Waikoloa Beach Resort recently scored a ranking of 26 of the Top 50 Resort Courses by readers of Golf World magazine. The resort joins the list of premium golf resorts around the country that were selected for the magazine’s 2010 Readers’ Choice Awards. Along with the overall ranking, Waikoloa Beach Resort also came in as number 6 in the individual category of Off-course Amenities; number 9 in the category of Pace of Play; and number 10 in the category of Best Overall Value.
Other criteria on which voters were asked to base their selections were Quality of Course, Hotel Accommodations, Service, Golf Practice Facilities, and Accessibility. Waikoloa Beach Resort’s overall score of 89.27 led to its spot as number 26 on the list. The number one Readers’ Choice ranking in the Top 50 Resort Courses went to Kiawah Island Golf Resort in Kiawah Island, South Carolina, which earned a ranking of 95.18.
The Second Annual Readers’ Choice Awards are based on online votes collected by the Research Resource Center division of Golf Digest Publications, which produces Golf World magazine. The total number of criteria evaluations counted was over 600,000, and the number of individual facility ratings was over 46,000. A minimum number of reader responses are required for a facility to qualify for the awards.
The 1,350-acre Waikoloa Beach Resort is located 30 minutes from Kona International Airport on the Kohala Coast of Hawaii’s Big Island. Its two distinctive golf courses, the Beach Course and the Kings’ Course, feature challenging layouts sprawled among fields of ancient lava. The 7,064-yard, par-72 Kings’ Course is a classic links-style design by Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish. The 6,566-yard, par-70 Beach Course, which offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, meanders through several water features and bunkers bordered by palm trees. Additional resort attractions include the Queens’ Marketplace shopping and lifestyle center, the upscale Kings’ Shops, Anaehoomalu Bay’s white-sand beach, two luxury hotels, and half a dozen private vacation condominium properties. Waikoloa Beach Resort was awarded the 2008 Silver Medal Golf Resort Award by Golf Magazine.
See the entire Readers’ Choice Awards results, including the Top 50 Public and Private Golf Facilities and photo highlights, in the current online issue of GolfWorld.
Stay in a luxury Shores vacation vental surrounded by the Waikoloa Beach Golf Course and receive big discounts on golf. Call (808) 886-7874.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Sunday, October 11, 2009
The Big Island's Thrilling New Ride
Be a Part of the Action Without Leaving Your Seat.
The Shops at Mauna Lani begins construction of an exciting 24-seat theater that will feature 4-D movies, according to a news release by the Shops last month. Along with 3-D visuals on the screen, visitors will experience physical effects on full-range motion seats. Simulated effects may include air jets, water sprays, wind, and vibration. High definition digital projectors will show the customized films on a 19-foot widescreen accompanied by a state-of-the-art surround sound system.
The project is being dubbed “The Great 4-D Movie Ride” in reference to The Great Movie Ride, the Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park attraction at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. At this reproduction of the infamous Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, visitors are taken on an action-packed journey through a series of Hollywood’s most memorable motion pictures by the use of specialized film footage and life-like Audio-Animatronic effects.
The new, first-ever 4-D film entertainment venue in Hawaii takes the technology a step further by synchronizing classic 3-D film and high-tech animation techniques with realistic physical sensations. The Great 4-D Movie Ride is slated to open as early as November.
The Shops at Mauna Lani (http://www.shopsatmaunalani.com/) is a large, open-air shopping destination nestled between the Kohala Coast's Waikoloa Beach and Mauna Kea resorts. The Shops features upscale designer boutiques such as Tori Richard and Jourabchi, local gift shops, premier art galleries, a Foodland Farms gourmet market, and popular restaurants such as Ruth’s Chris Steak House and Tommy Bahama’s Tropical Cafe. Frequent live entertainment and various events are presented at the Shops' center stage pavilion.
The Shops at Mauna Lani begins construction of an exciting 24-seat theater that will feature 4-D movies, according to a news release by the Shops last month. Along with 3-D visuals on the screen, visitors will experience physical effects on full-range motion seats. Simulated effects may include air jets, water sprays, wind, and vibration. High definition digital projectors will show the customized films on a 19-foot widescreen accompanied by a state-of-the-art surround sound system.
