Aqua Lotus Honolulu offering Summer Concert Package

Aqua Lotus Honolulu, www.AquaLotus.com, recently announced a “Waikiki Aquarium Summer Concert Package” in conjunction with the Ke Kani O Ke Kai summer concert series at Waikiki Aquarium which started June 14 and goes through August 9, 2012.

“Waikiki Aquarium Summer Concert Package” starts at $245 per night and includes a beautiful room at the boutique Aqua Lotus Honolulu, Aqua insulated lunch bag and two tickets to the Ke Kani O Ke Kai concert of choice.  A limited number of packages are available per concert and a two-night minimum hotel stay is required.

Ke Kani O Ke Kai concerts take place every other Thursday at the Waikiki Aquarium and feature some of Hawaii’s most popular artists, along with a favorite local food vendor. The 2012 Ke Kani O Ke Kai schedule follows:

·         Thursday, June 14 ~ Kuana Torres Kahele / Mark Yamanaka & Darren Benitez (food by Kahai Street Kitchen) … done

·         Thursday, June 28 ~ Raiatea Helm / Weldon Kekauoha (food by Yama's Fish Market) … done

·         Thursday, July 12 ~ Jake Shimabukuro (food by HASR Wine Company & Chef Rodney Uyehara)

·         Thursday, July 26 ~ HAPA / Led Kaapana (food by Big City Diner)

·         Thursday, August 9 ~ Makana / Dennis Kamakahi (food by Hula Grill Waikiki)

Food and beverage is available for purchase during each concert. 

Aquarium doors open at 5:30 p.m.  The concert begins at 7 p.m. and ends at 8:30 p.m.  Aquarium galleries remain open throughout the evening for the enjoyment of concert goers.

Concerts have open seating.  Low sand chairs and beach mats are preferred and, at the discretion of Aquarium staff, guests seated according to the height of their chairs.

For more information about Waikiki Aquarium Ke Kani O Ke Kai, visit http://www.waquarium.org/news-kkokk.html.

To book the “Waikiki Aquarium Summer Concert Package”, book online or call Aqua at 808-924-6543 or toll free at 1-866-406-2782.

Kamaaina special at Aqua Lotus Honolulu

Aqua Lotus Honolulu is offering Hawaii residents a ‘Kamaaina Special’ for stays August 1 through December 23, 2011.

Rate for the ‘Kamaaina Special” is $159 per night for a Diamond Head View room. When booking the special, kamaaina also receive a 50% discount on valet parking and WiFi Internet access is free.  

Aqua Lotus Honolulu is ideally situated adjacent to San Souci Beach along Waikiki’s “Gold Coast”.  It is the closest hotel to Diamond Head at just .5 miles away and within easy walking distance to major attractions and activities such as Honolulu Zoo, Waikiki Aquarium, Kapiolani Park and Waikiki Shell.  Aqua Lotus Honolulu is also just minutes from world-class shopping and entertainment. 

Aqua Lotus Honolulu offers many amenities including:

·         Complimentary morning coffee service

·         Use of a selection of beach amenities

·         Concierge

·         Private lanai

·         Oversized desk

·         Wireless Internet access

·         I-Pod docking station

·         Mini-refrigerator

·         Electronic in-room safe

·         and more

Aqua Lotus Honolulu kamaaina special is based on availability and offered through December 23, 2011.  Valid driver’s license or ID with a Hawaii address is required upon check-in.  There is no minimum night requirement.  The special is valid for new bookings only and cannot be combined with any other offer.

For reservations, see your preferred travel agent, book online or call Aqua at 808-924-6543

or toll free at 1-866-406-2782.

Queen Kapiolani Hotel welcomes 2011 and kamaaina with great rates

Newly renovated and celebrating a new year

Queen Kapiolani Hotel, a long-time favorite of kamaaina, has recently been renovated and is celebrating 2011 by welcoming Hawaii residents with special rates for stays now through March 31, 2011.

