Hawaii: Report on the Big Island Following the Quake

Hawaii's Big Island has largely returned to normal after the earthquake that rattled the Hawaiian Islands on October 15, according to the Hawaii Convention and Visitors Bureau.

All visitor accommodations are open. Electrical power has been fully restored. Major and secondary roads are open, and the airports are running their normal flight schedules.

However, these natural areas are currently (as of November 1, 2006) closed: most of Kealakekua Bay (South Kona), Muliwai Trail (Hâmâkua), `Ainapô Trail (Ka`u), and Pololû Valley Trail (North Kohala). In addition, the popular adventure tours, Flumin' Da Ditch and HMV Hummer Tours are permanently closed.

For the latest updates, visit www.bigisland.org. Or, from North America, 24-hour visitor information is available at 1-800-GOHAWAI`I.

The convention and visitors bureau also reports the following:

Adventures, Events and Activities

Kealakekua Bay Still Accessible by Horseback
Despite earthquake damage to some of the cliffs surrounding Kealakekua Bay, South Kona's popular horseback adventure, Kings' Trail Rides, is able to continue their scenic Kealakekua ride. The ride takes a bit longer and uses the northern route down to the bay, where riders can tie their horses, explore the beautiful coastline on foot, and enjoy a hearty lunch. For more information, call (808) 323-2388 or visit www.konacowboy.com.

Hawai`i Forest & Trail
Due to earthquake impact, popular eco-tour company Hawai`i Forest & Trail report their Valley Waterfall Adventure has been suspended indefinitely. The good news: their Kohala Waterfall Adventure and Kohala Wai PinzTrek Off-Road Adventure are operating smoothly. These exciting tours are both located within footsteps of the Valley Waterfall site and offer panoramic vistas and even more waterfalls. For more information, visit www.hawaii-forest.com.

Hulihe`e Palace Now Open
Hulihe`e Palace in Kailua-Kona is open again for public tours following the October earthquake. While the palace has suffered major damage, it has been determined to be structurally sound. The nonprofit Daughters of Hawai`i, who restored and operate the palace, are starting an Earthquake Fund to support the estimated $1-million-restoration of the palace. Find out more and read the complete architect's report, with photos, at www.daughtersofhawaii.org or call (808) 329-1877.

Poet Laureate in Volcano
Pulitzer-prize winning American poet and essayist-and United States Poet Laureate-Ted Kooser, gives a free reading November 8, at 7:00 p.m. in the Kîlauea Military Camp Theater in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. Call (808) 967-8222 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org

Slack Key Guitar and 'Ukulele Workshop
The first Big Island workshop of its kind will take place at the Pahala Plantation House from November 25 - December 2. Organized by Grammy-Award-winning slack key artist Keoki Kahumoku, the event will feature top Hawai'i musicians, including Dennis Kamakahi, Ledward Ka'apana, Herb Ohta Jr. and Cyril Pahinui, among others. Registration is limited. To learn more, go to www.goHawai`i.com/bigisland/slackkey_workshop2006.pdf

Hilo's Lyman Museum will present "A Christmas Carol" for the holiday season. Arval Shipley will direct local actors in this memorable presentation. Shipley has an exciting background in every aspect of theater and this will be a "first" Christmas play for the Lyman Museum. Admission: adults, $10; students, $8. Call (808) 935-5021 for the performance schedule, or visit www.lymanmuseum.org.

Hâmâkua Macadamia Nut Company, which grows, markets and processes 100 percent Big Island macadamia nuts and other delicacies, now offers free tours and samples at its new factory store in Kawaihae, not far from the Kohala Coast resorts. This small, independently owned company works with hundreds of macadamia nut farmers along the Hâmâkua Coast, and produces a delectable line of lightly salted macadamia nuts, flavored nuts, and other treats. www.hawnnut.com, or call (888) 643-6688.

