[ISLAND HOPPING]
Take pick of Big Isle
Prince Resorts Hawaii has introduced several 2002 packages designed to meet every traveler's desires:>> The "Body & Soul" spa package is for those in search of rejuvenation. Starting at $419 per night, the package includes mountain-view accommodations and a selection of daily fitness classes: yoga, AquaFit, step aerobics or Pilates, plus one spa treatment per day, whether it's a facial, seaweed or salt body wrap, or 50-minute massage. The package is available through Dec. 15, 2002.
>> Those who want to go exploring can opt for the "Room & Car" package, from April 15 to July 21. The package includes a compact car for traversing 11 of the world's 13 climate zones, condensed on this one Big Island. Stays start at $265 per night for mountain-view accommodations at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel or partial ocean view at Hapuna.
>> Inquire about golf, tennis, honeymoon/romance and "Best of Everything" packages as well, by calling Mauna Kea Resort at 1 (800) 882-6060. Or visit the Web site www.princeresortshawaii.com.
Peek under the sea
The Maui Ocean Center has opened a new exhibition, "Deep Hawaii," which allows visitors to discover, via film footage from the Makali'i research submarine, the ocean depths surrounding the Lo'ihi seamount at the southern tip of the Hawaiian island chain.Lo'ihi, a mere bump on the ocean floor, is in the process of becoming Hawaii's youngest island, where strange life forms such as oval squid and glass sponges thrive in darkness, crushing pressure and bone-chilling temperatures.
The exhibition is a partnership between Maui Ocean Center and Hawaii Undersea Research Laboratory.
There will be a blessing for "Deep Hawaii" at 1 p.m. Saturday by Kahu Charles Maxwell and Clifford Nae'ole.
The Maui Ocean Center is located in Ma'alaea. The marine park is dedicated to preserving and sharing the beauty and wonder of Hawaii's indigenous and endemic marine life. For more information, call (808) 270-7000 or go online at www.mauioceancenter.com.
Enjoy privacy on Kauai
Pleasant Hawaiian Holidays has partnered with the Hyatt Regency Kauai Resort & Spa to promote the luxury resort's Aloha Rate promotion for Pleasant's guests who travel now through May 31; Aug. 24 through Oct. 10; or Dec. 1 through 16, staying in run-of-house mountain/garden, partial ocean, and deluxe ocean accommodations.Included in each package is a fresh flower lei greeting, daily Dollar Rent A Car, all hotel and car rental taxes and more.
Located on Keoneloa Bay in Poipu, the beachfront property offers a saltwater lagoon, golf, tennis, and a full health spa. The package is geared to those who prefer to vacation during off-peak times.
Four-night, land-only holidays start at $732 per person, double occupancy, reflecting a savings of $406 per room over the regular rate. Additional room nights and nationwide airfares -- including up to 50 percent off first class -- are also available.
For more information and reservations, call Pleasant at (800) 242-9244 or go online at www.2Hawaii.com.