Funjet Vacations offers flight + hotel and hotel-only vacation packages to Hawai‘i’s Big Island, Kaua‘i, Lana‘i, Maui, Moloka‘i and O‘ahu. During the four-week sale, travelers will save with reduced hotel rates and other values like free nights and kids stay free.

On the islands of Maui, Kaua‘i and Hawai‘i’s Big Island, vacationers will see more of the islands for less with a FREE rental car for 5 days.* And, there is no need to worry about parking; free parking (a $100 value) is included for five days as well!

For those who choose to visit O‘ahu, complimentary roundtrip airport/hotel transfers will be included with your trip when you stay at select hotels and include a flight and at least three nights hotel with your vacation package.^

Funjet Vacations Hawai‘i offers are only available to book April 30 – May 27, 2010, for travel May 1 – October 31, 2010. There’s no place on earth like the Islands of Hawai‘i. Whether you’re a new visitor or returning, the six unique islands offer distinct experiences that will entice any traveler.

For more information and to purchase, travelers should contact a local travel agent, visit www.Funjet.com or call 1-800-4FUNJET.

+Savings varies by hotel, departure and length of stay. Sample savings amount is ‘per couple’ based on a 5-night stay at The Westin Maui Resort & Spa in the ‘Premium Deluxe Ocean’ room category along with a complimentary rental car and parking. *One car per reservation. Free rental car applies only to Dollar rental cars and applies to rental rate only; local taxes, incidental charges and optional insurance are not included. Vacation must include a minimum of five consecutive hotel nights in Maui, Kauai or Hawaii’s Big Island to qualify for this offer. Maximum of five rental days free, car type provided is economy. Upgrades and additional days are available at customer’s cost. Free car offer is available for travel through October 31, 2010. Free car will price at about $0.10. Rentals of 1-4 days will not receive a discount, and no matter the length of the reservation, only five days rental car will be free. Free roundtrip transfer applies to the Oahu Full Basic Ground Transportation for all hotels excluding JW Marriott Ihilani Resort & Spa Ko‘olina and The Kahala Hotel and Resort in which case shared roundtrip transfers will be provided. Transfers are not available for guests staying at Turtle Bay Resort. Vacation must include a minimum of three night consecutive hotel nights in Oahu to qualify for this offer. Free transfer offer is available for travel through October 31, 2010. Offers not available on group reservations. All offers are based on availability and are subject to change without notice. Offer is not retro-active and other restrictions may apply.

About Funjet Vacations
Funjet Vacations is the flagship brand of the family-owned Mark Travel Corporation, headquartered in Milwaukee. Funjet Vacations is celebrating 36 years of business in 2010 and specializes in providing the customer with “The Best Experience Under the Sun” and a vacation package that meets their needs and is an exceptional value. Funjet Vacations is also “The Travel Agent’s First Choice” by offering unmatched value to the travel agent community through commissions, great rewards and outstanding personalized service. Individual and group Funjet vacations are via nonstop charters and scheduled airlines to hundreds of destinations including Mexico, the Caribbean, Las Vegas, Hawaii, California, Florida and Europe. Travelers can choose from air-inclusive, hotel-only or air-only vacations and add tours, attractions, shows and more to their vacation package for added value and convenience.

I’ve had the pleasure of visiting each of these beauties, with my most recent stay at the Four Seasons Resort Maui that’s perched on a white-sand crescent of Pacific paradise along the island’s sunny southwest shore. Certainly, it was no surprise that the facilities, amenities and service proved true to that stellar Four Seasons form.

If you’ve never experienced a Four Seasons stay, it’s heaven at every aspect. Yet, the complimentary elements distinguish it from so many other similar upscale resorts. While these naturally vary from beach resort to slick city properties, the gratis touches all up the value. And when you’re in Hawaii, it’s the ultimate because the settings are so remarkable.

Four Seasons Maui offers a slew of extended touches that are extremely attractive to those who especially prefer beach resorts. It starts in the guest room with twice-daily housekeeping/turndown service, two bottles of water refreshed daily (especially thoughtful in the tropics!), ice delivery, coffee/tea service and children’s welcome program with age-specific amenities. All accommodations have an oversized marble bathroom with a deep soaking tub, separate glass-enclosed shower and upgraded L’Occitane bath amenities.

