For Immediate Release

There's Always Something Exciting and New on Oahu Summer 2011

OAHU – The island of Oahu, known as the Heart of Hawaii, sets the rhythm of the islands with exciting new improvements, changes and additions on an ongoing basis.  Below is a glimpse of the new and dynamic happenings on Oahu:

Hotels & Resorts
The island of Oahu has fabulous hotels and resorts for people of all ages and budgets. Oahu’s hotels are constantly updating and adding an array of activities and packages that are sure to make any trip to Oahu unforgettable.

Disney’s upcoming West Oahu resort, Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, is scheduled to open its first phase on Aug. 29, 2011. The 21-acre resort set on the Waianae Coast will consist of 360 guestrooms, 481 Disney Vacation Club Villas, pools, hot tubs, a snorkeling lagoon, a river, meeting rooms, wedding facilities, an 18,000-square-foot spa, and two restaurants. 

Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa launched an extensive $13 million resort-wide renovation project on Jan. 3, 2011 that is expected to be completed this September. The transformation includes a complete renovation of the resort’s third floor public areas, the introduction of two new restaurants, new poolside lounge and bar, a significantly upgraded pool deck, and an entirely new Regency Club product.

The Ocean Resort Hotel Waikiki will undergo a complete renovation, rebranding and repositioning as Hyatt Place Waikiki, under new owner The Chartres Lodging Group, LLC. The renovation will include a renewed pool deck, total redesign of the lobby, and full refurbishment of the guestrooms and kitchenettes. Renovations are expected to be completed by April 2012. 
 
Improvements to the 800 rooms in the iconic Rainbow Tower at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa are expected to be completed this fall. The $45 million renovation project began on April 11, 2011 and includes the installation of new soft and hard goods, including the replacement of tubs, sinks, counters, beds and televisions, and $1 million in upgrades to the tower’s signature suites, The Duke Kahanamoku Suite and Niumalu Suite.

The Aston Waikiki Circle Hotel recently completed renovations to its lobby and 104 guestrooms. Upgrades and improvements include a new color palette, new furnishings, remodeled bathrooms, and new lighting.

Three new three-bedroom suites have been added to the Aqua Waikiki Pearl. Two suites are located on the penthouse floor, and one suite is located on the eighth floor.

The Waikiki EDITION is continuing its Surf and Bikini Boot Camp this fall and winter with dates scheduled for Aug. 17-21, Oct. 16-20 and Dec. 18-22. Customized by a hand-picked team of pro-surfers, naturalists, yogis and personal trainers, the camp offers outdoor and on-property fitness activities, spa treatments, nutritional meals, and more.

In celebration of its 50th Anniversary, the Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort & Spa is offering a “50 Years of Aloha” package. Guests staying for a minimum of five nights will receive the fifth night at $50; a $50 credit towards the spa, dining or beach craft rental; and an anniversary keepsake.

Prince Resorts Hawaii and Hawaii Prince Golf Club are offering a new “Stay & Play” package for golf enthusiasts. Guests will enjoy oceanfront accommodations at the Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki, multiple golf rounds, a $100 resort credit, and more.

Activities & Entertainment
The island of Oahu is brimming with fun-filled activities that everyone can enjoy. Visitors to Oahu can choose from a wide variety of outdoor and indoor activities that are sure to energize the spirit, or choose to explore Hawaii’s special culture and iconic history.

Iolani Palace opened the newly restored Gold Room to the public on April 18, 2011. This room was a gathering place for King Kalakaua and his family, who enjoyed composing, playing and listening to music and song. It is the first room in 20 years to be completely restored and recreated at the Palace. 

