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FOUR SEASONS RESORT LANAI EARNS NATIONAL HONOR AS GOLF DIGEST “EDITORS’ CHOICE” FOR BEST GOLF RESORTS

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LANAI, HAWAII, May 2, 2017 – One of the world’s elite golf venues, the Manele Golf  Course at Four Seasons Resort Lanai has been listed among the winners of the Golf Digest magazine Editors’ Choice Awards as one of the best of the best golf destinations in the United States.

The awards program identifies “The Best Things in Golf,” with an emphasis on lifestyle properties, products and services, notes editorial director Max Adler. Golf Digest editors give high marks for having hot-ticket rental clubs available and golf shop merchandise that goes beyond the obligatory logoed shirt. Well-appointed accommodations and attentive service are high on the list, as are unexpected extras such as live music at breakfast, a fruit basket at the turn, and being handed a steaming scented towel coming off the 18th green.

The awards list recognizes resorts throughout the United States, Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, Bermuda, and Canada. These resorts routinely offer multiple courses, often with layouts that are fun to play and feature impressive scenery.

The Manele Golf Course at Four Seasons Resort Lanai will be listed with the other award winners in the current (May 2017) Golf Digest print and digital editions, as well as on www.GolfDigest.com and social platforms, including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

“We appreciate the editors of Golf Digest magazine recognizing the excellence of Four Seasons Resort Lanai among most outstanding golf destinations in the country,” said Tom Roelens, general manager of Four Seasons Resort Lanai. “We welcome the opportunity to share our stunning ocean-view course with avid golf travelers from around the world. We know when they visit us they will enjoy a trip of a lifetime.”

A breathtaking Jack Nicklaus Signature golf design, the Manele Golf Course is the ultimate in must-play golf experiences. Highly acclaimed, yet still very much untouched and uncrowded, Manele is laid out on lava outcroppings and features three holes along rugged oceanside cliffs.

The course offers heavenly views of the Pacific on all 18 holes. Its signature hole is No. 12, a par 3 where the tee sits 150 feet above the crashing surf. Five sets of tees ensure a fair, fun challenge for every golfer, but do-or-die shots over natural gorges and ravines must be precise.

“I am sure the Golf Digest editors have found that playing the Manele Golf Course is something magical they will ever forget,” said Scott Ashworth, Manele’s PGA director of golf. “Golfers always want to come back for more. “It’s a challenging but enjoyable golf course – even though the spectacular views can be a bit distracting the first time you play.”

Four Seasons Resort Lanai, Hawaii’s exclusive island adventure is located on a pristine island, offering a simpler pace of life and truly reflecting Hawaii as it was intended to be. Guests can explore unique cultural adventures, a myriad of air, water and land activities that complement the world-class golf experience.

The resort features 213 guestrooms and suites in a series of low-rise buildings spread along the Pacific coastline and immersed in Hawaiian botanical gardens, providing a private residential experience.

Additional facilities include the signature ONE FORTY restaurant, Malibu Farm, NOBU LANAI, a spa and wellness program, variety of complimentary activities, luxury retail boutiques as well as an array of land, sea and air activities.

For more information, or to make a reservation, please contact Four Seasons at 1-800-321-4666, visit your travel professional, fourseasons.com/lanai, or join our online communities at Facebook @FourSeasonsR

Kaua‘i Golf Courses Earn ‘Golfweek 2017 America’s Best by State’ Distinction

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Kaua‘i Golf Courses Earn ‘Golfweek 2017 America’s Best by State’ Distinction


(KAUA‘I, Hawaii) – Princeville Makai, Poipu Bay and Ocean Course at Hōkūala are “Golfweek 2017 America’s Best Courses You Can Play By State” a distinction recently bestowed by the national media outlet based on expert ratings completed during the preceding 12 months.

“Kaua‘i is proud to have a trio among the top 20 courses listed in golf-rich Hawaii, including all three in the top 11,” says Sue Kanoho, Executive Director of the Kaua‘i Visitors Bureau. “Add our Puakea and Wailua golf courses, and our island destination shines even more brightly. We invite golfers worldwide to visit and judge for themselves. Visit www.gogolfkauai.com and start planning; we’ll be waiting for you.”

Hundreds of Golfweek raters review thousands of courses annually prior to rating them in several categories. The category scores are aggregated and the total points determine the order of rank in the various “best-of” lists the media outlet publishes.

Perennially recognized for their high-end excellence, Princeville Makai Golf Club (St. Regis Princeville Resort), Poipu Bay Golf Course (Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i Resort & Spa) and Ocean Course at Hōkūala Resort feature stunning ocean views and world-class designers (Robert Trent Jones, Jr. and Jack Nicklaus).

Puakea Golf Course and Wailua Golf Course, both outstanding values and favorites among travelers and locals, are highly regarded for their exceptional layouts where coconut trees, lush mountains, ravines and / or Pacific Ocean vistas proliferate.