The project is being dubbed “The Great 4-D Movie Ride” in reference to The Great Movie Ride, the Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park attraction at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. At this reproduction of the infamous Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, visitors are taken on an action-packed journey through a series of Hollywood’s most memorable motion pictures by the use of specialized film footage and life-like Audio-Animatronic effects.
The new, first-ever 4-D film entertainment venue in Hawaii takes the technology a step further by synchronizing classic 3-D film and high-tech animation techniques with realistic physical sensations. The Great 4-D Movie Ride is slated to open as early as November.
The Shops at Mauna Lani (http://www.shopsatmaunalani.com/) is a large, open-air shopping destination nestled between the Kohala Coast's Waikoloa Beach and Mauna Kea resorts. The Shops features upscale designer boutiques such as Tori Richard and Jourabchi, local gift shops, premier art galleries, a Foodland Farms gourmet market, and popular restaurants such as Ruth’s Chris Steak House and Tommy Bahama’s Tropical Cafe. Frequent live entertainment and various events are presented at the Shops' center stage pavilion.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
New Flights, Bigger Fleets for Hawaii in 2010
More Flights to Honolulu in Spring and Summer 2010.
Hawaiian Airlines says it will add three new flights from California to Hawaii for the peak summer months of 2010, according to recent stories posted by the Pacific Business News and the Honolulu Star Bulletin. The new services include a flight from Oakland to Maui; a flight from San Diego to Maui; and an additional flight from Los Angeles to Honolulu to provide a total of three nonstop daily flights from Los Angeles in summer. The three new California flights begin on June 17.
Hawaiian will also feature some of its new wide-body aircraft on some of its Los Angeles-Honolulu routes next year, with the capacity to bring 324 additional passengers daily from this Western market. In January 2008, Hawaiian purchased a fleet of long-range A330-200's that will gradually replace the carrier’s Boeing 767's currently used for distant flights. The updated aircraft will allow Hawaiian to expand into more distant routes from Honolulu in the future.
Also in 2010, American Airlines will reinstate its Chicago-Honolulu flight that it had eliminated in January of this year. The company plans to add a total of 487 daily departures from its O’Hare International Airport in Chicago--including the Honolulu flight--as part of a new financial restructuring program. American, which is based in Fort Worth, Texas, currently operates 12 flights to Hawaii from the Mainland, including four daily Los Angeles-Honolulu flights, two daily Dallas/Fort Worth-Honolulu flights, and one daily San Francisco-Honolulu flight. It also features daily flights from Los Angeles to Kauai and Kona. The Chicago to Honolulu flight will resume its schedule in spring 2010.
Source: "Hawaiian Expands California Summer Service," Pacific Business News (Honolulu), September 17, 2009. "Hawaiian Adding Flights," StarBulletin, September 18, 2009. "American Airlines' Chicago-Honolulu Route Restored," StarBulletin, September 20, 2009.
Hawaiian Airlines says it will add three new flights from California to Hawaii for the peak summer months of 2010, according to recent stories posted by the Pacific Business News and the Honolulu Star Bulletin. The new services include a flight from Oakland to Maui; a flight from San Diego to Maui; and an additional flight from Los Angeles to Honolulu to provide a total of three nonstop daily flights from Los Angeles in summer. The three new California flights begin on June 17.
Hawaiian will also feature some of its new wide-body aircraft on some of its Los Angeles-Honolulu routes next year, with the capacity to bring 324 additional passengers daily from this Western market. In January 2008, Hawaiian purchased a fleet of long-range A330-200's that will gradually replace the carrier’s Boeing 767's currently used for distant flights. The updated aircraft will allow Hawaiian to expand into more distant routes from Honolulu in the future.
Also in 2010, American Airlines will reinstate its Chicago-Honolulu flight that it had eliminated in January of this year. The company plans to add a total of 487 daily departures from its O’Hare International Airport in Chicago--including the Honolulu flight--as part of a new financial restructuring program. American, which is based in Fort Worth, Texas, currently operates 12 flights to Hawaii from the Mainland, including four daily Los Angeles-Honolulu flights, two daily Dallas/Fort Worth-Honolulu flights, and one daily San Francisco-Honolulu flight. It also features daily flights from Los Angeles to Kauai and Kona. The Chicago to Honolulu flight will resume its schedule in spring 2010.
