• Fall What's New in the Hawaiian Islands

    October 24, 2022

    MĀLAMA HAWAI‘I
    Hawaiʻi Forest & Trail (island of Hawaiʻi) recently announced the launch its Maunakea Summit and Stars Giveback Experience. Guests participating in the company’s newest voluntourism opportunity learn about the west side of the island’s critical Waikoloa Dry Forest habitat on an interpretive walk and giveback experience, collecting native seeds to be used for future plantings restoring native dominant forests. Guests finish their experience with a sunset dinner at the summit of Maunakea volcano and private telescope stargazing led by interpretive guides. A donation of $20 per guest to Waikoloa Dry Forest Initiative is included in the tour price to assist the nonprofit’s efforts perpetuating conservation work. The Maunakea Summit and Stars Giveback Experience is offered only on Wednesdays. www.hawaii-forest.com

    The phrase mālama ‘āina (care for the land) reflects Mauna Lani Auberge Resorts Collection's (island of Hawaiʻi) mission to protect, preserve and respect the island of Hawaiʻi. The resort believes it is its kuleana (responsibility) to nurture and sustain the island’s lands for the community and future generations. Mauna Lani recently partnered with Māla‘ai, a school garden program in nearby Waimea, to responsibly and sustainably cultivate and harvest fresh fruits and vegetables in the resort’s on-property garden, Hoʻōla. With its name meaning “to give life to,” Hoʻōla provides purposeful, hands-on opportunities for Mauna Lani guests wishing to become involved with the garden. www.aubergeresorts.com

    NEW HOTEL DEVELOPMENTS
    Mauna Kea Beach Hotel (island of Hawaiʻi) is debuting a new food and beverage program this spring through summer, also including a new Spirits Passport program featuring exclusive Mauna Kea-labeled spirits available at all dining and beverage outlets on property. Mauna Kea-label tequilabased cocktails are available at the hotel’s Hau Tree beach bar and cafe, while Mauna Kea-label American whiskey-based cocktails are on the menu at the property’s iconic Copper Bar. In the months ahead, guests will also be able to enjoy several hotel Icons of Wine dinners, featuring selections from winery partners, including Jaga, Louis Jadot, Antinori and more, as well as a new series of Winemaker Events with partners including Senses Wines, Thomas Rivers Brown, Kim Crawford, Neal Family Vineyards and more. www.maunakearesort.com

    ATTRACTIONS AND ACTIVITIES
    Dolphin Quest at Hilton Waikoloa Village’s (island of Hawaiʻi) new Sunrise Splash experience offers participants an opportunity to witness the Dolphin Quest dolphin ʻohana (family) frolicking at sunrise in the resort’s expansive, open-to-the-ocean saltwater lagoon. Participants also get to learn about the spectacular animals while watching them up-close beachside and engage with a marine mammal specialist. Sessions typically last about 10 minutes and participants are encouraged to bring their cameras. The Sunrise Splash experience is currently available Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8 a.m., with hours and days subject to change. For more information, call 808-987-3434.
     
    With nearly four decades of entertainment experience, family-owned and operated Traditions Hawaiʻi recently unveiled its new Feast and Fire Lūʻau experience at Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa (island of Hawaiʻi). The lūʻau, presented by the island of Hawaiʻi’s Lim and Yap families, is an homage to the ancient Polynesian voyagers who first settled in Hawaiʻi centuries ago and happens on 22 oceanfront acres with views of the Pacific Ocean. The lūʻau’s food menu features a selection of island-favorite delicacies. Guests are welcome to talk with local artists at the lūʻau’s artisan village and browse curated items for sale. The Feast and Fire Lūʻau happens Monday and Friday evenings, from 5 to 8 p.m. www.outriggerkona.com

    Original Hawaiian Chocolate Factory (OHCF), which produced one of Hawaiʻi’s first singleorigin, seed-to-bar chocolate, recently debuted a new Cacao Tea. Sugar-free and caffeine-free, the tea is 100% nature-made from the husks of cocoa beans grown on the island of Hawaiʻi. The beverage boasts a subtle chocolate aroma and flavor. The new tea is available — along with OHCF’s artisan milk, dark and criollo chocolates, chocolate soap, plantation coffee and other gifts — at OHCF's Chocolate Shoppe in Keauhou-Kona and online at www.ohcf.us