[ISLAND HOPPING]

Kama'aina break

The Sheraton Maui welcomes kama'aina with its "Kama'aina Ocean Promotion" valid Aug. 22 to Dec. 15.

Guests will receive oceanview accommodations at a reduced rate of $140 a night, plus tax and resort fee, and receive a 25 percent discount on lunch and dinner (food only) in selected restaurants.

The offer is based on space availability. To reserve, call (808) 661-0031and ask for rate code KAMOP. Proof of Hawaii residency must be presented on your arrival.

Come sail away

Looking for a romantic way to spend an evening? Pacific Whale Foundation Eco-Adventures has introduced a new Kani Ka Pila Sunset Dinner Sail, with live music, sunset watching and complete dinners along with beer, wine and mai tais.

The two-hour cruise has an introductory price of $39.95 ($42.41 with tax and harbor fees); children ages 4 to12 pay $19.95 ($21.17).

For kama'aina with a valid Hawaii driver's license, the cost $25 per adult, and free for kids to age 12 (one free child per paying adult).

For information or reservations, call (808) 879-8811.

For bird lovers

There are few opportunities to see native birds. The Hawaii Audubon Society and Native Hawaiian Forest Bird Captive Propagation Unit at the Honolulu Zoo are hosting two tours, 9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Aug. 19.

Tours are limited to 10 participants, and guests will see 'Amakihi, learning about the zoo's 'Amakihi Program. An 'Apapane will be seen as well. This will be followed by a tour of the zoo's South American bird collection, including Roseate Spoonbill babies.

A $2 donation is requested of members and nonmembers. Call 528-1432 for reservations and information.

Then on Sept. 17, help the Audubon Society welcome our shorebirds home from Alaska at Paiko Wildlife Refuge and Kuli'ou'ou Beach Park.

Meet at 7:30 a.m. to see Kolea/Pacific Golden Plovers, Ruddy Turnstones, Wandering Tattlers and other birds. Wear tabis or reef walkers (no sneakers or slippers) for the hike on the reef and mud, where you'll also spot crabs and other invertebrates.

Wear sunscreen and a hat and bring water and a snack.

A $2 donation is requested of members and nonmembers. Call Alice at 538-3255 for reservations and more information.

Delicious writing

Bestselling author and part-time Maui resident John Saul will be a presenter at the Maui Writers Conference at the Outrigger Wailea Labor Day weekend, Aug. 31 to Sept. 3.

Mollie Katzen of Moosewood Cookbook fame also will join the star-studded event for its food writing track.

The Maui Writers Conference was named "the best writers conference in the world" by Writers Digest Magazine. The event brings more than 100 best selling authors, agents, editors, publishers and screenwriters to Maui each year.

Katzen is author/illustrator of the classic, "Moosewood Cookbook," as well as bestsellers: "The Enchanted Broccoli Forest," "Still Life With Menu," and the award-winning children's cookbooks "Pretend Soup" and "Honest Pretzels."

In addition to her talk at the Maui Writers Conference, Katzen will join a panel of food writers including Bev Gannon ("The Haliimaile Cookbook"), Ui Goldsberry (Sam Choy cookbooks), Diana von Welanentz Wentworth ("Chicken Soup for the Soul Cookbook"), Joe Ortiz ("The Village Baker"), and Barbara Santos ("The Maui Onion Cookbook").

The panel will hear "pitches" from the audience and offer advice on developing the ideas into published cookbooks. Any registered attendee may attend the food writing track sessions in addition to the dozens of other workshops and panels during the event.

For information, go to www.mauiwriters.com or call (808) 879-0061, or toll-free (888) 974-8373.

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