[ISLAND HOPPING]

Parker Ranch roundup

Those on the Big Island might want to mosey on down to Waimea's Parker Ranch where its annual Labor Day weekend Round-Up Club and Horse Race event is going on from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. today.

There will be team roping, double mugging, bull riding, bronc riding, barrel racing and wild cow races in the Parker Ranch Rodeo Arena.

This will be followed by a "Real Beef by Real Cowboys" benefit dinner from 3 to 5 p.m. at the ranch's Pukalani Stables. Nine Big Island ranchers, including Parker Ranch's Robby Hind, will be grilling beef to be paired with vintage wines, microbrews and imported beers. Tickets are $35 at the door.

The event benefits preservation of the paniolo heritage and lifestyle. Call (808) 885-6707.

Royal Hawaiian's 75th

In celebration of its 75th anniversary, the Royal Hawaiian Hotel is offering two packages, effective Jan. 3 to Dec. 25, 2002.

The first is "The Royal Rhapsody," with amenities ranging from a traditional lei greeting upon arrival to departing with a 75th anniversary commemorative plate. Guests will also enjoy a Honolulu trolley tour for two, a catamaran ride for two, daily breakfast for two in the Surf Room and an afternoon tea for two overlooking the ocean.

There is a four-night minimum stay with accommodations in an ocean ($489 nightly), historic garden ($374 nightly) or historic wing ($344 nightly) room.

You'd best start saving now for "The Royal Suite" package, a luxurious four-night stay that will run you $14,480. For those kinds of bucks you will kick back in an ocean suite with transportation to and from the hotel in a limousine. On your arrival, you will receive a lei greeting and the Royal Hawaiian's pink champagne with chocolate-dipped strawberries.

Other amenities include daily breakfast for two in your suite, a romantic private dinner for two with wine and champagne, daily afternoon tea for two, and $750 Royal Hawaiian dollars to use for additional dining and activities and daily spa service for two.

Call 1 (800) 782-9488.

Waikoloa unlimited golf

Aston Hotels & Resorts Hawaii is introducing an unlimited golf package for kamaaina guests at the Shores of Waikoloa, a luxury condominium resort on the Waikoloa Golf Club's Beach Course on the Big Island's Kohala Coast. Unlimited golf is based upon playing the same course the same day on a standby basis.

Package rates begin at $280 per night, double occupancy, for a one-bedroom superior suite and include two rounds of golf per room. Foursomes can spread out in the comfort of a two-bedroom superior suite for just $420 per night, which includes four rounds of golf per room. Additional rounds of golf are available for $65 per round.

Package rates are available through Dec. 22. Call (808) 886-5001 or send e-mail to neil.wehrsig@aston-hotels.com.

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