Source: "Hawaiian Expands California Summer Service," Pacific Business News (Honolulu), September 17, 2009. "Hawaiian Adding Flights," StarBulletin, September 18, 2009. "American Airlines' Chicago-Honolulu Route Restored," StarBulletin, September 20, 2009.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Book Your Ironman Rental Away from Crowds
There is still time to book accommodations for the Ford Ironman World Championship coming up on Saturday, October 10, 2009. Waikoloa Beach Resort is a wonderful out-of-the-way vacation spot from which to observe the athletes as they make their way down Queen Kaahumanu Highway. Most of the hotel rooms in and around Kailua-Kona, the center of Ironman activity, book up well in advance of the infamous event.
Equivalent in its scope to the Super Bowl or the Tour de France, the annual Ford Ironman is the major competition for triathletes from all over the world. Among tens of thousands of applicants, just 1,800 swimmers, bikers and runners are chosen either by random lottery number or by winning one of the qualifying international races. Amateurs as well as top athletes are allowed to participate. During the weekend prior to the race, athletes are prepped by renowned Ironman coaches at a special training camp. Following the race a big banquet is held. Last year’s Kona Ironman winners were Australia’s Craig Alexander and Great Britain’s Chrissie Wellington.
The Ironman triathlon got started in 1977 when Navy Seals Commander John Collins was discussing with a group of athletes the idea of creating a single event combining three major competitions: the Honolulu Marathon, the Waikiki Rough Water Swim and the Around Oahu Bike Race. The purpose was to determine who the fittest athlete was for 1978. Shortly thereafter Collins, at a Honolulu Marathon Awards Ceremony, announced his suggestion of combining the three races and that whoever finished first would be an Ironman.
Thousands of spectators assemble throughout West Hawaii each October for the huge one-day competition. The 112 mile bike course runs from Kailua-Kona all the way to Hawi, while the run course traverses 26.2 miles of rugged terrain from Keauhou to Kona’s Natural Energy Lab. The World Championship Swim Course is situated in Kailua Bay. During the event major parts of the Big Island's Queen Kaahumanu Highway (HWY 19) will have traffic closures or restrictions.
Waikoloa Beach Resort is the place to book your fully equipped vacation rental where you can be a part of the Ironman festivities while nestled comfortably away from the predicted crowds. Walk from your rental up to Highway 19 to cheer on the bikers. Reserve now and enjoy Waikoloa Realty’s fantastic last-minute specials for the month of October. Browse through our luxury Shores at Waikoloa and Vista Waikoloa vacation rentals to find one that suits your needs.
Please call (808) 886-7874 for information about Waikoloa vacation rentals.
Equivalent in its scope to the Super Bowl or the Tour de France, the annual Ford Ironman is the major competition for triathletes from all over the world. Among tens of thousands of applicants, just 1,800 swimmers, bikers and runners are chosen either by random lottery number or by winning one of the qualifying international races. Amateurs as well as top athletes are allowed to participate. During the weekend prior to the race, athletes are prepped by renowned Ironman coaches at a special training camp. Following the race a big banquet is held. Last year’s Kona Ironman winners were Australia’s Craig Alexander and Great Britain’s Chrissie Wellington.
The Ironman triathlon got started in 1977 when Navy Seals Commander John Collins was discussing with a group of athletes the idea of creating a single event combining three major competitions: the Honolulu Marathon, the Waikiki Rough Water Swim and the Around Oahu Bike Race. The purpose was to determine who the fittest athlete was for 1978. Shortly thereafter Collins, at a Honolulu Marathon Awards Ceremony, announced his suggestion of combining the three races and that whoever finished first would be an Ironman.
