http://www.waikoloabeachresort.com/index.php/naupaka-news Naupaka News en staff@gumdesign.com Copyright 2013 2013-05-01T12:37:41+00:00 http://www.waikoloabeachresort.com/index.php/blog/dont-go-home-without-it http://www.waikoloabeachresort.com/index.php/naupaka-news/dont-go-home-without-it#When:12:37:41Z Top 7 must-have Big Island things to take home Many a great Hawaii vacation includes a shopping list for friends and family back home.  At Waikoloa Beach Resort on Hawaii, The Big Island, shopping is easy and fun—with so many stores, choices for every budget, a convenient resort shuttle and beautiful tropical surroundings just about everywhere you look.  We’ve put together a list of suggestions, in no particular order, to help you get started on your shopping spree! 1.  FOOD.  Take a taste of Hawai’i home to share all year long—like world-famous Kona Coffee, available by the bag in 100% Kona, flavored blends and decaf varieties at Resort locations.  Your co-workers will go nuts for fresh-roasted Hawaiian macadamia nuts too.  2.  FASHION.  Everybody loves vacation tee shirts, and you can do more, at Waikoloa Beach Resort’s fashionable selection of boutiques and clothing shops for men, women and children.  Teens love surf wear; the little ones are big fans of colorful gecko shirts and shorts; moms and dads are always styling in aloha shirts and dresses.  And did we mention slippers?  3.  FINE ART.  Capture memories of your dream Hawaii vacation in a stunning original work of art and make it a part of your home forever (or just eliminate the word).  Visit our galleries for the wistful ocean-scape, the tropical still life or magnificent piece of sculpture that speaks to your heart—and have the experts ship home it for you. 4.  FANCY BLING.  Are you on your honeymoon?  Celebrating a birthday, retirement or special anniversary?  Find something that sparkles with the joy you feel today.  Explore our Waikoloa Beach Resort jewelers for stunning selections in diamonds and fine gemstones, Tahitian pearls, designer originals and Hawaiian heirloom jewelry.  Both Queens’ MarketPlace and Kings’ Shops shopping centers and Hilton Waikoloa Village have made-in-Hawaii jewelry for men and women that embrace the spirit of the islands. 5.  GOLF.  ‘Fore you forget, stop by the golf shop at Kings’ Course, and pick up a dozen balls or a logo visor for the golfer in your life.  6.  BAGS & LUGGAGE.  Fill up your luggage already?  We can help!  Kings’ Shops and Queens’ MarketPlace have stores that offer sturdy, island print bags and more, or pick up reusable Hawaii themed totes, great for taking home as gifts. 7.  MADE IN HAWAII.  For yourself, from the islands.  Do yourself a favor and “shop local” to find that one special thing just for you, made here on the island, with aloha, by a local artisan.  Touch the gleaming koa wood pens and picture frames.  Toss a vivid batik pareau around your shoulders on a chilly day.  Admire handcrafted Christmas ornaments in ceramic or shell.  Feel the tropical breeze in Hawaii-made fragrances and bath products.  Splurge on Island jewelry or special works by local artists and “live aloha” wherever you go. May/June 2013, 2013-05-01T12:37:41+00:00 http://www.waikoloabeachresort.com/index.php/blog/a-family-affair http://www.waikoloabeachresort.com/index.php/naupaka-news/a-family-affair#When:11:10:28Z Any vacation that involves a swimming pool is likely to please the little ones in the family. When waterslides are involved, so much the better. Add long stretches of white- sand beach, a warm ocean, and whales frolicking offshore during winter months, and you get a vacation that the entire family will thoroughly enjoy. Such a place is Waikoloa Beach Resort, where two hotels and a host of condominium accommodations offer pools, places to splash and play, and easy access to the Pacific Ocean. “Waikoloa was designed with kids and families in mind,” says Scott Head, Vice President of Resort Operations. “The vision of the developers more than 30 years ago was to create a place where families could spend quality time together, play together, and create lasting memories. We have preserved and enhanced that vision over the years, and we are very proud to offer such a variety of family experiences to our guests. Waikoloa is really very unique on Hawai`i Island, as it is in the entire state.” At the Hilton Waikoloa Village, visitors will find one of the most distinctive water experiences in Hawai`i at Dolphin Quest. Whether you are simply enjoying lunch at the Lagoon Grill overlooking the dolphins playing in their lagoon, or participating