Honolulu Star-Bulletin from Honolulu, Hawaii • 68

GO STAY GO F6 HONOLULU STAR-BULLETIN SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2002 ISLAND HOPPING Iwim with dolphins earn local lore cind 1 on a Waikiki getaway Long airport lines and tedious security checks dampen the thrill of any holiday. So why not "get away" on your home island? By saving the cost of airfare and a rental car, you can vacation in high style even with the whole family in tow! On Oahu, three firstlass resorts are offering innovative packages that ensure you '11 learn something new in addition to having a great time. HILTON HAWAIIAN VILLAGE A couple enjoyed a moment alone on the rocks at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. Hotel guests got friendly with two of the Kahala Mandarin Oriental's dolphins in the Dolphin the hotel's Dolphin Duo package. 1 i 1 v.

Guests can view exhibits, play instruments or make cordage Tbe next Merrie fete? The 3rd annual Tahiti Fete of Hilo takes place Friday through Feb. 24 at the Edith Kanaka'ole Stadium, with 16 dance companies and halau from Kailua-Kona to California among the participants. The event opens 4:30 to p.m. Friday with solo dance eliminations and finals. Saturday events run from 1 1 a.m.

to 5:30 p.m. Highlights include a music and drumming competition and guest performances by the Lim Family and Tupulaga 0 Samoa Moa Taeao of the University of Hawaii at Hilo. Next Sunday, festivities take place from 1 1 a.m. to 6 p.m. with more music and drumming competitions, a symphony of drums and guest performer Pueo Pata.

Ticket prices are $10 general daily; $8 for seniors 60 and older and keiki ages 2 to 12. A weekend admission of $25 is good for all three days. Participants are: Feti'a Te Fa'a of Modesto, Calif. Kamoiwa Productions of Hilo Te Mana Te Ra of Pleasant Hill, Calif. Tumu Haari Tahiti of Ko-hala Honu Ite of Tracy, Calif.

Hiva Nui, and Te Poe Pati-tifa of Stockton, Calif. Manuia Polynesian Revue, and Nemenzo, of Daly City, Calif. Te Vai Ura Nui of Honolulu Da Island Way of Concord, Calif. Polynesian Paradise of Kailua-Kona Heretama Nui of Pearl City, Oahu Manutahi Dances de Tahiti A drumming workshop will take place 7 p.m. Feb.

23, at the Naniloa Hotel, featuring Tau Toiki Ote Hetu's Jay Medeiros and Lloyd Chandler, who were featured in the movie "Six Days, Seven Nights." Admission is $30 in advance or $40 at the door on a space available basis. The event is being presented by PuaTahiti Productions. Inquiries may be directed to In addition, the 2002 Tahiti Fete of San Jose will take place at San Jose State University July 12 to 14. 1 '4 PUA TAHITI PRODUCTIONS Hel Tiare from Hilo is one of the dance troupes performing in the 3rd annual Tahiti Fete of Hilo. Sommer guest artist Movie star Elke Sommer is headed to the Manele Bay Hotel Kailani Terrace to talk about her acting and painting careers Saturday as part of the Lana'i Visiting Artist Program.

Sommer, who starred in "Pink Panther" and other films in the '60s, made the switch to artist after discovering acrylics. Her art work has been featured around the world. She will speak about acting and her method of painting at 8:30 p.m., followed by a ques-tion-and-answer session. Admission is free, but reservations are required. Call (800) 3214666 on Lanai.

Star-Bulletin staff i Jn It. Hi ii By Cheryl Chee Tsutsuml Special to the Star-Bulletin Kahala Mandarin Oriental Hawaii 5000 Kahala Ave. Call: 739-8888 on Oahu or 800- 367-2525 from the neighbor islands, or visit www.mandarinoriental.com Sequestered in upscale Kahala, the Kahala Mandarin Oriental lives up to its exclusive ZIP code in every way. In addition to award-winning accommodations and restaurants, the 371-room property is home to four Atlantic bottlenose dolphins Hoku, Mahina, Hiiaka and Liho hotel guests can meet during encounters led by Dolphin Quest, an international organization dedicated to the protection of marine mammals and the marine ecosystem. Dolphin Quest has been widely acclaimed for its education, research and conservation activities, which are largely funded by interactive dolphin programs such as these.

Through gentle contact, coaching from Dolphin Quest's knowledgeable staff and a play session, participants learn about the anatomy, physiology, diet, behaviors, reproduction and training of these sleek, intelligent creatures, as well as the environmental issues affecting them in the wild. "We feel the quality of education guests receive from this program is unsurpassed," says general manager Jan Goessing. "The four dolphins that reside here are much more than an attraction. They receive the very best medical care, food and protection. Our dolphin lagoon also provides a research facility for scientists, students and guests.

