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Archive for 2009

All Inclusive Cancun Getaways with Karisma Hotels and Resorts Oct 12

Did you know that Hawaii Destination Specialist Linda Dancer doesn’t just book memorable, magical trips for clients to Hawaii? She also specializes in other exotic destinations, including the immaculate Karisma Resorts and Hotels in Mexico!

Some of  Linda’s most recommended destinations are the luxurious Karisma Hotels and Resorts in Cancun, Mexico. And, with their amazing all inclusive vacation packages, you can experience Cancun at its best without paying a fortune!

Learn more about Karisma Hotels and Resorts here, or contact Linda today here to discuss your dream Cancun getaway!

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New in Kaua’i Fall 2009 Oct 01

**Source: Kaua’i Destination Specialist Quarterly

Island Helicopters recently began the new 90-minute island tour, highlighted by an exclusive landing at the base of the 400-foot Manawaiopuna Falls, made famous in the movie Jurassic Park (www.islandhelicopters.com)

National Tropical Botanical Gardens has launched a new, guided sunset tour of Allerton Estate on Saturdays, showcasing the Garden’s outdoor rooms, rippling pools and lush landscaping (www.ntbg.org).

Ko’a Kea Hotel and Resort, formerly known as the Po’ipu Beach Hotel, is now open. The 121-room hotel features guestrooms and suites with fresh, crisp colors and sleek furniture that highlights the exterior views. The new hotel also includes a lounge, the stunning new restaurant Red Salt, and The Spa at Ko’a Kea. The property is right on Po’ipu Beach, utilizing the original footprint of the former Po’ipu Beach Hotel.

Koloa Run Company will soon offer authentic premium rum made form the molasses of high-quality Kaua’i sugarcane. Kaua’i's first commercial rum company is scheduled to open in August, with a full tasting room and tour at Kilohana Plantation in Lihu’e (www.koloarum.com)

Princeville Resort is proud to introduce the only St. Regis resort property in Hawai’i – St. Regis Princeville Resort. Completion is scheduled for October 1, 2009 (www.stregisprinceville.com).

Kukui’ula Village Shopping Center will be home to more than 45 restaurants, specialty shops and offices, including; Merriman’s Kaua’i, Quicksilver, The Josselin Restaurant, Palm Palm, Bubba Burgers Hawaii, Bungalow 9, and Lappert’s Hawaii…to name a few. Slated to open in the fall of 2009 (www.kukuiula.com).

Kaua’i Marriott Resort & Beach Club has begun their multi-million dollar renovation including all guest rooms, fitness center, restaurant and kids club. All rooms will be transformed to a contemporary tropical feel and are scheduled to be completed by September 1, 2009. The resort will finish its transformation by October 1, 2009 (www.kauaimarriott.com).

Princeville Ranch Adventures has opened “King Kong,” its newest and longest zipline at 1,200 feet. the company now offers nine ziplines, the most of Kaua’i, with “King Kong” being the finale (www.adventureskauai.com).

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Trump International Hotel Opens in Waikiki Beach Fall 2009 Sep 21

New Level of Luxury Opening on Oahu Fall 2009

Trump International Hotel Waikiki Beach Walk

Featuring 464 spacious hotel rooms and suites, the 38-story Trump International Hotel Waikiki Beach Walk will raise the Waikiki resort lifestyle to a new level of luxury. From its striking, modern exterior, guests will be drawn into a world of timeless elegance, with all of the exceptional amenities of the Trump Hotel Collection, including world-class dining, The Spa at Trum, state-of-the-art fitness center, and the signature services of Trump Attache.

A two-level, open-air lobby will welcome guests with ocean views and interior design reflecting the island’s rich histroy in Hawaiian architectural motifs and tropical Deco furnishings. Wood paneling will feature traditional tapa patterns and will be complemented by koa wood, granite and marble stone finishes. A sixth-floor waterfall will cascade down to a pedestrian walk.

