‘Twelve Days
of Christmas’
island style
During the holidays, Hawaiian Christmas carols tell of papaya trees, not pear trees, and coconuts, not turtle doves.
From Dec. 21, 2003, to Jan. 1, 2004, special daily events are planned at King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel in Kona on the Big Island, to coincide with the Hawaiian-style version of "The Twelve Days of Christmas," as reimagined by Eaton Bob Magoon Jr., Ed Kenney and Gordon N. Phelps. The local version is sung to the song's traditional melody.
For instance, on Dec. 21, sing: "Numbah one day of Christmas my tutu gave to me, one mynah bird in one papaya tree ..." On this day, keiki of all ages will enjoy Hawaiian storytelling by elders to begin the 12-day countdown to the new year.
The rest of the gift list is as follows:
Dec. 22: Two coconuts -- Features coconut husking and cooking demonstrations in the hotel's main mall, with refreshing tropical coconut flavored chi-chis as the drink of the day.A five-night "Twelve Days of Christmas" stay starts at just $155 per room per night single or double occupancy, plus applicable taxes. Additional nights are subject to availability.Dec. 23: Three dried squid -- will showcase executive chef Michael Oldham demonstrating ethnic food preparations.
Dec. 24: Four flower lei -- let your senses indulge in the fragrance of the islands and enjoy a Hawaiian flower lei making demonstration. You may decide to join in and make your own flower lei to enjoy wearing that evening.
Dec. 25: Five big fat pigs -- tantalizes the appetite with a fascinating imu (underground oven) cooking demonstration followed by the hotel's Hawaiian-style luau with delicious food and exciting entertainment presented by Island Breeze Productions. This special Christmas luau is a "reservations required" evening.
Dec. 26: Six hula lessons -- entertains guests with an alluring hula demonstration the entire family will enjoy.
Dec. 27: Seven shrimps a swimming -- hooks you up to learn about Hawaiian-style shoreline fishing. Take home your very own bamboo fishing pole. The "size" of your fishing tale, we'll leave up to you!
Dec. 28: Eight ukulele -- captivates you as you participate in an ukulele lesson and keiki demonstration of this, the most popular Hawaiian musical instrument.
Dec. 29: Nine pounds of poi -- that you thought couldn't be eaten. You'll be an aficionado after the taro demonstration where you'll learn how this Hawaiian staple is included in numerous local delicious treats from chips and sweet bread to pancakes and muffins, and of course, poi.
Dec. 30: Ten cans of beer -- will highlight Kona's own award-winning micro- brewery, Kona Brewing Company. Taste the brews made with island-flair including their annual Christmas Stout.
Dec. 31: Eleven missionaries -- charms the entire 'ohana (family) with the angelic voices of choir groups performing in the main mall.
Jan. 1: Twelve televisions -- Mandates that you watch the Rose Bowl Parade and games on New Year's Day with friends and family in Paddler's Restaurant.
The package includes a welcome amenity and gift basket for each room.
The basket includes a gift from the hotel's "Made on the Big Island" store, a hotel dining certificate worth $25 at any of the hotel's restaurants or lounges, a certificate for one complimentary luau admission and a discount offer for a future stay at the hotel. Children 18 and under stay free with their parents when existing bedding is used.
King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel is in the Kailua Kona Village. Resort amenities include two lighted tennis courts, pool and sauna, shopping, dining, and a Hawaiian luau dinner and show four nights each week.
On hotel grounds and of significant historical and cultural value is the Ahu'ena heiau which has been fully restored and is listed on the National Register of Historic Landmarks and a State Historic Site.
For reservations, call 1-800-367-6060, visit the Web site www.konabeachhotel.com, or call 808-329-2911 and ask for package code 12DXMAS.