Golfweek raters have confirmed what golfers who love the Garden Isle have long known – that Kaua‘i is a special place with unique qualities, an amazing oasis where playing the game is an unforgettable experience, and after-golf activities are equally astounding.

Kaua‘i offers more than 50 miles of white sand beaches – more beach per mile than any other island in Hawaii — with approximately five percent of the island developed for commercial and residential use.

For more information about Kauai Golf and to learn about the latest news and specials being offered: visit www.gogolfkauai.com and www.facebook.com/kauaigolf


About Kaua‘i Golf


Princeville Makai Golf Club (www.makaigolf.com, 808.826.1912)
• Re-opened in 2010 following an extensive renovation. The Makai Course has since been ranked by Golf Digest as one of “America’s 100 Greatest Public Golf Courses” in 2015
• Designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr., the 18-hole Makai Course incorporates serene lakes and stunning ocean coastline; the leisurely 9-hole Woods Course winds through native woodlands against a backdrop of lush mountains
• The St. Regis Princeville Resort offers Halele’a Spa and The Kaua‘i Grill by Jean-Georges Vongerichten

Ocean Course at Hōkūala (formerly Kauai Lagoons) (www.hokualakauai.com, 800.634.6400)
• Named one of the “World’s Most Beautiful Golf Courses” by MSN Travel
• The championship 18-hole Ocean Course features the longest continuous stretch of ocean holes in Hawaii with over ½ mile of oceanfront golf.
• The front nine holes are highlighted by the par-3, fifth green encircled by a tropical Mango and Guava tree forest
• The only Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf experience on Kaua‘i

Poipu Bay Golf Course (www.poipubaygolf.com, 800.858.6300)
• Along with Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i Resort & Spa, Poipu Bay has been honored by Conde Nast Traveler as one of the top golf resorts in the U.S.
• Named to Golf Digest’s “America’s 100 Greatest Public Golf Courses” 2013-2014 and Golfweek’s “Americaʻs Top 100 Resort Courses” 2017
• Home to the PGA Grand Slam of Golf from 1994 through 2006, it has frequently hosted players like Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Vijay Singh and other major champions
• The Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i Resort & Spa completed a renovation in 2012 and features a water playground with river pool, waterfalls, a saltwater lagoon, tennis and the celebrated Anara Spa

Puakea Golf Course (www.puakeagolf.com, 866.773.5554)
• Rated “Best of Kaua‘i” in 2014-16 by local golfers, ranked the No. 15 best course in Hawaii by Golfweek
• Golf Course Architect Robin Nelson used the natural layout of the land when he planned the course, testing all levels of play
• Puakea’s 18 holes treat golfers to beautiful views of Mt. Ha’upu and deep lush ravines on several holes, which served as the backdrop to the original Jurassic Park movie
• Owned by AOL co-Founder Steve Case

Wailua Golf Course (www.gogolfkauai.com/wailua-golf-course/, 808.241.6666)
• Regarded as one of the most beautiful municipal courses in the U.S., Wailua was recently named the No. 3 public course in Hawaii by Golf Channel
• The course’s original holes date back to the 1920’s; the course expanded to 18 holes in 1962 under the direction of Hawaii Golf Hall of Famer Toyo Shirai
• Easily accessible from the Lihue airport, the scenic public course is a favorite of island golfers and tourists alike

Manele Course at Four Seasons Resort Lānaȉ Honored Among Top 20 Golf Resort Courses in the Country

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Manele Course at Four Seasons Resort Lānaȉ Honored
Among Top 20 Golf Resort Courses in the Country

LĀNA‘I CITY, HI, November 15, 2016 – The ultimate in must-play golf experiences, the Manele Course at Four Seasons Resort Lānaȉ has been listed among the Top 20 resort courses in the United States for 2017 by Golfweek magazine.

The breathtaking Jack Nicklaus Signature golf design is ranked No. 18, a remarkable jump up the list from last year, when it was No. 36. Manele also is one of only two Hawaii courses in the Top 20 of Golfweek’s annual ranking of the 200 “Best Resort Courses.”  Kapalua’s Plantation Course on Maui is No. 13.

One of the elite venues in the game – yet still very much untouched and uncrowded – the breathtaking Manele layout is built on lava outcroppings and features three holes along rugged oceanside cliffs. The course offers heavenly views of the Pacific on all 18 holes.  Its signature hole is No. 12, a par 3 where the tee sits 150 feet above the crashing surf. Five sets of tees ensure a fair, fun challenge for every golfer, but do-or-die shots over natural gorges and ravines must be precise.

“Playing the Manele Golf Course is something magical no golfer will ever forget,” said Scott Ashworth, Manele’s PGA director of golf. “Golfers always want to come back for more. It is challenging and so enjoyable, even though the stunning views make you take your eye off the ball.”

Manele joins other world-class golf resort courses in the Golfweek rankings that include Pebble Beach Golf Links (California), Pinehurst No. 2 (North Carolina), and Bandon Dunes (Oregon).

