THE HALEKULANI in Waikiki began a cocktail seminar hosted by Dale DeGroff, 20-year veteran bartender of New York City's Rainbow Room. Participants will taste various concoctions as well as learn tricks used by master pourers around the world, as taught by DeGroff. Classes are limited to 20 students. Participants will receive a signed copy of DeGroff's new book, "The Craft of the Cocktail." The seminar is $40 and is held from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. On June 23, tropical rum drinks will be the focus; July 15, martinis; and on July 19, tequila.
Hawaii Hotel News: May 2005 Archives
THE RITZ-CARLTON, KAPALUA will begin a Polynesian luau this summer, beginning June 28. A traditional buffet of Polynesian foods will be paired with tropical cocktails, music and hula performances. The cost is $95 per adult and $47.50 per child, including tax and gratuity.
THE HYATT REGENCY WAIKIKI began the final phase of its $16 million room renovation, which should take approximately five months to complete. This last phase includes all the rooms in the Diamond Head Tower, as the rooms in the Ewa Tower were completed in Nov. 2004. From wallpaper to showerheads, artwork, drapes and lamps, all 1,230 guest rooms will have been totally renovated by the end of the project.
Hawaii hotel occupancy 70.6%
Oahu and Maui hotels remained roughly three-quarters full last week, but the statewide occupancy rate of 70.6 percent reflected the Big Island joining Kauai in the 50 percent to 60 percent range.
For the period May 1-7, Hospitality Advisors LLC reported Friday, occupancy statewide was 2.3 percentage points better than the same time last year, and room rates were up more than 4 percent.
But it was really two stories, with Kauai and the Big Island significantly less full than Maui and Oahu and far below their own performances a year ago. Around the islands:
* Oahu: 77.1 percent, up 16.3 points. Average room rate: $141.05, up 7 percent.
* Maui: 72.1 percent, down 7.3 points. Average room rate: $188.95, up 2.4 percent.
* Kauai: 58.4 percent, down 19.9 points. Average room rate: $184.37, up 6.3 percent.
* Big Island: 53.2 percent, down 11.9 points. Average room rate: $153.28, up 9.2 percent.
National hotel occupancy in the same May 1-7 period was 61.5 percent, up 1.2 points from the comparable week a year ago. Average room rate nationwide was $90.37, up 5.5 percent, Smith Travel Research LLC reported. Points of comparison:
* Los Angeles: 69 percent, up 1 points. Average room rate: $100.89, up 7 percent.
* Orlando: 66.7 percent, up 5.7 points. Average room rate: $94.90, up 2.4 percent.
* San Diego: 69.6 percent, up 5.6 points. Average room rate: $114.70, up 5.6 percent.
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THE MAUNA LANI POINT and The Islands at Mauna Lani, two private home rentals on the Mauna Lani Resort property, are offering gourmet, private dinners prepared by an award-winning chef from Merriman's Waimea restaurant. Prepared in the kitchen and served on your own lanai overlooking the golf course or ocean, this $600 (for two, plus $100 per each additional person) meal includes all service and passed appetizers, plus choices such as Kona lobster salad, carpaccio and parmesan, Mahi-Mahi in spicy Lilikoi sauce with sweet corn and jasmine rice, and applewood-smoked Colorado lamb chops with orange-and-honey-braised winter squash.
With the summer holidays fast approaching, The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua on the island of Maui has implemented the complimentary V.I.K. (Very Important Keiki) program in anticipation of the increase in younger guests expected at the AAA Five Diamond resort. Special welcome amenities and activities make even the youngest guests feel like they are a valued member of The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua 'ohana (family).
From the time of arrival, children are welcomed and presented with a special Ritz Kids button to wear throughout their stay. In addition to being recognized as a V.I.K., a guest relations representative will take a keepsake photograph of the child upon arrival.
During the check-in process, families are presented with a scavenger hunt to complete together, encouraging of the resort's facilities and amenities. In addition, questions such as "What is the name of the state bird of Hawaii, which is found in Maui?" and "What do you call a Hawaiian dance that tells a story?"* prompt children to ask questions of employees to learn about the host culture. Upon completion of the hunt, children may redeem their completed form and select a prize from a treasure chest at the front desk.
Turndown becomes a special occasion for children as well. A personalized card including the photograph of the V.I.K. is placed upon the child's bed in the evening along with a plush toy honu, or green sea turtle, one of Maui's most beloved ocean inhabitants.
In addition to the V.I.K. program, The Ritz Kids offers children seven day so fun-filled adventures, arts and crafts and island exploration with a different theme for each day of the week such as "Aloha Friday" or "Hawaiian Nature Day." The program is available for children ages five through 12 and is fully certified by the state of Hawaii. Weekly Kids Night Out activities offer evening fun while mom and dad enjoy an evening alone together.
