Instead of taking home a plastic dashboard hula girl or silk
flower lei as souvenir gifts from a Hawaiian getaway, visitors can
plan on presenting a fresh flower lei or graceful hula dance from
their heart.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts in Hawaii offer new and unique
cultural activities allowing visitors to experience a few of
Hawaii’s special traditions instead of merely observing them.
According to Cheryl Williams, regional vice president of sales and
marketing for Starwood Hotels & Resorts Hawaii and French
Polynesia, providing guests the richest experience of Hawaii is a
very important goal for the company.
“Many of our properties have a long history and presence here in
the Islands, and really have helped shape Hawaii as a premier
travel destination,” Williams remarked. “We want to share the
history and culture of the Islands with visitors and have them take
that experience home with them. That’s what makes a trip truly
memorable.”
In order to maximize the guest experience, select Starwood
cultural offerings are extended exclusively to those staying at the
property. “We welcome visitors and residents alike to enjoy those
events open to the public, such as our nightly cliff diving
ceremony at Sheraton Maui Resort, free historical tours in Waikiki
or the Flavors of Island Music,” added Williams. “These talented
musicians play at all eleven properties throughout Hawaii on a
daily basis.”
Walk This Way: Waikiki Historical Tours
The Royal Hawaiian Hotel sits on the site of the former summer
home of Queen Kaahumanu. The Sheraton Princess Kaiulani is situated
on the former entrance to Ainahau estate, the girlhood home of
Hawaii’s beloved princess. The Sheraton Moana Surfrider, “The First
Lady of Waikiki,” also holds her place in Hawaii’s history as the
area’s first luxury hotel built in 1901.
All three properties provide complimentary historical walking
tours that reveal interesting facts about the historic grounds, the
hotels and their place in Hawaii’s history.
Sharing Hula and Aloha: Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa
Adopts a Hula Halau
In its effort to share the rich culture and history of Hawaii,
Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa has “adopted” a hula school
Halau Kalaakeakauikawekiu. Guests are welcomed to watch keiki
(children) and adults work diligently with their kumu (teacher) to
perfect intricate hand and foot movements expressing the art of
hula.
Ladies practice Saturday mornings from 8-10 a.m., while keiki four
to 12 years rehearse from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Keiki return each
Wednesday afternoon from 2:30-5 p.m. and ladies from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Rehearsals are held outdoors on the Hawaii or Bayside Lawns.
The Remains of the Day: Princeville Resort’s History and Garden
Tour
Princeville Resort’s new 45-minute tour begins at a scenic
promontory overlooking quiet Hanalei Bay and ends in the hotel
lobby where a fine collection of European antiques and furniture
are highlighted. The Princeville History & Garden Tour is
offered on Fridays at 12:30 p.m. in summer and winter seasons.
Sheraton Maui Resort’s Sunset Cliff Diving Ceremony
In reverence to the sport, the legend behind it and the royalty
who took part in it, Sheraton Maui Resort continues a 40-year-old
ritual with a nightly cliff diving ceremony. Each evening at
sunset, a young warrior dressed in traditional loincloth lights
torches along his path to the cliff as the story of Black Rock is
told. At the cliff’s edge, he commences with the ceremonial
offering of the torch and his flower lei before leaping 30 feet
into the ocean.
Starwood Hawaii’s Flavors of Island Music
Music is another way for travelers to experience a destination’s
culture and people. With over 200 talented local artists performing
at all eleven Starwood Hawaii properties on a daily basis, guests
can experience the beauty of each property set to the melodies of
Hawaii’s finest artists. In addition, Starwood Hawaii supports and
creates various events throughout Hawaii that perpetuate the
diverse styles of Island music. Check Starwood’s web site for a
schedule.
www.flavorsofislandmusic.com
www.starwoodhotels.com