“It is an honor to join this significant list of world-class golf resorts,” said Tom Roelens, general manager of Four Seasons Resort Lāna‘i, “and we welcome the opportunity to share our stunning ocean view course with avid golf travelers from around the world. We know when they visit us they will enjoy a trip of a lifetime.”

Located on a pristine island, Four Seasons Resorts Lāna‘i reflects a simpler pace of life and the spirit of old Hawai‘i, offering unique cultural adventures, a myriad of air, water and land activities that complement its world-class golf.

The Four Seasons Resort Lanai features 213 guestrooms, lobbies and seating areas for contemplation, multiple dining experiences such as the signature AAA Four Diamond rated ONE FORTY restaurant and NOBU LANAI, the Spa, luxury retail boutiques, tennis complex and a complimentary activity program. A resort with its own island to explore, guests can enjoy upcountry adventures on horse or UTV, fly on helicopter tours, snorkel, sail or scuba dive, explore heritage sites or simply relax on secluded beaches.

For more information, or to make a reservation, please contact Four Seasons at 1-800-321-4666, visit fourseasons.com/lanai/or join our online communities at Facebook @FourSeasonsResortsLanai, Twitter @fslanai and instagram @fslanai.

Top 10 Reasons to Visit Oahu This Spring #luxurytravel

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oahu

Top 10 Reasons to Visit Oahu This Spring

Travel deals, centennial celebrations, island-wide music festivals and cultural events celebrate Oahu icons and the island’s rich history (April-June, 2016) 

 

OAHU, HAWAII (Feb. 8, 2016) – This spring, Hawaiian culture and Hawaii’s history will be celebrated through music, dance and island-wide festivals and events. Visitors can take advantage of some great travel deals and immerse themselves in Hawaii’s native Hawaiian and immigrant cultures that make up the fabric of Oahu, and join locals in milestone celebrations taking place during April-June, 2016.

   “On Oahu, we’re really proud of our island’s story—the story that makes Hawaii so special and that differentiates us from every other destination in the world,” said Les Enderton, executive director of the Oahu Visitors Bureau. “Oahu’s current canvas is a collection of our island’s history, host Hawaiian culture and values, multi-ethnic blend of cultures, people and natural environment. This legacy comes to life this spring through celebrations, festivals, events and activities unique to Oahu.”

 Below are the 10 reasons to visit Oahu this spring, with many more to discover:

 Celebration of Hawaii’s Music

1)      The Hawaiian Ukulele Turns 100

Kamaka Hawaii, Inc., celebrates 100 years of manufacturing the world’s premier ‘ukulele with a limited edition custom Kamaka pineapple ukulele. In 1916, Sam Kaialiilii Kamaka founded his one-man shop and today three generations continue his legacy. www.kamakahawaii.com

 2)      Mele Mei: Month-long Celebration of Hawaii’s Music (May)
Mele Mei celebrates Hawaii’s music, hula and culture with events are held throughout the entire month of May at various hotels, venues, on the beach and statewide. www.melemei.com  

 3)      Na Mele Aloha, Aloha Alii (May 14, 2016)

Take in the beautiful mele (songs) and stories written by Hawaiians expressing their deep affection in musical tributes to their alii (royalty). The concert, part of a four concert series at the Mission Houses Historic Site and Archives, is a beautiful way to immerse in the culture and history of the Hawaiian people.

 Experience Oahu’s Culture through Festivals and Events

4)      SPAM (April 30)

Rated as one of the top annual food festivals in Hawaii, the 14th annual Waikiki SPAM JAM® is a family-friendly street festival that celebrates Hawaii’s affinity for SPAM®. Local residents and visitors alike head to Kalakaua Avenue to sample SPAM® dishes served by some of Honolulu’s finest restaurants. www.spamjamhawaii.com

 5)      Lei Day Celebration (May 1-2)

On May 1, a celebration that includes entertainment, food booths and a lei-making contest takes place at the beautiful Queen Kapiolani Park and Bandstand in Waikiki. The event is followed by an honoring of Hawaii’s monarchy at Mauna Ala and Kawaiahao Church on May 2. On the North Shore, the Waimea Valley May Day Music Festival will kick-off the Waimea Valley Summer Concert Series featuring live Hawaiian music, culture and fun activities. Waimea Valley is home to a world class botanical garden, Hawaiian archaeological sites, cultural activities and a stunning 45-foot waterfall at the back of the valley. Lei Day was created to celebrate the Hawaiian custom of making and wearing lei. This year marks the 89th anniversary of the celebration of Lei Day in Hawaii. www.honoluluparks.com

 6)      World Fireknife Championships (May 12-14)

Hawaii’s largest Samoan cultural event and a pre-eminent showcase of Samoa’s traditions, the We Are Samoa Festival, is highlighted by two annual events: the World Fireknife Championships and the High School Samoan Cultural Arts Festival. With contestants as young as six years old, the 24th annual World Fireknife Championships brings the most talented fireknife dancers to the PCC during a three-night heated competition for a chance to win the coveted title of World Fireknife Champion. During the High School Samoan Cultural Arts Festival, students from across Hawaii will demonstrate their knowledge of Samoan culture by competing in a series of traditional practices including protocol and speech making, coconut husking and fire making, dance movements and more.  www.polynesia.com

