FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE            
December 1, 2022

HAWAI‘I –  Start the new year refreshed and reinvigorated with a trip to the Hawaiian Islands to experience the spirit of aloha through its people, diversity of cultures, world-class hospitality and the deeply meaningful spaces shared by all of them. The beauty of nature’s powerful and incomparable creative forces are always on display at the grandest scale across the ever-breathtaking, varying and unique landscapes of the pae ʻāina (Hawaiian islands).

For additional updates regarding each island, please reference the media sites of our individual Island Chapters: the Island of Hawai‘i Visitors Bureau, Kaua‘i Visitors Bureau, Maui Visitors and Convention Bureau, and O‘ahu Visitors Bureau.

MĀLAMA HAWAIʻI
Looking to immerse yourself in authentic and engaging Hawai‘i experiences? Consider participating in the many activities of the Mālama Hawai‘i program. Activities within the program — many of them volunteer opportunities — enrich participant knowledge by sharing the history and moʻolelo (stories) of the places they happen while also asking participants to give back to the ʻāina (land) and kai (ocean) through their mālama (care) for both. Here are a few to have on your radar for 2023:

Kualoa Ranch Private Nature Reserve (Oʻahu) recently launched its Mālama Uka, Mālama Kula and Mālama Kai experiences on its 4,000-acre Kaʻaʻawa Valley property on Oʻahu’s windward coast. The new Mālama Hawaiʻi program experiences invite visitors to take in the beauty, spirituality and cultural significance of the valley’s natural wonder and diverse ecosystems through the lens of Native Hawaiian cultural and agricultural practitioners. Visitors participating in the Mālama Uka experience contribute to Kualoa’s reforestation efforts planting native trees deep in Kaʻaʻawa Valley, while participants in the Mālama Kula and Mālama Kai experiences help steward Kualoa’s loʻi kalo (irrigated taro terrace) and Mōliʻi, the nature reserve’s 800-year-old loko iʻa (Hawaiian fishpond). Kualoa.com

O‘ahu community nonprofit Mālama Maunalua invites resident and visitor volunteers to help restore, preserve and protect Maunalua Bay on the island’s southeast coastline by removing invasive algae, planting thermally resistant coral and monitoring the bay’s native ecosystem. The nonprofit’s monthly Community Huki workdays — huki is the Hawaiian word for “pull” — has volunteer participants work in tandem to protect Maunalua Bay while learning about traditional Hawaiian sustainable land-management practices and listening to moʻolelo (stories) of the area. MalamaMaunalua.org

Pacific Whale Foundation (PWF) (Maui) is welcoming new additions to its Adopt a Marine Animal program, a funding source for its ongoing efforts protecting the ocean and its inhabitants. The program now offers options for visitors and residents to adopt koholā (humpback whales), nai‘a (bottlenose dolphins) and false killer whales to assist the foundation’s mission protecting Hawai‘i’s marine life and surrounding ocean. An annual package adopting a marine animal with PWF is $80 and includes a program certificate, information on the adopted animal’s unique history; email updates about PWF’s adoption program and any animals it sights again; additional fun facts and updates from PWF’s research, education and conservation programs; and other exclusive benefits. Pacificwhale.org

NEW HOTEL DEVELOPMENTS

Fairmont Kea Lani (Maui) is about to complete its Ho‘omaka Hou (A New Beginning) Transformation Project, a reimagination of all of the resort’s suites and villas designed to evoke stories of Maui’s rich cultural heritages utilizing elements encapsulating the resort’s storied location. Color palettes utilized mirror the hues of the shoreline and Maui’s native foliage, while textures, furnishings and artwork aim to “blend Hawaiian tradition with modern elegance.” The transformed, expansive layouts of the suites and villas provide gathering spaces for ‘ohana continuing into each unit’s exterior areas, creating a home-like space. All available suites and villas will be finished and awaiting guest arrival beginning January 6. Fairmont.com/kea-lani-maui/