The Polynesian Cultural Center is undergoing $38 million worth of enhancements to its visitor experiences. Elements of this project are scheduled to open this year, including new Go Native! Activities — outrigger canoe paddling, pareu (sarong) dying, spear throwing, and Te Here Tahitian wedding celebration; newly renovated Marquesas Islands exhibit; new business-to-business booking system; and newly renovated restaurant facilities. By spring 2012, the Hukilau Theater will reopen following a complete redesign, and a new 4D “Hawaiian Journey” experience will also be unveiled. By summer 2012, an expanded Polynesian Market Place will reopen with additional shops and offerings, including Polynesian handicrafts, fresh island produce, ukulele factory and Polynesian foods. 

On July 2, the Waikiki Aquarium will unveil its new exhibit highlighting the unique marine life of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Among the organisms to be featured in the 4,400-gallon public display are table corals, masked angelfish, bandit angelfish and Japanese pygmy angelfish.

The award-winning show, “Legends in Concert” will open a new star-studded production in Waikiki at The Royal Hawaiian Center. Starting Dec. 8, guests will be able to enjoy performances by artists portraying the likes of superstars such as Elvis Presley, Lady Gaga, Rod Stewart and more.

Polynesian Adventure Tours/Gray Line Hawaii launched their new open-top, double-decker Aloha Bus fleet in April 2011. The fleet includes seven bright red, hop-on, hop-off buses that offer three daily city tours through Waikiki and Honolulu with stops at popular attractions and shopping and dining destinations. Tour narrations in English, Japanese, Chinese, Korean and Spanish are offered and provided via individual passenger headphones.

Visitors to Kualoa Ranch can now explore the 4,000-acre property by foot with its newly launched Hakipuu Hike tour. This guided tour takes visitors through a thick forest, over undulating pastures and across a flowing stream, and ends at a Hawaiian cultural restoration site with taro patches and native plants.

New to Oahu is Hawaii’s Cultural Connection, a cultural promotions company that offers authentic cultural presentations and programs, personal guided cultural tours, extensive concierge services, and more.  

The Pacific Aviation Museum now has two World War II battlefield hangars filled with more than 28 aircraft and hands-on exhibits and displays. The museum also recently began offering a new online ticketing service.

Segway of Hawaii began offering its summer “Sunset on the Beach” tour on June 1. The tour takes visitors along Oahu’s southern coast, through Magic Island, Ala Moana Beach Park, Kakaako Waterfront Park, the Ehime Maru Memorial and the Echo Stone.

Wild Side Specialty Tours now offers sustainable deep-sea fishing charters. Guests will learn to safely unhook too-small fish, tag and release too-big fish to lay more eggs, and keep only the fish that they plan to eat.

Waikiki Beach Services is now located at the Royal Beach Tower Pool at the iconic The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort. Surfing lessons, outrigger canoe rides, stand up paddling lessons and catamaran rides are offered at this new location.

Restaurants & Cuisine
Oahu is known for its diverse culture, which is exhibited by the island’s assortment of foods.  With wonderful choices and a vibrant array of cuisine options, there’s sure to be a restaurant for everyone.

A local favorite has reopened in Kaneohe under the ownership of local restaurateurs, the Vertical Junkies and Chef Mark Noguchi who has worked at acclaimed restaurants Town and Chef Mavro. Heeia Pier General Store and Deli serves up popular local comfort foods including tofu watercress salad, hamburger steak plate lunch and saimin. 

In June, 12th Ave Grill owner Kevin Hanney debuted his new Kaimuki dining concept, SALT Kitchen & Tasting Bar. The two-story restaurant features a seated dining room on the top level and a full-service bar below. SALT Kitchen & Tasting Bar serves contemporary American dishes and small plates, with a special focus on the restaurant’s house-cured meats.

The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort recently launched The 220 Experience, a farmers’ market and brunch that occurs on the third Sunday of each month. The 220 Experience features brunch items prepared with fresh local produce from farmers and ranchers located within a 220 mile radius of the resort.

