[ISLAND HOPPING]
Brewing on the Big Isle
If you're heading to the Big Island next month, make plans to stop in for the 7th annual Kona Brewers Festival at King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel Luau Grounds on March 9. The event features 30 Hawaii and mainland breweries and chefs from nearly 30 local restaurants serving their creations from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m.Each brewery will be tapping up two to three types of beer, ranging in style from the lightest pilsner to the darkest stout. Chefs from 25 of Hawaii's top restaurants will be serving a smorgasbord of gourmet food items. Brewers and chefs will be on-hand to discuss their creations.
In addition to the craft beer and gourmet cuisine, attendees can enjoy bluegrass and Hawaiian music by Voggy Mountain Ramblers, Lawakua and Dano, a Trash Fashion Show, contests, fire dancers and more. A homebrewers' competition precedes the event, and winners are announced at the festival.
Tickets are $35 in advance, $40 at the door and include a commemorative event mug, eight brew-tasting tickets and unlimited food samplings.
Tickets are on sale on the Big Island at Kona Brewing Company, Kona Wine Market, Tim's Great Cigars, Kamuela Liquor, Mehana Brewing Company and Fiascos; on Kauai at Waimea Brewing Company and Whaler's Brewpub; on Maui at Fish & Game Brewing Co., Kihei Wine & Spirits, Maui Home Brew Supply and Mr. Wine; and on Oahu at Hawaiian Style Homebrew and The Liquor Collection.
The festival is a fund-raising event that promotes the craft brewery revolution in Hawaii and encourages professional brewers and chefs to work together. For more information call (808) 331-3033 or log on to www.KonaBrewingCo.com.
'Winter Escape' deals
Pleasant Hawaiian Holidays has partnered with Starwood Hotels & Resorts Hawaii and The Luxury Collection to promote Starwood's "Winter Escape" specials for all new bookings through June 30, 2002.Those who take advantage of these savings can stay in select accommodations in a wide choice of properties, on five islands, that include The Royal Hawaiian, Sheraton Moana Surfrider, Sheraton Princess Kaiulani, Sheraton Waikiki, W Honolulu Diamond Head, Sheraton Maui, Westin Maui, Kapalua Bay Hotel, The Orchid at Mauna Lani, Sheraton Kauai, Princeville Resort, and the Lodge at Koele and Manele Bay Hotel.
Four-night, land-only holidays on Oahu start at $320 per person, double occupancy, reflecting a savings of $239 per room over the regular rate.
Included in each Pleasant Hawaiian Holidays' travel package are fresh flower lei greeting, airport/hotel transfers on Oahu or daily Dollar Rent A Car on the neighbor islands, all hotel and car rental taxes, accommodations, and more.
Additional room nights and nationwide airfares, including up to 50 percent off first class seats, are also available.
"Winter Escape" rates can be obtained by calling (800) 242-9244. Or visit Pleasant's Web site at www.2Hawaii.com.