 7)      Lantern Floating Hawaii (May 30)

Every year on Memorial Day, thousands of people gather at Magic Island at Ala Moana Beach Park to honor ancestors and loved ones who have passed away. At sundown, more than 3,000 candlelit lanterns are set afloat on the ocean, a traditional Buddhist rite originating in Japan. The ceremony serves to honor those who have sacrificed their lives in war, pay respect to ancestors and loved ones who have passed away, and pray for a harmonious and peaceful future. The ceremony also features live entertainment by local and international musicians, as well as inspiring speeches. www.lanternfloatinghawaii.com

 8)      100th Annual King Kamehameha Celebration Floral Parade (June 11)
This colorful celebration honors the reign of King Kamehameha, who united the Hawaiian Islands under his rule in 1795. Starting at 9 a.m., a floral parade with traditional pau riders, representing the Hawaiian royal court of each island on horseback, energetic marching bands, decorated floats and much more traverse the streets of Honolulu, from Downtown to Kapiolani Park in Waikiki. This is followed by the festivities of the King Kamehameha Hoolaulea—a street block party filled with Hawaiian entertainment, food booths and local crafts—down  Kalakaua Avenue in Waikiki from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The celebration continues into the evening, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Waikiki Shell with the anticipated 100th Parade Celebration Concert, in remembrance of this great alii.

www.hawaii.gov/dags/king_kamehameha_commission/

Exploring Hawaii’s History

9)      75th Commemoration of the Attack on Pearl Harbor

This year marks the 75th commemoration of the bombing of Pearl Harbor and the US Navy, National Park Service and Pearl Harbor Historic Sites partners have events planned throughout the year to commemorate this important time in history. The new Pearl Harbor Visitor Center Tour was launched this January and features the USS Arizona Memorial Narrated Tour and admission to USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park. June 4-5, the Pacific Aviation Museum will pay tribute to the 74th anniversary of the Battle of Midway with the 2016 Biggest Little Airshow. Guests will experience remote control 1/5-scale warbirds, jets, and helicopters performing aerial stunts, candy bombings for the kids, aircraft displays, a kids’ activity zone, prize drawings and hangar tours. www.PearlHarborEvents.com or www.PacificHistoricParks.org

10)  Kapa (opens May 6)

A new exhibition recognizing the cultural significance of Hawaiian Kapa and kapa making will open at the Hawaii State Art Museum May 6. The exhibit will feature the works of contemporary kapa practitioners from the Art in Public Places Collection. Admission to HiSAM is free. www.sfca.hawaii.gov

Spring Travel Deals 

 

·         Spring Offer at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa – Save 30 percent on a five-night stay or 25 percent on a four-night stay. Booking dates: now through March 21, 2016; travel dates: April 3 through June 13, 2016.https://resorts.disney.go.com/aulani-hawaii-resort/rooms-offers/special-offers/spring-discount/

·         Waikiki Escapes at Hilton Hawaiian Village – Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort puts paradise within reach with Waikiki Escapes. Guests can save up to 20 percent off of all room categories from resort view to oceanfront accommodations on 22 acres of Waikiki’s widest stretch of beach. Book now for stays through May 31. www.hiltonhawaiianvillage.com

·         Family Getaway at Trump International Hotel Waikiki Beach Walk – Save up to 25 percent off Deluxe Two-Bedroom Ocean View Suites and Deluxe Two-Bedroom Prime Ocean View Suites (sleeps five) and Premium 2 Bedroom Plus Den Prime Ocean View Suites (sleeps eight).You’ll also receive a $300 Resort Credit (not applicable at BLT Steak) and complimentary valet parking for one vehicle. For stays of three-nights or longer through June 30, 2016. https://www.trumphotelcollection.com/waikiki/specials/family-getaway

·         Keiki Adventures at Turtle Bay – The resort will offer Keiki Adventures for the spring break travel season (March 16-April 16):

o   Keiki Waterman Adventure – Kawela Bay and banyan tree exploration, outrigger canoe turtle search, tandem surf, and stand-up paddle boarding ($149 per child; ages 7-14)

o   Keiki Outfitter Adventure – tennis with a pro instructor, biking with a certified guide, and foot golf & disc golf ($99 per child; ages 7-14)

o   Keiki Horsemanship 101 – introduction to horse care, stable operations, and horseback riding with a certified guide ($129 per child; ages 7-14)

o   Kid’s Happy Hour – Kids eat for 50 percent off between 5-6 pm daily at North Shore Kula Grille. The resort is also offering a 20 percent off with breakfast package. http://www.turtlebayresort.com/spring

All information is subject to change without notice. For more information, please go to www.visit-oahu.com, follow OVB’s tweets at www.twitter.com/OahuVB, become a fan of O‘ahu on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/OahuHawaii, and follow @OahuVB on Instagram.