Even without these services, the rooms are a dream. Arranged in a U-shape facing the ocean, the majority feature dazzling views of the Pacific that can be enjoyed from the privacy of your furnished lanai. Accented by the artwork of specially commissioned local artisans, the welcoming décor features soft tones of peach, cream and mint. As much as I wanted to enjoy the great outdoors, I found myself in no particular rush to leave my spacious retreat.

For guests wanting to up it a notch, rooms and suites on the resort’s eighth floor offer the special privileges of the Executive Club Lounge. Accessible only by private elevator key, these accommodations provide additional privacy for small groups preferring more exclusivity. Club Floor concierge services include express check-in and check-out. As well as complimentary packing services.

The list goes on with such freebies as use of an Aloha Suite for early arrivals/late departures, an outrigger canoe program that teaches Hawaiian-style paddling techniques, Wailea resort shuttle service, Kids For All Seasons full-day children’s program, all meals for children aged five and under at DUO and Ferraro’s Bar e Ristorante, morning coffee/tea service throughout the property, business center Internet service, and use of beach cabanas and umbrellas.

And for travelers accustomed to shelling out funds for fun, forget it here. Aside from the spa, almost everything else is on the house. So don’t shy away from the 24-hour fitness center, daily fitness classes (including spinning, yoga on the beach, pilates and tai chi), tennis, snorkeling and putting green.

In July, the resort welcomed its highly anticipated $9 million Serenity Pool. This third and most exclusive saltwater pool is tucked in the new 4,100-square foot Serenity Pool Terrace alongside the southern-most oceanfront edge of the property.

Shimmering with glass mosaic tiles, the 2,650-square-foot saltwater haven pampers adults with an underwater music system, a pair of integrating hot tubs, walk-up and swim-up bars, and six luxury cabanas with wireless/wired Internet access, flat-screen televisions and stocked mini-refrigerators.

For my money, it was the decadence of lounging in a shaded beach cabana looking out at a beautiful slice of the Pacific – then having an attendant approach me with a cooler of Otter Pops. Nothing beats a frozen treat when you think the day can’t get any better.

It’s no secret that Four Seasons doesn’t top the budget list. But it’s all about value. And to lure travelers during this time when the economy is finding serial vacationers opting to skip a beat, Four Seasons is extending a variety of incentives that make its upscale collection of getaways even more appealing.

For more information or reservations at the Four Seasons Maui, visit www.fourseasons.com/maui or call 800-819-5053.

Woody was so smitten, in fact, that he made this laid back area his new home. He eventually combined his passion for flying with his thirst for creativity by joining Honolulu Soaring at Dillingham Airfield in 2002. Woody became president and co-owner two years later of the company better known as The Original Glider Rides.

Since 1970, The Original Glider Rides has combined the thrill of soaring with the natural beauty of Oahu’s North Shore via scenic air tours and flight training. Woody noted that what sets these engine-free gliders apart from other aircraft is the in-flight silence.

“It’s one of the safest forms of aviation available to the recreational passenger simply because there are so few mechanical parts in a sailplane,” said Woody. “There are no noisy engines and no giant blades whining. It’s just the quiet air whispering over the wings of the aircraft.”

So setting my apprehensions on the back burner, I finally braved up last year and took off with Woody to see the North Shore from a different perspective. I’m so hooked with every aspect of gliding that I’ve been up several more times since.

Those of us who have experienced this magic multiple times are clear on one very important thing. This is a rare rush that’s completely different with each encounter.

I have to chalk up my flight last week as the best one yet, thanks to the timing at the tail end of whale season. It always pumps my adrenaline as the tow plane lifts us from the ground into the wild blue wonder. Once we’re at the right elevation, Woody hits the release and we’re on our own.

It was a pristine day where we glided along the Waianae Mountain Range beyond Kaena Point and caught an amazing Leeward Oahu view that crept up the coast from Yokohama to Makaha and beyond. And then there were the whales, frolicking offshore as if to get in their last hurrah before returning north for the summer.

According to Woody, gliding is a flying purist’s dream. And the area’s northeast tradewinds create some of the best drafts in the world. Visibility from the cockpit is far superior from any other aircraft since every seat is a window seat. And safety reigns supreme. Children as young as three can fly, while many guests are over 70 years old.

