Travel Briefs
Star-Bulletin staff
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Third night a charm
This fall, stay at the oceanfront Royal Kona Resort on the Big Island in a new deluxe garden/mountain-view room for two nights and receive the third night free.
Every third night is free on this special offer. For example, stay six nights and receive two free nights; nine-night stays receive three free nights. The offer is valid through Dec. 20, with blackout dates Oct. 17 to 21.
Sample three-night pricing including the free night is $330 plus tax per room, per stay, based on double occupancy.
This special offer is also available with a daily buffet breakfast for two for an additional $24 plus tax per day, or add a daily Dollar economy car rental for $26 plus tax per day.
The full-service resort overlooks Kailua Bay in the heart of Kailua-Kona. Resort amenities include a private sandy beach area and saltwater swimming lagoon perfect for kids or beginner snorkeling, an oceanfront swimming pool, four lighted tennis courts, a spa and massage center, and shops.
The resort is at 75-5852 Alii Drive. Call toll-free 800-22-ALOHA (222-5642) or visit www.royalkona.com.
TONY NOVAK-CLIFFORD PHOTO
Relax before or after treatments in a wellness spa tub overlooking Hana Bay at Hotel Hana-Maui's Honua Spa.
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Kudos for Honua Spa
Hotel Hana-Maui's Honua Spa is ranked No. 2 in its class in the October issue of Travel + Leisure's "World's Best Spas" list.
The intimate, full-service spa offers a relaxing sanctuary, including two "couples only" treatment suites and a Watsu pool heated to body temperature.
A three-night Wellness and Spa Escape offers four 60-minute spa treatments, breakfast daily for two and accommodations, starting at $593 per night, based on double occupancy.
Guests can relax before and after treatments in a large outdoor basking lava rock whirlpool and lounge chairs overlooking Hana Bay.
The Hotel Hana-Maui offers the ideal location for secluded getaways. It is accessible only via the famous and recently upgraded Hana Highway, a 57-mile drive considered one of the most beautiful in North America. Travelers can also fly directly to Hana Airport from Honolulu or Kahului via Pacific Wings Airlines, or charter air service available through AirLinks. Complimentary transfer service to and from the resort is available.
Call 800-321-HANA or visit www.hotelhanamaui.com.
Underwater wonders
What are leopard and redfoot tortoises? Are hermit crabs really hermits? And, what do sea dragons like to eat? Find out at the Waikiki Aquarium, which presents a full slate of educational programs and activities to help introduce residents and visitors to Hawaii's undersea world.
For wee ones, aquarium Director Andrew Rossiter will present the family overnighter "Director's Tortoises Overnight." Spend the evening learning about tortoise biology and get a behind-the-scenes look at the aquarium's current research programs.
In the morning, participants will help prepare a homemade salad to feed the hungry tortoises. Youngsters must be at least 5 and accompanied by an adult. Evening refreshments and continental breakfast are included in the cost at $35 for adults and $30 per child.
The overnighter starts at 7 p.m. Friday and ends at 8 a.m. Saturday.
For those 14 and older, there will be an opportunity to learn digital photography techniques from Keoki Stender, who will begin the 6-to-8:30 p.m. Jan. 26 program by teaching simple photography techniques. Then participants will practice by taking photos of the animals in the aquarium galleries. The wrap-up will include a tutorial on methods for "fixing" digital photos on the computer. The cost is $12 per person.
The Waikiki Aquarium is the third-oldest public aquarium in the United States and is open 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily, except Christmas Day. Admission is $9 for visitors; $6 for local residents, active-duty military with ID, students with ID and seniors; $4 for youths 13 to 17 and persons with disabilities; $2 for juniors 5 to 12; and free for children 4 and under and Friends of Waikiki Aquarium members.
To register or for more information on other programs, call 923-9741 or go online at www.waquarium.org.