Jetsettersblog

Outrigger Reef on the Beach Museum exhibits

Fijian wedding dress, ceremonial masks, and missionary furniture among many artifacts

Waikiki, Hawaii – Outrigger Reef on the Beach has unveiled two special museum exhibits featuring Pacific island cultural arts and Hawaiian missionary artifacts in its lobby. Both are free and open to the public and will be on display for a limited time.

“‘Art’ in the Pacific Islands” is a collection of traditional artifacts from Papua New Guinea, the Marshall Islands, Fiji, Tonga and Vanuatu. Assembled by Curator Caroline Yacoe of Pacific Pathways from private collections, the artifacts include dramatic masks, a clothing mat, traditional Fijian wedding dress, ceremonial bowls and clubs.

“In many Pacific island countries, ‘art’ is an integral part of daily and ceremonial life,” Yacoe said. “Masks, sculpture, tattoo, pottery and weaving designs all help identify one’s clan and heritage. They help express feelings and emotions that underlie the society. Rituals involving these arts mark stages of life: birth, maturity, death, and make tangible the unseen spirits, ancestors and forces that control the natural world. Art in Pacific island societies is a main expression of the culture.”

The missionary exhibit was assembled by the Mission Houses Museum, a non-profit organization and genealogical society established in 1920 on Oahu. Its new exhibit at the Outrigger Reef encompasses two displays: “Taking Tea” and “Poi Suppers.”

Early New England missionaries arrived in Hawaii in the 1820s to spread their faith and teach Hawaiians how to read and write. They also brought their custom of taking tea. The “Taking Tea” exhibit displays furniture and household items from this era, including a Queen Anne tea table, Empire drop leaf sewing or work table, Windsor chairs, Federal candle stand, lithographs, an Empire style sofa, and Canton tea service set.

The “Poi Suppers” exhibit depicts a traditional missionary room including furniture, a shell collection and artwork, as well as a poi supper table setting, as might have been given by a missionary descendent around 1935. Artifacts include ceramic Lokelani tableware manufactured by Waterhouse for the Hawaiian market in the late 1800s, silverware, platters, serving bowl, poi bowls and glass candlesticks.

The Pacific island art and Hawaiian missionary artifact displays are part of Outrigger Reef’s ongoing commitment to preserving and sharing Hawaii’s cultural heritage with its guests and community.

The oceanfront anchor of the new Waikiki Beach Walk®, Outrigger Reef on the Beach is ideally situated between beautiful Waikiki Beach and exciting Waikiki. Currently undergoing a $110 million makeover, the hotel is being transformed into Oahu’s newest haven of elegance, gracious hospitality and unparalleled commitment to Hawaiian culture. The project is being carefully completed in multiple phases to ensure the continued comfort of guests.

On property are a wide array of restaurants, shops and services including a complimentary Hawaiian Vow Renewal Ceremony. The adjacent Waikiki Beach Walk is Oahu’s newest entertainment destination, home to shops, boutiques, art galleries, restaurants and accommodations spanning a nearly 8-acre area in Waikiki.

Outrigger’s Hawaiian Memories Packages

Honolulu, Hawaii – Choice is the key feature of Outrigger Waikiki’s new Hawaiian Memories Package, an option-packed special that lets guests choose what they’d like to include in their Hawaiian vacation.

The package begins with three nights’ accommodations at the oceanfront Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach, plus daily breakfast for two. Guests can then choose one of the following options:

an Outrigger Catamaran ride for two

half-hour photo session with CD of images and one 5”x7” keepsake photo 

or a canoe surfride for two with a CD of images.

Travelers can also choose:

from a wide array of room categories ranging from city view from $285 per night to deluxe one-bedroom oceanfront for $815 per night.

to have breakfast at either Hula Grill Waikiki or Duke’s Canoe Club restaurants, both located on site at the hotel.

to add a rental car to the package for an additional $29 per day for a compact vehicle, $36 for mid-size or $46 for full-size.

to book extra nights at Outrigger’s Best Available Rate.

“Hawaiian Memories was inspired with our many return guests in mind,” said Jim Heather, general manager of the Outrigger Waikiki. “Some have stayed with us time and again for many years, and some are even like family. We met them when they were a couple and now they’re bringing their grandchildren and great-grandchildren and just keep on adding to their collection of Hawaiian vacation memories.”

Hawaiian Memories Package rates are based on double occupancy and are good through December 21, 2008. Package may not be combined with other offers, and is subject to room availability, change and taxes. Some restrictions may apply.