WHAT’S NEW ON OAHU JANUARY-MARCH 2016

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OAHU – The island of Oahu, known as the Heart of Hawaii, sets the rhythm of the islands with exciting, new improvements, changes and additions on an ongoing basis. Below is a glimpse of new and dynamic updates with Oahu’sHotels & Resorts, Activities & Entertainment, Restaurants, Cuisine & Chefs, Shopping, Festivals & Events and other travel related information, which includes airline and transportation updates.

Hotels & Resorts

The Island of Oahu has a wide range of hotels and resorts for travelers of all ages and varying budgets. Oahu’s hotels are constantly updating and adding an array of activities and packages that are sure to make any trip to Oahu unforgettable.

  • The JW Marriott Ihilani Resort will be redesigned, extensively upgraded and reintroduced as Oahu’s first Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina. The integrated luxury beach resort, which is slated to open in mid-2016, will diversify Oahu’s tourism base and introduce a new era of luxury to Ko Olina, Hawaii. www.koolina.com
  • Hilton Worldwide announced plans to open its first Hilton Garden Inn on the island. The 623-guestroom Hilton Garden Inn Waikiki Beach is set to open in early 2016 after undergoing extensive renovation of the former OHANA Waikiki West. Upgrades will be made to the hotel’s public spaces and guestrooms. Design plans include a contemporary Hawaiian aesthetic, the addition of a full-service restaurant and lounge, a grab-and-go market, a welcoming modern lobby, and a state-of-the-art fitness center. Guest rooms will be completely re-envisioned, adding poolside family suites and maximizing Hawaii’s scenic vistas. The hotel will also feature an enhanced pool deck complete with a bar and grill and poolside cabanas. www.hgi.com
  • In 2016, the opening of The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach will add a premier, luxury experience to Waikiki’s product mix and introduce the Ritz-Carlton brand to the island of Oahu. The first tower of the property is slated for completion by April 2016. www.theresidenceswaikiki.com
  • Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort recently started offering guests a complimentary one-hour oceanfront yoga class every Saturday morning.  This relaxing yoga class is taught on the beachfront lanai fronting the iconic shores of Waikiki Beach to connect mind, body and soul. The property has also extended wellness-inspired offers into 2016 with the “Wellness with a Twist” package and “Oceanfront Indulgence” package for a more luxurious experience. www.outrigger.com
  • Ala Moana Hotel will unveil chic, modern guestrooms after completing upgrades to all accommodations at the end of 2015. The stunningly restyled guestrooms feature new carpet, drapes, chairs, bed scarf and decorative pillows, sofa sleeper and ottomans. www.alamoanahotel.com
  • Ko Olina Resort will celebrate its 4th Annual Valentine’s Day Vow Renewal with a non-denominational beachfront ceremony. Resort guests and local residents are welcome to sign up for the free vow renewal service and celebrate with loved ones at one of Ko Olina’s beach coves. Participants will also have a chance to win prizes. www.koolina.com
  • Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa is celebrating its 40th anniversary with special activities and promotions throughout the year. As part of the commemorative initiatives, the famed Lucky Cat – formerly of the Cosmopolitan Hotel in Las Vegas – will make its home at the resort, dispensing fortunes and surprises to guests. www.waikiki.hyatt.com
  • The Spa at Trump International Hotel Waikiki Beach Walk introduced a new menu of exquisite services including the Oxygen Body Perfection treatment which provides deep hydration, the Diamond Rose Exfoliation Massage which utilizes ultra-nourishing oils for a luxurious massage experience, and the Bamboo Exfoliation treatment which uses micro-particles from bamboo to purify the skin. Additionally, the spa introduced a new personal training menu for guests who would like one-on-one instruction customized to their fitness levels and performance goals. www.trumphotelcollection.com
  • In early 2016, Ilikai Hotel & Luxury Suites will unveil a new cocktail pool terrace offering stunning views. A brand new floor of luxury suites will also offer boulevard, city and pacific views. www.ilikaihotel.com
  • Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa recently completed a $22 million renovation featuring new designs of its lobby area, front desk registration and porte cochere. The property’s main ballrooms and special events rooms have also been refreshed. The crowning touch of the transformation is a 60 by 20-foot-high carved wooden artwork made by local artist Kaiwi Nui Yoon which is intended to reflect Hawaii’s last reigning monarch, Queen Liliuokalani, and her love for the people of her kingdom. www.marriotthawaii.com/waikiki-beach-marriott-resort

Activities & Entertainment

The Island of Oahu is brimming with fun-filled activities that everyone can enjoy. Visitors to Oahu can explore Hawaii’s special culture and iconic history, or choose from a wide variety of outdoor and indoor activities that are sure to energize the spirit.

