Inauguration Day … Hawaiian Vacation Style …
…At the Royal Hawaiian Hotel on Waikiki Beach.
This beautiful, nostalgic hotel known as the "Pink Palace of the Pacific" will reopen its doors on January 20th, 2009. The Royal Hawaiian closed in June for an estimated $110 million renovation.
The gala opening event on January 20th will be the Official Aloha Inaugural Ball hosted by the Hawaii Democratic Party. To further celebrate ,the hotel is offering a Presidential Package. The package includes four nights in a garden-view guest room, a bottle of pink Champagne and two tickets to the ball. All this for a low, low starting price of $1800 per couple … Ok, for somebody, somewhere that’s a bargain.
Now, if you want to attend the Aloha Inaugural ball but can’t stand the $1800 tab please read on.
In case your’re not familiar with the historical Royal Hawaiian Hotel, this little history note will bring you up to speed. It’s located on Kalakaua Avenue in the Waikiki district of Honolulu. The Royal Hawaiian Hotel was one of the first hotels established in Waikiki, opening it’s doors February 1, 1927, and is considered one of the flagship hotels in Hawaii tourism.
Another "make ya gulp" fact about this iconic hotel is the the original building cost: 4 million US dollars! And that’s in 1927 dollars!
OK, here’s the people to talk to if you just want to attend the ball and find less expensive lodging somewhere else.
As usual:
News Flash: You’ve probably read that airfares to Hawaii are becoming more reasonable. Go over to Orbitz and search for some of the 35% discounts.
Fun Facts About Hawaii: The State bird is an indigenous flightless goose called the Nene (neh neh). Actually it can fly short distances, but why leave Hawaii, right? The Nene somewhat resembles a small Canadian Goose, with a dark colored head and grayish feathers on the body. Once on the brink of extinction, there are now probably some 700-800 birds.
Aloha a hui hou
Extra! Extra! President-Elect Obama’s Christmas Visit
According to a Honolulu Star-Bulletin report on an Associated Press release, President-Elect Barack Obama’s family, along with families of several friends, will go Kailua side of Oahu for a Chistmas visit.
Exact dates are not available, but the accomodations are said to be three makai (beachside) multimillion-dollar homes. Lagoon-style pool, palm trees, white sand, and surfers, included.
Way to go President-Elect Obama! What you’ve been through in the last two years, and what lies ahead after you take office,you deserve a beautiful place to catch your breath.
Some folks might take exception to Obama’s visits to the paradise islands of Hawaii (this will be #3 this year), but for him it’s like returning home, just like Clinton would be returning to Arkansas or Bush to Texas. And, of course, sadly, one of his visits was to see his dying grandmother, Madelyn Dunham, for the last time.
For the uninformed, President-Elect Obama was born at Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children in Honolulu, and was a 1979 Punahou School graduate. I’d say he feels right at home in Hawaii. Ain’t it great!
OK, because It’s been a very long time since I’ve posted, you might have forgotten about my two little features that I try to include in each post: "News Flash" and "Fun Facts About Hawaii". So, dang it, here they are.
News Flash: Orbitz has some deals for travel to Hawaii ending 12/31/2008. Hey! It’s not too late!
Fun Facts About Hawaii: South Point of the Big Island of Hawaii is the most southern point in the United States (sorry Florida). Think about it.
Aloha A Hui Hou