THERE’S ALWAYS SOMETHING NEW ON O‘AHU

O‘AHU – The Island of O‘ahu, known as the Heart of Hawai‘iÒ, sets the rhythm of the islands and leads by example with new improvements, changes and additions on an ongoing basis.  Below is a glimpse of what’s new on O‘ahu:

Hotels & Resorts

The island of O‘ahu has fabulous hotels and resorts for people of all ages and budgets.  O‘ahu’s hotels are constantly updating and adding an array of activities and packages that are sure to make any trip to O‘ahu unforgettable.

• Outrigger Reef on the Beach has completed a remodeling of its swimming pool and opened a new Hertz rental car desk, the latest in a series of improvements in the oceanfront hotel’s $120 million makeover.  The refurbished pool was completely re-tiled and now sports an outrigger canoe motif along with a whirlpool spa, poolside towel services and an array of cushioned chaise lounges.  The Hertz desk provides guests with a convenient way to rent cars onsite.  In the coming months, the hotel will open more retail shops and reveal an all-new porte cochere featuring an architectural design inspired by the traditional Pacific canoe longhouse.
• Now through December 21, 2008, travelers who book their island vacation at OHANA Hotels & Resorts in Waikīkī will receive a $15 shopping credit for each night of stay at any one of OHANA’s five Waikīkī properties.  The credit can be redeemed at 13 different stores and eateries in Waikīkī. 
• The Hyatt Regency Waikiki Resort & Spa recently upgraded its in-room amenities by adding 32” flat screen LCD televisions, iHomes, and new safes and mini refrigerators in each room.  Ongoing room additions include Hyatt Grand Beds and new lanai furniture.  In addition, the StayFit@Hyatt Gym has been renovated and doubled in size with the addition of new exercise equipment. 
• The Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort & Spa has reopened recently after completion of its $15 million restoration project.  At the lagoon, guests of the hotel can learn about the colorful history of Duke Kahanamoku, the father of modern-day surfing, in Surfing 101.  The 30-minute “talk story” session is offered daily at 11 a.m. and includes a historical overview of Duke Kahanamoku and ends with a brief demonstration of surfing techniques by one of two noted watermen, Clyde Aikau or Errol Kane, Jr. 
• Hilton Grand Vacations topped off of its Grand Waikikian project at the Hilton Hawaiian Village.  The installation of the 38-story high-rise tower’s roof marks a significant milestone in the construction of the building, which is targeted to open in December 2008.  The Grand Waikikian will include 331 units, a retail shopping arcade, beachside restaurant, and super pool with waterfalls, a slide and a swim-through grotto.
• In August, the Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort will introduce Moana Lani Spa, a Heavenly Spa by Westin.  The 16,000 square-foot oceanfront spa will feature two couples treatment suites with private ocean front lanais and whirlpool tubs, eight custom massage therapy rooms, two body treatment rooms, a Vichy shower water therapy room, three custom facial rooms, and a WESTIN WORKOUT® center with 24-hour access. 
• Guests of the Sheraton Waikiki can feel the rush of catching O‘ahu’s biggest waves on the hotel’s new interactive surf simulator, Discover Surf.  A 60-inch flat screen plasma TV displays the virtual wave while riders hang ten on a surfboard connected via wireless technology.  Discover Surf is open every Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday in the hotel lobby from 3-5 p.m. 
• Aqua Hotels & Resorts was selected to manage the Honolulu Prince hotel.  The 121-room hotel is now managed under the Aqua Lite Line and offers budget rates to value-conscious travelers.  The hotel is comprised of spacious guest rooms and one- and two-bedroom suites. 
• Aqua Coconut Plaza has closed for renovations and is expected to reopen on June 1.  Work at the 81-room hotel includes a total makeover and upgrade of the guestrooms and lobby.  Retro-inspired guestrooms will be created with new carpet, furniture and soft goods.  Room amenities will include a mini-refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, 40” LCD HD TV, and wireless Internet.  The lobby, breakfast area and front office will receive new tile flooring and furniture. 

Activities & Entertainment

The island of O‘ahu is brimming with fun-filled activities that everyone can enjoy.  Visitors to O‘ahu can choose from a wide variety of outdoor or indoor activities or explore the Hawaiian culture.