Specials Available from 11/16/2009 – 12/21/2009:

Studio Beach Walk Suite
Was: $1252 pp
Now: $1162 pp

Studio Mountain Suite
Was: $1295 pp
Now: $1200 pp

Studio Partial Ocean View Suite
Was: $1410 pp
Now: $1300 pp

Studio Ocean View Suite
Was: $1570 pp
Now: $1440 pp

Studio Ocean Front Suite
Was: $1727 pp
Now: $1577 pp

Package includes:

  • Private Sedan Airport Transfers
  • 5 Nights Studio Suite Accommodations
  • Full Day Super Ambassador Tour of Polynesian Cultural Center
  • Hidden Oahu Helicopter Tour with Makani Kai Helicopters

**Airfare is NOT included. Competitive coach and first class airfare is available nationwide on Alaska, Delta, Hawaiian, Northwest or United Airlines. Prices are per person double occupancy and include all taxes. Not combinable with any other special. Full payment will guarantee fare. Subject to change without notice. Certain conditions and restrictions may apply. Travel must be completed within time periods listed for rates shown. Prices are in U.S. dollars.

For more information contact me, YOUR HAWAII SPECIALIST:  LINDA DANCER at linda@honeymoonsinc.com.

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Hawaii Kayak Tours Aug 20

Here is a great resource for kayakers looking for great Kayaking Tours in Hawaii!

Twogood Kayaks: http://www.twogoodkayaks.com/packages.html

Adventure Package

$69.00 per person includes:

  • Kayak
  • Life Jacket
  • Paddle
  • Picnic Lunch
  • Round Trip Transportation from Waikiki

Guided Tour

$119.00 per person includes:

  • Guide
  • Kayak
  • Life Jacket
  • Paddle
  • Picnic Lunch
  • Snorkeling Gear (mask, snorkel, and fins)
  • Dry Bag
  • Padded Backrest
  • Round Trip Transportation from Waikiki

Turtle Safari

$55.00 per person includes:

  • Snorkeling Gear (mask, snorkel, and fins)
  • Boogie Board
  • Life Jacket
  • Picnic Lunch
  • Round Trip Transportation from Waikiki

All packages run from 9:00 AM until 3:00 PM. Contact me today about setting up a dream kayaking vacation in Hawaii! linda@honeymoonsinc.com.

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I am the Cure – More on Susan G. Komen Hawaii Aug 20

Here is an update from our Susan G. Komen supporters in Hawaii:

Komen Hawaii Race for the Cure®
October 18, 2009

Are you at risk for breast cancer?

Do you know the simple steps that offer you the best protection? What should you do if you find a lump or notice other changes to your breasts? What can you do now to reduce your breast cancer risk?

Susan G. Komen for the Cure® developed I AM THE CURE.® to teach Komen Race for the Cure® participants how to take an active role in their breast health.

I AM THE CURE.® is a rallying cry that is emotional, memorable and motivational. It speaks to the importance of early detection, since early detection is the best defense, and provides simple, action-oriented messages that Race participants can take home and put into action. Our goal is reach every Race participant with the life saving message of early detection and share the importance of a positive breast health program.

I AM THE CURE.® teaches people simple steps we can all do to take charge of our breast health.

  • SEE YOUR DOCTOR, LEARN YOUR RISK! I AM THE CURE.®
  • GET MAMMOGRAMS AND BREAST EXAMS! I AM THE CURE.®
  • NOTICE CHANGES TO YOUR BREASTS! I AM THE CURE.®
  • START THE FIGHT BY LIVING RIGHT! I AM THE CURE.®

For more information about the I AM THE CURE.® program and ways that you can personally get involved, please visit http://www.iamthecure.org/.

Mahalo nui loa for your support!

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TNT’s “Wedding Day” on Maui this August! Aug 05

I just received this exciting announcement from the Hawaii Convention and Visitor’s Bureau. Hawaii has become the choice for high profile television weddings and romance! Are you ready to plan your dream Hawaii wedding and honeymoon? Contact me today! Linda@honeymoonsinc.com!

TNT’S “WEDDING DAY” MAKES COUPLE’S DREAM WEDDING COME TRUE ON MAUI
– Hawaii episode highlights romance of Maui and Kauai on August 8 –

HONOLULU — Southern California residents Tyra Moe and Richard Hidalgo received the destination wedding of their dreams on the Magic Isle of Maui last September and TNT’s new reality show “Wedding Day,” a Mark Burnett/Dreamworks Production, captured the couple’s romantic journey.

The one-hour Hawaii episode airs August 8 at 9:00 a.m. EDT/8:00 a.m. CDT on TNT (check local listings) featuring a lavish wedding on Maui and special visit to Kauai.

“Hawaii is a beautiful setting for destination weddings, so it was a privilege to reward Tyra and Richard for the service they provide their communities with a dream wedding on Maui,” said John Monahan, president and CEO of the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB). “To be surrounded by family and friends in this tropical island locale, while enjoying the scenery, warm weather, and activities together, created memories they will never forget.”

