[ ISLAND HOPPING ]
Kama'aina on Kauai
The Kaua'i Marriott Resort and Beach Club is offering locals a special kama'aina room rate of $109 through Jan. 1.Proof of Hawaii residency will be required upon arrival. The rate is based on availability, and restrictions may apply.
The resort, located on 51 oceanfront acres on Kauai's east side, overlooks Kalapaki Beach and Nawiliwili Harbor, features four restaurants and two lounges, a health and fitness center, a full-service spa, a 26,000-square-foot swimming pool and two Jack Nicklaus-designed golf courses.
It is five minutes from Lihue Airport. For reservations or information, call 808-245-5050.
Tour taro patch
Hawaiians guides will lead hikes to active lo'i (taro patches) on Maui next month.The Kapahu Farm Taro Patch Tour will cover more than two acres of taro and other Polynesian introduced plants.
Anyone capable of completing a moderate one-mile hike through wet, muddy terrain is welcome to join the tour from 1 to 2 p.m. Jan. 7. Meet outside the Kipahulu Visitor Center at Haleakala National Park.
Bring snacks, water, sunscreen, rain gear, camera and shoes with good traction. The park entrance fee is $10 for a seven-day pass per vehicle (or $20 for an annual pass).
Donations to the Kipahulu 'Ohana are accepted and appreciated to help perpetuate the farming and cultural programs the 'Ohana offers in Haleakala National Park.
The Kipahulu 'Ohana is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, established in 1995, that conducts cultural programs in Haleakala National Park .
Regular Kapahu Farm taro patch hiking tours are held the first Tuesday of every month.
For more information call 808-248-8974, or visit www.kipahulu.org
Ride the bus on Maui
Getting around Maui just got a little bit easier for those who want to skip the car rental.The island's new Holo Ka'a bus transit system is running, with fares range from $1 to $5.
In West Maui, stops are made along the way from Kapalua to Lahaina en route to Ma'alaea Harbor. In South Maui, stops are in Wailea and Kihei en route to the harbor.
Connecting service is also available to and from Central Maui. For more information, go online at www.akinatours.com/maui_shuttle.htm