Hawaii Governor David Ige Insists ‘Travel is Safe to Hawaiian Islands’ Despite Kilauea Eruption on Big Island; Provides Contact Info for Travelers

HONOLULU – As dramatic video footage is shown daily from the island of Hawaii of lava flowing, new fissures opening and ash plumes, Hawaii Governor David Ige is reassuring people worldwide that Kilauea volcano is being closely monitored and stated emphatically: “Travel is safe to the Hawaiian Islands.”

Governor Ige noted, “We have a skilled contingent of scientists, geologists, meteorologists, and health experts whose work is being supported around the clock by emergency officials and law enforcement personnel from federal, state and county agencies. They are continuously scrutinizing the activity within Kilauea volcano and providing clear, carefully thought-out advice with the purpose of keeping the public safe and informed.

“This is a time to listen to the experts on-site and to trust what they are reporting and recommending. The experts are telling us there is no danger from the eruptions to anyone outside the areas that have been evacuated. There is no threat of a tsunami. Air quality is being closely studied and is of most concern in the immediate area inside where the volcanic activity is taking place.

“Our foremost concern is for the residents in the affected communities. They are receiving all available support from government agencies and officials to cope with the volcano activity and carry on with their lives as best as possible.

“Visitors to Hawaii can be assured that the volcanic activity is having no effect whatsoever on the other islands, Oahu, Maui, Molokai, Lanai and Kauai. Visitors can book their trips comfortable in the knowledge that their vacation experience will provide all the enjoyment they expect when coming to our beautiful islands.

“All of Hawaii is open for business and welcoming visitors with the hospitality, aloha, warmth and picturesque settings visitors seek in our islands. This includes Hilo, Pahoa and the Kona and Kohala coasts on the island of Hawaii. The one area that people need to avoid is lower Puna where the eruption is ongoing.”

George D. Szigeti, president and CEO of the Hawaii Tourism Authority, added that travel to and within the Hawaiian Islands is unimpeded by Kilauea volcano. “Summer is just a couple of weeks away and there is no reason for travelers to delay in booking their vacation plans. The number of flights serving Hawaii has never been greater and there is an abundance of choices for travelers to select in choosing the accommodations and activities they want to enjoy in the Hawaiian Islands.”

Kilauea has been an active volcano since 1983 and is one of Hawaii’s most popular attractions. Over the years residents and visitors have been drawn to the wonder of seeing nature at work in the creation of new land via tours or visits to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Most of the park is currently closed until further notice.

For the latest updates on Kilauea volcano, check these websites:

Hawaii County Civil Defense: http://www.hawaiicounty.gov/active-alerts

Hawaii County Eruption Map: https://goo.gl/i7RbrB

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory / USGS: https://on.doi.gov/2FEPVBm
Volcano Watch Updates: https://on.doi.gov/2r8G4zE

SO2 Measurement Map: Department of Health: http://www.hiso2index.info

General Air Quality / Air Now: https://bit.ly/2I33ixd

State of Hawaii Interagency Vog Information Dashboard: http://www.ivhhn.org/vog/

Tourism Updates: HTA Special Alerts: http://www.hawaiitourismauthority.org/news/special-alert/

Travelers planning a trip to the Hawaiian Islands who have questions can contact the Hawaii Tourism United States Call Center at 1-800-GOHAWAII (1-800-464-2924).

For more travel features, visit:

goingplacesfarandnear.com

goingplacesnearandfar.wordpress.com

moralcompasstravel.info

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/author/karen-rubin

travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate/

goingplacesfarandnear.tumblr.com/

instagram.com/krubin0830/

instagram.com/famtravltr/

‘Like’ us on facebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures

Twitter: @TravelFeatures

Turtle Bay Resort Announces Special Room Rates for Wanderlust Oahu 2015

NORTH SHORE, OAHU, HI – Turtle Bay Resort on Oahu’s Fabled North Shore is hosting the third-annual Wanderlust Oahu yoga and music festival from Feb. 26-March 1, 2015, and has recently rolled out special room rates for attendees.