Four Seasons Resort Lanai (Lānaʻi) recently debuted its new Kids Yoga wellness program for children ages five to 12. The program teaches its kid participants how to focus and center themselves utilizing various breathing and visualization techniques, as well as improve their coordination, strengthen their bodies and increase flexibility through yoga poses. Teenagers are invited to check out additional program classes, including aerial yoga, reiki, beach yoga and restorative sound healing. FourSeasons.com

With expansive views of Hanalei Bay and the soaring cliffs of Mount Makana on Kaua‘i’s north shore, 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay (Kaua‘i) is the flagship property of 1 Hotels and Resorts is opening in early 2023 after its transformative renovation as the former St. Regis Princeville Resort. With 252 rooms and suites, Hawai‘i’s newest sustainable luxury resort features a 7,900-square-foot wellness center, an 18,000-square-foot spa and fitness facility and three oceanfront pools. Seven dining and beverage venues with rotating distinguished chefs will work in partnership with local farmers, ranchers, fishermen and food producers to nourish guests with farm- and ocean-to-table fare. Holistic treatment offerings will focus on transformative growth, and on-site wellness experts including medicine doctors, nutritionists and meditation guides will ensure guests leave with a mind-body balance in connection to the natural world. In partnership with the Native Hawaiian and local community, 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay will be a sustainable sanctuary committed to inspiring, supporting and educating through regenerative traveler experiences. 1hotels.com/Hanalei-Bay

The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua (Maui) recently unveiled its The Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge at the Anuenue Room, a newly completed phase of the resort’s recent $100 million-dollar transformation. Guests of the lounge enjoy attentive service, a dedicated concierge, gourmet culinary and beverage offerings, and Hawaiian cultural programming. Designed with adults and children in mind, the Club Lounge also offers kid-friendly amenities, special programming, a variety of board games and puzzles, and jars of classic candies. As the sun sets, lounge guests can partake in a Hawaiian farewell-to-the-day sunset ceremony and enjoy pūpū (hors d’oeuvres) with a signature Club Lounge mai tai or champagne cocktail. The lounge is part of a resort-wide reimagination that includes new guestrooms, dining experiences and public spaces. RitzCarlton.com

Following a multimillion-dollar renovation, Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel is now The Twin Fin (Oʻahu). The Highgate property, which opened in November, takes its name from the two-finned “mellow and cruise-y surfboard design first seen in the 1970s.” The Twin Fin partnered with leading wave-forecasting and surf-report company Surfline to install three high-definition cameras for streaming real-time surf conditions on a large-scale lobby video wall and at other locations throughout the hotel. Guests will also receive a Surfline Premium membership discount following their stay. TwinFinWaikiki.com

Waikoloa Beach Marriott (Island of Hawaiʻi) is attempting to beat the current Guinness World Record for the longest lei. From now through the hotel’s Lei Day Festival on April 30, guests and community members are invited to add to the length of the hoped-for record-breaking lei. The final measuring ceremony of the lei is set for May 1, when a goal of a 5-mile lei is, hopefully, reached. The current Guinness World Record for the longest fresh-flower lei is 5.01 km (3.11 miles), attained by 120 volunteers in an event organized in Chennai, India, in 2012. Sign up to participate at WaikoloaBeach.247activities.com.

Waikīkī’s new boutique hotel, Wayfinder Waikiki (Oʻahu), will hold its grand opening in January following the completion of its multimillion-dollar transformation from The Waikiki Sand Villa Hotel. Wayfinder Waikiki aims to “meld immersive design with homegrown talent in a mindful and multilayered hotel experience that surfs the wave of Waikīkī’s vibrant and free-spirited energy.” The hotel’s rooms and poolside studios will be stocked with essentials for a relaxed stay and include custom robes, Grown Alchemist bath products and all-local art. WayfinderHotels.com

CULINARY

The Banyan Tree (Maui), an AAA Four Diamond restaurant at the The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, recently debuted a reimagined menu created by newly appointed Puerto Rican-born Chef de Cuisine Marimer Garcia. Guests are invited to enjoy the restaurant’s new menu rooted in coastal cuisine incorporating the bounty of the sea, roots of the land and sustainably grown Maui ingredients. BanyanTreeKapalua.com