Wedding Day gives deserving couples across the nation the nuptials of their dreams. Tyra and Richard were selected because of their roles in serving the people of Imperial Beach, Calif. Tyra is a firefighter and Richard is a lifeguard.

Their lifestyles are chaotic and demanding and, as such, the couple had conceded their dream wedding plans to a backyard barbecue to tie the knot. However, Wedding Day and HVCB, the state’s tourism marketing agency for North America, which was instrumental in bringing the show to the islands, had other plans.

The surprise began in San Diego when Wedding Day hosts Alan Dunn and Diann Valentine gathered with Tyra and Richard’s family and friends to tell the couple they were heading to Hawaii for a week beyond their wildest expectations.

Once the excitement set in, the couple and their 50 guests were whisked away to the airport and boarded a Hawaiian Airlines flight to Maui. Tyra and Richard were pampered in First Class enjoying Hawaiian’s award-winning tapas-style menu and in-flight hospitality.

After arriving on Maui, the wedding party checked into the Wailea Beach Marriott Resort and Spa, where Tyra and Richard settled into their luxurious suite with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. The couple then met the “Dream Team” who were creating and coordinating the once-in-a-lifetime event, led by Carolee Higashino, owner and president of A White Orchid Wedding. Using her industry resources, Higashino assembled a team of wedding specialists that included Asa Flowers, Café O’Lei Catering, Envisions Entertainment, and Jamie Clark of Pacific Design Group.

In the days leading up to the wedding, Tyra and Richard enjoyed Maui’s charms, exploring the Maui Ocean Center, Alii Kula Lavender Farm, paddle boarding, and a helicopter ride. They also made a day trip to Kauai to reunite with friends and for some ziplining with Outfitters Kauai.

Meanwhile, their family and friends were busy taking an active part in creating the wedding. Construction of the show’s “signature gate” for the bride’s entrance was built by the couple’s fathers and groomsmen in the wedding party. The bridesmaids strung together fresh flower lei and created other enhancements for the big day.

All of the hard work culminated with an unforgettable wedding ceremony and reception in West Maui. Tyra and Richard exchanged their vows in a beautiful garden overlooking the ocean within a private estate, featuring songs by the Kamehameha Schools Children’s Chorus.

The reception took place nearby at the Olowalu Plantation House, which the Dream Team transformed into an exotic and spectacular setting rich in red, orange, and green tones, Hawaii inspired décor, and tropical florals. Guests enjoyed a traditional luau show by Tihati Productions with award-winning Hawaii songstress Raiatea Helm singing for the first dance.

For information about TNT’s “Wedding Day,” visit TNT.tv/series/weddingday.

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Best of the Big Island: The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii Jul 31

Nestled on 32 oceanfront acres on the Kohala Coast of the Big Island of Hawaii, The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii is one of the most luxurious and spacious resorts in all of Hawaii. Located just 20 miles north of the Kona International Airport in the beautiful Mauna Lani Resort community.

The Fairmont Orchid is also one of the exclusive Hawaiian luxury hotels used for the “Final Rose Ceremony” on ABC’s The Bachelor!

The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii

The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii

Resort Highlights:

  • Enjoy the wonders of Hawaii’s Big Island – from Mauna Kea’s winter snow-capped mountaintop to the sizzling Kilauea Volcano of Madame Pele’s flowing lava to tropical rainforests and a teeming undersea world.
  • Romance and wedding planning specialists to cater to your every need with our exquisite service and personal attention.
  • 32-acre luxury resort with a sugar-white sandy lagoon and aquamarine waters.
  • Year-round children’s program.
  • Four restaurants and three lounges and the exclusive Fairmont Gold.
  • Authentic Hawaiian outdoor Spa Without Walls with both waterfall massage hale (huts) and breathtaking oceanfront massage cabanas that draw from our island’s natural healing mana (power).
  • 10 plexipave tennis courts surrounded by lush gardens and cool ocean breezes.
  • Beachside, be sure and meet the native Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles that bask on our shoreline every afternoon.
  • Paddle an outrigger canoe, hike through the largest petroglyph field in the Pacific, learn to weave a coconut leaf basket and more guided by our Orchid Beachboys.

This picturesque resort not only offers luxury accomodations and breathtaking views, but also intimate, unique settings for the Hawaiian wedding of your dreams!

