[ SUNDAY TRAVEL ]
Kama'aina korner
Starting June 1, Starwood Hotels and Resorts will be accepting charter members in its exclusive "Akamai Club," open only to kama'aina. Membership is $170 a year and provides certificates good for discounted rooms at the Sheraton Maui, as well as the four Sheratons in Waikiki. Dining and interisland airline discounts are also available. Call 662-8000 for more information, or go to www.starwoodhawaii.com on the Web.
Much ado about nothing
Maui OnStage presents a production of Yasmina Reza's play "Art," the Tony Award-winning comedy about three men whose friendship is jeopardized when one of them buys a painting of questionable quality. (In fact, it appears to be a blank canvas.) Surely one of the funniest plays in recent years, this is a great opportunity to see one of the biggest hits of Broadway and London of the last few years. It plays at the Historic Iao Theatre from April 13 to 29. For more information, call (808) 242-6969.
Arbor anniversary
Also on Maui, celebrate the 128th birthday of one of the island's most famous natural landmarks, the Banyan Tree in Old Lahaina, on April 21 and 22. Eat birthday cake, listen to live music, enjoy exhibits of local art, and encourage the kids to depict the celebrated shade-giver in their own unique ways. Admission is free. For more information, call the Lahaina Visitor Center at (808) 667-9193.
Mammalology
From June 28 to July 1, it's time for "Dolphin Days" once again at the Hilton Waikoloa Village on the Big Island. Along with plenty of dolphin watching, you can also participate in a charity golf tournament, attend a luau and sample many gastronomic delicacies prepared by the Hilton team. It all culminates in the Great Waikoloa Food, Wine and Music Festival, which will bring together some of the islands' greatest chefs, along with jazz artists such as Oleta Adams and Carl Anderson. It is a benefit for the Hawaii Shriners Hospital. For more information or tickets, call (808) 886-1234, or go to www.dolphindays.com on the Web.
Hula bowl
Tickets are sold out for Hawaii's most prestigious hula competition, the Merrie Monarch Festival, set for April 15-21 on the Big Island, but at the same time there still will be the Miss Aloha Hula competition and many other festivities culminating in a grand parade down the streets of Hilo.For more information, call (808) 935-9168.
Maui hotel 2nd in survey
Everyone knows that Vegas is the place for last-minute weddings, but its reputation for post-matrimonial activities is a bit more dubious. That may be changing now that Harlequin Enterprises, the purveyors of those torrid romance novels, has recently come up with a list of the best honeymoon destinations in the United States. The top pick for a post-wedding retreat? The Bellagio Hotel on the Las Vegas strip, say the 100 travel agents who responded to the survey. And what hotel ranked second on the list? Why, the Four Seasons Maui, of course. By the way, starting yesterday through Sept. 3, the Bellagio is also exhibiting several artworks from comedian/author Steve Martin's private collection, which includes 28 paintings by such artists as Picasso, Seurat and David Hockney. And even if you don't like art, the audio tour narrated by Martin himself is sure to be worth the $12 price of admission. For information, call 888-987-3456.
Rock-y marriages
And speaking of getting hitched, how would you like Bon Jovi to perform at your wedding? Well? Well? Anyway, 75 (lucky) couples will get the honor on April 21 when the rocker serenades a mass wedding at the Graceland Wedding Chapel on the Strip. That happens to be the place where Jon Bon Jovi married his own wife 11 years ago. But never fear, you don't have to walk down the aisle to see the band. Jon and the boys plan to perform at the MGM Grand Garden Arena later the same day. For information, call the chapel at 702-474-6655.
Taking the plunge
OK, one more marriage item and then we'll stop. TheKnot.com, a Web site devoted to all things wedding, recently published "Ten Great Places to Pop the Question," and the Top of the World restaurant at the Stratosphere Casino Hotel made the list. The establishment boasts a revolving, 360-degree view of Vegas and is apparently as romantic as more familiar destinations cited (Paris, the Brooklyn Bridge, etc.). So let's see if you have this straight: You propose at the Stratosphere, get married at the Graceland, honeymoon at the Bellagio. Stay tuned for information on rings and last-minute bridesmaids!
Permanent performers
Afraid you're losing track of Siegfried and Roy? You are? Then you're sure to be comforted by the news that the popular well-coiffed magicians and animal enthusiasts have signed lifetime contracts with the Mirage Hotel. Terms of the contracts were not obtainable, though we'd be surprised if they didn't contain contingency plans for hair care and disposal of tiger droppings. The popular duo has been making large animals disappear and reappear at the Mirage for more than 10 years to the evident delight of millions. If you're one of the few who hasn't caught their act, you have even fewer excuses than before. And if you'd like to stay nearby, call the Mirage at 800-374-9000.