Thousands of spectators assemble throughout West Hawaii each October for the huge one-day competition. The 112 mile bike course runs from Kailua-Kona all the way to Hawi, while the run course traverses 26.2 miles of rugged terrain from Keauhou to Kona’s Natural Energy Lab. The World Championship Swim Course is situated in Kailua Bay. During the event major parts of the Big Island's Queen Kaahumanu Highway (HWY 19) will have traffic closures or restrictions.
Waikoloa Beach Resort is the place to book your fully equipped vacation rental where you can be a part of the Ironman festivities while nestled comfortably away from the predicted crowds. Walk from your rental up to Highway 19 to cheer on the bikers. Reserve now and enjoy Waikoloa Realty’s fantastic last-minute specials for the month of October. Browse through our luxury Shores at Waikoloa and Vista Waikoloa vacation rentals to find one that suits your needs.
Please call (808) 886-7874 for information about Waikoloa vacation rentals.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Waikoloa Bowl Wins Landscape Design Award
Waikoloa's Open-air Arena Complements the Area.
Waikoloa Bowl at Queens Gardens has been awarded with a 2009 Professional Design Award of Merit by the Hawaii Chapter, American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA). The certificate representing the award in the General Design Category was accepted at a Waikiki Yacht Club banquet on August 25 by Richard L. Quinn and Robyn Sweesy of Heber, Hastert & Fee, Planners, and Scott Head of Waikoloa Land Company. The developers designed the 11-acre performing arts amphitheatre in accordance with the region’s unique environment by ensuring that the nightly winds blow towards the stage.
Waikoloa Bowl, adjacent to the Queens’ MarketPlace shopping and lifestyle center, is a 5,500-capacity outdoor performance arena with sloped lawn seating and breathtaking views of Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa and the Kohala Mountains. The surrounding tropical gardens showcase over 100 species of native Hawaiian and Polynesian plants. Waikoloa Bowl presents live music performances and various resort and cultural events, including the Waikoloa Nights Concert Series which has featured such bands as Earth, Wind & Fire and Journey.
Honolulu-based Helber Hastert & Fee is well-respected both in Hawaii and internationally for its innovative landscape design. Their planning incorporates a deep sensitivity towards a region’s cultural and historical significance by utilizing local and sustainable resources and highlighting native plant species. Along with Waikoloa Cultural Gardens and the adjacent Queens’ MarketPlace, projects of Helber Hastert & Fee include Honolulu’s Davies Pacific Center and Maui’s Kapalua coastal trail.
In the Waikoloa Beach Resort media press release of August 26 (http://waikoloabeachresort.com/), Scott Head says, “Waikoloa Performance and Cultural Gardens provides an exclusive opportunity for residents and visitors alike to immerse themselves in the extensive culture of the Hawaiian Islands.”
Waikoloa Bowl at Queens Gardens has been awarded with a 2009 Professional Design Award of Merit by the Hawaii Chapter, American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA). The certificate representing the award in the General Design Category was accepted at a Waikiki Yacht Club banquet on August 25 by Richard L. Quinn and Robyn Sweesy of Heber, Hastert & Fee, Planners, and Scott Head of Waikoloa Land Company. The developers designed the 11-acre performing arts amphitheatre in accordance with the region’s unique environment by ensuring that the nightly winds blow towards the stage.
Waikoloa Bowl, adjacent to the Queens’ MarketPlace shopping and lifestyle center, is a 5,500-capacity outdoor performance arena with sloped lawn seating and breathtaking views of Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa and the Kohala Mountains. The surrounding tropical gardens showcase over 100 species of native Hawaiian and Polynesian plants. Waikoloa Bowl presents live music performances and various resort and cultural events, including the Waikoloa Nights Concert Series which has featured such bands as Earth, Wind & Fire and Journey.
Honolulu-based Helber Hastert & Fee is well-respected both in Hawaii and internationally for its innovative landscape design. Their planning incorporates a deep sensitivity towards a region’s cultural and historical significance by utilizing local and sustainable resources and highlighting native plant species. Along with Waikoloa Cultural Gardens and the adjacent Queens’ MarketPlace, projects of Helber Hastert & Fee include Honolulu’s Davies Pacific Center and Maui’s Kapalua coastal trail.