Hotels, Resorts & B&Bs

Post-Quake Package at the Mauna Lani The October earthquake that rattled the Hawaiian Islands left the Mauna Lani Resort merely "shaken, not stirred," and to prove it they're offering a special rate package now through December 19. Rates starting at $390 per night include two pineapple martinis, daily buffet breakfast for two, use of snorkeling equipment, access to the Mauna Lani Sports & Fitness Club, nightly Hawaiian entertainment, and other Hawaiian cultural activities. For reservations: (800) 367-2323, or reservations@maunalani.com

The Kings' Shops at Waikoloa Beach Resort offers "24 Days of Mele Kalikimaka" December 1 through 24. The shops will hold a daily drawing for prizes donated by the Kings' Shops tenants. Entry forms are available at all King's Shops merchants, the food pavilion and restaurant locations. No purchase is necessary to win. For more information, call (808) 866-8811.

Prints and Drawings by John Kelly The Four Seasons Resort Hualâlai will be presenting "Memories of Old Hawai`i: Prints and Drawings by John Kelly" from November 20 through January 5. John Melville Kelly (1878-1962) was an artist for the San Francisco Examiner until 1923 when he and his wife moved to Hawai`i. Over the next four decades, Kelly's work, primarily reflecting Native Hawaiian people, brought him acclaim both in Hawai`i and abroad. The free exhibit will be presented in the
Ka`ûpûlehu Cultural Center from Sunday through Friday.

Fire & Ice New Year's The Fairmont Orchid is serving up a New Year's Eve full of tiki torches, fire dancers and ice sculptures to set off a party featuring an array of delicacies set up around the pool. The Fire & Ice Dinner Feast & Dance Party is $180 per adult, including party favors, two cocktails and a midnight champagne toast. For $90, each child receives party favors, two non-alcoholic drinks, plus a midnight apple cider toast. There's also a special $2,082 package that includes three nights accommodation and two adult tickets to the party. Fireworks will bring in the new year. For reservations: (800) 845-9905.

Cheap Trick New Year's It will be vintage rock'n'roll ringing in the new year at the Hilton Waikoloa Village. Longtime power-pop darlings, Cheap Trip ("Surrender," "I Want You to Want Me," "Dream Police") will entertain at the New Year's Eve bash in the Grand Ballroom. There'll be party favors, confetti, a balloon drop, and drinks. And before the party, guests can partake of a "gala buffet dinner" in the Water's Edge Ballroom ($95)-or choose from customized menus at any of the resort's four restaurants ($90) Tickets for the Cheap Trick party are $125 for adults (discounts for children) and include one drink and a champagne toast at midnight. Doors open at 8 p.m. with a live DJ and dancing. There are also party options for teens and kids.

For more concert info, visit www.kingmichelconcerts.com or email king@kingmichelconcerts.com. For New Year's Eve dinner reservations, call (808) 886-1234. For room reservations call direct at (808) 886-1234 or toll-free at 1 (800) HILTONS.

5th Night Free at Kona Village Resort Kona Village Resort is offering a 5th night free to enjoy their barefoot luxury now through December 16. Guests stay in an individual, spacious, thatched-roof bungalow. Numerous amenities, including meals, included in every stay. www.konavillage.com or (800) 367-5290.

Thanksgiving Buffet at the Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa Celebrate Thanksgiving at the Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa with a sumptuous buffet at Kai on Thursday, November 23. Adults, $40, children, $20. For reservations call (808) 930-4900. Visit www.sheratonkeauhou.com for special room packages.

Complimentary Upgrade at the Royal Kona Resort This fall, save 40 percent on a newly renovated room at the Royal Kona Resort. Reserve an Aloha Garden View room and receive a complimentary upgrade to a new Deluxe Partial Ocean View room for just $105 per night. This special offer is also available with daily buffet breakfast for two for just $129 per night or with a daily economy rental car for just $131 per night.

This special upgrade offer is valid now through December 20. Pricing is based on double occupancy and does not include hotel taxes.

For more information and reservations, call (800) 222-5642, or visit www.royalkona.com.

For more information on Hawaii's Big Island, please visit www.bigisland.org

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