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Travel Briefs

By Star-Bulletin Staff


[ ISLAND HOPPING ]

Hulafest on Big Isle

One of the most authentic Hawaiian-style events takes place on Labor Day weekend, Saturday and Sept. 1. A free daylong festival of hula, the sixth annual Hulafest is hosted by He Kula Na Mea Hawaii.

Hulafest takes place in Waiohinu, located between Na'alehu and South Point in Ka'u on the Big Island. Appropriately, the event is held near where Polynesians first arrived in Hawaii, an area that has retained its unspoiled nature.

Musical headliners include Amy Hanaiali'i Gilliom, Ho'okena, Kekuhi Kanahele, Uluwehi Guerrero, the Ululoa Serenaders (Ata, Cody Pueo Pata and Kai Smith), and more artists.

Part of Hawaii's statewide Aloha Festivals celebration, Hulafest is designed to perpetuate authentic Hawaiian culture. This year's event will be honored again by the pageantry and protocol of a visit by the Aloha Week Royal Court.

New look in Waikiki

After a $60-million renovation, the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort now offers newly appointed guest rooms, upgraded amenities and new guest services. The kama'aina can play tourist by taking part in complimentary Hawaiian cultural activities, such as flower-lei making, coconut-frond weaving and Hawaiian quilt-making.

From Aug. 24 to Dec. 25, Hawaii residents can find a great value with Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort's $119 kama'aina rate that includes parking and a $25 food and beverage credit each day of their stay. Some restrictions apply and rooms are subject to availability.

Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort offers 1,310 guest rooms and suites with private lanais, two freshwater swimming pools, a fitness room, business center and more than 15 shops and boutiques.

For parents traveling with children, there's also the new Keiki Klub children's program, offering youngsters the opportunity to learn more about Hawaii's unique culture in an educational and entertaining way.

The land on which the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort stands was once the site of the Kuekaunahi Stream, which ran through Queen Lili'uokalani's property, Hamohamo. There were two summer cottages called Paoakalani and Kealohilani on the property. The two guest towers at the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort were renamed to represent the homes of Hawaii's last reigning monarch.

The resort is located across the street from Waikiki Beach and is within walking distance of the International Market Place, the Waikiki Aquarium, the Honolulu Zoo and Kapiolani Park.

For more information or reservations, call 922-8811 or go online at www.waikikimarriott.com.







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