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[ ISLAND HOPPING ]

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Deals at Waikoloa

Beginning Oct. 1, Waikoloa Beach Marriott on the Big Island's Kohala Coast will be offering "Retrofit Rates" 42 to 47 percent off normal rack rates.

Travelers will pay $169 double for a garden-view room, $199 for partial ocean view, $234 for ocean view, and $269 for an oceanfront room. The usual rates are $315, $350, $400 and $485 respectively.

The rates will be available through Dec. 21, 2003, during the installation of a $600,000 automatic fire sprinkler system in the resort's ballroom and meeting rooms from 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays. Work will not affect guest rooms. Rates include daily buffet breakfast for two for those in ocean rooms.

The resort is at 69-275 Waikoloa Beach Drive. For reservations, call 800-922-5533 or go online at www.waikoloabeachmarriott.com.

You might plan to go starting Nov. 16, when the resort hosts a "Celebration of Whales" program, in which one free whale-watching cruise is offered per guest room with every stay of five nights or more.

The catamaran cruise includes narration by a marine naturalist, soft drinks and snacks. The cruise is normally $59 for adults and $39 for keiki.

The cruise celebrates the 40-ton humpback whales that summer in Alaska and journey to Hawaii's warmer waters to breed and calve in the winter.

The special will be offered through April 16, 2004, and can be combined with any promotional package or the Marriott Leisure Rate of $189 per night, double, for a garden-view room through Dec. 22, or $195 after Jan. 1, 2004.