Enjoy all of the music performances, world-class speakers, activities and events of Wanderlust Oahu with spacious newly renovated Epic Ocean View, Deluxe Ocean View and Premier Ocean View Guest Rooms at Turtle Bay Resort – all starting at $278 per night.

Each room features all-new furnishings, bedding and completely remodeled bathrooms. Share the fun in Deluxe Ocean View rooms, which offer two queen beds and can sleep up to four guests. Or relax in 725 square feet of space with spectacular views of the ocean and resort in a newly renovated Ocean View Junior Suite for $369 per night, featuring a king bed, oversized guest room and comfortable seating area.

For Four-Diamond quality and direct beach access, the resort’s 42 beach cottages offer unparalleled luxury with 15-foot ceilings, deep-soak tubs and an exclusive cottage concierge – all for a special Wanderlust rate of $559 per night.

Book online at oahu.wanderlustfestival.com or call (866) 827-5321 and mention Wanderlust Oahu to receive these rates, valid from Feb. 26-March 1, 2015.

Turtle Bay also offers special kamaaina appreciation rates and the Kamaaina Loyalty Program that rewards Hawaii residents each time they stay. Call (808) 293-6000 or visit turtlebayresort.com.

Be one of the first to experience Turtle Bay’s recent renovations,that besides the renovated guestrooms also include two restaurants with farm-to-table and sea-to-table cuisine; the Nalu Kinetic Spa and Wellness Center; and two retail outlets and ocean-view fitness center.

Turtle Bay also offers excellent value with its on-site activities – from stand-up paddle boarding and surf lessons to 36 holes of championship golf.

Turtle Bay is the only resort on the North Shore on Oahu, where the “7-Mile Miracle” begins. Ideal for watermen, wave watchers or waders, Turtle Bay is at the epicenter of activities, events and adventures. To discover the destination and stay up to date on the Turtle Bay experience, check out Oahusfablednorthshore.com.

For more travel features, visit:

www.examiner.com/eclectic-travel-in-national/karen-rubin

www.examiner.com/international-travel-in-national/karen-rubin

travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate

goingplacesnearandfar.wordpress.com

‘Like’ us on facebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures

Twitter: @TravelFeatures

New: Moral Compass: Great Places to Go Where the Going Does Good

moralcompasstravel.info

Check out our newest travel site for special deals, insiders’ tips at tidbitts.com: http://www.tidbitts.com/karen-rubin/where-in-the-world

Oahu’s Turtle Bay Resort offers ‘Fantastic Fall’ Rates as Pro Surfers Gather

Turtle Bay Resort on Oahu’s fabled North Shore is celebrating the season’s world-class North Shore surf with Fantastic Fall rates starting at $209 a night for newly renovated epic ocean-view accommodations. Be there for the kickoff to the world’s top surf competitions with fall rates for travel from Sept. 1-Nov. 27, 2014.

For surfers and their global followers, this 7-mile stretch of white sand beaches possesses its own heroes, legends, and icons. The epic waves, the incredible natural beauty and the friendly people have inspired distinctive music, art, photography, film, and even food that are uniquely part of the North Shore vibe.

Be one of the first to experience Turtle Bay’s recent renovations, including newly renovated guestrooms; two new restaurants with farm-to-table and sea-to-table cuisine; the new Nalu Kinetic Spa and Wellness Center; and two new retail outlets with exclusive coastal styles. Plus, the fall lineup of North Shore surf events is unrivaled – check out the HIC Pro at Sunset Beach from Oct.28-Nov.10, 2014, or the REEF Hawaiian Pro at Haleiwa from Nov.12-23, 2014. The Vans World Cup at Sunset Beach runs Nov. 24-Dec. 1, 2014.