The Original Glider Rides offers 10-minute Scenic flights for $79 single and $128 double, 15-minute hands-on Mini Lessons for $115 and 15-minute Acrobatic Flights for $165 single. Flights up to 60 minutes can be booked, and a combination of all three of the above can also be arranged at a starting rate of $185 for 15 minutes.

My next flight? With Woody’s encouragement, I’m considering the ultimate aerobatic ride with a gusty Loop-D-Loop maneuver. The brave strap on a parachute, climb into an aerobatic glider and hold on tight for the ride of their life.

Woody explained that this one covers it all. “We can pull G’s, float in zero gravity, do a Loop-D-Loop, roll wing-tip to wing-tip, draw clover leafs in the sky, pull straight up vertically into a hammer-head stall, and then fall off into a vertical dive — straight down,” he said as my enthusiasm wavered.

Woody topped off his description with that fact that at two positive G’s, wing-overs are the mellowest maneuvers on the entire aerobatic ride. As an afterthought, I may rethink this.

In the end, the flight is actually tailored to the passenger’s comfort level. Your pilot can perform nonstop no-holds-barred aerobatics or take a more gentle approach, performing one maneuver at a time to check your nerves and willingness for more before continuing.

Even if opting for the same mellow flight every time, I’m always certain I will always be safe and the flight will unfold to new thrills. How can it miss when I’m soaking in a bird’s eye view of Oahu’s gorgeous North Shore?

For more information on the Original Glider Rides or to book a flight, visit www.honolulusoaring.com or call 808-637-0207.

A freelance writer based between Honolulu and San Diego, Dawna specializes in destinations and adventures in the Hawaiian Islands, Mexico, the South Pacific and Western United States. Her stories have appeared in publications that include The New York Times, Global Traveler USA, San Francisco Magazine, Los Angeles Magazine, Smart Meetings, Family Fun, Hemispheres, Outside and Travel Agent Magazine. She is a frequent contributor to TravelAge West, a bi-weekly magazine targeting retail travel agents and wholesalers in the Western United States. An avid marathon runner and photographer, Dawna is a member of the Society of American Travel Writers. Visit www.dawnarobertson.com

Discount promotion rules: A qualifying trip is defined as any Mileage
Plan-earning flight from the Bay Area flown July 1 to Sept. 30, 2009.
Redemption travel starts Nov. 9, 2009, from Oakland to Maui and Nov. 10, 2009,
from Oakland to Kona and ends March 1, 2010. Blackout periods for discount
coupons to Hawaii are Nov. 20- 21, 2009, and Dec. 17-20, 2009, and from Hawaii
are Nov. 28-30, 2009, and Jan. 1-4, 2010. Discount must be ticketed by Dec. 31,
2009, for travel
Nov. 9, 2009, through March 1, 2010. Registration is required prior to
passenger’s first qualifying flight in order to receive the discount code.
Promotion valid only on qualifying paid flights originating in Oakland, San
Francisco, San Jose, Sacramento or Santa Rosa between July 1, 2009, and
September 30, 2009.~Flight miles must be credited to passenger’s Alaska
Airlines Mileage Plan account to earn the Hawaii discount code. Offer not valid
on free or award travel. Promotion valid only with flights operated and
marketed by Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air. Please allow four to six weeks for
travel and discount code to be credited. All terms and conditions of the
Mileage Plan program apply. Offer subject to change without notice.

Introductory fare rules: Fare is valid from July 1 through July 31, 2009.
Travel is from Nov. 9, 2009, Oakland-Maui and Nov 10, 2009, Oakland-Kona, and
travel must be complete by March 1, 2010. Blackout periods to Hawaii are Nov.
20-22, 2009, and Dec. 16-28, 2009, and from Hawaii are Nov. 28-30, 2009, and
Dec. 26, 2009-Jan. 6, 2010. Not included in the fare: Airport Passenger
Facility charges of up to $9 (amount depends on itinerary), U.S. Federal
Segment Tax of $3.60 per segment (takeoff and landing) and U.S. Security Fee of
$2.50 per enplanement. Other important information: All taxes and fees shown
are based on one-way travel and may be doubled if traveling roundtrip. Tickets
are nonrefundable but can be changed for a $75 fee when changes are made online
at alaskaair.com ($100 when made through a reservation call center or ticket
counter and $125 when originally booked through a travel agent and changes are
made through a reservation call center or ticket counter) and any applicable
changes in fare. A ticket purchased at a Horizon Air or Alaska Airlines airport
location or through a reservation call center will cost $15 more per person
than the advertised fare. Seats are limited and may not be available on all
flights or all days. All fares, taxes and fees are in U.S. dollars and are
subject to change without notice, and other restrictions apply. A $15 charge
will apply to the first checked bag. A second bag may be checked for $25.
Additional fees apply to check more than two bags or overweight or oversized
items. See checked baggage policy at alaskaair.com for more details.