Hashi and Spoon (Oʻahu) is the newest food addition to locally owned Kūhiō Avenue Food Hall at International Market Place, which is also home to several casual dining restaurants featuring dishes focused “on taste, quality and reasonable price points.” The Japanese word “hashi” means chopsticks. And a hashi and spoon combination is all that is needed to enjoy the eatery’s signature ramen noodle soup. Hashi and Spoon’s ramen noodles are made fresh on Oʻahu and delivered daily, then paired with a selection of broths. Flavors include spicy tan-tan, savory tonkotsu, shoyu, miso and shio. KuhioAvenueFoodHall.com

Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman (Oʻahu), from world-renowned Hawaiʻi Regional Cuisine pioneer Peter Merriman, is readying to open its fourth Hawai‘i location in the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort in the first quarter of 2023. Owner company Handcrafted Restaurants is excited to bring Monkeypod Kitchen’s food and drink menu to Waikīkī. MonkeypodKitchen.com

Redfish Poke Bar (Oʻahu) is readying to open its second location in early 2023 in the new Wayfinder Waikiki boutique hotel. Redfish is an innovative concept restaurant blending an authentic Hawaiʻi poke bowl spot experience with the vibrancy of a Japanese bar. The Redfish menu includes a variety of drinks, including inspired takes on classic craft cocktails and other Hawaiʻi-brewed beverages. In addition to poke bowls, the food menu offers shared-plate eats spotlighting modern takes on favorite Hawaiʻi and Asian dishes. WayfinderHotels.com

The Royal Ocean Terrace Restaurant and Lounge (Maui) at the Royal Lahaina Resort and Bungalows recently debuted new menu offerings, including poke bowls, coconut shrimp, hand-line-caught ‘ahi carpaccio, seafood cioppino with Kona lobster, and more. The open-air Royal Ocean Terrace Restaurant and Lounge is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
RoyalLahaina.com

ATTRACTIONS AND ACTIVITIES

The Bishop Museum (Oʻahu) recently unveiled its interactive science exhibition, Backyard Adventures, designed for keiki (children) to learn about all the wonders they can find in their own backyards. By combining science and fun for keiki through easily understood, engaging and immersive exhibits, Bishop Museum aims to inspire the world’s next generation of citizen scientists. BishopMuseum.org

Kona Explorer, the newest vessel in the Body Glove (Island of Hawaiʻi) fleet, recently joined its sister vessel, Kanoa II, at Kailua Pier in Historic Kailua-Kona town on the island of Hawaiʻi. The Kona Explorer is an agile 41-foot “super raft” constructed with the comforts of larger vessels, including as its amenities cushioned seating, shade and a restroom. Guests get to explore sea caves and snorkel at several locations with Body Glove’s snorkel guides. The company’s Extraordinary Snorkeling Experience even gets started just in time for the annual winter return of Hawai‘i’s humpback whale season. Book reservations by phone at 800-551-8911 or visit BodyGloveHawaii.com.

Four Seasons Resort Lanai (Lāna‘i) recently launched two new outdoor experiences for thrill-seeking visitors: the Ranch Custom Equine Experience and the Lanai Archery and Shooting Range’s (LASR) Rifle Experience. Horseback riders can canter, lope, walk or trot on the new Ranch Custom Equine Experience. The two-hour private ride is designed for any experience level, whether participants are learning to ride or seeking an advanced-level ride on the trails with wranglers. The ride experience can also be tailored to the arena, trails or both, depending on individual guest goals, and is suitable for English- or Western-style riders ages nine and older. Guests ages 16 years and older can enjoy an hour of plinking steel flip targets at the Lanai Archery and Shooting Range’s 22-rifle gallery with the facility’s new Rifle Experience. Like a midway arcade or Old West-style shooting gallery, the 22 semi-automatic rifle range offers close-range excitement for both advanced and first-time shooters. FourSeasons.com/lanai