in an actual dolphin encounter, the experience is thrilling. Several encounter programs are offered, ranging from a 10-minute introductory experience for toddlers (ages 2-4) to longer snorkel encounters for older kids and adults. The Hilton also offers three freshwater pools, including one that features a popular 175-foot twisting waterslide…talk about keiki fun! Next door at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, families can gather for the day at two meandering swimming pools, one of which includes a shallow, sandy-bottom kids area; while the other is where the waterslide is found. Or, you can stroll down to ‘Anaeho‘omalu Bay and the half-mile long swimming beach that fronts the hotel. On this protected beach, older kids can snorkel or ride boogie boards; or the whole family can sign up for glass- bottom boat rides, hydro-biking, or kayak adventures. If your family enjoys playing golf together — or if you are looking for a great way to introduce your kids to the game — a special experience awaits at Waikoloa Kings’ Course. Called Family Golf Days, during the summer months (May through August), families can play the Kings’ Course after 3:30 p.m. for only $50 per adult and $25 for juniors including complimentary junior Nike rental clubs. One of the most scenic courses on the island, there’s no better way to spend a few hours playing together than on the Kings’ Course. If sailing, scuba diving, or whale watching excursions are of interest, Ocean Sports has multiple locations around Waikoloa Beach Resort to get you going. This company has been specializing in family recreation on the Kohala Coast for more than 30 years. In addition to ocean excursions, they can also give you a lesson and get you set up on a stand-up paddleboard. “Every day is an adventure!” says Kay Brooks, director of sales and marketing for Ocean Sports. “Come and have your Big Island adventures with us!” “The range of activities we offer is what sets us apart,” Head says. “From learning to dance the hula to playing a round of family friendly golf, from a trek through historic petroglyph fields to an ukulele lesson, Waikoloa Beach Resort offers something fun for everyone. You can even arrange a helicopter tour to fly over the lava flow at Kilauea…now that’s an experience everyone remembers.” Once the sun sets, activities give way to entertainment. Both Hilton Waikoloa Village and Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa offer exciting luau several times a week, replete with great food and traditional Polynesian dancing and story-telling. Plus, at the Kings’ Shops and Queens’ MarketPlace, live music, cultural shows, and entertainment is offered almost every night of the week. Movie nights are popular, as are free monthly concerts, and seasonal activities from Easter to Fourth of July to Christmas are celebrated with fun events and festivities. “Waikoloa is a special place,” Head says. “Our primary goal is to provide families a retreat, a safe place where they can enjoy one another, enjoy the environment, and create memories that last forever. If we can do that, our guests will want to come back year after year.” May/June 2013, 2013-05-01T11:10:28+00:00 http://www.waikoloabeachresort.com/index.php/blog/hawaiian-ukulele-and-guitar http://www.waikoloabeachresort.com/index.php/naupaka-news/hawaiian-ukulele-and-guitar#When:23:39:51Z Kings’ Shops welcomes Hawaiian Ukulele and Guitar to its collection of luxury and boutique stores. Hawaiian Ukulele and Guitar offers some of the finest `ukuleles found on the island. Founded in 2012 by Robert Yates, a local musician and luthier here on the Big Island of Hawai`i, Hawaiian Ukulele and Guitar is fast becoming the `ukulele shop of choice for many local players. By teaming up with fellow luthier Sam Li, Hawaiian Ukulele and Guitar is able to offer fine handcrafted instruments using only the finest solid tone woods and building them to exacting specifications and standards. The guiding vision behind Hawaiian Ukulele and Guitar was to create a `ukulele and guitar shop for everyone from the most seasoned musician to the beginner. The shop offers fine handcrafted Hawaiian-style `ukulele and guitars made from the finest woods available, at a price that is still affordable to the average enthusiast, as well as more moderately priced instruments of high quality and playability, making the joy of music accessible to people of all ages. May/June 2013, 2013-04-30T23:39:51+00:00 http://www.waikoloabeachresort.com/index.php/blog/lavaman-sunset-5k-run-walk http://www.waikoloabeachresort.com/index.php/naupaka-news/lavaman-sunset-5k-run-walk#When:23:39:38Z