The first phase of Hyatt Regency Waikiki’s $13 million transformation was completed this June with the unveiling of SHOR, an American Seafood Grill, and the brand new Regency Club. SHOR is a contemporary American seafood and steak grill featuring 
sustainable fish and shellfish, flavorful cuts of meat, and fresh local produce. The restaurant will offer open-air and indoor seating with ocean views. Next to SHOR, the Regency Club offers continental breakfasts, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres exclusively to Gold Passport diamond tier members or guests staying in Regency Club rooms. Two more restaurants will debut this year at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki. Japengo, which will feature Asian-fusion cuisine, a sake bar, communal tables with an interactive sushi bar, and innovative cocktails, is scheduled to open in September. Also opening in September is SWIM, an outdoor patio and poolside bar featuring cocktails, light fare and live entertainment.

Beachhouse at the Moana at the Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa has launched a new wine bar, BIN1901.  The bar’s menu features more than 40 varieties of wine by the glass including rare selections of private reserves and limited releases.

The Kahala Hotel & Resort now offers a new specialty cocktail service during happy hour at the Plumeria Beach House. The new cocktail menu is featured along with all-new tapas and pupu menu offerings from 2-6 p.m. daily, with live island music on Fridays and Saturdays.

The Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort unveiled its new Martini Bar at Paradise Lounge in the Rainbow Tower in April. The bar features a selection of specialty martinis from the traditional Gin Martini to the Tropical Mai Tini.

Near Honolulu International Airport is Regal Bakery, a new donut shop that features colorful cake and yeast donuts in unique flavors. Recently offered flavors include guava macadamia nut, red velvet, chocolate mint, and rocky road.

Let Them Eat Cupcakes, which opened in Honolulu’s Chinatown in May 2011, offers cupcakes with unique frosting and cake flavors including Irish cream, peanut butter and jelly, nutella, and li-hing mango. 

Tango Café chef/owner Goran Streng opened Tango Market at Ward Centre in March 2011. Tango Market offers light breakfast, lunch and dinner options for dine-in or take-out, as well as café drinks, homemade desserts, and prepared versions of Chef Streng’s signature dishes, sauces and marinades packaged to go. The casual eatery also serves afternoon tea six days a week and offers a BYOB gourmet barbeque on its outdoor patio every Friday evening. 

Shopping
Oahu is home to hundreds of fashionable designer stores as well as markets that carry locally made crafts.  Visitors are sure to love the shopping experience no matter where they go.

Bath & Body Works and Sand People are the latest retailers to open at Ala Moana Center. Later this year, the Center will welcome fast-food eatery Jollibee and Hawaii’s first Diane von Furstenberg retail store to its lineup of more than 290 shops and restaurants.

Popular women’s boutique Philanthropy by Madison & Co. reopened at a new location in Kailua in May 2011. The shop offers clothing, accessories and gift items, many of which are made in Hawaii.

Royal Hawaiian Center has revamped its entertainment schedule to highlight local artists and bring additional talent into The Royal Grove. Every Tuesday through Friday evening, the Pau Hana Jam will feature traditional and contemporary Hawaiian music from 6-7 p.m.
On Saturdays, a hula halau will perform hula kahiko (traditional hula) from 6-6:30 p.m., followed by lively performances by traditional and contemporary musicians from
7:30-8:30 p.m.

Shirokiya, located at Ala Moana Center, has been undergoing major renovations to commemorate its 350th anniversary in 2012, having opened its first store in Japan in 1662. The first phase of this project has been completed and includes the opening of Shirokiya YATAIMURA® on the department store’s second floor. Shirokiya YATAIMURA® features 21 food booths offering traditional Japanese foods; Japanese draft beer, rarely available in Hawaii; sake, shochu and wine from Japan; and 150 additional seats.

First Break Waikiki will open a second location in the Sheraton Waikiki in July 2011 and will feature high-end swim and resort wear from labels such as Vitamin A, Mikoh, Pualani Hawaii, Tiare Hawaii, Havaianas and La‘akea.

Festivals and Events 
Oahu is home to the largest number of festivals and events in Hawaii.  Each year, visitors have the opportunity to connect with the local community and experience renowned events that showcase the island’s rich arts and culture scene, the world’s top amateur and professional sporting competitions and championships, and the many ethnic celebrations that are exclusive to Hawaii.