The historic Kumu Kahua Theatre (Oʻahu) welcomes theater fans to its first two productions of 2023 at its iconic Downtown Honolulu venue. Since 1971, hundreds of local actors, actresses, performers and entertainers have graced the intimate Kumu Kahua stage, sharing the voices and stories of Hawaiʻi in award-winning productions. Written and performed in Hawai‘i Pidgin English, local playwright Lee Tonouchi’s “Gone Feeshing” is set for a January 19-February 19 run, with Hawai‘i author and playwright Lois-Anne Yamanaka’s “Wild Meat and the Bully Burgers,” a satire set in the island of Hawai‘i’s Hilo town in the 1970s, running from March 23-April 23. KumuKahua.org

Mauna Lani Auberge Resort Collection’s (Island of Hawaiʻi) 42-foot power boat, Kalama Kai, enters Hawai‘i’s annual humpback whale season offering adventure, storytelling and ocean experiences. Available exclusively to Mauna Lani guests through spring 2023, Kalama Kai’s Whale Watching Tours share knowledge of Hawai‘i’s marine life. Passengers on board get to survey the horizon for signs of a whale fluke or breach while learning about the massive ocean mammals. They even get to listen to the melodic echo of whale song through a hydrophone as Kalama Kai’s Captain Vivas explains the evolution of koholā (humpback whale) song patterns. AubergeResorts.com

A longtime Hawai‘i Island community event, Mauna Lani’s (Island of Hawaiʻi) Twilight at Kalāhuipuaʻa returns with a monthly program perpetuating Hawai‘i’s culture and heritage through freeform storytelling and live musical performances hosted by Kahu Hānai, “Uncle” Danny Akaka. The Twilight event is “rooted in the spirit of togetherness, blending the spontaneity of impromptu jam sessions with the spirit of parties hosted by Mauna Lani’s former landowner, Francis H. I‘i Brown.” Held monthly on the Saturday closest to the full moon, Twilight happens at the property’s historic Eva Parker Woods Cottage from 5 to 8 pm. AubergeResorts.com.

Explore the largely uninhabited coastline of Lānaʻi on PacWhale Eco-Adventures’ enhanced two-stop snorkel adventure eco-tour. The expanded six-hour Lānaʻi Snorkel and Dolphin Watch visits two prime snorkel sites rich in abundant sea life, including green sea turtles and colorful reef fish. You could even spot some wild dolphins along the way. The eco-tour leaves daily from Lāhainā Harbor at 7 a.m. Wholly owned by ocean-conservation nonprofit Pacific Whale Foundation (PWF) as a social enterprise, PacWhale Eco-Adventures helps fund vital PWF research, education and conservation programs. PacificWhale.org/cruises

Polynesia Cultural Center (Oʻahu) recently launched its revamped Aliʻi Lūʻau buffet, which features a performance of “‘Onipaʻa”, a tribute and celebration of Queen Liliʻuokalani, the last ruling monarch of the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi, sharing the story of her imprisonment in ‘Iolani Palace under house arrest by American businessmen. Featuring classic lūʻau dishes for all attendees, the Polynesian Cultural Center’s Aliʻi Lūʻau offers the flavors and cultures of Polynesia all in one place. Polynesia.com

Sea Life Park’s (Oʻahu) new Limu Tour shares knowledge of the ever-versatile and culturally significant edible marine plants found in Hawai‘i’s offshore waters and the park’s restoration-focused partnership with community group Waimānalo Limu Hui. Guests learn about the Hui’s restorative work planting limu (seaweed), see how and where limu grows, and support the Hui’s efforts by making a lei limu (lei made of limu) for release into nearby Waimānalo Bay. SeaLifeParkHawaii.com