Turtle Bay also offers incredible value with an unbeatable lineup of on-site activities – from stand-up paddle boarding and surf lessons at the Hans Hedemann Surf Center to Segway tours, hiking and mountain biking across the resort’s 880 acres to horseback rides at the Stables, beachside yoga at the new Nalu Kinetic Spa and 36 holes of championship golf on two renowned courses. As part of the special Golftober event at Turtle Bay, all guests golf for free throughout the month of October on either course.

Limited quantities of Fantastic Fall rates are available, and rates are subject to change. Call (808) 293-6000 or visit turtlebayresort.com for more.

To discover the destination and stay up to date on the Turtle Bay experience, check out Oahusfablednorthshore.com.

For more travel features, visit:

www.examiner.com/eclectic-travel-in-national/karen-rubin

www.examiner.com/international-travel-in-national/karen-rubin

travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate

goingplacesnearandfar.wordpress.com

‘Like’ us on facebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures

Twitter: @TravelFeatures

New: Moral Compass: Great Places to Go Where the Going Does Good

moralcompasstravel.info

Check out our newest travel site for special deals, insiders’ tips at: http://www.tidbitts.com/karen-rubin/where-in-the-world

New Exhibit at Battleship Missouri Memorial, Pearl Harbor, Honors Nisei Veterans

Newly enlisted soldiers of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team gathered on March 28, 1943 in front of the historic Iolani Palace at the heart of downtown Honolulu for a memorable farewell ceremony.

The Battleship Missouri Memorial at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, unveiled a new onboard exhibit in tribute to America’s Nisei veterans. The exhibit includes dramatic photos, news articles and descriptive text on large display panels, and a video that tells the story of how these Americans of Japanese ancestry overcame the prejudice and questioning of their loyalty at the war’s outset to earn acclaim and respect with their courageous exploits in Europe and the Pacific. The exhibit stretches more than 50 feet and is located one deck below the main deck near the ship’s galley.

“This new exhibit highlights the extraordinary achievements of America’s courageous Nisei soldiers and shows how they proved to our nation during the most stressful of times that being an American isn’t defined by race nor religion,” Michael A. Carr, President and COO of the Battleship Missouri Memorial, said.

“It was 70 years ago when young Nisei men from Hawaii and the U.S. mainland heroically went to battle for America to defeat fascism and tyranny. America’s people, our way of life, and our freedoms were under attack – and no one fought harder to protect all that we hold dear as citizens than the Nisei soldiers. We are deeply honored to recognize these proud warriors on this Veterans Day for all they did in fighting for our country.”

On December 7, 1941, hundreds of Hawaii’s Nisei residents were serving on active duty with the Army or Territorial Guard when Imperial Japan attacked Pearl Harbor and other defense installations. Many of these Nisei were soon removed from their units by a government suspicious of their devotion to America. Most went on to form the 100th Infantry Battalion or to enlist in the Military Intelligence Service starting in 1942. In 1943, thousands more Nisei answered a call for volunteers to serve in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. The 1399th Engineer Construction Battalion was activated in April 1944.

The 100th Infantry Battalion was the first Nisei combat unit, fighting in Italy and France from September 1943 until Germany’s surrender in May 1945. The 100th absorbed so many casualties, it became known as the ‘Purple Heart Battalion.’

The 442nd Regimental Combat Team lived up to its motto of “Go for Broke” with incredible battlefield exploits in Europe. The 442nd became the most decorated unit for its size and duration of service in U.S. military history.

 

The Military Intelligence Service took part in every major U.S. military command and battle in Asia and the Pacific, translating Japanese-language communications. The MIS is credited with saving thousands of lives and shortening the war.

The 1399th Engineer Construction Battalion built 54 major defense projects on Oahu. The War Department refused General Douglas MacArthur’s request to relocate the 1399th to the Philippines, considering the unit essential to Hawaii’s defense.