The Wildest Show Summer Concert Series heats up the summer nights at the Honolulu Zoo with family-friendly entertainment, keiki activities, weekly ukulele prize drawings, and more. The concert starts at 6 p.m. every Wednesday and continues through Aug. 10.

“Ke Kani O Ke Kai: the Sound of the Ocean” returns to the Waikiki Aquarium through Aug. 11. The popular concert series includes performances by Amy Hanaialii, Na Palapalai, Mailani and the Brothers Cazimero.

The 11th Annual Te Mahana Hiro‘a O Tahiti, the largest Tahitian dance competition in Hawaii, returns to the Polynesian Cultural Center, July 11-12. This event will showcase the skill of dancers dedicated to preserving the art, culture and traditions of Tahiti. Attracting visitors and locals alike, this festival features tamari‘i (youth) and taure‘are‘a (adults) from all over Hawaii as they dance to the sounds of Tahiti ranging from slow melodies to rapid beats.

The 34th Annual Prince Lot Hula Festival, held July 16 at Moanalua Gardens, celebrates hula kahiko (ancient hula and chant) and also features auana (modern) hula performances.  Dancers will perform on one of the few remaining pa hula (hula mounds) in Hawaii.

On July 17, thousands will gather for the 41st Annual Roy Sakuma Ukulele Festival Hawaii, the largest festival of its kind in the world. The festival is hosted by local ukulele legend Roy Sakuma and includes a free two-hour concert that showcases the finest ukulele players, along with national celebrities, Hawaii’s top entertainers, and an ukulele orchestra of more than 800 students, mostly children.

Experience a broad spectrum of traditional, contemporary and ethnic arts at the 14th Annual Haleiwa Arts Festival Summer Event from July 16-17. This event includes visual artists, musicians, singers, dancers, demonstrations, storytelling, student art displays, historical trolley tours and children’s arts and crafts. Browse and purchase unique works by artists of all ages and cultural backgrounds.

The Hawaii All-Collectors Show takes place at the Blaisdell Exhibition Hall from
July 22-23. This annual collectibles and antiques show and sale features more than 200 booths and offers one of the largest selections of Hawaiiana.

The Kahala Hotel & Resort’s Wine Festival—The Best of Napa and Sonoma on
Aug. 6 will feature the award-winning wines of the California wine growing regions of Napa Valley and Sonoma County. The event features 10 award-winning regional wineries offering 
at least two wine vintages each and a delectable gourmet tasting buffet prepared by The Kahala’s culinary team under the direction of Chef Wayne Hirabayashi.

From Aug. 9-16, Hawaii’s coffee farmers will showcase their specialty coffee at DFS Galleria Waikiki’s “Art of Hawaiian Coffee” event. Activities include an open café in the DFS Galleria’s Luxury Walk, daily coffee tasting events, exhibits and seminars on the story of coffee in Hawaii, live music, and more.

The Made in Hawaii Festival, a three-day celebration highlighting the unique products of Hawaii, will take place from Aug. 19-21. More than 400 exhibitors offer everything made in Hawaii, including art, clothing, food, home furnishings, jewelry, toys, fresh produce, plants, and authentic Hawaiian handicrafts.

The 29th Annual Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival, which will take place on Aug. 21, perpetuates, preserves and celebrates the cultural importance of the unique acoustic guitar art form of ki hoalu, which means “loosen the key.” The festival features performances by well-known slack key musicians.

Duke’s OceanFest, a weeklong festival held from Aug. 24-28, is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. The festival features a variety of exciting water sports competitions, including longboard surfing, surf polo, swimming, standup paddling, and other events that pay tribute to the local waterman. The festivities culminate with the Duke’s Statue lei draping ceremony on Aug. 24, the anniversary of his birthday.