“We’re excited and want to show-off the hotel so we put together a couple options for kamaaina booking rooms with us,” said Elizabeth Churchill, Aqua’s VP Sales & Marketing.  “Queen Kapiolani Hotel’s prime location near Honolulu Zoo, Waikiki Aquarium and Waikiki Shell makes it an excellent choice for anyone planning a visit to these attractions, attending concerts and events or just relaxing in Waikiki for a few days.

Queen Kapiolani Hotel’s kamaaina rate specials start at $80 per night for a city view room and $105 per night for a city view room and full breakfast for two people. 

Looking great after completion of a $5 million refurbishment and upgrade, most of Queen Kapiolani Hotel’s rooms have private lanai with beautiful panoramas of Diamond Head, Waikiki Beach and Kapiolani Park. Hawai‘i residents staying at the hotel will appreciate its close proximity to the ocean as well as the many amenities offered including a mini-refrigerator, coffeemaker and daily local newspaper.  Another plus is the availability of nearby parking for visiting friends. 

“I’d recommend the room and breakfast special,” added Churchill.  “Located on the third floor, the new Kulana Terrace Restaurant features many island favorites on the menu such as Loco Moco, Kim Chee Fried Rice and Three Egg Omelets that will surely fill anyone up for a big day ahead.”

Queen Kapiolani Hotel’s kamaaina rate specials are available until March 31, 2011.  Rates quoted are for single or double occupancy, plus taxes, based on availability. There is no minimum night requirement. The special cannot be combined with any other offer and is subject to change without notice. A Hawaii I.D. will be required upon check-in.

For reservations, see your preferred travel agent, book online or call Aqua at 808-924-6543 or toll free at 1-866-406-2782

About Queen Kapiolani Hotel

Queen Kapiolani Hotel opened for business in 1969 and pays tribute to its namesake, Queen Kapiolani, wife of Hawaii’s seventh and last ruling King.  Gracing the hotel are museum-quality paintings of both King Kalakaua and Queen Kapiolani, along with their niece, Princess Kaiulani.  True to its cultural heritage, the hotel’s mission is to “tell the story of Hawai‘i through the Queen’s eyes and welcome guests from around the world.” 

Located at 150 Kapahulu Avenue, Queen Kapiolani Hotel is a 19-story, 312-room hotel offering a range of guest rooms with private lanai and magnificent views, high-speed Internet access, refrigerator and coffeemaker.  Hotel amenities include third floor swimming pool and sundeck, ballroom and event facilities, Kulana Terrace Restaurant & Bar and much more.

Queen Kapiolani Hotel is marketed by Aqua Hotels & Resorts; a Hawaii-owned and operated lodging hospitality company founded by Mike Paulin.  Aqua is represented in Australia and New Zealand by Travel Reflections, South Korea by Pacific Air Agency Group, China by Aloha Consultant Company, Japan by ARM International and United Kingdom by First Public Relations.  For more information about Aqua Hotels & Resorts visit www.aquaresorts.com.  For more information Queen Kapiolani Hotel, visit www.queenkapiolani.com.

Fall Frenzy of Hawaii Deals from Aqua Hotels & Resorts

Fall is a great time to plan a trip to Hawaii and Aqua Hotels & Resorts (www.aquaresorts.com) is offering a “Fall Frenzy” of rates at their 16 hotels and resorts on Oahu, Kauai, Maui, Molokai and Lanai.

“The autumn months are excellent for travel to Hawaii and our Fall Frenzy offers some of the best room rates in the marketplace,” said Elizabeth Churchill, VP Sales & Marketing for Aqua Hotels & Resorts. “In addition, many of our hotels offer a range of amenities, such as refrigerators and microwaves or complimentary WiFi, that provide more value when staying with us.”

Aqua’s 12 hotel locations in Waikiki range from beachside, middle of the action and near major shopping centers. Whatever the reason might be for your next Waikiki trip, Aqua has a hotel at the right price and in the right location.