Contributors and sources for the Missouri’s Nisei exhibit are:

• Go For Broke National Education Center “Unknown Warriors” DVD video
• Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii “Honouliuli Internment” Exhibit
• Kapiolani Community College “Honoring the Legacy” Exhibit and 1399th Engineer Construction Battalion
• Eric Saul, Images from the National Archives of the 100th Battalion, 442nd Regimental Combat Team, and Military Intelligence Service
• Claire Mitani, 442nd Veterans Archives (Consultant)
• Mark Matsunaga, Military Intelligence Service (Consultant)

Battleship Missouri Memorial

The Battleship Missouri Memorial is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. General admission, which includes choice of an optional tour, is $22 per adult and $11 per child (4-12). Military, kama‘aina (local resident) and school group pricing is available. For information or reservations, call (toll-free) 1-877-644-4896 or visit USSMissouri.org.

The Battleship Missouri Memorial, located a mere ship’s length from the USS Arizona Memorial, completes a historical visitor experience that begins with the “day of infamy” and the sinking of the USS Arizona in Pearl Harbor and ends with Imperial Japan’s surrender aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay. 

For more travel features, visit:

www.examiner.com/eclectic-travel-in-national/karen-rubin

www.examiner.com/international-travel-in-national/karen-rubin

travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate

‘Like’ us on facebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures

Twitter: @TravelFeatures

Kauai Marriott Resort on Kalapaki Beach in Hawaii opens Kids Club summer program

Beginning June 23, Kauai Marriott Resort will offer the Kalapaki Kids Club summer program for youngsters ages 5 to 12 years old.

“We designed Kalapaki Kids Club to be flexible and interactive, showcasing the uniqueness of Kauai with fun island experiences all here at our resort,” said Brad Snyder, area general manager. “The kids can participate in a range of activities in a safe, learning environment.”

The day-long program includes lunch, snacks and a t-shirt. The cost per day is $70 per child for hotel guests and $80 per child for non-hotel guests.

The keiki (children) will enjoy hands-on Hawaiian cultural activities from Saturday to Wednesday, including:

“Silly” Saturday – Get ready, get set, get wet! A balloon toss is always fun with a friend or two. Let’s not forget about our obstacle race right on the beach. You will also get to decorate your own visor to wear under the warm Hawaiian sun.

Aloha Sunday – Learn to hula and show off to your friends back home. Hear a bit about our volcanoes here in Hawaii and how our islands were made long ago. Hawaiian story telling is also planned especially for you.

Hawaiiana Monday – We’re going on a scavenger hunt! You will get to see some of the special animals and plants that have made our Gardens of Kalapaki their home. Get a cool Hawaiian petroglyph picture painted on your arm or leg and string fresh flower lei for you to give or wear.

Keiki Tuesday – Fun in the sun with sand sculpting. You will also find out what your name is in Hawaiian and decorate a luggage tag for your journey back home. You’ll also learn about the marine life found right here in the Pacific Ocean.

Makahiki Wednesday – Go “coconuts”, with coconut bowling. You’ll also learn a thing or two about some of the games (old and new) that the children of Hawaii have fun playing every day.

At Kauai Marriott Resort on Kalapaki Beach, families of all ages can enjoy the results of a recently completed $50 million makeover that transformed all areas of the resort. Along with the refreshed guestrooms, the beachfront resort has a new children’s swimming pool with a slide and water features, which complements the 26,000-square-foot signature swimming pool. Youngsters, including teens can also spend time in the new recreation room.

Kauai Marriott Resort is home to a vibrant collection of more than 1,500 red, orange, yellow, and white koi fish, teeming in anticipation and waiting to be hand-fed each morning by resort guests in the Gardens of Kalapaki. From their serene and elegant nature, to the frisky, unforgettable splashing and churning of the pond during feeding time, koi fish feeding is offered daily.

Kalapaki Kids Club reservations are required. Parents and guardians must accompany their children to and from Kalapaki Kids Club.

For more information and details on the most current price and programs that are subject to change without notice, please visit wwww.kauaimarriott.com or call (808) 246-5166.