For reservations or information, call toll free 800-OUTRIGGER (1-800-688-7444) or visit either www.outriggerwaikiki.com or www.outriggerreef.com  You can also e-mail reservations@outrigger.com

Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach is a deluxe and gracious Hawaiian hotel located directly on the sands of world-famous Waikiki Beach in the heart of exciting Waikiki. The 525-room property features three restaurants including the famed Duke’s Canoe Club, Chuck’s Steakhouse and Hula Grill Waikiki; the popular Society of Seven cabaret show, shops, meeting rooms, self-service business center and exceptional displays of Hawaiian artifacts and artwork throughout the property. All guests are welcome to enjoy such on-property amenities as free high-speed Internet access, free long-distance domestic telephone calls, and convenient Hawaiian Airlines check-in kiosk, with no resort fee.

Hyatt Resorts Great Summer Getaways

Hyatt Resorts announced its “Great Summer Getaway” to make planning for summer vacation fun and interactive.

By logging onto www.HyattResortsSummer.com  a free online planning tool, trip planners have the opportunity to build, view and share the perfect summer retreat.

Each trip planner who registers and uses the site will be entered in the “Great Summer Getaway” sweepstakes for a chance to win Hyatt gift cards.

Participating Hyatt Resorts properties are also offering a Sunshine on Sale package through Sept. 1, 2008. Available at 19 Hyatt Resorts in the U.S., Caribbean and Mexico, the “Sunshine on Sale” packages will give guests an extra night of luxury and fun compliments of Hyatt based on a minimum length of stay.

For more information, call 800-233-1234 or visit www.hyatt.com

 or www.HyattResortsSummer.com

International Surfing Day

Surfers Worldwide Unite To Celebrate Surfing and Coastal Environments

On June 20, 2008, surfers from around the world will wax their surfboards and catch a wave in honor of International Surfing Day (ISD). Established four years ago by the Surfrider Foundation and Surfing Magazine, International Surfing Day is the one day a year where surfers from around the globe come together to celebrate the sport of surfing and pitch in to give back to our world’s oceans, waves and beaches.

As is tradition, the Surfrider Foundation will commemorate the day by hosting various coastal clean-up and restoration events around the world. However there will be a new twist this year in the form of special ISD “challenges” whereby the public will be able to compete for prizes by participating in a wide range of activities ranging from beach clean-ups, to filmmaking, to art contests.

International Surfing Day is sponsored by Monster Energy Drink, Pac Sun and Earthpack. For more information on International Surfing Day, including information on challenges and event locations, go to www.intlsurfingday.com

www.surfrider.org

www.intlsurfingday.com

Sheraton Keauhou Love Your Family Program

The Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa on Hawaii’s Big Island is offering a Love Your Family program, featuring free experiential activities like Dive in Movies at the multi-level Manta Ray Super Pool & Slide; stargazing; water volleyball and basketball games; water slide races; historic walking tours; and resort scavenger hunts. In addition, the hotel is offering a Sunsational Savings package that features a third night free and buffet breakfast daily through Dec. 25.

Children ages 5 and under eat free when with a paying adult, and children 6 to 12 receive a 50 percent discount on meals from the children’s menu. To book the package, call 866-716-8109 and request package code SUN3NF.

For more information, visit www.sheratonkeauhou.com

United Vacations Tax Refunds for City Stays

United Vacations is encouraging travelers to use their tax refunds to purchase that long-awaited, much-needed getaway. With busy schedules and tight budgets travelers are looking for great ideas and big savings on their vacation purchase.

United Vacations Big City Sale offers significant savings on big city getaways to 14 of America’s most popular cities. With this sale clients will receive $75 off the package price for vacations of three nights or more. In addition, some select hotels are offering free nights. And for the customer who loves to rack up their bonus miles, they can receive 1,000 Mileage Plus bonus miles (in addition to those earned from their flight) just for booking online. It’s the perfect solution for the traveler looking for a quick, affordable getaway and some rest and relaxation.

The Sale is valid for vacations purchased by April 30 for travel through Dec. 31. Promotion code CITY must be used at the time of booking. Cities included in the Sale are: Anaheim, San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Calif.; Chicago; Clearwater/St. Petersburg/Tampa and Orlando, Fla.; Denver; Las Vegas; Miami; New York City; Phoenix, Ariz. and Reno.

Kahala Hotel Vow Renewal Ceremony Package

The Kahala Hotel & Resort Honolulu is offering a Vow Renewal Ceremony package, featuring an oceanfront gazebo ceremony, a non-denominational minister with options for Hawaiian ceremonial influences, a handmade bridal bouquet and groom’s boutonniere, a sparkling cider toast, and a pair of keepsake Kahala logo champagne glasses. The package is priced at $3,500 through Dec. 31. The package can be customized with a consultation and planning sessions with Kahala event manager, a full bridal check list and preferred vendor list, ivory or white linen colors, and chilled towels for the bride and groom.