In the Waikoloa Beach Resort media press release of August 26 (http://waikoloabeachresort.com/), Scott Head says, “Waikoloa Performance and Cultural Gardens provides an exclusive opportunity for residents and visitors alike to immerse themselves in the extensive culture of the Hawaiian Islands.”
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
HTA Rolls Out Plan to Boost Hawaii Tourism
The Hawaii Tourism Authority recently unveiled a new marketing strategy aimed at increasing the state’s slumping tourist market, the Pacific Business News reported on August 28. In a meeting at the Hawaii Convention Center last Thursday, the HTA laid out specifics of a comprehensive 2010 plan to secure long-term growth as well as to bolster short-term visitors in key markets.
The plan focuses on reestablishing tourism from Japan, China, Korea, Vancouver, and the U.S. West, areas from which air seats to Hawaii have shown particular declines. Along with the economic downturn, the bankruptcies of ATA and Aloha Airlines last spring, higher fuel costs and the swine flu outbreak are factors that have led to weakening numbers from these core segments.
In addition to generating travel from targeted regions, the HTA aims to attract more business meetings. The MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) travel market, as it is known, has suffered declines in response to the global economic slump as corporations slash budgets and re-think their policy of sponsoring employee trips to out-of-state resorts.
The HTA, in collaboration with the Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau as well as various state agencies and travel companies, will focus marketing blitzes in single cities, such as Seattle and Portland, using a certain “branding” method that has worked well in the past. Hawaii Tourism Japan will continue to promote Hawaii tourism through brochures and online advertising content. And Hawaii Tourism Asia will concentrate on redirecting funds from other markets to the Korean and Chinese populations and work towards educating wholesalers.
End-of-Summer Travel Picks Up. Despite consistent Hawaii hotel occupancy declines, however--including a decrease of 8.1 percent in total visitor arrivals through July as compared to last year—the Pacific Business News reports that occupancy numbers remained steady in August overall. A recent study by Smith Travel Research and Hospitality Advisors shows higher occupancy levels in August for Maui and the Big Island in particular.
The plan focuses on reestablishing tourism from Japan, China, Korea, Vancouver, and the U.S. West, areas from which air seats to Hawaii have shown particular declines. Along with the economic downturn, the bankruptcies of ATA and Aloha Airlines last spring, higher fuel costs and the swine flu outbreak are factors that have led to weakening numbers from these core segments.
In addition to generating travel from targeted regions, the HTA aims to attract more business meetings. The MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) travel market, as it is known, has suffered declines in response to the global economic slump as corporations slash budgets and re-think their policy of sponsoring employee trips to out-of-state resorts.
The HTA, in collaboration with the Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau as well as various state agencies and travel companies, will focus marketing blitzes in single cities, such as Seattle and Portland, using a certain “branding” method that has worked well in the past. Hawaii Tourism Japan will continue to promote Hawaii tourism through brochures and online advertising content. And Hawaii Tourism Asia will concentrate on redirecting funds from other markets to the Korean and Chinese populations and work towards educating wholesalers.
End-of-Summer Travel Picks Up. Despite consistent Hawaii hotel occupancy declines, however--including a decrease of 8.1 percent in total visitor arrivals through July as compared to last year—the Pacific Business News reports that occupancy numbers remained steady in August overall. A recent study by Smith Travel Research and Hospitality Advisors shows higher occupancy levels in August for Maui and the Big Island in particular.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Waimea's Legendary Little Church
The pearl of Waimea’s Church Row stands strong and proud against the lush green hillsides. Of the five beautiful churches stretched along this quaint section of town, this 150-year-old holy beacon represents a signficant period in Hawaiian history. Imiola Congregational Church, one of the four oldest churches on the Hawaiian Islands, began as one of the primary meeting stations established by congregational missionaries in 1830. In 1843 the first official Imiola Church was built--a large, thatched-roof structure with stone walls--only to have its roof collapse a decade later when an earthquake rumbled the town. In 1855 a second, more modest building was erected using koa wood harvested from local forests. Although it has undergone several restorations over the years, this simple 30-by-60-foot wooden structure still stands today.
