Hawai'i's Big Island Erupts with Big Savings for Kama'āina!

Kama'āina Specials Launched on www.bigisland.org/getaway

The Big Island Visitors Bureau woos kama'āina travelers with irresistible lodging, activity, dining and other offers that last through much of 2010 on www.bigisland.org/getaway.

There are places here that you will not find on any other island:

• Four national parks and more marine life conservation districts than any other Hawaiian Island.

• Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park is Hawai'i's only World Heritage Site and active Kīlauea volcano is putting on quite a show at Halema'uma'u Crater (right - photo by HTJ), and the Kalapana Lava Viewing Area is heating up again with new flows oozing towards the sea.  

• To witness the recent activity at Kīlauea, both at the summit and at sea level, you can set out on your own or compare locals-only deals by KapohoKine Adventures, BikeVolcano.com and Hawaii Forest and Trail.

• Or soar above it with Blue Hawaiian Helicopters' Circle Fire Waterfall tour.

Always wanted to be eco-friendly when traveling?  Plan a free visit to Pu'ukoholā Heiau National Historical Site, and stay at the new, eco-friendly Hawai'i Island Retreat, which just completed its spa, for only $250/night for a two-night minimum. Includes a sumptuous breakfast, free upgrade, 15 percent off spa services and a complimentary Legends and Lore hike through the 50-acre coastal property.

If you’re a water person, discover the pristine underwater world of Kealakekua Bay aboard a Captain Zodiac rafting adventure, more than $20 off charters for Hawai'i residents, or plunge 100 feet beneath the surface of Kailua Bay, aboard Atlantis Submarines, for only $35 for adults, $15 for keiki.

There are lots of lodging options too starting from as little as $85/night at the Bougainvillea B&B in Ka'u to unprecedented specials at the luxury resorts along the sun-soaked Kohala Coast or from $89/night at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel.

Nearly 45 spectacular Big Island offers await residents on its kama'āina website, check it out at www.bigisland.org/getaway.

Up-comng events and activities taking place on Hawaii Island (aka Big Island)

Hawaii Island (also called the Big Island) is the youngest (and largest) of all the Hawaiian Islands.  It has the lowest population density of the Islands with an estimated population of 155,000 spread out over about 4000 square miles The island is still growing as lava from Kilauea crater continues to flow into the ocean creating additional land mass.  There are many wonders to see here including Mauna Kea - the tallest mountain in the world, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the southern most point in the United States - Ka Lae (aka South Point) and more.  But, in addition to the natural wonders, there are also great events and activities taking place all the time.  Here is a short list of what's happening in the coming months.



Kokua Kailua Village Stroll Concert
• One Sunday each month from 1pm-6pm, Alii Drive in Historic Kailua Village becomes a festive pedestrian-only marketplace with music, artists, shopping and restaurants. There is a free Hawaiian music concert honoring Hawaiian royalty at 4pm on the lawn at Hulihee Palace and a free chair check pre & post concert so you can stroll Alii Drive unencumbered.

• Remaining dates in 2010: (Sunday) March 21, April 18, May 16, June 13, July 18, Aug 22, Sept. 19, Oct. 17, Nov. 21, and Dec. 12

• For more information, visit … www.kvbid.org


Celebration for Native Hawaiian Arts (see full story here)

• Native Hawaiian artists will once again display their work near the Edith Kanakaole Stadium on the corner of Kalanikoa and Piilani Streets (in Hilo on Hawaii Island) beginning April 2 through April 10.

• Opening ceremony will start at 12:00 noon on Good Friday April 2, 2010 followed by entertainment. The exhibition will open daily at 12:00pm and will continue simultaneously during the Merrie Monarch Festivities.

• For more information contact: Terri L. Napeahi, tnapeahi@yahoo.com


2nd Annual Kau Coffee Festival, May 1 – 2, 2010 (see full story here )

• The second annual Kau Coffee Festival invites everyone to celebrate Kau's coveted crop over May Day Weekend, May 1 and 2.

• Most events are free, and will be held at the Pahala Community Center.

• For more information, visit www.kaucoffeefestival.com


“Mama … My Mama I Love You” (see full story here)
• Halau Kalaakeakauikawekiu, Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa’s adopted halau (hula group), will be showcased on Saturday, May 8 at 5:00 p.m. when the oceanfront resort hosts the halau’s “Mama … my Mama, I Love You” Mother’s day celebration.

• Tickets are $40 per person and include live entertainment and a silent auction with opportunities to bid on fine Hawaiian art, crafts and island adventures. Hawaiian food plates and beverages will be available for sale throughout the evening.

• For reservations and information or to donate to the silent auction, call (808) 322-6141 or (808) 989-4616.


Humane Society Tropical Paws Benefit slated for May 14, 2010

• Hawaii Island Humane Society’s 14th annual Tropical Paws benefit event scheduled for Friday, May 14, 2010.

The gala affair returns to the elegant Four Seasons Hualalai Resort and will begin at 6:00 p.m.

• A silent and live auction, Four Seasons-style buffet dinner, live entertainment and dancing are all part of the festive evening. Tickets, $100 per person or $1500 for a reserved table of ten, will be available soon at HIHS’s Keaau, Waimea and Kona shelters, select island retail locations, and online at www.HIHS.org.

• Visit www.HIHS.org or call 808-329-1175 for more information.


For more information about Hawaii Island, visit their website here.

Images and logos from - BIVB, HIHS, PIHA