[ ISLAND HOPPING ]

Sparkling properties

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Eleven local hotels and nine restaurants have been designated as 2003 AAA Four Diamond winners, with one hotel and three restaurants earning the prize for the first time, AAA Hawaii announced Wednesday.

Earning the Four Diamond Award for the first time are the Fairmont Kea Lani Maui at Wailea; Spago in the Four Seasons, Maui; The Banyan Tree in the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua; and Hoku's in the Kahala Mandarin.

Here is the list of winners, with the number of years they have made the list:

Lodging

Big Island
>> Mauna Lani Bay Hotel, 4 years
>> The Orchid at Mauna Lani, 12 years
>> Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel, 2 years

Kauai
>> Hyatt Regency Kauai Resort & Spa, 12 years
>> Princeville Resort, 9 years

Maui
>> Hyatt Regency, 8 years
>> Grand Wailea Resort Hotel and Spa, 4 years
>> The Fairmont Kea Lani Maui, 1 year

Oahu
>> Hilton Hawaiian Village, 16 years
>> Halekulani, 2 years
>> JW Marriott Ihilani Resort & Spa, 3 years

RESTAURANTS

Big Island
>> Pahui'a in the Four Seasons Hualalai, 3 years

Maui
>> Swan Court in Hyatt Maui, 14 years
>> The Banyan Tree in Ritz-Carlton Kapalua, 1 year
>> Spago at the Four Seasons Resort, 1 year

Oahu
>> Bali-by-the-Sea in the Hilton Hawaiian Village, 14 years
>> Hoku's in the Kahala Mandarin, 1 year
>> Orchids in the Halekulani, 8 years
>> Chef Mavro, 3 years
>> Azul at Ihilani, 7 years

Pau hana in Waikiki

The Renaissance Ilikai Waikiki Hotel is inviting the public to savor the finer things in life every fourth Friday of the month beginning on the 22nd.

Show up at Canoes restaurant between 6 and 8 p.m. for a "Seascapes and Sunset" reception featuring free wine, cheese and art. Friday's featured artist will be Al Hogue, who will have a marine life painting in progress.

Sample fresh fruit, cheese and a selection of wines from Kendall Jackson.

Kama'aina accommodations start at $139 per night for city-view rooms for those who don't want to drive home after the experience.

The hotel is at 1777 Ala Moana Boulevard. For more information, call 949-3811.

Star-gazing on Maui

A visit to Maui's Haleakala isn't only about watching the sunrise; it's also a great place for stargazing and the National Park Service's Kilo Hoku programs offer an opportunity to learn Hawaiian star lore.

Events will take place on Dec. 7 and Dec. 13. Meet at the Haleakala Visitor Center no later than 6:30 p.m. for the free program (there is a $10 per vehicle park entrance fee).

Be prepared for cold weather at the 9,730-foot elevation by wearing warm layered clothing and a hat. Bring a beach mat or blanket to sit on, a red-filtered flashlight and binoculars.

The program will take place indoors and outdoors. Call 808-572-4400 for more information.

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