The Lavaman Sunset 5K Run/Walk presented by Bike Works Beach & Sports took place at Waikoloa Beach Resort in March, with 205 entrants crossing the finish line. Ziggy Bartholomy of Hawi, Hawai`i was the overall and men’s division winner with a time of 19 minutes, 40 seconds. Gabe Dennison from Somerset, United Kingdom was the runner-up at 19 minutes, 53 seconds. In the women’s division, Robyn Noel from Victoria, British Columbia finished first with a time of 23 minutes, 21 seconds; followed by Renee Mevs of Waikoloa, Hawai‘i at 23 minutes 24 seconds. It was an international field with runners/walkers from Brazil, British Columbia, Canada, Japan, and the United Kingdom participating, as well as 15 U.S. states, ranging from California and Oregon to New York and Alaska. A number of Big Island residents also participated. Of the finishers, 12 participants were under the age of 9, and four were over the age of 70. The 2013 event raised donations for several Big Island nonprofit groups, including PATH—Peoples Advocacy for Trails Hawaii; Multiple Sclerosis Society of Hawaii; Hawaii Cycling Club; Francis MS Charity Ride Team; and the Helgi Olafson AS Foundation. May/June 2013, 2013-04-30T23:39:38+00:00 http://www.waikoloabeachresort.com/index.php/blog/charity-walk http://www.waikoloabeachresort.com/index.php/naupaka-news/charity-walk#When:23:38:45Z This year marks the 35th anniversary of the Hawai`i Lodging and Tourism Association’s annual Charity Walk. On May 11, hotels as well as other businesses in the hospitality industry come together for the sole purpose of giving back to the community. Last year $196,000 was raised and awarded to 48 Big Island organizations. The goal for 2013 has been set at $200,000. The epicenter of the Charity Walk will be at Queens’ MarketPlace on the beautiful Waikoloa Beach Resort. Registration will begin at 5:30 am - 7 am, with the race starting at 6:30 am and the walk at 7 am. The after party will include food stations presented by participating hotels and restaurants from various Waikoloa Beach Resort proper- ties. Emceeing the event will be funny man Tony Sylva from the Braddahs and Friends and entertaining will be the one and only Anuhea. $35 mandatory donation per walker; $25 for children ages 5-12 Call 886-1234, ext. 2884 or visit charitywalkhawaii.org for more information. May/June 2013, 2013-04-30T23:38:45+00:00 http://www.waikoloabeachresort.com/index.php/blog/celebrate-the-spirit-lavaman-2013 http://www.waikoloabeachresort.com/index.php/naupaka-news/celebrate-the-spirit-lavaman-2013#When:21:59:00Z The Lavaman, attracting more than 1,500 triathletes, took the plunge into ‘Anaeho‘omalu Bay, with friends and family enthusiastically cheering them on.  This exhilarating sports event charges up the whole resort, as top competitors complete the 1,500-meter ocean swim, 40K bike race and 10K run in championship times. Chris Leito (41) a pro triathlete who lives part-time in Kona sped across the sandy home stretch to the finish first, at 1:53:55.  First place female winner was Rebecca Sherlock (40) of Vancouver, B.C., with a time of 2:16:07. Sports fans were treated to a new twist on Lavaman this year, as Hawaii’s own Sunny Garcia and BJ Penn vied for the mixed martial arts fighters’ division—which Garcia won by nearly 5 minutes.  How exciting to have Hawaii Island’s very own Mayor Billy Kenoi finish his second Lavaman Waikoloa, at 3:37:47.  Way to go, Mr. Mayor! (photo by Hawaii Photoman) March/April 2013, 2013-04-02T21:59:00+00:00 http://www.waikoloabeachresort.com/index.php/blog/fashion-splash-egg-dash-and-passion-for-food http://www.waikoloabeachresort.com/index.php/naupaka-news/fashion-splash-egg-dash-and-passion-for-food#When:20:24:55Z Spring is in the air at Waikoloa Beach Resort.  Although the beautiful hibiscus, plumeria and birds of paradise are flowering year-round, the Spring season is the time of year when the stylish apparel shops at Queens’ MarketPlace add a splash of fashion showcasing the latest popular colors of this year’s spring season.  With so many shops to choose from, here are two locally-owned apparel stores to help get you started.  Stylish chicks—and ducks and bunnies too—will find a great selection of dresses, tops, wraps, shoes and sweaters at Persimmon in Queens’ MarketPlace, with young Hawaii designs from Vitamin “A” to Fighting Eel, Seven for All Mankind, Tiare Hawaii and Vix.  