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Starting rates for the Front Row Seat to the Ocean promotion are as follows:
Hotel Room Standard Category: $129 + $15 upgrades you to a Partial Ocean View Category
Partial Ocean View Category: $144 + $15 upgrades you to an Ocean View Category
Ocean View Category: $159 + $15 upgrades you to an Oceanfront Category

From the urban-Hawaiian beach theme in the lobby to the vibrant tropical colors throughout the hotel, Aston Waikiki Beach is fun and full of life. Conveniently located, the Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel is within walking distance of the Waikiki Aquarium, Honolulu Zoo and historic Kapiolani Park. Guests can experience Hawaii regional cuisine and live entertainment nightly at on-site Tiki’s Grill & Bar. Or, explore the two main strips of Waikiki – Kalakaua and Kuhio Avenues – for shopping, dining and nightlife.

Regarded as one of Waikiki’s most popular amenities, Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel’s signature offering is Breakfast on the Beach, a variety of to-go breakfast items that can be packed in a keepsake souvenir cooler. Served pool-side daily from 6:30 to 8:30 a.m., guests can eat on the beach or take the cooler on the road while exploring the island’s activities.

Each guest also receives Aston’s free Aloha Book, which contains offers worth up to $2,000 in savings on dining, shopping and activities. The book, which doubled in value from 2008, also serves as a guide to some of the best culture, history, cuisine and attractions on the island.

Aston’s year-round “Kids Stay, Play & Eat FREE” program means children 17 years and younger stay free when using existing bedding and children 12 years and younger receive free admission at top island attractions and free meals at popular family-friendly restaurants when accompanied by a paying adult. Unlike other hotel promotions that encourage kids to play and eat free within the resort, this program allows families to experience a variety of the island’s activities and dining options.

While the show will not be ending anytime soon, the promotion is a limited engagement. Aston’s Front Row Seat to the Ocean is good for travel now through Dec. 23, 2009. May not be combined with other programs, specials or discounts. Prices do not include tax and are subject to change without notice. Blackout dates and some restrictions may apply. Visit AstonHotels.com for more information.

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Drawing its name from the Hawaiian word for “sugarcane,” Kō is the culinary creation of Kea Lani’s Chef de Cuisine Jake Belmonte. Conceptualizing Kō from stories shared by his father who was a plantation worker in the early 1930s, the chef’s menu is inspired by the culinary cultures introduced by each new wave of arriving immigrants that came to the islands to work in the sugarcane fields – Hawaiian, Chinese, Filipino, Portuguese, Koreans and Japanese. It’s also a reflection of his personal family traditions, customs and experiences with the island’s delicious diversity.

According to Chef Belmonte’s well-calculated design, each dish celebrates the cultures of the plantation workers with an emphasis on sustainability. But don’t be confused. This isn’t local-style plate lunch “grinds.” It’s gourmet fare to the max. Toss in a staff that’s excited about sharing this unique cuisine and a dining under the stars experience that’s Hawaiian to the core, and Kō more than hits the mark for Wailea’s unique dining options.

With no coaxing necessary, I opted for the hotly hyped Ahi “On the Rock” – sashimi spiced with orange ginger miso sauce served next to a hot rock on which I seared it to my own liking. Being a seafood fanatic, I complemented the appetizer with The Makai Catch. This fresh daily haul – opakapaka on my evening – can be wok-seared with spicy black bean sauce, broiled with miso butter, coated in a macadamia nut crust or prepared with lemon-herb butter. Needless to say, it was all a mouthwatering dream.

Other specialties include “Lumpia” Filipino Spring Rolls made from the chef’s treasured family recipe, Lobster tempura with a trio of sauces, Maui Cattle Company “Paniolo” Rib-Eye Steak, and Coconut Curry Lamb Chops marinated and grilled with mango-mint salsa.

