Travelers Advantage....

HAWAII HAPPENINGS:
CAN YOU SAY ALOHA?

When many people think of a tropical vacation, they think of the Hawaiian Islands. With great beaches, a unique culture, friendly people, varied accommodations, golf, and other outdoors activities, Hawaii happenings are hard to beat--especially when there are such great deals on packages that include air travel, accommodations, and many other possibilities.

WHERE TO GO: WHICH ISLAND?

The hardest part of your Hawaii vacation may be choosing which island (or islands) is best for you. Hawaii’s six main islands all offer warm Hawaiian hospitality and a multi-cultural mix, but each eclectic choice means unique accommodations, dining, scenery, activities, and more. That makes island-hopping a great idea!

Home to many of Hawaii’s most recognizable landmarks (like Waikiki, Diamond Head, and Pearl Harbor), Oahu offers some of the state’s top beaches, snorkeling, hiking, museums, shopping, night-life, and restaurants. The island’s cosmopolitan hub, Honolulu, is the state capital and the nation’s 11th largest city.

The green valleys and towering waterfall’s of Kauai mean nature lovers of all sorts will love the ‘Garden Isle.’ The cliffs and beaches of the Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon (which Mark Twain called the ‘Grand Canyon of the Pacific’), panoramic helicopter rides, and more await visitors to Kauai.

The island of Molokai is definitely quieter, with the ‘Friendly Isle’ featuring a quiet getaway where there are no chain restaurants--or even stop lights. This is the place to get away from it all.

Similarly, Lanai is another very quiet choice. What once was a land dedicated to growing pineapples is now a land for those dedicated to golf and tennis in an upscale atmosphere.

Maui is a menagerie of the best of Hawaii, with world-class resorts, dining, and shopping combined with the best of Mother Nature. Highlights include driving along Hana Highway (including 617 turns and 56 one-lane bridges), sunrise on Haleakala (the world’s largest dormant volcano), incredible snorkeling and diving, and great golf at a variety of resorts.

The Big Island is definitely a red-hot tourism destination, thanks to Kilauea, the largest active volcano in the world. Along with walking on old lava or watching it hiss into the sea, other hot spots on the Big Island include the snowcapped summit of Mauna Kea, scuba diving off the Kona Coast, and great driving tours through fields of Kona coffee or along any coastal highway.

WHEN TO GO

Spring and summer offer an ideal time to go to Hawaii (see ‘Special Reasons to Go’ below). Shoulder and ‘off’ season rates can often be found through Traveler’s Advantage, as well as great package deals that provide the best of one or more islands!

The fall brings another great reason to head to Hawaii, thanks to Aloha Festivals (www.alohafestivals.com). Honoring the heritage and culture of Hawaii for 57 years, Aloha Festivals celebrates with pageantry, parades, street parties, concerts, and family activities that span six islands and six weeks in September and October. The 2003 theme is E Mau Ana Ka Hula I Ke Kanaka (translated as “Hula Lives Through Its People”).

Most islands include a parade and each has its own personality that reflects the local traditions and people. Oahu’s Aloha Festivals Floral Parade is so spectacular that it was nationally televised for many years. But whichever island or events you choose, it’s a great time to go.

Thus, from right now until the fall, it’s happening in Hawaii. It’s just a matter of picking your island (or islands) and getting ready to say Aloha!

SIDEBAR
Special Reasons to Go to Hawaii:

Along with Aloha Festivals in September and October, there are many special events between now and then that provide special reasons to head to Hawaii:

•May 25, 2003
Keauhou-Kona Triathlon (Big Island) - 21st Annual Keauhou-Kona Long Distance Triathlon (Swim 1.2 miles, Bike 56 miles, Run 13.1 miles) takes place along the famous Ironman World Championship race course in Kona. This event attracts athletes from over 21 countries competing to qualify for the Ironman World Championship. Visitors are welcome to watch or volunteer their assistance at the many athlete aid stations. For more information, call Joe Ackles at (808) 329-0601 or visit www.keauhoutriathlon.com.

•June 6-8, 2003
24th Annual Pan-Pacific Festival - Matsuri in Hawaii (Oahu) - Japan's pageantry, culture and arts come to Hawaii bringing as many as 4,000 musicians, dancers and artists to present a weekend full of international entertainment. Most events are free. For more information or for an event schedule, call (808) 926-8177 or visit www.pan-pacific-festival.com.

•June 11-15, 2003
Maui Film Festival at Wailea (Maui) - Hawaiian culture and music join the big screen. Fabulous film premieres, gala parties, celebrity appearances, Hawaiian music and dance. Contact the Maui Film Festival at (808) 572-FILM or visit www.mauifilmfestival.com.

•July 14, 2003
23rd Annual Tinman Triathlon (Oahu) - The 23rd Annual Tinman Triathlon includes an 800-meter swim at Magic Island/Ala Moana Park; a 40K bike course starting at Ala Moana Park, running through Waikiki, past Kahala, to Hawaii Kai, and back to Kapiolani Park; and a 10K run around Diamond Head ending at Kapiolani Park. For more information, contact Olga Caldwell at (808) 595-5317 or visit www.tinmanhawaii.com.

•July 18-26, 2003
10th Hawaii International Jazz Festival (Oahu) - The 10th Hawaii International Jazz Festival offers four nights of world-class jazz bringing together local, national, and international artists and students. Stay tuned for concert schedules on Oahu, Maui and the Big Island. For more information, call (808) 941-9974 or visit www.hawaiijazz.com.

•August 16-23, 2003
44th Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament (Big Island) - The Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament consists of four days of fishing off the beautiful Kona Coast and several social and cultural events throughout the week. In this prestigious tournament, teams compete for the coveted Governor's Award, Koa Bowl trophy, and bronze marlin trophy. Over 50 teams from more than a dozen countries are expected. The public is welcome to attend daily weigh-ins at Kailua Pier, the Opening Ceremonies, Billfish Parade, and HIBA Auction. For more information, call Sue Vermillion at (808) 329-6155 or call www.konabillfish.com.

•August 28-September 1, 2003
2003 Maui Writers Conference (Maui) - The Maui Writers Conference is known as the most important conference in the world for both the publishing and film industries. If you want to write and be published or produced, this is the place to be on Labor Day Weekend. Best selling authors (such as John Saul and Jack Canfield) and film industry giants (such as Ron Howard) are repeat presenters. Plus there are over 50 top agents and editors looking for new talent. For more information, visit www.mauiwriters.com or call Barbara Santos at (808) 879-0061 to receive a free brochure as soon as they are available.

•August 30-31, 2003
Hapuna Roundup (Hawaii’s Big Island) - The 2003 Aloha Section presents the Hapuna Roundup Golf Tournament at Hapuna Golf Course on Hawaii's Big Island. For more information, contact the Hapuna Golf Course at (808) 880-3000.

•September-October 2003
Aloha Festivals (Kauai, Oahu, Lanai, Molokai, Maui, Big Island) - Aloha Festivals is an Island tradition celebrating Hawaii’s music, dance, and history intended to preserve Hawaii’s unique cultural traditions. It has grown over the past 50 years to encompass 300 events on six islands, including parades, carnivals, contests, and celebrations, spanning a two-month period beginning in early September. For more information, call (808) 589-1771 or toll free at (800) 852-7690 or visit www.alohafestivals.com.

For a complete list of events, visit www.gohawaii.com.