Travel Briefs
Star-Bulletin staff
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Big Island hosts a variety of events this month
Take your pick of attractions on the Big Island this month. You can venture to the beaches of the Kohala Coast to the crater of Kilauea, the world's most active volcano, to the summit of snowcapped Mauna Kea, then take time for a few cultural events:
» The Hamakua Music Festival Jazz Getaway Thursday through May 14 will feature a lineup of international performers celebrating the great American art form of jazz. The event raises funds for scholarships, music camps and in-school music instruction. Visit www.hamakuamusicfestival.org or call 808-775-3378 for information.
» Kona Classic Underwater Photography & Art Festival draws underwater photographers to the Royal Kona Resort for one of diving's top photo contests, Saturday to May 21. Visit www.sportdiver.com, www.royalkona.com, or call 808-329-3111.
» Pick your spot on the green at Waikoloa Beach Resort's golf courses during the 2006 Big Island Film Festival under the stars May 18 through 21. Celebrating independent narrative films and filmmakers, the inaugural fest will also feature music, parties, filmmaker and actor salutes, an awards brunch, filmmaker symposiums and a golf tournament. Call 808-883-0394 or visit www.bigislandfilmfestival.com.
» Cowboys convene in Honokaa May 26 through 29 for the Hawaii Saddle Club Rodeo, a parade and a square dance sure to please paniolo and western enthusiasts. Other activities include a live auction, saloon girl contest, farmer's market, food and music from "Hawaii's Country Girl," Melveen Leed. Call 808-933-9772 or e-mail amoon@bigisland.com for information.
'Discover Waikiki' with the Pacific Beach Hotel
Pacific Beach Hotel is offering a kamaaina and military "Discover Waikiki" special through June 7. For $130 a night, two guests can enjoy all Waikiki has to offer, including a 15 percent dining discount at Neptune's Garden, Shogun or Oceanarium Restaurants for parties up to 10 people (some restrictions could apply); a 50 percent discount on hotel self-parking; free 24-Hour Fitness privileges; free tennis court time; and a 10 percent discount on services at the Hawaiian Rainforest Salon & Spa, located within the hotel. A Dollar Rent A Car discount special for just $29 per day, including a free midsize upgrade, is also available.
Call 800-367-6060 (923-4511 on Oahu) for reservations.
The offer is for one discount per room for partial ocean-view rooms with existing bedding arrangements. Applicable taxes apply.
The offer is subject to availability, may change without notice and cannot be combined with another offer. Reservations must be made at least 24 hours in advance and a valid Hawaii or military ID is required. Other restrictions might apply.
The hotel, at 2490 Kalakaua Ave., is home to a three-story, 280,000-gallon indoor aquarium that is the dramatic backdrop for its restaurants.
Hawaiian cuisine, culture offered at Hotel Hana-Maui
Discovering Hawaii's culinary and cultural heritage will be the focus of a five-day extravaganza that starts tomorrow at the Hotel Hana-Maui.
Tasting dinners with such guest chefs as Susur Lee of Toronto, Cal Stamenov of Marinus Restaurant in Carmel, Calif., and Craig von Foerster of Sierra Mar Restaurant in Big Sur, Calif., will be followed by discussions and autograph sessions with the chefs. There will be an authentic luau, trips to forage for tropical fruits, classes on traditional Hawaiian farming methods and visits to a coffee and chocolate farm, as well as other excursions. Accommodation rates, which include all events, range from $6,100 to $7,450 double occupancy. (800-321-4262; www.hotelhanamaui.com)