My only regret was that I had only one night to enjoy this fare. Kō is just one more reason why I’ll return to Kea Lani as often as possible.

For more about the Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui

A freelance writer based between Honolulu and San Diego, Dawna specializes in destinations and adventures in the Hawaiian Islands, Mexico, the South Pacific and Western United States. Her stories have appeared in publications that include The New York Times, Global Traveler USA, San Francisco Magazine, Los Angeles Magazine, Smart Meetings, Family Fun, Hemispheres, Outside and Travel Agent Magazine. She is a frequent contributor to TravelAge West, a bi-weekly magazine targeting retail travel agents and wholesalers in the Western United States. An avid marathon runner and photographer, Dawna is a member of the Society of American Travel Writers. Visit www.dawnarobertson.com

Guests will identify with the lead character, Mana, as he evolves through the universal life themes of boyhood, young love, respect and appreciation for elders, and how important community can be for individuals and families. All themes are central to the Polynesian cultures and are applicable to every individual, relaying the message of family, hope, pride and heritage.

“Our night show has always served as the perfect ending for our guests after spending a day at the Center,” said Von Orgill, president of the Polynesian Cultural Center. “With Ha: Breath of Life, we’ve worked to create an interactive and engaging experience that captivates audiences while it reinforces what they’ve learned about our Polynesian cultures through the telling of one man’s life story. It also allows us to illustrate the storyline in animation, dance and music so that guests no longer require translation to understand what is happening on stage.”

Ha: Breath of Life will showcase a newly redesigned stage in the Pacific Theater that creates a 360-degree experience bringing guests into the heart of the show and allows for surprises throughout. Original compositions produced with cultural experts from each of the Center’s island villages will set the aural backdrop for each scene as Mana transitions through the Polynesian cultures of Hawaii, Tonga, New Zealand, Samoa, Tahiti and Fiji. The truly unique addition of original animation created by noted animation instructor Ryan Woodward from Brigham Young University-Provo will help transition from one culture to the next and envelop the viewer further into the story.

“The new show has been in production for the past three years with a coordinated effort that started at the grassroots level in our island villages and worked its way through our skilled production team,” said Alfred Grace, chief operating officer for the Polynesian Cultural Center. “Each costume, song and dance has been carefully crafted by our team to draw our guests into the story and create a wonderful connection with the characters and memories to last a lifetime. We’re really excited to share Ha with everyone and bring something new to Hawaii’s visitor industry to help further enhance our destination.”

Ha: Breath of Life replaces the long running Horizons: Where the Sea Meets the Sky that has been a visitor favorite since 1996.

“We believe Ha will appeal to all of our guests – first-time, repeat and kamaaina – because it has a little something for everyone,” said Grace. “It’s important to continually improve and expand our products based on extensive customer feedback surveys and we’ve worked hard to create an experience like no other. It was key that the new show be inclusive and easily translated across cultures to make it a guest favorite for years to come.”

As the excitement builds for the new show, updates about the production will be posted on the Polynesian Cultural Center’s website at www.polynesia.com. Guests interested in attending the grand opening on August 14 are encouraged to book their tickets early online or by calling the reservations office at (800) 367-7060. Check often for package specials and unique production information.

Founded in 1963 as a non-profit organization, the PCC has entertained more the 33 million visitors, while preserving and portraying the culture, arts, and crafts of Polynesia to the rest of the world. In addition, the PCC has provided financial assistance to 17,000 young people from over 70 different countries while they attend Brigham Young University-Hawaii. As a non-profit organization, 100 percent of PCC’s revenue is used for daily operations and to support education.

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“We couldn’t be more excited to be part of both Tony and Gipper’s development as Professional Golfers”, says Vice President and General Manager of Turtle Bay Resort, Bob Boyle.

Matthew Hall, Director of Golf at Turtle Bay Resort, remembers watching the two brothers at the PGA’s Junior Championship 4 years ago, “The big talk at the tournament was how they were driving par 4 greens that weren’t even imaginable”. Tony would finish in 2ndplace in that event shooting a final round 64. “It is a question of when, not if these two will make it on Tour” added Hall.