Located on the serene, family-friendly Kalapaki Beach, the centrally located, 800-acre oceanfront Kauai Marriott Resort on Kalapaki Beach makes it easy for guests to experience the pure splendor of Kauai, world renowned for its natural beauty, isolated beaches, carefree ambience and exhilarating activities. Fresh off a $50 million renovation, Kauai Marriott Resort guests will relax in completely new guest rooms and suites while enjoying the island’s most impressive swimming pool with five saunas. Experience a mixture of creative island-inspired cuisine masterfully prepared at the oceanfront Kukui’s Restaurant featuring the new Toro-Tei sushi bar. Golfers can tee up at this premier Kauai Lagoons golf club, a Jack Nicklaus Signature course offering breathtaking ocean views. To start your island discovery at the new Kauai Marriott Resort, please call (800) 220-2925 or (808) 245-5050 or visit http://www.kauaimarriott.com.

Follow Marriott Resorts Hawaii on Twitter @marriotthawaii or like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/MarriottHawaii.

For more travel features, visit:

www.travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate

www.examiner.com/eclectic-travel-in-national/karen-rubin

“Island Treasure” Hawaiian Vacation Package Includes $300 Credit at Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa

Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa on Hawaii Island has a value added Island Treasure package designed to make a Hawaiian vacation more enjoyable.

“We’ve made it more enticing for leisure travelers to experience all our resort hotel amenities and offerings, from sumptuous cuisine made with fresh local produce and organic Kona coffee grown here on Hawaii Island, to lively Polynesian music and entertainment at our popular Sunset Luau,” said Bill Countryman, general manager of Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa.

Starting at $299 per room night, the Island Treasure package includes:
* Minimum four-night stay in garden view accommodations
* One-time $300 hotel credit which can be applied toward Hawaii Calls Restaurant & Lounge, Kona Coffee Shoppe, room service, Sunset Luau held every Saturday and Wednesday, Internet, and valet parking.
* Daily breakfast for two

Valid for stays through December 31, 2012. A minimum four-night stay and advanced reservations are required. Based on availability, restrictions may apply. For reservations, visit http://www.waikoloamarriott.com or call 808-886-6789 with promotional code ZX0.

Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa on Hawaii, the Big Island is located on 15 oceanfront acres overlooking ‘Anaeho‘omalu Bay and just 18 miles north of the Kona International Airport at Keahole. Offering 555 contemporary guest rooms, suites and cabanas with private lanai and spectacular views, 5,750 square-foot world-renowned Mandara Spa and a fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment from cardio to free weights, Hawaii Calls Restaurant & Lounge with an outdoor lanai for ocean view dining, three pools including the Infinity pool with lava pots, nearby Waikoloa Golf Club offering 36 holes of championship golf and shops, restaurants and boutiques at The Kings’ Shops and the newly-opened Queens’ MarketPlace.

 

For more information or reservations, visit http://www.waikoloamarriott.com or call toll-free at 800 922-5533 or the hotel at 808 886-6789.

Follow Marriott Resorts Hawaii on Twitter @marriotthawaii or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/MarriottHawaii.

For more travel features, visit:

www.travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate

www.examiner.com/eclectic-travel-in-national/karen-rubin

 

 

Polynesian Cultural Center Selected ‘Best Family Attraction’ by Honolulu Magazine

Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) has been selected “Best Family Attraction,” a distinguished honor, as chosen by readers in Honolulu magazine’s annual “Best of Honolulu” edition. This is the third time PCC has been honored with a “Best of Honolulu” award.

“PCC is extremely honored to be recognized as Honolulu magazine’s ‘Best Family Attraction,’ especially since winners are chosen based on kamaaina (Hawaii resident) readers’ picks,” said Raymond Magalei, PCC’s director of marketing. “It’s very important to us that ohana (families) who come to PCC, whether they are visitors or kamaaina, repeat or first-time visitors, enjoy themselves, so we’re always working to ensure that their experience is not only fun, but also rich with new and exciting activities. It is our hope that PCC remains Hawaii’s top attraction for many years to come.”

