Queen Kapi‘olani tees off with first O‘ahu golf package for kama‘āina + photo gallery

Queen Kapi‘olani Hotel, located at the Diamond Head end of Waikīkī, announced its first special for Hawai‘i golfers.

After recently completing more than $5 million in renovation and upgrades, Queen Kapi‘olani Hotel is excited to offer newly refreshed rooms to kama‘āina for a reasonably-priced vacation package which also includes a round of golf.

O‘ahu Room & Golf package

Rates start at $131 per night for weekdays and $151 for weekends for a city view room with a 2-night minimum stay.  The package includes 18-holes of play at the ‘Ewa Beach Golf Club for 2 persons and golf cart rental.  Tee time is arranged prior to arrival.  Additional tee times can also be added after check-in.

‘Ewa Beach Golf Club is an award-winning Robin Nelson Designed golf course which first opened in 1992. The links layout is created out of a Kiawe Forrest. Tree lined fairways put a premium on driving accuracy. The addition of fairway bunkers and water hazards make ‘Ewa Beach Golf Club a challenging experience.

Queen Kapi‘olani’s O‘ahu Room & Golf package is valid for reservations booked for stays now until December 31, 2011.  Rate quoted is based on best available rates, single or double occupancy plus taxes and one round of golf at ‘Ewa Beach Golf Club and cannot be combined with any other offer or promotion. Full, non-refundable, prepayment is required.  A valid Hawai‘i ID will be required upon check-in.  For reservations, see your preferred travel agent; visit Aqua online at www.aquaresorts.com or www.queenkapiolani.com; or call Aqua at 809-924-6543 or toll free at 1-866-406-2782.

Following are recently taken photos of the newly-renovated hotel.

Prince Resorts Hawaii specials and promotions

There are three excellent Prince Resorts located in Hawaii.  Two are located on the sunny Kohala Coast of Hawaii Island:

• Mauna Kea Beach Hotel:  This world-renowned hotel remains one of the most celebrated resorts in Hawaii.  The hotel recently completed a multi-million dollar re-do!
• Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel:  Overlooks Hapuna Beach where I once saw whales breeching in the distance while sitting on my lanai.

And one on the island of Oahu:

• Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki and Golf Club:  The hotel is located in Waikiki and the golf course is located on the leeward side of the island.

Here are several promotions that will be available starting April 1:

2 For 1 Promotion – 2nd Room Free

• Save up to 20% off the rate on your first room and receive the second room free at any of the three Prince Resorts Hawaii properties!
• Complimentary room based on double occupancy
• Valid 4/1/2010 – 9/30/2010 (Mauna Kea Beach Hotel starts 4/10/2010)

Kids Eat Free Program

• Children 12 years and younger eat free when dining with their parents at on-site restaurants.
• Participating venues (Prince Court, Hakone and Bird of Paradise) at Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki (valid 4/1/2010 – 9/30/2010)
• Participating venues (Ocean Terrace, Beach Bar and Coast Grille) at Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel (valid 4/1/2010 – 9/30/2010)
• Participating venues (Manta & Pavilion Wine Bar, Number 3, Hau Tree, Sunday Brunch, Luau and Clambake) at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel (valid 4/10/2010 – 9/30/2010)

Kids Golf Free Program

• Children 17 years and younger will golf free with their parents at the following Prince golf courses:
• Hawaii Prince Golf Club at Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki (Oahu)
• Hapuna Golf Course at Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel (Big Island)
• Valid 4/1/2010 – 9/30/2010

For reservations, bookings and more information call 1-888-9-PRINCE (1-888-977-4623) or visit the Web site at http://www.princeresortshawaii.com/prince-special-offers.php.

Hotel images coutesy Prince Resorts Hawaii

Hawaii Prince Golf Course image taken by Sandi Yara on a sunny day in 2009

Camp Penguin welcomes children of Waikiki-area families

Camp Penguin, the children’s program at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort & Spa now accepts children of guests staying at properties other than the Hilton Hawaiian Village. Children ages 5 to 12 are invited to enroll in a full- or half-day program at the resort, which was recently named one of the Ten Best Family Beach Resorts in nation by Parents Magazine.

Camp Penguin is based out of a 1,200-square-foot space in the Diamond Head Tower and features colorful wall murals, fabric-stuffed palm trees, bean bag furniture, lockers, soft carpeted areas and computer stations. The team of trained and caring camp counselors immerses the children into the rich history and culture of Hawaii. The program also teaches kids to protect the environment with green activities and crafts. A retail outlet offers products that promote the “green theme,” including t-shirts and penguin-themed items made from recycled materials. 

Every day of the week features a different Hawaiian theme and will include fun, educational activities with a focus on learning about Hawaii through storytelling, games, music, arts and crafts, hula and lei-making. Participants learn the “Hawaiian Word of the Day,” which is often used throughout the day. Off-property excursions include visits to the Honolulu Zoo, the Waikiki Aquarium, Bishop Museum and Children’s Discovery Center. Daily themes include: “Wild About Hilton,” “Hawaiian Ocean Explorer,” “Hawaiian Skies,” “Treasures of Hawaii,” “Discover Hawaii,” “Waikiki Aloha Friday” and “Hawaiian Safari.”

At the end of each day, kids receive Camp Penguin Daily News, a recap of the day’s adventures to allow parents an opportunity to engage in conversation with their children. Black and white themed drawings in the newspaper for kids to color will reflect the different Hawaiian themes and lined space encourage kids to write a personal memory about their experience.

Parents can choose between full-day (8 a.m. to 3 p.m.) and half-day (8 a.m. to 12 p.m. or 11:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.) programs. Camp Penguin costs $90 per child ($85 without excursion) for a full day or $65 per child for a half-day ($60 without excursion). Lunch is included and all participants receive a Camp Penguin t-shirt as a part of their registration fee. Registration can be done by calling (808) 942-CAMP (2267).

The Hilton Hawaiian Village is the only resort on Oahu that features African black-footed penguins. The eight penguins—Pu, Malia, Icarus, Remy, Betty, Shaka, Kalia and Mana—have endeared themselves to guests since the establishment of the Penguin Pond exhibit more than 20 years ago. Guests can interact with the penguins during morning feedings and learn about the species from the wildlife team. The comical birds are a part of the resort’s extensive wildlife collection, which also includes flamingos, macaws, ducks, ibises, turtles and fish.

Top photo courtesy of Hilton Hawaiian Village

Bottom group of photos (clockwise – penguins, pink flamingo, turtles, ibis) taken by Sandi Yara

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