From 1832 until 1886, the spiritual foundation of Imiola Church, as well as that of the surrounding communities, was shaped by a man named Lorenzo Lyons. Upon his arrival as a missionary from New Bedford, Massachusetts, Lyons immersed himself in the Hawaiian culture and quickly learned to speak and write fluent Hawaiian. His Waimea parish extended to Kawaihae and Puako and along the Hamakua Coast, where he preached at meeting houses and, eventually, built thirteen churches including Imiola. Lyons walked the long distances through valleys, over mountains and along trails to conduct services in the various districts while paying personal visits to residents and attending to the sick. He also served as the area’s school agent and district postmaster.
Lorenzo Lyons was a monumental figure in the huge religious conversion that commenced after the arrival of the missionaries in 1823. These influential pioneers brought with them the teaching of civic values, the introduction of a written Hawaiian language and modern medical techniques. Lyons is also responsible for translating hundreds of Christian hymns into Hawaiian and wrote some hymns of his own, including the lyrics to the beloved song, “Hawaii Aloha.” During his 52 year tenure, Makua Laiana, as they called him, came to be loved and respected by both parishioners and non-parishioners alike. He dedicated his life to Imiola until he died in 1886. Soon after, a monument was created in his honor by the people of Hawaii and it stands proudly on the Imiola Church grounds next to his grave. In 1975, Imiola Church was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
A detailed account of the Hawaiian missionaries and the creation of Imiola can be found in a recently published book called “The Little Koa Church” (blurb.com). Its author, Paul Garneau Clark, includes quotations taken from Reverend Lyons’ journals as well as numerous rare photographs and original manuscripts. Clark’s description of the missionaries' work and 19th century life around the Waimea region, along with his detailed portrait of this important man, makes this an extremely informative and enjoyable book. Here is a link to Erin Miller's review of "The Little Koa Church" in West Hawaii Today: http://www.westhawaiitoday.com/articles/2009/08/02/features/features02.prt. Paul Garneau Clark is a frequent visitor to the Waikoloa Beach Resort area of the Big Island.
From 1832 until 1886, the spiritual foundation of Imiola Church, as well as that of the surrounding communities, was shaped by a man named Lorenzo Lyons. Upon his arrival as a missionary from New Bedford, Massachusetts, Lyons immersed himself in the Hawaiian culture and quickly learned to speak and write fluent Hawaiian. His Waimea parish extended to Kawaihae and Puako and along the Hamakua Coast, where he preached at meeting houses and, eventually, built thirteen churches including Imiola. Lyons walked the long distances through valleys, over mountains and along trails to conduct services in the various districts while paying personal visits to residents and attending to the sick. He also served as the area’s school agent and district postmaster.
Lorenzo Lyons was a monumental figure in the huge religious conversion that commenced after the arrival of the missionaries in 1823. These influential pioneers brought with them the teaching of civic values, the introduction of a written Hawaiian language and modern medical techniques. Lyons is also responsible for translating hundreds of Christian hymns into Hawaiian and wrote some hymns of his own, including the lyrics to the beloved song, “Hawaii Aloha.” During his 52 year tenure, Makua Laiana, as they called him, came to be loved and respected by both parishioners and non-parishioners alike. He dedicated his life to Imiola until he died in 1886. Soon after, a monument was created in his honor by the people of Hawaii and it stands proudly on the Imiola Church grounds next to his grave. In 1975, Imiola Church was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
A detailed account of the Hawaiian missionaries and the creation of Imiola can be found in a recently published book called “The Little Koa Church” (blurb.com). Its author, Paul Garneau Clark, includes quotations taken from Reverend Lyons’ journals as well as numerous rare photographs and original manuscripts. Clark’s description of the missionaries' work and 19th century life around the Waimea region, along with his detailed portrait of this important man, makes this an extremely informative and enjoyable book. Here is a link to Erin Miller's review of "The Little Koa Church" in West Hawaii Today: http://www.westhawaiitoday.com/articles/2009/08/02/features/features02.prt. Paul Garneau Clark is a frequent visitor to the Waikoloa Beach Resort area of the Big Island.
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