  • Located at Turtle Bay Resort on Oahu’s North Shore, the North Shore Bike Park offers exciting activities for friends, families, couples or the solo adventure seeker. Bikers can flow down professionally developed mountain bike trails, and twist and turn through lush jungle vegetation while an experienced guide shares interesting facts about local geography and history. www.turtlebayresort.com
  • Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort launches into the New Year with Waikiki Escapes. Guests can save up to 20% off of all room categories from resort view to oceanfront accommodations and enjoy a winter in paradise on 22 acres of Waikiki’s widest stretch of beach. www.hiltonhawaiianvillage.com
  • Pacific Aviation Museum at Pearl Harbor invites guests to view the one and only “Swamp Ghost” in the restoration shop of Hangar 79. This legendary B-17E aircraft that crashed during WWII in the swamps of New Guinea was acquired by the museum and is the subject of a special “B-17 Swamp Ghost Tour.” www.pacificaviatonmuseum.org
  • Oahu Air Tours presents a holiday special from January through March 2016 with their popular hour-long Circle Island Flight Tour in the luxurious Robinson R-44 helicopter at a discounted rate. The Circle Island Flight Tour offers family fun with a door’s off experience, showcasing prime scenery of Oahu including Koko Head Crater, Makapuu Lighthouse, Sacred Falls, North Shore Windmills, and more. www.flynhawaii.com
  • Atlantis Cruises offers guests to experience seasonal Whale Watching aboard their many tours. Enjoy a light breakfast during an 8:30 a.m. tour including breakfast burritos and baked goods or lunch during the 11:00 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. tour. www.atlantisadventures.com.
  • Kamaka Hawaii, Inc. celebrates 100 years of manufacturing the world’s premier ukulele with a limited edition custom Kamaka pineapple ukulele. In 1916, Sam Kaialiilii Kamaka founded his one-man shop and today three generations continue his legacy. www.kamakahawaii.com
  • Iolani Palace has two new kahili on permanent display in the Throne Room. The two white feather standards were fashioned by a cultural expert and master kahili maker in the traditional manner using more than 22,000 individual albatross feathers and closely resemble the historic Pili kahili that were used in King David Kalakaua’s coronation. www.iolanipalace.org
  • Bishop Museum has extended an exhibit that honors the legacy of Duke Paoa Kahanamoku. On display until Feb. 2., the exhibit highlights his extraordinary life as an Olympian, surfer, ocean hero, movie star, ambassador of aloha, and family man with a unique collection of archival video, photographs and objects from his life. Interactive elements allow visitors to challenge one of Duke’s Olympic swimming records, and replicate his famed mile-plus long wave surfed at Waikiki via a 3D videogame. Additionally, the museum started serving Hawaiian food favorites on its historic grounds at Bishop Museum Café by Highway Inn. www.bishopmuseum.org

Restaurants, Cuisine & Chefs

The Island of Oahu is known for its diverse culture, which is exhibited by the island’s assortment of foods. With wonderful choices and a vibrant array of cuisine options, there’s sure to be a restaurant for everyone.

  • The Battleship Missouri Memorial is now serving North Shore style shave ice at the Wai Momi Shave Ice Stand on the pier. Visitors can enjoy 15 local favorites such as pineapple, mango, guava, Blue Hawaii and more, while they make their way through the museum learning about the history of the Battleship Missouri. www.ussmissouri.org
  • A fun and nostalgic burger joint, Franky Fresh Burgers, has opened on Waialae Avenue. Adorned with cassette player boom boxes, Super Nintendo game stations, and 80’s vinyl records, Franky Fresh serves flavorful burgers and sandwiches named after 80’s hip-hop chart toppers as well as their popular cereal milkshakes. www.facebook.com/Itsfrankyfresh
  • Urban Bistro, located in the new 808 Center opened quietly this past fall. Their modern space has urban industrial accents with an open kitchen for patrons to watch their food being made. Urban Bistro serves up an eclectic menu offering modern twists on favorites such as tacos, pizza and sliders. www.facebook.com/urbanbistro808/
  • The Dumb Coq, opened its doors bringing a new bistro offering to downtown Honolulu. Coq meaning rooster in French is also the animal sign that owner Yoon Kim was born under. The bistro menu features French-inspired dishes such as the croquet monsieur, steak and potatoes and other delicious sandwiches. www.thedumbcoq.com
  •  Ai Love Nalo, a new café in Waimanalo, offers delicious and healthy vegan food. Their unique take on the roasted veggie Lau Lau, specialty sandwiches and refreshing smoothies have gotten the attention of locals and visitors alike. Patrons can dine at the cozy café which offers outdoor garden seating. www.ailovenalo.com
  • Oahu chef Chai Chaowasaree has reopened one of his eateries as Chai’s Waikiki. Marked by an upscale Hawaiian fusion concept, the restaurant focuses on the use of local ingredients and features a marketplace space featuring edibles and other curated items from chef Chai. www.chaiswaikiki.com
  • Sunny Days is a new café featuring a healthy breakfast, lunch and dinner menu. Patrons can enjoy its signature dishes including the Sunny Bowl, Loco Moco & Quinoa, and Caramel Banana Pancakes. The café also serves vegetarian and vegan options along with cold pressed juices from Japanese label, Parachutes. www.sunnydays-hanafru.com
  • The spirit of aloha and relaxed Tommy Bahama vibe come together in the latest Tommy Bahama Restaurant Bar & Store which opened on Oct. 30, 2015 in the heart of Waikiki. The impressive three-level, 19,200 square-foot flagship houses a ground-floor retail space, a second story restaurant, and a lively rooftop lounge with sand patio. www.tommybahama.com
  • Turtle Bay Resort will welcome Roy’s Beach House in early 2016. Hawaii chef Roy Yamaguchi’s newest creation will overlook Turtle Bay Resort’s Kuilima Cove, providing an exceptional new offering to the Turtle Bay Resort and North Shore experience. www.turtlebayresort.com