Their head-turning swimsuits and glamorous wraps will have you styling on the beach as well. On the other side of the “springing fountains,” Exclusive Designs boutique is in bloom, with a great mix of top-brand aloha wear by Tori Richard, Bamboo Clay, Simply Silk and Princess Ka‘iulani, among others.  Check out the new collection by East Hawaii Clothing Company, and browse for gifts, bags and sun bonnets (perfect for Easter or any time). All dressed up and no place to go?  No way!  Dash over to Waikoloa Bowl on Saturday, March 30, and join the fun of our epic Egg Hunt on the lawn, with approximately 10,000 prize-filled eggs for a fun morning.  Registration starts at the top of the Waikoloa Bowl at 9 a.m., and only keiki are allowed on the field, by age group, during the hunt.  Egg Hunt will start at 10 a.m.  From 10 a.m. to 12 noon, bring the family and take your own photos with Pualani Cottontail at the Coronation Pavilion located at Queens’ MarketPlace.  Pualani’s helpers will be there to share complimentary popcorn, cotton candy, and face-painting too from 9:30am – 12:30pm. Remember to make your dining reservations.  With a passion for culinary excellence, Chef Charles Charbonneau at the Hilton Waikoloa Village, and Chef Jayson Kanekoa at Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa invite you to Sunday Easter Brunch. At the Hilton’s Palm Terrace, a grand brunch buffet is served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., presenting made-to-order breakfast favorites (like warm, Big Island malasadas), seafood bar with shrimp cocktail, carving stations including roast leg of lamb with minted macadamia nut pesto, and of course chocolate desserts.  $69 adults, $25 children 5-12, kids 4 and under free.  (808) 886-1234. Hawaii Calls Restaurant and Lounge at the Marriott brings its brand of brunch to the table, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Starting with asparagus-crab soup and “honey bunny” rolls, they will add a “tempura Easter Basket & sushi bar” to the festivities in addition to New York cheesecake, cupcakes and an ice cream station.  $60 adults, $25 children 6-12, kids 5 and under free.  (808) 886-8111. Splash into Spring at Waikoloa Beach Resort! March/April 2013, 2013-03-22T20:24:55+00:00 http://www.waikoloabeachresort.com/index.php/blog/super-ukulele-celebration http://www.waikoloabeachresort.com/index.php/naupaka-news/super-ukulele-celebration#When:18:42:53Z The 13th Annual Great Waikoloa ‘Ukulele Festival on Saturday, March 2, brought approximately one thousand fans of the little instrument with the big sound into Queens’ MarketPlace.  Starting the annual festival was a free instructional class taught by noted teacher Roy Sakuma and his staff.  Sakuma is the protégé of the world famous “Ohta-San” who also graced the stages with guitarist, Nando Suan.  The fun day was filled with great Hawaiian music on two stages.  Master of Ceremonies “Mr Aloha” Danny Kaleikini enchanted the crowd with ageless songs, and young ‘ukulele artists like Nick Acosta, Tamlyn Tamura, and You Tube star Aidan James, stole the show.  One of the best highlights was when Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winner Sean Na‘auao was joined by Auntie Aulani Young and her ohana for beautiful, impromptu hula with the band. If you missed the ‘Ukulele Festival, you can still enjoy wonderful hula and Hawaiian music when you visit Waikoloa Beach Resort.  Queens’ MarketPlace showcases three different hālau (troupes) three nights a week at the Coronation Pavilion, plus monthly “mini concerts” with some of the Big Island’s favorite entertainers, all complimentary.  Kings’ Shops hosts free weekly performances on Center Stage, including slack-key master John Keawe, the big-band stylings of Kahulanui, folk artist Rob Decker, and keiki (children’s) hula on Aloha Friday.  And, don’t forget our newest member of the family, Lava Lava Beach Club at ‘Anaeho’omalu Bay, with live Hawaiian music and hula every night!   March/April 2013, 2013-03-14T18:42:53+00:00 http://www.waikoloabeachresort.com/index.php/blog/shop-til-youre-happy http://www.waikoloabeachresort.com/index.php/naupaka-news/shop-til-youre-happy#When:23:31:44Z You swam with the honu, watched in awe as migrating whales spouted and played in the waters offshore, you feasted like Hawaiian ali‘i, played the best round of golf of your life, and felt your heart soften as the sky turned a hundred shades of orange each day at sunset. A trip to Hawai`i creates memories that last a lifetime, whether this is your first visit, or you’re a Big Island regular. Preserving those amazing memories of your travels, sharing them with friends and family back home, is in many ways just as important as the trip itself, because