Fall Frenzy rates in Waikiki:

Ilikai Hotel & Suites (pictured above) from $129 per night
Best Western Coconut Waikiki from $129 per night

Aqua Bamboo & Spa from $119 per night
Aqua Waikiki Wave from $99 per night
Aqua Waikiki Pearl from $89 per night
Park Shore Waikiki from $89 per night
Aqua Palms & Spa (right) from $79 per night
Aqua Waikiki Beachside from $79 per night
Aqua Aloha Surf & Spa from $69 per night
Island Colony Hotel from $69 per night
Continental Surf Hotel from $59 per night
Maile Sky Court from $59 per night

Neighbor Islands:

Hotel Wailea Maui (right) from $199 per night
Hotel Molokai from $129 per night
Kauai Beach Resort (see photo) from $109 per night
Hotel Lanai from $99 per night

Hawaii’s fall weather is still picture perfect so visitors can see and do just about anything their heart desires. It’s a great time to participate in active water and land activities like SUP (stand up paddling) and hiking. Passive activities such as wonderful spa treatments, visits to art museums and historic attractions as well as cultural festivals are plentiful. And, once the sun sets, evening options are exciting with new luau, dinner shows and trendy night clubs.

Travelers are encouraged to research the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau’s online event calendar at http://www.gohawaii.com/ for more information on what to see and do during their Hawaii visit.

Aqua’s Fall Frenzy is valid for reservations booked for stays now until December 7, 2010. Rates quoted are based on best available rates, single or double occupancy plus taxes and cannot be combined with any other offer or promotion. For more call 866-406-2782. For reservations, see your preferred travel agent, visit Aqua online at www.aquaresorts.com or call Aqua at 866-406-2782.

Nobu Waikiki announces new (under $10) happy hour cocktails and tapas menu

Nobu Waikiki, located at the Waikiki Parc Hotel and celebrated for its Peruvian-inspired delicacies is pleased to announce a new happy hour cocktail and tapas menu available in its bar and lounge. The new happy hour features Nobu signature dishes, tapas-style, each for $10 or less. Drinks specials are available Sunday through Thursday, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., and Nobu-style tapas are available anytime during restaurant business hours. The new menu features the following:

SPECIALTY COCKTAILS - $8

(5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday. Bar and Lounge Only.)

• Matsuhisa Martini
  Ketel One Vodka, Hokusetsu Sake, cucumber Garnish
• Liliko’i Margarita Tequila, orange liqueur, fresh passion fruit & fresh lime juice.

• Japanese Cucumber-White Peach Sangria Refreshing pear, peach, cucumber & wine cocktail

• R.I.A. Fruit infused Sparkling Cocktail

• Champagne 95 Orange brandy, crème de peche, pineapple & Champagne

• Lychee Martini Ketel One vodka & fresh lychee juice

Select Wines by the Glass. $7

Ketel One and Ketel Citroen Drinks, $7

Heineken, Asahi and Chang, $4

NOBU-STYLE TAPAS

(Available anytime during restaurant hours. Bar and Lounge Only.)

Cold Tapas

• Uni Mojito Shooter, $6
• Yellowtail Sashimi with Jalapeno, $9
• Oysters Choice of Sauce (min 3 per order), $3
• Whitefish Tiradito,  $9
• Nobu Tacos-Tuna, Salmon or Crab (min 2 per order), $4
• Salmon Poke, $8
• Kampachi Sashimi with Agua De Chile, $7
• Scallop Poisson Cru,  $9
• Lobster Ceviche, $10
• Whitefish Dry Miso, $10

Hot Tapas

• Edamame, $4
• Shishito Peppers, $5
• Black Cod Butter Lettuce Cups, $8
• Wagyu Foie Gras Gyoza (3 Per Order), $10
• Rock Shrimp Tempura, $10
• Scallop Jalapeno Salsa., $10
• Steamed Clams with Pancetta, Kale and Dashi  $9
• Koroke with Creamy Aji Amarillo, $8
• Chicken Anticucho or Kushiyaki Skewers (2 Per Order), $8
• Beef Anticucho or Kushiyaki Skewers, $10

DESSERT, $8

Pistachio Affogato:   Pistachio Gelato, Espresso, Praline Cremoso and Financier Crisps                               

Availability subject to change upon special events and holidays. Available only in the bar and lounge, no exceptions.