Each year, Honolulu magazine compiles a comprehensive list of the best that Oahu has to offer and readers vote to determine the winners in a variety of categories, including food, shopping, entertainment, services, fitness, and celebrations.

PCC has previously been recognized with two “Best of” awards, including “Best Place to Take Visitors” in 2010 and 2011. In addition, Hawaii’s No. 1 entertainment critic, Wayne Harada of the Honolulu Advertiser, awarded Ha: Breath of Life the “Best show, public” in his annual Waynie Awards for 2009.

For more travel features, visit:

www.travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate

www.examiner.com/eclectic-travel-in-national/karen-rubin

PCC offers a variety of experiences, activities, and fun for the entire family. Guests can start off the day exploring PCC’s six island villages and two exhibits and also try their hands at the new “Go Native!” activities. The “Go Native!” activities offer exciting hands-on opportunties to do as natives do, whether it’s scaling coconut trees in the Samoan Village, paddling outrigger canoes in the lagoon, cooking in an umu (Samoan above-ground oven), or spear throwing in the Tahitian Village.

For those in the mood for a more relaxing experience, the PCC offers guided canoe tours on a tranquil fresh water lagoon that weaves throughout the Center. The lagoon also hosts Hawaii’s only waterborne pageant, Rainbows of Paradise, which features colorful song and dance from Hawaii, Tonga, Tahiti, Samoa, Fiji and Aotearoa — all performed aboard double-hulled canoes.

In the evening, families can dine at the PCC’s newly rennovated Gateway restaurant buffet, with its ono (delicious) cosmopolitan spread, or upgrade to the Alii Luau, Hawaii’s most authentic luau, before closing out the day at the critically acclaimed evening show, Ha: Breath of Life.

Since opening in summer 2009, Ha: Breath of Life has entertained more than one million guests, receiving rave reviews from locals and visitors alike. With a cast of more than 100 performers, Ha captivates audiences with the story of its central character, Mana, who they follow through the universal life themes of boyhood, love, loss and responsibility. From the apprehension of youth, to the stirrings of young love, to even the sorrow of death, Ha takes the audience on an exhilarating and emotion-filled experience through the sights, sounds and dances of Polynesia.

To add to PCC’s already impressive list of offerings, within the next year the Center plans to unveil many new and exciting enhancements, events and attractions.

For more information or to make reservations, visit Polynesia.com or call the PCC ticket office at (800) 367-7060. On Oahu call (808) 293-3333.

Founded in 1963 as a non-profit organization, the PCC has entertained more the 36 million visitors, while preserving and portraying the culture, arts, and crafts of Polynesia to the rest of the world. In addition, the PCC has provided financial assistance to 17,000 young people from over 70 different countries while they attend Brigham Young University-Hawaii. As a non-profit organization, 100 percent of PCC’s revenue is used for daily operations and to support education.

Polynesian Cultural Center in Hawaii Presents 22nd Annual Moanikeala Hula Festival, Jan. 21

Halau Hula Olana. Hawaii’s premiere hula event of 2012, the Moanikeala Hula Festival will be held on Saturday, Jan. 21, in PCC’s Pacific Theater.

Beauty, grace and tradition come alive as hula halau (hula schools) from across Hawaii and Japan take the stage at the Polynesian Cultural Center’s (PCC) 22nd Annual Moanikeala Hula Festival, captivating crowds in this stunning hoike (festival).

Hawaii’s premiere hula event of 2012, the Moanikeala Hula Festival will be held on Saturday, Jan. 21, 2012, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in PCC’s Pacific Theater.