through them you are able to live the experience again and again. There are many retail stores and specialty shops found around Waikoloa Beach Resort where you can find exactly the right gifts, souvenirs, and mementoes to help you do exactly that. Whether you’re looking for macadamia nuts, Kona coffee, aloha shirts and resort wear, original works of art, island-made jewelry, or a comfy new pair of “slippahs,” you’ll find something that fits the bill right around the corner. “Waikoloa Beach Resort has more than just accommodations, great weather, and golf,” says Margo Harumi Mau Bunnell, sales and operations manager, “we also have fantastic shopping. From national brand name stores, to luxury goods, to a wide range of locally owned mom and pop shops, the Waikoloa shopping experience is one that everyone can enjoy.” Two distinct shopping centers — Queens’ MarketPlace and Kings’ Shops — provide resort guests options…lots of options. Queens’ MarketPlace property manager Dawn Deehan lists the cornucopia of options: “We have it all, from groceries to great movies, bikinis to board shorts, t-shirts to tours, dolls to diamonds, hats to haircuts, sculptures to snorkels, bikes to boogie boards, a food court to fine dining, and frappuccinos to furniture. It’s really easy to have a great time at Queens’ MarketPlace.” A must-visit Queens’ MarketPlace store is Island Gourmet Markets, where in addition to delicious packaged and prepared foods, fresh fruits and vegetables, and a wide selection of beer and wine, shoppers will find aisles packed with souvenirs and fun trinkets to take home with them. “Queens’ MarketPlace has something fun for the whole family,” Deehan says. “People play, shop, and dine here, then stay for the ambiance and entertainment. Live music, hula dancers, beautiful landscaping, unique shops, and friendly folks…you can’t beat it!” Across the street from Queens’ MarketPlace is Kings’ Shops. “Resort guests will discover an extraordinary selection of luxury brand stores such as Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., and Coach along with upscale boutique shops like Cinnamon Girl and Mary Jane’s, and famous retailers such as Tommy Bahama, Macy’s, and Maui Divers,” says Becky Ryan, marketing manager. “Our restaurant experiences range from excellent fine dining to delicious take out. “Genesis Gallery is just one of the many exquisite galleries that present a lineup of international, national, and local artists in a variety of different mediums that are sure to impress even the most selective collector. Martin & MacArthur features the finest koa wood furniture and beautiful home accessories which are all made in Hawaii. “In addition, our weekly Farmers Market offers locally-grown produce and flowers along with many one-of-a-kind gifts visitors can take home as souvenirs,” says general manager, Steve Schwartz. Guests at Hilton Waikoloa Village and Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa will find shops close to their rooms or in their hotel lobbies; and golfers can shop at the Kings’ Clubhouse to take home logo items such as shirts and golf balls to commemorate their rounds on the Beach and Kings’ courses. In this issue of Naupaka News, we introduce our new Shopping Guide (see pages 6), your roadmap to all the many wonderful shopping discoveries you can make at Waikoloa Resort. Enjoy! March/April 2013, 2013-03-01T23:31:44+00:00 http://www.waikoloabeachresort.com/index.php/blog/the-13th-annual-great-waikoloa-ukulele-festival http://www.waikoloabeachresort.com/index.php/naupaka-news/the-13th-annual-great-waikoloa-ukulele-festival#When:23:12:18Z Saturday, March 2, Noon - 7 pm Queens’ MarketPlace Queens’ MarketPlace hosts the Great Waikoloa `Ukulele Festival each year as a way of showcasing one of the state’s favorite and most unique instruments. This festival is a terrific opportunity for all ages to immerse themselves in an important aspect of Hawai`i’s culture by getting up close and personal with the `ukulele, learning how it is made, how to play one, and listening to songs played by talented artists. 2 -5 pm – `Ukulele Lessons (FREE), `Ukulele Making demonstration (FREE) Lei Making (FREE) while supplies last Ipu & `Umeke Making (small fee applies) `Ukulele Workshop (FREE) Saturday, March 2, 10 - 11 am Queens’ MarketPlace Studio Learn all about the `ukulele with Roy and Kathy Sakuma in this fascinating and instructive workshop. A fun time for all ages! Bring your own `ukulele to the workshop for a chance to win a `ukulele! » Click to see the Full Schedule March/April 2013, 2013-03-01T23:12:18+00:00