While Gipper has won the Utah State High School Championship and numerous Junior events in Utah, Tony’s amateur career has included winning the Utah State Amateur Championship, and being a member of the 2004 & 2006 Junior Ryder Cup Teams. Athleticism runs in the family as mother Ravena was a standout volleyball player for BYU-Hawaii.

Tony turned Professional the same day he graduated from West High in Salt Lake City, Utah. That spring both competed in “The Ultimate Game” at Wynn Las Vegas, their first event as professionals. While Gipper did not qualify for the money rounds, brother Tony finished 8th taking home a check for $100,000 in his professional debut. Tony made the cut in the 2007 Milwaukee Open while driving a number of the par fours, and his equally talented brother Gipper became the youngest to ever make a cut in a Nationwide Tour event (Utah Energy Solution Championship) in 2006 at the age of 16. He medaled in the Monday qualifier for the event shooting 63.
After watching them play first-hand, World Golf Hall of Famer and 2-time Major Champion winner, Johnny Miller felt they can compete at the professional level and encouraged them to turn professional.

Former University of Hawaii Head Football Coach June Jones has become a close friend of the Finau’s and was amazed at their golfing talent, “They have it all, drive the ball long, soft hands around the green, and great touch with the putter.” commented Jones. “Both are very natural players with extraordinary athletic ability” said David Leadbetter who had a chance to visit with the Finau’s during a trip to Champions Gate in Orlando.

About Turtle Bay Resort:
Turtle Bay Resort is the only full-scale resort on Oahu’s exciting North Shore, home of world-famous surfing, remote coastlines and exciting activities. The resort is located on a promontory offering wide vistas of the ocean from every room.

Turtle Bay Resort offers world class golf and tennis, spa treatments, riding stables with ocean and trail riding, two lushly landscaped oceanside pools, seaside dining, North Shore and waterfall aerial tours by Paradise Helicopters, and 12 miles of walking and jogging trails along spectacular coastlines and through forested lands.

In addition, the Resort is home to the famous Hans Hedemann Surf School where guests can get a taste of the world’s best surf.
Located on the North Shore of Oahu, the 880-acre Turtle Bay Resort is operated by Benchmark Hospitality International and is a Preferred Hotels® & Resorts Worldwide property – a collection of the world’s finest independent luxury hotels.

Famous for world-class surfing, pristine white sand beaches, and its charming country setting, the North Shore also offers colorful cultural attractions, innovative ecological endeavors, and environmental adventures.

For reservations or more information, visit www.turtlebayresort.com or call (808) 293-6000.

Benchmark Hospitality International is a leader in the management and marketing of resorts, conference centers, hotels, and Personal Luxury Hotels™. The privately held company, launched in 1980, is a founding member of the International Association of Conference Centers. Benchmark Hospitality is a worldwide organization operating properties in major metropolitan and resort destinations. Benchmark’s international headquarters is located in The Woodlands, Texas, near Houston, with regional offices in New Jersey and Connecticut. International offices are located in Tokyo, Japan, and Santiago, Chile. For the location of Benchmark’s properties and additional information, visit www.benchmarkhospitality.com.

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Each of Kea Lani’s one-bedroom suites includes a spacious living room, separate master bedroom, elegant marble bathroom, mini-refrigerator, microwave, coffeemaker, dinnerware and utensils. These great touches aside, I always size up Hawaii accommodations by “lanai appeal.” Kea Lani’s a winner here as well, with my large private lanai literally inviting me to soak in the beauty of the island and the resort’s 22-acre setting a step from my living room.

This is vacationing the way I like it. I had everything I needed at my fingertips. So with book, beverage and snacks in hand, I slipped right into vacation mode.

Obviously, I have no complaints about my accommodations. I was in heaven. However, the resort’s 37 two- and three-bedroom oceanfront villas are the epitome of luxury for those with bigger budgets and a greater ability to splurge. It’s something I aspire to.

Perched along Polo Beach below the resort’s main building, these 1,800 to 2,100 sq. ft. havens kick up convenience and privacy to a higher level with complete kitchen, washer/dryer, deep soaking tub, walk-in shower, double-pedestal sinks, and private lanai with barbecue grill and plunge pool. And if that’s not enough, villa guests also have exclusive services like a dedicated staff, special welcome amenities, optional shopping services and private chef meal preparation.