Shopping

The Island of Oahu is home to hundreds of fashionable designer stores, as well as markets that carry locally-made crafts. Visitors are sure to love the shopping experience no matter where they go.

  • Construction began on the revitalization of the International Market Place in early 2015. Scheduled to open in August 2016, the 360,000-square-foot shopping center will feature open-air retail, dining and entertainment located in the heart of Waikiki. The International Market Place will include approximately 75 retailers, 10 restaurants and the island’s first full-line Saks Fifth Avenue. www.shopinternationalmarketplace.com
  • Ala Moana Center, the world’s largest open-air shopping center in Honolulu, has undergone a multi-million dollar expansion project. The expansion project, which was debuted on Nov. 12, transformed the Ewa end of the Center into an expanded three-level retail space and upgraded other common areas throughout the Center. This retail expansion featured 650,000-square-feet of retail, including Bloomingdale’s department store (Hawaii’s first), large format retailers, dining, entertainment, and 200,000 square feet of inline retailers. The Center also announced a number of first-to-Hawaii stores set to open including AllSaints, Céline, Cynthia Rowley and Kiehl’s. www.alamoanacenter.com

Festivals & Events

The Island of Oahu is home to the largest number of festivals and events in Hawaii. Each year, visitors have the opportunity to connect with the local community and experience renowned events that showcase the island’s rich arts and culture scene, the world’s top amateur and professional sporting competitions and championships, and the many ethnic celebrations that are exclusive to Hawaii.

  • On the third Saturday of every month, Kakaako comes alive with Honolulu Night Market, an evening event that combines fashion, live music, art, shopping and local food. Held under the Honolulu city lights, this monthly night market celebrates the best of urban island culture featuring local artists, designers, musicians and chefs. www.honolulunightmarket.com
  • Every last Thursday of the month, Art + Flea presents a unique monthly shopping experience for Hawaii’s talented creative’s to showcase their goods and talents. Over 60 independent artists, vintage collectors, food trucks, handmade aficionados and fashion designers are featured at each event, drawing an eclectic crowd of shoppers, music and art lovers alike. Additionally, on the second Sunday of every month Art + Flea hosts Sunday Funday Market at Ward Village.www.artandflea.com
  • Each winter, the world’s best big wave surfers are invited to Waimea Bay on Oahu’s North Shore to compete in the Quiksilver Big Wave Invitational In Memory of Eddie Aikau. “The Eddie” can only be held when surf measures at least 20 feet (Hawaiian scale) for a full day. The holding period for the event is between Dec. 1 and the last day in February. When the surf is big enough, thousands flock to watch the likes of Kelly Slater and Bruce Irons compete in this prestigious surfing competition. www.quiksilver.com
  • The Sony Open in Hawaii kicks off the PGA Tour by bringing 144 of the world’s best professional golfers to Oahu’s exclusive Waialae Country Club, Jan. 11-17. Past participants include notable golfers including 2005 winner, Vijay Singh, 2003 and 2004 winner, Ernie Els, and Hawaii’s own Michelle Wie and Tadd Fujikawa. The six-day event is one of the largest charity events in the state of Hawaii. www.sonyopeninhawaii.com
  • Wanderlust Oahu is returning to Turtle Bay Resort from Feb. 25-28. The festival brings together the world’s leading yoga teachers, top musical acts, renowned speakers, exquisite chefs and more. Single event tickets, and one-, three- and four-day passes are available along with special room rates. www.wanderlust.com/festivals/oahu
  • From March 11-13, the 22nd Annual Honolulu Festival will celebrate the people and culture of the Pacific Rim and Hawaii, offering dynamic dance performances, music, educational programs and exhibits. Under the theme, “Pacific Harmony,” the three-day extravaganza also features the ever-popular Grand Parade through Waikiki and the spectacular Nagaoka Fireworks Show over Waikiki Beach. Honolulu Festival activities are held at various locations throughout Oahu, making them easily accessible to residents and visitors alike. www.honolulufestival.com
  • Ala Moana Center’s annual week-long spring shopping event, Shop a Lea, will take place March 14-20. The event presents locals and visitors with more than 100 experiences in fashion, health and beauty, active lifestyle, home décor, travel and cuisine. Included as part of the Shop a Lea lineup are fashion shows and trunk shows, exclusive products, Centerstage events, gifts-with-purchase, mall-wide shopping and dining offers and much more. www.alamoanacenter.com
  • The 14th annual Waikiki SPAM JAM® is set for April 30. Rated as one of the top annual food festivals in Hawaii, this family-friendly street festival celebrates Hawaii’s affinity for SPAM®. Local residents and visitors alike head to Kalakaua Avenue to sample SPAM® dishes served by some of Honolulu’s finest restaurants. www.spamjamhawaii.com
  • Join the Polynesian Cultural Center on Jan.16 for the 2016 Moanikeala Hula Festival. Enjoy a true cultural exhibition showcasing both modern and traditional styles of hula throughout the day by numerous hula halau (hula groups) of various ages. www.polynesia.com
  • Turtle Bay Resort will host its first Surf Country Culinary Festival in spring 2016. In celebration of the North Shore’s diverse bounty of agriculture and aquaculture, guests will enjoy an evening of “farmer’s market-style” food prepared by local celebrity chefs, as well as wines, spirits and craft brews. www.turtlebayresort.com