Plan to experience a new and innovative form of high-octane surfing, decompress by the ocean, and shop and dine all in one location at the soon-to-open Wai Kai (Oʻahu) complex within Hoakalei Resort in ‘Ewa Beach in West Oʻahu. Resident and visitor surfers of all skill levels will get to shred waves at their own speed at Wai Kai Wave, the world’s largest artificial deep-water standing surf wave, and its adjacent 52-acre recreational lagoon. The protected lagoon will offer a variety of water sports to try out as well as aqua cabanas and sun loungers for guests not looking to get wet. Wai Kai’s grand opening is set for February 10. Waikaiexperience.com 

FESTIVALS AND EVENTS

January 4-8, 2023
Sentry Tournament of Champions (Maui) — The Sentry Tournament of Champions at the Plantation Course at Kapalua opens the 2023 calendar year and PGA Tour season on Maui’s majestic northwest coast. Wisconsin-based insurance company Sentry recently renewed its title sponsorship of the PGA Tour’s only event featuring champions from its previous season. The Sentry Tournament of Champions annually attracts more than 30 of the world’s best golfers. Sentry.com

January 15, 2023
Maui Oceanfront Marathon (Maui) — The 15th Maui Oceanfront Marathon, held annually during the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend, brings Maui residents and visitors together for a fun-filled day of events, with proceeds benefiting local school teams, clubs and multiple Maui nonprofit groups. The competition’s scenic course takes runners along the oceanside highways of Maui’s windswept west side, with views of whales and surfers. The event also offers a half marathon starting in Lāhainā, a 15K starting at Pāpalaua Beach, a 10K starting at Kamehameha Iki Park, and a 5K walk south of Launiupoko Park at “Lone Palm Point,” all finishing at Kamehameha Iki Park. MauiOceanfrontMarathon.com

January 22, 2023
Maui Pops Orchestra 2023 Concerts (Maui) — Founded in 2004, the Maui Pops Orchestra is dedicated to presenting light classical and contemporary pops music for island residents and visitors. The orchestra’s family-friendly concert series showcases a broad spectrum of music written by and for Hawai‘i-based artists and entertainers. Its 2023 concert series will present vocalists such as Nikki Renée Daniels and Jeff Kready, Swearingen and Kelli, and three-time Grammy-award winner Kalani Pe‘a.  MauiPops.org
•    Broadway Pops — January 22
•    Winter Pops — February 26
•    Spring Pops — March 12

February 18-26, 2023
Waimea Town Celebration (Kauaʻi) — Kaua‘i’s longest-running festival celebrates a major milestone in 2023, commemorating its 45th anniversary with nine days of music concerts, cultural exhibits and cuisine, all culminating in a two-day ho‘olaule‘a (celebration) offering attendees opportunities to engage in the island’s rich history. Visitors and residents are invited to experience the popular historic Waimea town event. WaimeaTownCelebration.com

March 10-12, 2023
Honolulu Festival (O‘ahu) —  One of Hawai‘i’s premier cultural events will mark its grand return to the streets of Waikīkī in 2023 in celebration of its 27th anniversary. The three-day festival shares the rich, vibrant cultures of Hawai‘i and its Pacific Rim neighbors with attendees through arts and entertainment, educational programs and activities, craft fairs, and a grand evening parade through Waikīkī. The festival concludes with the colorful and dramatic Nagaoka Fireworks show off Waikīkī’s beaches. HonoluluFestival.com

April 7-8, 2023
31st Annual Celebration of the Arts (Maui) — One of Hawai‘i’s premier arts and cultural festivals, Celebration of the Arts at the Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua is a celebration of Hawaiian culture and the spirit of aloha, welcoming to its 2023 event more than 60 artisans, educators, cultural practitioners, speakers and entertainers. Opening ceremonies include traditional Hawaiian oli (chants), with music and hula presented throughout the weekend. Hands-on art workshops, cultural demonstrations, local-made films, Hawaiian cultural panels, music and dance welcome visitors and residents giving all who attend opportunities to personally connect with Hawaiian culture. KapaluaCelebrationoftheArts.com

For the most complete and updated Hawaiʻi calendar, please visit the World-Class Calendar of Events.

 
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