Due to customer feedback and the popularity of the existing program, we hope to further marine education with an expanded program in the near future." The Kahala Mandarin Oriental's three-night Dolphin Duo package includes a 30-minute adult Dolphin Encounter for two, and two 5-by-7 color photographs of the experience. The price is $1,125 for ridge view accommodations, $1,260 for ridge view with balcony, and $1,290 for Dolphin Lagoon, double. Good through Dec. 17. Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort Spa 2005 Kalia Road Call: 9494321 on Oahu or800-HILTONSfrom the neighbor islands, or visit www.hiltonhawaii.com A showplace for contemporary resort living, the Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort Spa's new Kalia Tower also maintains a valuable link to Hawaii's past through Bishop Museum at Kalia, a satellite of the world-famous facility founded by Charles Reed Bishop in memory of his wife, Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop.

t' i THE ROYAL HAWAIIAN vides an insightful glimpse of the rich cultural heritage that makes our islands unique." The resort's Perfect Romance package entices sweethearts with admission for two to Bishop Museum at Kalia plus five nights in a Rainbow Tower deluxe ocean-view room; use of the spa fitness facility for two days for two; Mandara Spa treatment for two, including a foot bath, fresh coconut scrub and a choice of full-session massages; dinner for two at Bali by the Sea; a sunset dinner cruise for two; a private six-hour limousine tour; a helicopter tour of Oahu; and champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries. The price is $2,850, double. Good through May 31. The Royal Hawaiian 2259 Kalakaua Ave. Call: 923-7311 on Oahu or 800-782-9488 from the neighbor islands, or visit www.sheraton-hawaii.com Luxury properties grace every Hawaiian island, but those who have stayed at the Royal The Royal Hawaiian Hotel is celebrating it's 75th year with romantic packages harking back to the hotel's beginning.

Hawaiian Village's Bishop Museum at Kalia. KAHALA MANDARIN ORIENTAL Encounter program, included in HILTON HAWAIIAN VILLAGE Hawaiian games and musical from hau fibers at the Hilton historical perspective was the ideal approach. We felt it was essential to design a program that recaptured the romance and allure of days gone by." Nostalgia is woven into the Royal Rhapsody package. One of Its unique features is a tour of Honolulu on the Waikiki Trol ley, which itself has an early- 1900s appeal. Stops include significant historical sights such as Iolani Palace, Bishop Museum, Chinatown, Aloha Tower and the Honolulu Academy of Arts, which opened its doors two months after the Royal Hawaiian.

Guests booking the Royal Rhapsody package also receive a lei greeting, a lovely 75th-an niversary commemorative plate, a catamaran sail for two, daily buffet breakfast for two and afternoon tea for two Nightly rates are $344 for the historic wing, $374 for the his toric garden and $489 for the ocean category, double, based on a minimum four-night stay. Good through Dec. 25. Cheryl Chee Tsutsumi is a VJ'II. 1 HKK 1 The new museum's collections of artifacts are just as notable.

Tapa, stone tools, weapons made from shark's teeth, bowls crafted from native woods, exquisite feather lei and capes, and furniture and jewelry that once belonged to the alii (royalty) tell amazing stories about life In old Hawaii. Learning by doing is encouraged; among other things, visitors can play musical Instruments such as the ohe hano ihu (bamboo nose flute), make a length of cordage from hau tree fibers and try their hand at traditional games, including konane, which is similar to checkers. "At Hilton Hawaiian Village we are on a never-ending quest to enhance the experience of visitors, including kamaaina," says public relations manager Paula Imamura. "It's easy to get caught up in life and forget the magic of these islands. When we vacation close to home, we find a renewed appreciation for the beauty that surrounds us, both through nature and through the people of Hawaii.

Bishop Museum at Kalia pro Hawaiian recognize it's special. Seventy-five years old this year, the hotel exudes a graciousness and grandeur that reflects its long and cherished history. The hotel is every bit as beautiful and elegant as it was when it welcomed its first guests on Feb. 1,1927. Dubbed the "Pink Palace" because of its Spanish-Moorish and California mission architectural design and eye-catching exterior color, it has hosted many luminaries over the years, including kings, presidents, corporate magnates and Hollywood stars.

The Royal Hawaiian established Hawaii's standard for hospitality in 1927, says director of sales and marketing Angela Vento. In 1999, executives began contemplating how to celebrate the hotel's 75th anniversary. "We began thinking of the tremendous impact the Royal has had on our local community and so many visitors," says Vento. "We recalled many of the century's greatest dignitaries and celebrities who visited the hotel, and felt a r. jHt I A k' -is- Att NORWEGIAN 7 NIGHT LUXURY EVERY SUNDAY HAWAII CRUISES 4 ISLANDS FRCM AiOHA TOWER 10 RESTAURANTS CRUISE LINE li mmi ycjr mr fazuy riukio aky sflcial evihti 'Per psrjon bowd on occupancy pta port Ioxk 1 fees.

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