.com
RATES & DATES: Classic Custom Vacations has
upgrades and discounts on first-class travel for bookings made now
through Oct. 22 for vacations now through March 12. Packages from
Los Angeles to Maui include five nights in a one-bedroom ocean view
suite at the Ritz Carlton, Kapalua, roundtrip airfare in first
class and a convertible Mustang for $2,502. Hotels on all islands
are participating. www.classicvacations.com