Hawai`i's Island of Adventure

Hawai`i's Big Island

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. October 14, 2008

BIG ISLAND, HI, December 4, 2006. The Big Island Visitors Bureau is pleased to announce that beginning January 1, 2007, the public relations agency representing Hawai`i's Big Island will be Irondog Communications. Located in Hilo, Irondog Communications is a boutique public relations agency founded by Jessica Ferracane. Ferracane has served as BIVB's on-island public relations specialist since May 2006, working closely with Novom Marketing in Los Angeles.

HAWAI`I'S BIG ISLAND - Adventures, Events and Activities

o Hershey's has unveiled a sweet new treat for the holidays: Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Kisses. The scrumptious new tropical Kiss features macadamia nut nuggets enrobed in a creamy milk-chocolate dome, and wrapped up in blue foil. The white "rip cord" that unwraps the Kiss is stamped with the word Aloha. Available exclusively in Hawai`i at the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Visitors Center in Hilo, and select retail outlets. Call (808) 966-8613 for more information.

o `Imiloa Astronomy Center reveals the Mystery of the Christmas Star in a new film that investigates recorded sightings of significant astronomical events during the time of the birth of Jesus Christ. Viewers will discover signs in the sky that could have been remarkable enough to cause wise men to travel across the desert just to see the newborn king. Shows once a day at 1:00 p.m. at `Imiloa Planetarium, Monday through Saturday. Show ends Jan. 10, 2007. The cost of the Planetarium show is included in the admission price, $14.50 for adults, $7.50 for children four to 12. Visit www.imiloahawaii.org for details.

o Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park offers a free "People and Land of Kahuku Hike" to celebrate the human history of this remote area. The hike is offered on Dec. 10, and again on Jan. 21, 2007. The Kahuku gate, located on the mountain side of Highway 11 near the 70 mile marker will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Guided hikes begin at 9:30 a.m. and end at noon. The moderately difficult hike traverses 2 1/2 miles of rugged terrain, including lava fields, pastures and historic ranch roads. Boots, long pants and raingear recommended. Call (808) 985-6014 for more information.

o Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival (Sat., Feb. 3) - This popular festival held in the community of Waimea celebrates Japanese traditions and culture and includes cherry blossom viewing, music, demonstrations, exhibits, crafts, entertainment, ethnic foods, a farmers' market and visiting performers and artisans from Japan. For additional information contact (808) 961-8706.

o Kona Honu Divers was selected by readers of Scuba Diving magazine as one of the Big Island's best dive operators in their annual Reader's Choice issue. Readers cited the friendly personalities and professionalism of the dive staff, and raved about Big Island dive sites like Suck 'Em Up, Turtle Pinnacle and Manta Ray Heaven, a popular night dive. Visit www.konahonudivers.com or call (888) 333-4668 for more information and reservations.

o Na Mea Hawai'i Hula Kahiko (Sat., Jan. 27) - Traditional hula and chant are performed outdoors on the hula platform overlooking K^ilauea Crater at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park from 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. Hawaiian crafts demonstrations at Volcano Art Center Gallery from 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Free (Park entrance fees apply). Other performances set for March, May, June and August. Call (808) 967-8222 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org.

Hawai`i's Big Island - Hotels, Resorts & B&Bs

o Keauhou-ho-ho-ho! The season's festivities are celebrated throughout December at the Keauhou Shopping Center. On Saturdays and Wednesdays, top Hawai`i performers will provide free entertainment, including Amy Hanaialii Gilliom on Dec. 6 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Other performers include Walter Boy Tavares & Friends (Dec. 16) , the Olliephonics (Dec. 20), Kenneth Makuakane & Friends (Dec. 23), and more. Photos with Santa and horse-drawn carriage rides are also offered. Call (808) 864-6360 for more details.

o The Hot Lava Cool Daze Package at the Outrigger Keauhou Beach Resort offers a red-hot deal that stretches from this holiday season well into the new year. Included are a minimum of three nights, one car entrance pass into Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, breakfast for two daily, and a pair of Lava Flow drinks at the hotel's Verandah Lounge. A rental car can be added for an additional charge. The three-night package starts at $597 for an oceanview room, and is available Dec. 22, 2006 through Dec. 21, 2007. For reservations and information, call toll-free (800) OUTRIGGER, or visit www.outriggerkeauhou.com.

o The Hilton Hawaiian Village decks its halls this holiday season with an amazing array of special events and activities. Don't miss "Holiday Hula" featuring dancers and music of the Pacific Rim accompanied by a lavish dinner buffet. Offered Dec. 22, 26 and 29, with a 5:30 p.m. check in at the Kamehameha Court, 6:00 p.m. imu ceremony, 6:30 p.m. dinner and the show starts at 7:00 p.m. $82 for adults; $41 for children five to 12. Price includes gratuitiy, tax and one beverage. For reservations and information, call (808) 886-1234, ext. 54.

o MasterCard Championship at Hual^alai ( Jan. 19 - 21) - This annual PGA golf event at the Four Seasons Resort Hual^alai Golf Club is the first match of the year on the PGA Champions Tour. It features 36 top golfers who have won Champions Tour or other PGA majors or money events in a 54-hole competition for a total purse of $1.7 million. Contact (800) 417-2770 or visit www.pgatour.com/tournaments.