MARC RESORTS An artist's rendering shows what the terrace will look like after The Marc Resorts Diamond Head Beach Hotel undergoes renovations.

Construction special

The Marc Resorts Diamond Head Beach Hotel is undergoing a multimillion dollar face lift and offers a "construction special" for guests.

Guests can stay on Waikiki Beach for rates starting at just $75 a night, with studios and suites priced at 30 percent off listed rack rates.

The special is good until June 30, when renovations are expected to be done.

Rooms come with kitchens, cable television, air-conditioning and daily complimentary coffee. All suites have a private lanai. Other amenities include a laundry facility, parking (for a fee) and concierge/bell service.

The hotel is near Kapiolani Park with its sports, entertainment and cultural activities at your doorstep, Waikiki Aquarium a block away, plus Waikiki shops and restaurants.

Call 1-800-535-0085 or visit the hotel's Web site at www.marcresorts.com.

Starry, starry nights

The Ala Moana Hotel is rolling out the red carpet and treating Oahu guests to a Hollywood night with its new kamaaina movie package.

For $89 a night, guests will receive a Waikiki Tower room and choice of Consolidated Theaters' "Movie Pack," which includes two general admission tickets, a large popcorn and two sodas, or an in-room movie (except adult features), a 12-inch pepperoni pizza and two sodas.

The hotel is adjacent to the Ala Moana Center shopping mall and also is within walking distance of the Hawaii Convention Center.

For information, call 955-4811 or visit www.alamoanahotel.com.

Cowboy way

Parker Ranch celebrates "Paniolo Fridays" weekly, with art and cultural demonstrations. The public is encouraged to dress paniolo-style (like a Hawaiian cowboy) for the events that take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the historic home Puuopelu.

The line-up for April is:

>> April 5: Aunties Margie and Elaine play Hawaiian music.
>> April 12: Roy Jensen demonstrates ipu making (turning gourds into musical instruments).
>> April 19: Donna Jensen demonstrates Hawaiian quilting.
>> April 26: Pat Clifford shows how to make lei hulu poe poe, or round, feather lei.

Paniolo Friday events are included with admission to the historic homes of Parker Ranch. The cost is $8.50 for adults; $7.50 for seniors 60 and older; $6 for children ages 4 to 11; and free for keiki under 4.

The homes are 37 miles by car from Kona International Airport. For more information, call (808) 885-5433.

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