Miscellaneous

  • Virgin America began its service to Honolulu on Nov. 2. Virgin America now offers daily non-stop service between San Francisco and Honolulu. The flights are flown on new Airbus 320 aircraft. Fares are currently on sale.www.virginamerica.com
  • Delta Air Lines will be returning to the Honolulu market with holiday season (Dec.-Jan.) flights from New York, along with new seasonal winter non-stop flights from Minneapolis, Minnesota (Oct.-March) and Portland, Oregon (Dec.-Jan.).
  • Canadian air carrier WestJet will launch Boeing 767 wide-body seasonal service from Calgary to Honolulu this winter (Dec.-April), using its own aircraft. In past years, WestJet had contracted charter carriers with smaller, narrow-body aircraft to operate these flights.
  • 808 Smart Car unveiled its new fleet of convertible Smart Cars for daily, weekly, or monthly rentals. The small vehicle is easier to park everywhere and spacious enough to fit two people and more. Now you can explore Oahu while getting 40 MPG and by leaving a small foot print while doing so in Paradise. www.hawaiismartcarrentals.com

All information is subject to change without notice. For more information, please go to www.visit-oahu.com follow OVB’s tweets at www.twitter.com/OahuVB, become a fan of Oahu on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/OahuHawaii, and follow @OahuVB on Instagram.

One of Hawaii’s Great Golf Courses Can Be Yours For A Day

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ONE OF HAWAI’I’S GREAT GOLF COURSES CAN BE YOURS FOR A DAY
One-of-a-kind Experience Will “Make Manele Your Own” for You and Your Friends

LĀNA‘I CITY, HI, September 29, 2015 –What golfer hasn’t dreamed of having his or her own golf course? No crowds, no waiting for tee times, open just to friends, the professionals there just to help you.

That dream can now be a reality at the Manele Golf Course at the Four Seasons Resort Lānaʻi,only nine miles from Maui.

The “Make Manele Your Own” golf experience is a dream-come-true opportunity to possess the best of Hawai’i golf, where every hole on a magnificent Jack Nicklaus Signature design offers heavenly views of the Pacific.

One of the elite venues in the game, the breathtaking Manele layout is built on lava outcroppings, featuring three holes on the cliffs. Its signature hole is No. 12, a par 3 where the tee area is 150 feet above the crashing surf, challenging golfers with a dramatic shot to the green.

Having earned numerous awards since opening in 1993, the Manele Golf Course is the No. 2-ranked resort course among all Hawai’i Golf destinations (Golfweek magazine) and No. 32 among all resort courses in the United States.

The Four Seasons Resort Lāna‘i also has earned the Premier Golf Resorts Gold Medal from GOLF magazine and with recent improvements made to the overall golf experience at the Manele Golf Course, golfers continue to discover something new every time they play.

The “Make Manele Your Own” golf experience is priced at $10,000 and includes:

  • Private access to all golf facilities for up to 20 golfers
  • Unlimited golf on the Manele Golf Course
  • Ground transportation to and from the golf course
  • Morning cocktails
  • Individual amenity packages for all golfers
  • Golf clinic and lessons with the professional staff, as desired
  • Luxurious lunch reception at VIEWS restaurant
  • Custom-fit Foot-Joy golf shoes for the group
  • Commemorative photos for all in the group

“Having a secluded island seemingly all to yourself is something magical no golfer will ever forget,” said Scott Ashworth, the Manele director of golf, who is recognized as one of the most distinguished golf professionals in Hawai’i. “You’ll enjoy an intimate, personalized golf experience with an incredible bonus — stunning views from every hole that just may make you take your eye off the ball.”

The Manele staff of PGA golf professionals will be on hand all day, available for golf tips and “course knowledge” before, during, and after play. Each guest will have unlimited access to iced towels, logoed caps, cold beverages, and snacks during play. Even the sunscreen is included.

The “Make Manele Your Own” experience is available through December 15, 2015.

For more information about the “Make Manele Your Own” experience call (808) 565-2222.