Weddings at the Fairmont Orchid

Weddings at the Fairmont Orchid

Most popular wedding locations at The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii:

  • Turtle Pointe – grassy knoll overlooking the blue Pacific
  • Coconut Grove where you are tickled by the sand and caressed with warm ocean breezes
  • Our signature dining location Kilohana room which is enriched by the beautiful koa wood surroundings and sweeping sunset views.
Turtle Pointe

Turtle Pointe

Coconut Grove

Coconut Grove

Kilohana Room and Garden

Kilohana Room and Garden

Wedding Packages: a note from the wedding planning specialists at the Fairmont Orchid:

The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii is a perfect setting for your Hawaiian wedding. The spectacular resort scenery, including gorgeous waterfalls and sweeping oceanfront views, provides an unforgettable backdrop to any special event or celebration. A sense of magic and romance surrounds you as you spend time enjoying the sunsets, experiencing luxury service and exploring this breathtaking island paradise.

To assist in creating the perfect experience, the wedding planners at The Fairmont Orchid will ensure that every aspect of your wedding is a success, down to the last orchid petal. Together, you will create a tailored event that combines all the essential components to exceed your expectations and stay within your budget.

Multiple Packages are Available for any Budget. Various packages include:

  • A choice of six picturesque locations
  • Flowers
  • Ceremony setup and decoration
  • Ceremony official
  • Ceremony refreshments
  • Reception catering and planning
  • Spa accomodations
  • Guest room accomodations
  • Wedding party boquets
  • Custom cakes
  • Orchid petal walk for the bride
  • Personal attention for all of your needs and special requests!

Contact me today – linda@honeymoonsinc.com – to plan your Hawaii wedding, book your Hawaii honeymoon or make reservations at The Fairmont Orchid for your next dream Hawaii getaway!

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Special Maui Packages and Travel Rates for 2009! Jul 31

Special Maui Packages and Travel Rates for 2009!

Discover the Maui you Imagine!

Discover more of Hawaii for less than you imagined with spectacular fall savings! With an opportunity like this, no place on earth offers a greater return on your vacation dollar than the Islands of Aloha.

Example rates: All About Hawaii: 7 Nights from San Francisco or Los Angeles:

  • Air, Car and Ohana Suite: $1634/pp
  • Air, Car and 1 Bedroom Resort View: $1753/pp
  • Air, Car and 1 Bedroom Partial Ocean View: $1994/pp

Includes:

  • RT air from San Francisco (SFO) or Los Angeles (LAX)
  • 7 days Budget Compact rental car
  • FREE upgrade to Intermediate car (based on availability) 9/8-11/24 & 11/30-12/15/09
  • 7 nights accomodations at Honua Kai Resort & Spa, a new resort perfectly situated on Kaanapali Beach.

Airfares are available from across the U.S.! Contact me today to take advantage of these special Maiu travel rates and to book your next Hawaii vacation! linda@honeymoonsinc.com!

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New from The Royal Hawaiian – Curators of Hawaiian Music Jul 31

New announcement from The Royal Hawaiian, one of O’ahu’s best known luxury resorts, located on Waikiki Beach. Don’t miss these exciting and unique music performances on your next Hawaii trip!

The Royal Hawaiian – Curators of Hawaiian Music

Beginning July 9, The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, Waikiki, celebrates its return to grandeur with an indigenous music series in the “Carnegie Hall of the Pacific,” the Monarch Room.  The “Curators of Hawaiian Music” is a weekly cocktail-style event with two performances each Thursday evening by award-winning local musicians. The series was created in an effort to bring the rich musical legacy of The Royal back to life and to pay tribute to Hawaiian culture as part of the re-culturalization of Waikiki.

The show is scheduled on Thursday nights beginning July 9, 2009-December 24, 2009 and includes performances by talented Hawaiian entertainers:

Performer: Makana

His name means gift, and his music is just that – a gift for the senses. Blending elements as diverse as folk, classic and rock, Makana has taken slack guitar to whole new heights. Don’t miss this very special performance!

  • Hawaiian Slack Key, World Fusion Influence
  • Performance Dates: August 6, 13, 20, 27, 2009
  • First Show: 6:30pm – 7:30pm, Second Show: 8:30pm-9:30pm
  • Doors open 30 minutes prior
  • Merchandise sales immediately following the performances.
  • Autograph signing after show for 20-30 minutes staged in the Coronet Lounge.