Nobu Waikiki Hours of Operation

Dinner from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday through Saturday. The Lounge at Nobu is open from 5:00 p.m. – midnight nightly. Beachwear is prohibited. Valet is available at Waikiki Parc Hotel’s Helumoa porte-cochere.  Reservations available at (808) 237-6999. 

National Hamburger Month at Wolfgang's Steakhouse

WOLFGANG’S STEAKHOUSE BY WOLFGANG ZWIENER celebrates National Hamburger Month throughout May, as follows:

Wolfgang’s 1/2-pound Classic Prime Sirloin Hamburger
Fresh-baked Sesame Seed Bun
American Cheese (optional)
Tomato, Onion and Lettuce
Steak Fries
Onion Rings
Complimentary Soft Drink
$10 during lunch hours, only (11 a.m.~3 p.m.)
May 1~31, 2010
Value:  $19

Wolfgang’s regular lunch menu is also available every day.

Make your reservations at 808.922.3600, or online at www.opentable.com, or just stop by.

Wolfgang’s Steakhouse’s is located at the Royal Hawaiian Center in Waikīkī.  From the parking elevator (Building A), go to Level 3 and walk Diamond Head to Building C.  The Center’s free parking promotion offers 3 hours of free parking with any restaurant or food court validation.  No minimum purchase is required for validation.

For more information, visit www.wolfgangssteakhouse.com.

$69 Waikiki hotel rate available until June 30

Aqua Hotels & Resorts recently announced an introductory special for the Maile Sky Court Hotel ... located at 2058 Kuhio Avenue.

The MSC Introductory Special is available for $69 per night for a City view room, with one free room upgrade upon availability.

The Maile Sky Court is an ideal property for budget-minded travelers looking for comfortable accommodations, friendly staff and a convenient location. The hotel offers a selection of amenities that will appeal to a variety of guests including on-site restaurant, sports bar, beauty salon, pool and Jacuzzi, business center and free WiFi Internet in the lobby.

MSC Introductory Special is available until June 30, 2010. There is no minimum night stay requirement as the special is based on availability. The rate quoted is based on single or double occupancy, plus taxes and cannot be combined with any other offer. For reservations, see your preferred travel agent or call Aqua toll free from the U.S. and Canada at 1-866-406-2782. From Hawaii, call 808-924-6543.

For more information, visit www.aquaresorts.com

Valentine's Day suggestions from Royal Hawaiian Center

For kamaaina or anyone visiting Oahu during Valentine's Day weekend, the Royal Hawaiian Center suggests the following restaurants, February 12 to 14:

- Beijing Chinese Seafood Restaurant: Set menu dinner for two, $120. The set menu offers 9 dishes. Call (808) 971-8833 for reservations.

- Chibo Okonomiyaki Restaurant: Enjoy a nine-course dinner for two, $140. The 9 courses are accompanied by two glasses of champagne and consist of three assorted appetizers, tsukemono, miso soup, and dessert. Call (808) 922-9722 for reservations.

- P.F. Chang’s Waikīkī: Enjoy a seven-course dinner for two, $49.95. The menu includes a choice of egg drop soup or hot & sour soup, one appetizer, two entrees, and two desserts. Call (808) 628-6760 for reservations.

- Wolfgang’s Steakhouse by Wolfgang Zwiener: Order the special steak and lobster dinner for $79.00, and get a Wolfgang’s Teddy Bear. Call (808) 922-3600 for reservations.

Royal Hawaiian Center is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. For more information on events and promotions at Royal Hawaiian Center, call Lei Ohu Guest Services at (808) 922-2299 or visit www.RoyalHawaiianCenter.com.

FREE PARKING: offer valid through June 2010. The Center’s free parking promotion offers 3 hours of free parking with any restaurant validation and 2 hours free parking with any food court validation. Five hours of parking is $5 when validated at Royal Hawaiian Theater. LEVEL 4 validations apply for $5 parking after 10 p.m. Dining and entertainment validations can be combined with retail validations of $2 for 2 hours. No minimum purchase is required for validation.