The 1,150-room Ala Moana
Hotel will soon undergo a multimillion-dollar renovation
and conversion to a hotel-condominium resort.
The propertys name
will be changed to the Ala Moana Hotel Condominium, according to
new owner Crescent Heights.
Guest rooms and
public areas will be refurbished, and additions will include a
tranquil meditation area with a reflection pool and an expansive,
state-of-the-art fitness center.
The
hotel-condominium concept gives owners the freedom to use their
unit as often as they wish while enjoying all the benefits of a
full-service hotel.
When theyre not
using their unit, owners can rent them through the propertys
on-site management company.
For more
information, call (800) 367-6025 or visit www.thealamoana.com.
Following
the trend
The Maui
Marriott Resort and Ocean Club said it will cease hotel
operations and reopen as a timeshare property by
November.
The Lahaina resort
was bought by Marriott Vacation Club International in 1999. The
original plan was to convert the 720 hotel rooms into 311
villas.
Since that time,
the company has sunk $90 million into renovations and
upgrades.
Bad news,
good news
The delayed
official grand opening of the Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort and Spa
has led the Big Islands newest Kailua-Kona hotel to extend its
introductory rate of $169 per night through April 30. Ask for code
preopen when booking.
For reservations,
call (888) 488-3535 or visit www.starwoodhotels.com/hawaii for more
information.
Go with the
flow
In May, Oahus
Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park will launch Da
FlowRider, an action thrill ride that combines elements of surfing,
snowboarding and skateboarding.
The ride creates a
wave action from a thin sheet of water that flows constantly over a
stationary wave form, enabling riders, regardless of age or skill,
to experience the thrill of catching a wave on specially made body
boards.
Park admission is
$34.99; $24.99 for children ages 3 to 11; and $14.99 for seniors
over age 60. Children under age 2 are
admitted free.
Phone: (808)
674-9283. Web: www.hawaiianwaters.com
Spotlight
on hula
Paradise
Cove Luau on Oahu unveiled a show spotlighting OBrian
Eselus hula school.
The revue features
a dramatic opening depicting the different forces of nature and a
dance by the reigning fire-knife champion of the world.
Three packages are
offered, ranging from $65 to $110 for adults, $56 to $100 for
youths ages 13 through 18 and $45 to $90 for children ages 4
through 12. Kids under age 4 are admitted free.
Phone: (800)
775-2683. Web: www.paradisecove.com.
Thar she
blows
Atlantis
Adventures is running its daily whale-watching cruises
from Aloha Tower Marketplace in Honolulu (shuttles are available
for pickups at most major hotels in Waikiki) through April
8.
The cost for a ride
on the twin-hulled Navatek I is $52.99 for adults and $33.99 for
children.
Included is a
buffet lunch, beverages and transportation to and from the ship and
a guaranteed whale sighting. The cruise departs at noon and returns
at 2:30 p.m.
Visit www.atlantisadventures.com for more
information.
Listen
up
The
Honolulu Academy of Arts launched an audio tour
highlighting 40 selections from its collection of world
art.
The self-guided
Antenna X-Plorer tour includes information about the artist, social
and political details about the period and practices involving the
uses or rituals of the art objects.
Admission for the
audio tour and museum is $9 for students age 13 and older and
seniors age 62 and older, $5 for children age 12 and under and $12
for all others.
Phone: (808)
532-8700. Web: www.honoluluacademy.org
Experience
real Hawaii
The Kohala
Center on Hawaiis Big Island initiated a science and
education program for visitors called Born of Fire: Landscapes of
Hawaii.
Working with travel
partners United Vacations and Outrigger Hotels & Resorts, the
program brings visitors together with local scientists and cultural
experts to work on volunteer projects.
For more
information, visit www.kohalacenter.org.