Kamaaina can take
advantage of summer
hotel packages, too
KOHALA COAST, Big Island >> With summer's arrival, several Hawaii hotels and at least one on the luxury end are beginning to offer attractive kamaaina deals, with the top-rated Mauna Lani Bay Hotel Bungalows first out of the gate. It's a great idea since more travelers are opting to stay close to home.
The Big Island resort is offering two Summer Family (Friends) Specials to kamaaina only. Mauna Lani Bay's "Pick Your Passion" program allows kamaaina guests to choose a complimentary activity each day for the length of their stay, while the "Family/Friends Special" gets them two rooms for the price of one.
Both packages include a welcome lei greeting, complimentary tropical juice or coffee upon arrival, free daily newspaper, use of the fitness center, snorkeling equipment and valet parking.
The "Pick Your Passion" package is available through Dec. 19 and features a daily complimentary activity each day of your stay. Certificates are valid for one of the following (one certificate per person per paid room night; maximum two certificates per paid room night):
>> Mauna Lani Spa treatment (choice of 50-minute lava sauna, 25-minute body scrub, manicure or pedicure)
>> A day of unlimited golf for one with a shared cart
>> Dinner for one at any of Mauna Lani's four restaurants: the Gallery, Bay Terrace, Canoe House or Honu Sushi Bar (includes entree, appetizer and dessert)
Daily room rates for mountain or ocean view start at $265; oceanfront, $295. A minimum two-night stay is required. A valid Hawaii driver's license must be presented at check-in.
The Kamaaina Family rate is $295 a night, single or double occupancy with no minimum stay required.
Reservations for Mauna Lani's "Pick Your Passion" and "Kamaaina Family" packages may be made by contacting the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel Bungalows at 800-367-2323. For more information, visit www.maunalani.com.
You might want to visit July 4, when the resort continues its annual Turtle Independence Day celebration. Since 1989 the resort has received juvenile honu from Oahu's Sea Life Park to raise in its saltwater ponds. The honu are cared for until they grow to a size and weight appropriate for release into the wild. This release occurs every Independence Day at the ocean's edge fronting Mauna Lani Bay. This year's festivities will include live entertainment and a carnival atmosphere complete with games, face painting, balloon animals, a honu parade and canoe rides for kids.