Destinations
Cultural centre’s newest activity makes a valid point
Laie's The Polynesian Cultural Center is offering guests the opportunity to channel their inner warrior and try their hand at the new "Go Native!"spear throwing activity in the Tahitian village. In this game, guests learn how to throw a traditional wooden spear using an underhand technique. The objective of the game is to hit a coconut set atop a tall pole 20 feet away. Competitors throw their spears simultaneously and the winner is determined by who hits the coconut. Traditionally, javelin throwing was a competition held between islands in the Tuamotu archipelago. Teams representing the...
Victoria celebrates 150th birthday
The town site of Fort Victoria was incorporated as the City of Victoria on Aug. 2, 1862, so this year marks the 150th anniversary of the city. In celebration, several events have been planned over the course of the year. The 2012 Victoria Day Parade (May 21) and Symphony Splash (Aug. 5) celebrations will incorporate heritage-themes to honour the occasion. On Aug. 2, there will be a public ceremony followed by a community celebration in Centennial Square featuring music, performances, cake and other activities....
Moana Lani Spa goes poolside
The award-winning Moana Lani Spa at the historic Moana Surfrider in Waikiki, a Heavenly Spa by Westin, has begun offering guests poolside cabana service overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The services are available every Wednesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For reservations, guests should sign up by the poolside cabana. In October 2008, the Moana Surfrider welcomed the opening of the luxurious 17,000-square-foot Moana Lani Spa, becoming the first beachfront spa on Oahu and first Heavenly Spa by Westin on the...
Banff introduces ‘springstART’ festival
Banff National Park is leaping into spring with a new festival, "springstART,"that will celebrate the season with an array of cultural and artistic events April 6-29. Offering a rich collection of events that will highlight Banff National Park's mountain culture, the new springstART festival will allow visitors to enjoy live performances, photography workshops and special gallery exhibits throughout the town of Banff over the course of three weeks. "SpringstART represents the first time that such a wide variety of unique events devoted solely to the celebration of Banff's arts, history and...
Starline expands Hop-On Hop-Off options
With the addition of two new routes on the CitySightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Double Decker City Tour, California's Starline Tours' coverage now includes more than 160 km. The new routes offer stops at LAX hotels, Fisherman's Village, Marina Del Rey, and Venice Beach, Pier and Boardwalk. From there, passengers can connect to Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles and Hollywood. Tours operate daily and include a "Show & $ave"promotion for discounts at more than 50 museums and attractions. A 24-hour all-route ticket is US$40 for adults and US$20 for children, available from the driver or at...
Aqua adds Ewa Hotel Waikiki to portfolio
Aqua Hotels & Resorts reports that Hawaii developer and hotel owner Peter Savio has named Aqua to manage the 88-room Ewa Hotel Waikiki. It is the third Savio-owned hotel that Aqua has been named to manage. Described as one of Waikiki's best kept secrets, Ewa Hotel Waikiki is located on the Diamond Head side of Waikiki, near Kapiolani Park, Honolulu Zoo and Waikiki Beach. The hotel offers comfortable and affordable island-style accommodations with free amenities including WiFi Internet access in-room, daily local newspaper in the lobby, kitchenette facilities and bicycle and surfboard racks....
Disney sails back to Vancouver for 2013 Alaska season
Disney Cruise Lines has officially released its itineraries for the 2013 season, and Vancouver is once again a port of departure. The Disney Wonder debuted its cruises to Alaska in Vancouver last year, but switched to Seattle in 2012. However, Vancouver's closer proximity to Alaska and positive feedback from travellers contributed to Disney's decision to reinstate Vancouver as the departure point. Starting May 27, 2013, the Disney Wonder will depart Vancouver with 16 scheduled sailings throughout the season, travelling through the fjord at Tracy Arm and docking in the Alaskan ports of...
Suite treats await guests at Aston Maui condos
Maui visitors can have a sweet, suite time at their choice of three Aston Maui condo resorts with the Aston's Suite Treats Maui Package. Available at Aston Kaanapali Shores, Aston Mahana at Kaanapali and Aston at Papakea Resort, this package offers deluxe ocean view accommodations as well as the opportunity to enjoy the cuisine and snacks for which Maui is known. Aston's "Suite Treats Maui"Package includes a gift of Maui Caramacs, Maui Cookies, Maui Potato Chips, macadamia nuts and pineapple juice, plus a $150 dining credit good for the Beach Club Restaurant & Bar at Aston Kaanapali Shores....