The Kahala Hotel & Resort will present its fall Wine & Food Classic from Sept. 16-17, featuring Chateau Marmont Executive Chef Carolynn Spence, one of Napa Valley’s most popular vintners, Rich Frank of Frank Family Vineyards, and Michael Herklots of cigar brand Nat Sherman. The two-day culinary event will include gourmet dinners, a cooking demonstration, wineology seminar, and cigar experiences.

The Hawaii United Okinawa Association presents the largest ethnic festival in the state of Hawaii from Sept. 3-4. The 29th Annual Okinawan Festival kicks off with a mini procession inside Kapiolani Park featuring a taiko drum performance. The three-day festival celebrates Okinawan culture with food, entertainment, arts, crafts, and cultural activities.

From Sept. 8-11, Ala Moana Center will join the fashion capitals of the world in celebrating Fashion’s Night Out with a weekend of in-store events, special savings, gift-with-purchases, refreshments, live entertainment, and fashion. Spearheaded by Anna Wintour and
Diane von Furstenberg, Fashion’s Night Out is a way to enjoy fashion and fun, while supporting local charities through store partnerships offering discounts and incentives for donations. 

The 2nd Annual Rice Festival on Sept. 11 celebrates rice with entertainment, cultural performances and cooking demonstrations by local celebrity chefs. This free event will give visitors and locals the chance to see how rice is prepared by the different cultures on our island. 

Aloha Festivals, the largest Hawaiian cultural celebration in the United States, takes place on Oahu on Sept. 17 and 24. The festival celebrates Hawaii’s music, dance, and history, and is intended to preserve the islands’ unique traditions. The 2011 theme is “Mele Ailana: Celebrate Island Music,” and festivities include a Waikiki Hoolaulea on Sept. 17 and a floral parade on Sept. 24.

The first annual Hawaii Food & Wine Festival will take place in Honolulu from Sept. 29-Oct. 1. The three-day festival includes culinary-focused events and evening receptions featuring dishes prepared by an all-star lineup of chefs from Hawaii and around the world, using locally sourced ingredients. The Hawaii Food & Wine Festival is co-chaired by chefs Roy Yamaguchi and Alan Wong and serves to showcase the state’s bounty of produce and proteins and highlight the islands’ return to a sustainable eco-system of agriculture, environment and economy.

During the Polynesian Cultural Center’s fourth annual Haunted Lagoon, guests embark on a spooky canoe ride that twists through the PCC lagoon under dark bridges and past ominous shadows where terrifying creatures await. A kid-friendly version of the ride is also available. The Haunted Lagoon is open from Oct. 1-30.

Miscellaneous
Hawaiian Airlines will begin offering daily, nonstop service between Honolulu and Osaka, Japan on July 12, 2011. The new Osaka flights will add approximately 100,000 new air seats annually to Honolulu from Japan’s second most populous region. For this new route, Hawaiian Airlines is customizing its award-winning “Hawaii Starts Here” in-flight service to offer pan-Asian cuisine, Japanese entertainment options, and special onboard products for Japanese travelers. Beginning in August, the airlines will also introduce new menus designed 
by Executive Chef Chai Chaowasaree to its first class and coach class passengers on all transpacific flights between Hawaii and the mainland United States.

Roberts Hawaii is expanding its fleet with 20 new Prevost touring motor coaches, an investment that marks the beginning of a series of improvements being planned by the 70-year old Hawaii-based company. The new coaches will primarily service Roberts Hawaii’s regularly scheduled tours and shore excursions, as well as conventions and other contracts. Passengers on the 56-seat coaches will be provided with three-point seat belts, ergonomic seats, larger windows for better viewing, and state-of-the-art sound systems and flat screen TVs. Roberts Hawaii has plans for further improvements, including adding more mini-buses and other vehicles to its fleet, and introducing new products and services.

All information is subject to change without notice.  For more information, please go to www.gohawaii.com/oahu, follow OVB’s tweets at www.twitter.com/OahuVB, or become a fan of Oahu on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/OahuHawaii.

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