Starting as a keiki (child) hula competition over two decades ago, Moanikeala has since blossomed into an annual hoike featuring dancers of all ages whose elegant movements paint pictures and narrate stories of ancient and modern Hawaii. The event showcases many of the world’s most talented halau and honors Aunty Sally Wood Naluai, PCC’s first Hawaiian Instructor, perpetuating her over 60 year passion for teaching the magnificent Hawaiian art. Aunty Sally taught numerous haumana (students), from the Center’s opening in 1963, until her retirement in 1980. After retiring, she continued to work with the PCC as a consultant until she passed away in 2000. Many of her past haumana have since formed their own halau.

“With her love and passion for sharing the Hawaiian culture, especially hula, Aunty Sally touched the hearts of many, not only in Hawai‘i, but throughout Polynesia, the Pacific and the world,” said Ellen Gay Dela Rosa, PCC’s theater director and Aunty Sally’s niece. “Today her legacy is carried through her students, who continue to perform and share the culture of Hawaii.”

Festival admission is $10 for adults ages 16 and older, and $6 for keiki from ages 5 to 15. Admission is free for Kamaaina Annual Pass holders and keiki younger than 5.

For more information or to make reservations, visit Polynesia.com or call the PCC ticket office at (800) 367-7060. On Oahu call (808) 293-3333.

Founded in 1963 as a non-profit organization, the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) has entertained more than 36 million visitors, while preserving and portraying the culture, arts and crafts of Polynesia to the rest of the world. In addition, the PCC has provided financial assistance to nearly 17,000 young people from more than 70 different countries while they attend Brigham Young University-Hawaii. As a non-profit organization, 100 percent of PCC’s revenue is used for daily operations and to support education.
For more travel features, visit:

www.travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate

www.examiner.com/eclectic-travel-in-national/karen-rubin

Landing a kiss at the Battleship Missouri Memorial may land visitors a free return trip to Hawaii

Guys and gals like visiting couple Robert and Virginia Rosborough of New York who reenact this famous WWII Times Square kiss while at the Battleship Missouri Memorial can enter to win a return trip to Hawaii. Also pictured is the 6-foot “Unconditional Surrender,” a lifescale bronze sculpture by Seward Johnson, courtesy of The Sculpture Foundation © 2004. http://www.sewardjohnson.com

Coinciding with the arrival of a lifescale, bronze sculpture depicting a famous World War II kiss, the Battleship Missouri Memorial is inviting visiting couples to “plant one on” for an opportunity to win a return trip to the Hawaiian Islands.

The Battleship Missouri Memorial this week launched its “Victory Kiss Contest,” in which couples reenacting photographer Alfred Eisenstaedt’s WWII Times Square picture of a Navy sailor kissing a young nurse can enter to win the getaway, including roundtrip airfare on Hawaiian Airlines to or from one of its U.S. Mainland gateway cities and a two-night stay at the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort and Spa. The contest runs through Oct. 30.

With the nearby sculpture, couples will have an outstanding example to guide their reenactments. The 6-foot piece, titled “Unconditional Surrender,” was created by Seward Johnson, artist and son of the founder of Johnson and Johnson. It is touring the country as part of the “Keep the Spirit of ’45 Alive!” initiative, a nationwide, grassroots effort to establish an annual day to honor the achievements of America’s WWII generation so that their courage, self-sacrifice and service will continue to inspire future generations of Americans.

Photos of the visitor reenactments will be posted on the Battleship Missouri Memorial Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/Battleshipmissouri), where 10 finalists will be chosen on Nov. 7 based on the most “likes” they receive. From the resulting 10 finalist couples, the grand prize winner and runner-up winners will be randomly selected. The grand prize winner will be announced on Veterans Day, Nov. 11. (Runner-up prizes will include credit with the Battleship Missouri Memorial’s online Victory Store. All finalists will receive two movie vouchers to see Universal Picture’s Battleship, premiering in May 2012.)

“World War II may have formally ended on the USS Missouri with the signing of Japan’s surrender, but another iconic moment occurred weeks earlier when peace was sealed with a kiss in Times Square,” said Michael A. Carr, Missouri’s president and chief operating officer. “When Japan first announced its surrender on Aug. 14 — Aug. 15, Japan time — people from all over the world broke into spontaneous celebration, including a certain uninhibited Navy sailor and a young nurse. That photo went on to become one of the most famous photographs ever taken.”