Call 800-367-2525 or visit www.kahalaresort.com

Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua Club Access

The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua is offering access to its Club Lounge to guests staying in Napili Wing suites through Dec. 19. The Club Lounge offers five complimentary food and beverage presentations daily: continental breakfast, mid-day snack, afternoon tea, evening hors d’oeuvres with a chef station, and late night chocolates and cordials.

Unlimited beverages, including alcoholic, are included. The Club Lounge also features a dedicated concierge. The suites range in price from $799 to $1,609 per night. The offer includes Club Lounge access for two guests. There is a $150 charge per additional guest 13 years or older, per day for access, with a maximum of two additional guests.

The rates are exclusive of taxes and the $20 resort fee. Call 800-262-8440 or visit www.ritzcarlton.com

Kauai’s Hanalei Colony Resort Voluntourism Package

The Hanalei Colony Resort on Kauai’s north shore has partnered with nearby Limahuli Garden to offer the Beach & Botany package, which combines vacation travel with volunteer opportunities. The five- or seven-night package requires guests to make a minimum commitment of two daily four-hour volunteer sessions per person at Limahuli Garden.

The package also includes a picnic basket lunch for two, a one-day kayak rental for two on the Hanalei River, an oceanside massage for two at Hanalei Day Spa, annual membership to the National Tropical Botanical Garden, and an arrival gift providing a few essential items for “tropical gardeners.” The package’s volunteer activities at Limahuli Garden take place on Wednesday, Thursday or Friday, and begin at 8 a.m. with a brief orientation.

Guests will spend the morning assisting the garden’s trained staff. Volunteers choose in advance which of three activity levels best suits their physical capabilities and outdoor experience, ranging from a low level of exertion in the nursery to a high level of exertion and physical demand doing ecological restoration in Limahuli Preserve. The minimum age for a volunteer is 14. The package is priced from $1,994.85 to $3,489.85, depending on the season, room type and length of stay.

Call 800-628-3004 or visit www.hcr.com

SORT AIRLINE BAGGAGE RULES

Changes Reflected on Updated Web Chart The US Tour Operators Association has updated its Baggage Allowance Table to reflect new Transportation Security Administration regulations regarding lithium batteries, more relaxed carry-on rules for passengers flying into some UK airports, and more stringent rules on checked baggage for U.S. domestic airlines.

The updated table can be found at this link.

Located in the USTOA web site’s “Smart Travel Planning” section, The Airline Baggage and Security Guideline page provides an online chart with baggage allowances for both checked and carry-on luggage for various parts of the world. The chart has been updated to reflect that:

• As of May 5 most domestic U.S.flights will only allow one free checked piece with maximum linear measurements (height+width+depth) of 62 inches apiece.

As of January 1, 2008 some airports in the UK have relaxed their baggage carry-on rules, and - as in most parts of the world — allow a personal item and an additional small bag.

• Maximum weight for coach class passengers is 50 lb. in the U.S., but may only be 44 lbs. for flights within the European Union and South America.

• Depending on the airline and route, prices for overweight or extra bags range from $25 to $150.

• Carry-on baggage allowances are usually 45 linear inches, with maximum weight varying from 40 to 50 lbs., depending on the airline. Luggage that meets the guidelines To illustrate the various types of luggage and carry ons meeting the above requirements

TravelSmith has prepared a complementary chart: www.travelsmith.com/luggagerules

Packing lists and travel advice are also available at the TravelSmith site or by calling one of TravelSmith’s expert outfitters at 1-800-950-1600.

Security Guidelines A section on the USTOA Airline Baggage Allowance web page lists U.S. Transportation Security Administration guidelines for flights departing the U.S. and general information on flights originating at non-U.S. airports. In general, liquids limited to 3 ounces and packed in a one-quart plastic bag are allowed for most destinations worldwide. To minimize the risk of fire, loose lithium batteries are also no longer allowed in checked luggage and will only be permitted in checked baggage if they are contained in either electronic devices, their original packaging, individual plastic bags or protective travel cases.

For more information, consult this link.

Travelers can also find website links to the U.S. TSA as well as to representative airline sites on the USTOA Baggage Allowance page. “Baggage allowance and security regulations can change without notice, so it’s always best to check with the airline you are flying regarding the latest requirements,” advises Bob Whitley, USTOA president. About USTOA USTOA’s 150 member brands are responsible for the vacations of 11 million people yearly.

To qualify for USTOA membership a company must meet the travel industry’s toughest requirements, including participation in the USTOA Travelers Assistance Program. Among other things, the program requires each USTOA corporate member to set aside $1 million in security to protect consumer payments in case the company goes out of business.

More information on USTOA is available at www.ustoa.com  or www.ustoa.travel  Or phone 1-800-GO-USTOA (468-7862).