The Big Island Visitors Bureau is luring more vacationing families
to the island by marketing value-added hotel packages and
activities.
According to George Applegate, BIVB executive director, families
have been a target market during recent media blitzes in California
and Colorado, and the bureau is heavily advertising family travel
in niche publications. “Summer 2003 looks fabulous, maybe one of
the best summers yet,” said Applegate. “We attribute much of this
success to family travel.”
Big Island accommodations making a play for families this year
include Fairmont Orchid Hawaii, where the Ohana (family) package
comes with the second room at half price, breakfast for two, the
resort fee and two half-day admissions to the hotel’s children’s
program. Nightly rates start at $339 through Aug. 31, and $297 from
Sept. 1-Dec. 25 (four-night minimum). 800-845-9905;
www.fairmont.com/ orchid.
Hilton Waikoloa Village’s Perfect Family package covers
breakfast for two kids, a pair of children’s rounds at the seaside
putting course and the resort fee. Good through Dec. 20, the rate
of $299 per night for two adults and two children requires a
three-night stay. www.hiltonwaikoloavillage.com; 800-HILTONS or
800-445-8667.
At King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel, clients can book a
connecting room at a discounted rate when the first room is booked
at rack rates, which start at $135 per night through Dec. 19.
800-367-6060; www.konabeach hotel.com. Kona Village Resort’s family
package provides a one-room hale (house) for four people and meals
for the adults. Rates start at $1,515 for three nights, for stays
through Nov. 22. 800-367-5290; www.konavillage.com.
Ohana Keauhou Beach Resort is teaming with Jean-Michel
Cousteau’s Ocean Futures Society on marine science camps for kids
ages 8-15. Families pay a reduced nightly rate of $119 when their
child attends the camp, which costs $250 per resort guest.
Camps run June 15-18, July 13-16 and July 27-30. 800-462-6262;
www.ohana hotels.com.
Mauna Kea Resort gives the second room free when the first is
booked at rack rates (three-night minimum). 800-882-6060; www.mauna
kearesort.com. Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows is promoting
its Family Suites package, providing two rooms joined by an
interconnecting door. 800-367-2323; www.mauna lani.com.
" Now through Aug. 15, Jack’s Diving Locker is hosting Sea Camp
Hawaii for children 8-18 years who already know how to swim. Its
Scuba Camp is designed for kids 10-18 years, and Advanced Scuba
Camp is open to certified divers ages 12-18. Each camp costs $200,
and pre-registration is required.
www.jacksdivinglocker.com or 800-345-4807.
" Every Wednesday from 4 p.m., kids ages 8-16 can golf at Kona
Country Club for $15 per person, when an adult companion plays
along for $25 (through Sept. 30). www.konagolf.com or
808-322-2595.