Weeks later, on Sept. 2, 1945, Gen. Douglas MacArthur and representatives from 10 nations assembled on the USS Missouri, anchored in Tokyo Bay, to sign the Instrument of Surrender, thereby formalizing the end of World War II.

Carr added: “The Battleship Missouri Memorial is proud to showcase ‘Unconditional Surrender,’ a remarkable sculpture that so masterfully captures a moment in history. It’s like seeing an image pulled from the history books and brought nearly to life. The experience is similar to the first time I stepped aboard the Missouri and imagined the many people and historic events that had likewise crossed her decks. History really does seem to come alive in Pearl Harbor.”

The Battleship Missouri Memorial is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Memorial photographers will take reenactment photos through 3 p.m.). Shuttle buses provide roundtrip transportation from the new Pearl Harbor Visitor Center during operating hours. Standard admission, which includes choice of a guided tour, is $20 per adult and $10 per child 4-12. For more information or to reserve a tour, call 973-2494 on Oahu, toll-free at 1-877-MIGHTYMO (1-877-644-4896) or visit http://www.ussmissouri.org.

The Battleship Missouri Memorial, located a mere ship’s length from the USS Arizona Memorial, completes a historical visitor experience that begins with the “day of infamy” that saw the sinking of USS Arizona in Pearl Harbor and ends with Imperial Japan’s unconditional surrender aboard USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay. Following an astounding career that spans five decades and three wars, from World War II to the Korean conflict to the Liberation of Kuwait, the “Mighty Mo” was decommissioned and donated to the USS Missouri Memorial Association, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, which operates the battleship as a historic attraction and memorial. The association oversees her care and preservation with the support of visitors, memberships, grants and the generosity of donors.

For more travel features, visit:

www.travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate

www.examiner.com/eclectic-travel-in-national/karen-rubin

Crystal Symphony Sets Course for First Ever Hawaiian Islands Golf Cruise

On Crystal Symphony’s first-ever Golf Experiences of Discovery to the Hawaiian Islands, golfers can tee off at three of the region’s most stunning courses, and perfect their swings with instruction from PGA pros on the way.  The 14-day itinerary conveniently sails round-trip from Los Angeles April 24, with play in Kauai, Oahu and Maui.  The courses, featuring some of the most spectacular scenery on the islands, include:

Poipu Bay Golf Course (Kauai) – Named one of the top courses in Hawaii by the likes of Golf.com and The Los Angeles Times, where one is just as likely to reach the surf as the green.

Ko’olau Golf Course (Oahu) – Listed as one of Golf Magazine’s ‘Top 100 Places You Can Play’, the course encompasses over 280 acres of plush forest, and poses a fun challenge for low-handicappers.

Ka’anapali Golf Resort (Maui) – The Royal Course at Ka’anapali has hosted greats from Arnold to Nicklaus, featuring broad fairways and sloped greens.

In addition to play at the destination’s top-rated courses, Crystal’s “Hawaiian Dreams” golf programming also features on board presentations and tips from former U.S. Open champion Ken Venturi and golf historian Jack Mishler.

The Crystal Golf Program includes onboard practice with brand new TaylorMade equipment – the No. 1 driver on the PGA Tour – cocktails, caddy and cart service on the greens, and complimentary cleaning and storage of golf clubs and golf shoes after each round.

The cruise calls in Hawaii/Hilo, Kauai/Nawiliwili, Oahu/Honolulu, Maui/Lahaina, Hawaii; and Ensenada, Mexico.  Promotional, Two-for-One cruise fares start at $4,955 per person, double occupancy, and include complimentary air transportation and $500 per person ‘All Inclusive – As You Wish’ shipboard credit. For more information and Crystal reservations, contact a travel agent, call 888-799-4625, or visit www.crystalcruises.com.