Learn more at www.curatorsofhawaiianmusic.com and contact linda@honeymoonsinc.com to book your next Hawaii trip!

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Best of Maui: Cirque Polynesia Jul 30

From a recent press release from Cirque Polynesia – a great offer and amazing attraction for your next Maui vacation!

MAUI’S ONLY ‘CIRQUE’ SHOW JUST GOT BETTER – CHILDREN GET IN FREE

Cirque Polynesia Offers Free Child Admission With Each Adult Purchase

Ka’anapali, HI, July 22, 2009 – The only act that may rival last month’s standing ovation during Cirque Polynesia’s Grand Opening, is its offer to open its doors free to all children 12 and under with the purchase of a single adult ticket.

The overwhelming response by parents and their children enjoying the show prompted Cirque Polynesia’s management to offer the free tickets.

“Kids absolutely love Cirque Polynesia,” said Cornell “Tuffy” Nicholas, Cirque Polynesia’s producer.  “Hundreds of parents and our travel partners have told us how their children haven’t seen anything like it and they’d talk about the show even days afterwards.”

Beginning today until August 31, every adult that purchases a regularly-priced ticket (show only) will receive a free children’s admission valued at $52.50.

Cirque Polynesia recently added cast member Vili Fehoko, better known as Vili the Warrior, for his role as the University of Hawaii Warrior’s mascot at football and men’s volleyball games.  For the past 28 years, Vili entertained millions throughout the world beginning at the Polynesian Cultural Center, recently for six NFL Pro Bowls as well as appearances on national television including, CNN and ESPN.

The 75-minute show features back-to-back performances that leave parents and their children awing at acts such as those put on by family members of the legendary Wallenda family.  A modern-day aerial act, known as the “perch,” involves daughter Lyric hanging by one ankle while twirling mother Rietta like a helicopter blade high above the audience.

Cirque artists from Hawaii, Russia, Germany, Kazakhstan and Moldova (Eastern Europe) perform aerial acrobatics, aerial illusions and quick-costume change transformations that make up just some of the other acts.

“Allowing parents to bring their children in for free is just our way of giving back to families looking for great entertainment for a great value,” said Doug Harris, Cirque Polynesia’s Managing Partner.  “Children are some of the toughest critics.  The fact that they enjoy the show so much makes our entire team proud.”

Last month, special matinee performances were put on for free for more than 200 children with Big Brother Big Sisters of Maui, Autism Bridges Maui and Best Buddies Hawaii.

Cirque Polynesia plays six nights a week at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa’s Monarchy Ballroom located on the ground level.  Doors open half-hour prior to show’s 7 p.m. start-time.

To purchase an adult ticket and receive one children’s admission, guests must call the box office directly (808) 667-4540.

The Hyatt Monarchy Ballroom’s theatre-style, split-level seating, creates a special intimacy between the audience and performers.  The modified 600-seat room boasts an expanded stage, along with enhanced show lighting and audio effects and capabilities.

The show’s original music score features live performances from Diane Salonga Rubio, a classically-trained cellist, flute and strings musician and Dan Cruces who plays drums, electric percussion and the trumpet.

All seats are open on a first-come-first seated basis.  The VIP seating, considered the best seats in the house, are the first five rows from the stage.  All other seats are Premier viewing.

Cirque Polynesia Dinner and Show packages includes dinner at The Hyatt Regency Maui’s Resort and Spa’s newest chic poolside restaurant, ‘Umalu, that features a three-course meal with a selection of fresh Maui produce, Mahi Mahi, prime rib and sesame-orange chicken stir-fry.  All meals include lilikoi-mango cheesecake for desert and soft drinks.

Pricing for the Hyatt’s Dinner and Show adult package begin at $116.  Adult show only packages start at $62.

For more information about the show and ticket pricing visit www.CirquePolynesia.com.

About Cirque Polynesia

Cirque Polynesia is a 75-minute performance that features more than a dozen individual acts by internationally-acclaimed cirque artists from Hawaii, Russia, Germany, Kazakhstan and Moldova (Eastern Europe).  The show incorporates high-wire acts, a contortionist, aerial acrobatics and illusionists, balancing acts, a Russian Swing performance and live Polynesian inspired music.

Cirque Polynesia is performed six nights a week at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa’s Monarchy Ballroom nestled on the Ka’anapali coast.  Visit www.CirquePolynesia.com.

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