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
Emergency Notice for September Oahu Activities
If this post seems to be propelled by caffiene controlled text … you’re right! Holy Gopher, it’s all about September, and September is already here!
OK, let’s get to it.
Big Bash! HAWAII FOOD & WINE PARADISE
No, that’s not a misprint. "Paradise" is the operative word here. I’ll have to admit I’m not attending due to the lack of a certain vital ingredient … MONEY!
Anyway, the event is from September 11th through the 13th, in and around the Kapolei area (all the way out H1 to the north).
I’m giving away the farm here, but I want to get the news out, so unleash your wallet and read this. And if you need a roof over your head, here’s some possibilities. A couple of the lower priced properties are sort of doggie, but I’m not going to say which ones, ’cause they know where I live!
Let’s hustle along here.
Hawaiian Quilts for Visiting Quilters
If you’re going to be on Oahu between September 13 and 21, and are a quilter, or quilting fan, be sure to Visit Kahala Mall for a major quilting event. Kahala Mall is at 4211 Waialae Avenue, Honolulu, Hawaii.
Hawaii’s Master Quilter, Carol Kamaile (Kah my leh) will be displaying her designs as an important part of Kahala Mall’s "Shop with Aloha" event.
This is a big event in honor of Aloha Festivals, and features live entertainment and demonstrations that celebrate the arts, music and culture of Hawaii, past and present. If you’re new to Hawaii, this is a great way to get plenny Hawaiiana all in one place.
Oh, and did I mention it’s open to the public and free of charge.
QUILTING DEMONSTRATIONS AT KAHALA MALL Saturday, 9/13 10am-2pm, Sunday, 9/14 10pm-2pm, Wednesday, 9/17 5pm-9pm, Friday, 9/19 10am-2pm, Saturday, 9/20 10am-2pm; and final day, Sunday, 9/21 1pm-5pm
AND THAT’S NOT ALL. During this awesome event, you’ll be treated to a prestige fashion event where you’d normally pay big bucks for admission.
Here it is.
Hawaiian Monarchy Collection … Fashions from Hawaii’s Golden Age.
Imagine. The royal clothing of Queen Kaahumanu (Kah ah hoo mah new) , who presided, for all purposes, as the Queen Regent of Hawaii from 1820 until 1832; Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, who envisioned the Kamehameha Schools; and many, many more.
This elegant fashion show is limited to September 13 only at Center Court of Kahala Mall at 2pm.
OK, here’s a link to the Honolulu Advertiser article that tells all about this very special "Shop with Aloha" event.
Aloha a hui hou
Maui Chefs Present… The 2008 Culinary Olympics. And Halloween in Lahaina … Maybe
You’re getting 2 for 1 on this post. The reason I entered "maybe" in the heading is because both of the events have a little something I’m not exactly in tune with, but, see that’s just me. BUT they are both MAJOR events on Maui, so I want you to know about them.
Maui Chefs Present… The 2008 Culinary Olympics
This event takes place Friday, September 5, 2008 (Ok, OK, so I’m little late with the news.) It’s all about gourmet prepared food and spirits. And, although the event is widely touted by the Lahaina Town Action Committee, it’s actually located in Kapalua, Maui at the Ritz Carlton Pavilion
This is not "pupus and go" beer bust. No indeed. Featured are 24 gourmet dishes from the leading chefs on Maui. The entire event is very high class, and is geared towards perpetuating and enhancing the culinary arts on Maui. This is the 16th year for this gastronomic get-together, so they must be doing something right. I’ve attended twice and was much impressed.
Oh, and did I mention there’s live music and an opening ceremony featuring Raiatea Helm? Holy Gopher, I’d go just to hear her sing (I’m going to do an entire post on her soon, but in the meantime check out this Hawaiian Blossom
OK, this is what makes me wince slightly about this event. The price. $150 each. But, a percentage of the proceeds does benefit Maui Community College Culinary Arts Scholarship Program.
For more details, go to this site.
Halloween in Lahaina
Unless they’ve upgraded since I talked to them on 8/22/08, disregard most of the info on the Lahaina Town Action Committee website concerning Halloween in Lahaina, 10/31/08. There will be a children’s costume parade, but no food booths or live bands on the streets. And the streets will be open to traffic for much of the event.
All I can say is a big "BOO" on all that. Dang, most of that stuff is what made this event so great. To quote from a post I made about this last year, "It’s the most outrageous party you can imagine."
Rant over, I think there will still be boatloads of people and great costumes.
OK, let’s say you trashed my rant and booked a flight to Maui for Halloween, Now, imagine it’s actually Halloween, and you’re ready to take in the big event. You and your party jump in the red convertible you’ve rented, and, top down, you buzz off to Lahaina. You arrive at the outskirts and, after driving up and down Lahaina’s narrow streets for about 20 minutes, you realize, HOLY CRUD! there’s no place to park!
First, forget the red convertible and, a couple of days in advance if possible, or right now, call the hotel or resort you’re staying at, and ask them about free or paid transportation to Halloween in Lahaina.
Let me sum up by saying, I’ve attended this event many times, and have never felt threatened in any way. OK, OK, it does get a little noisy towards closing time, but for the most part it’s a family affair …
AND HERE’S SOME OF THE FAMILY!
Aloha a hui hou