[ ISLAND HOPPING ]
Banyan bash on Maui
One famous Lahaina resident celebrates a 130th birthday April 12 and 13, and the town is throwing a huge bash. It's a Birthday Party for ... the Banyan Tree!The party will take place 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Banyan Tree Park, and festivities will include a historical Lahaina photo exhibit, lucky number drawing, nature-themed original art display by local artists and live entertainment throughout the weekend, plus birthday cake at 1:30 p.m. both days!
In addition, 130 live plants will be given out to the first 130 kids to visit the free Kids Craft Corner where children can make gifts for Mother's Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
For $5, kids can print their own T-shirts using real tropical flowers and leaves. Print one for Mom for $7 or make her some kitchen towels for $3.
The Banyan Tree Birthday Celebration is coordinated by Lahaina Town Action Committee with support from the Maui Visitors Bureau. For more information, call 808-667-9175.
Hole up for regatta
The Kauai Marriott Resort and Beach Club is offering kama'aina the "Kauai World Challenge Package" in celebration of the inaugural Steinlager Kauai World Challenge regatta event taking place April 26."The Kauai World Challenge Package" includes deluxe pool/ocean view accommodations overlooking beautiful Kalapaki Beach; a hotel logo mug upon arrival, good for unlimited refills of coffee and soft drinks at Aupaka Terrace and Kalapaki Grill for the duration of the stay; and a Mahalo Card offering guests a 10 percent discount in all hotel restaurants (including room service) and select hotel shops and boutiques.
The package price is $215 per night based on double occupancy, excluding tax and gratuity, and is available April 15 through June 30, 2003. A three-night minimum stay is required.
The challenge features paddlers from around the world competing for $20,000 in prize money.
The 34-mile relay race along the Island's east to west shores begins at Wailua Beach with changes at Hanamaulu Beach, Kalapaki Beach (home of the Kauai Marriott), Poipu Beach and finishes at Salt Pond Beach Park with a ceremony awarding the winners.
More than 50 one-and two-man canoe teams from Hawaii, California, Australia, Rarotonga and other countries will compete. For reservation or information, call 800-220-2925 or 808-245-5050.
Prince-ly bonus
Prince Resorts Hawaii is offering 1,500 bonus Hawaiian Airlines' HawaiianMiles to HawaiianMiles and Prince Preferred members with a minimum two-night stay at any Prince Resorts Hawaii property through July 31, 2003.Prince Resorts Hawaii is a luxury hotel group with four properties on three Hawaiian Islands (Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki and Golf Club; Maui Prince Hotel, Makena Resort; Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel and Mauna Kea Beach Hotel).
To become a Prince Preferred member, visit www.PrinceResortsHawaii.com. For reservations, call 1-866-PRINCE-6.