These are more like private homes with access to all the amenities associated with a world-class resort – Kea Lani’s trio of private swimming pools, a full service spa, 24-hour fitness center, fine dining in four restaurants, gourmet bakery and deli, personal concierge and twice daily maid service. Certainly, I was able to enjoy all these amenities. But villa guests get to do so, then retreat to their personal escape within an escape with the Pacific at their doorstep. In my brief tour of a two-bedroom villa, I easily imagined myself lazing in the plunge pool as my chef prepped sunset “pupus” and exotic beverages. Again, it’s something I aspire to.

A freelance writer based between Honolulu and San Diego, Dawna specializes in destinations and adventures in the Hawaiian Islands, Mexico, the South Pacific and Western United States. Her stories have appeared in publications that include The New York Times, Global Traveler USA, San Francisco Magazine, Los Angeles Magazine, Smart Meetings, Family Fun, Hemispheres, Outside and Travel Agent Magazine. She is a frequent contributor to TravelAge West, a bi-weekly magazine targeting retail travel agents and wholesalers in the Western United States. An avid marathon runner and photographer, Dawna is a member of the Society of American Travel Writers. Visit www.dawnarobertson.com

Picking up steam among connoisseurs, Kona Coffee consists exclusively of beans grown on the western slopes of Hualalai and Mauna Loa in a strip extending south from Holualoa to Honaunau. More than 670 farms create a tapestry amid the 22-mile-long, two-mile-wide coffee-rich corridor.

American missionary Samuel Ruggles introduced coffee to the island in 1828, transporting cuttings of Arabica trees from Oahu to Kona. The area was a natural choice, thanks to its rich volcanic soil, ample rainfall, natural cloud cover and hard-working family farmers who toiled away to establish the renowned region thriving today.

To explore this savory taste of the Big Island, you can pick up a Kona Coffee Country driving map from the concierge at most Kona Coast hotels and from businesses in Kailua-Kona Town. The comprehensive piece includes information on coffee history, current industry standards and an overview of cultivation practices. For direction ease, it opens to a map pinpointing farms and retail sites that welcome guests.

One of the industry’s most storied producers – and a long-time favorite of mine – is Greenwell Farms in Kealakekua. Most recently, Greenwell has brewed up additional recognition by donating 200 pounds of its finest for the inaugural Grounds for Health specialty coffee auction slated for June 2.

Launching in 1996 in Pochutla, Oaxaca, Mexico, Grounds for Health expanded services to the nearby town of Pluma Hidalgo two years later. It then established a site in Huatusco, Veracruz in 2000. Before the arrival of the Grounds for Health team, there was very little cervical cancer screening done in these areas. And there was no outreach at all to women in more remote communities. As a further setback, screening was hampered by questionable cytological accuracy and poor delivery of results.

Today, the Grounds To Health mission is to bring effective cervical cancer screening and treatment to women in coffee-growing communities throughout the world. By recruiting the world’s largest coffee producers for the specialty auction, Grounds To Health hopes to spread goodwill to the global farming community and to foster a spirit of international collaboration.

Funds generated from the auction will be used for purchasing health care equipment, providing training and technical assistance to in-country partners, strengthening local treatment capacity, developing a network of community health promoters and educating women in coffee-growing communities. It’s one of the first organizations to bring innovative, life-saving technology to coffee farmers and their families.

Based on research funded by the Gates Foundation and endorsed by the World Health Organization, this “Single Visit Screen & Treat” approach has proven affordable, effective and sustainable in low-resource settings. It has also allowed rural women to receive care in one day. Even more important for long-term sustainability, the skills and equipment required for providing this care are simple enough for general health care practitioners in local communities.

Tom Greenwell, General Manager of Greenwell Farms, is pleased to show his farm’s support. “Greenwell Farms has been in the coffee industry for 150 years and knows first hand the ups and downs of farming,” he said. “By participating in this unique auction, we are trying to help our fellow farmers around the world.”

After establishing Greenwell Farms in 1850, Henry Nicholas Greenwell devoted 40 years to farming, ranching and perfecting his Kona coffee. Today, the farm grows its crop on a portion of 100 acres amid the most productive land in the Kona District. It also purchases coffee cherry from over 200 selected farmers within the Kona region.

The farm lies adjacent to the ancestral home of Henry and his wife, Elizabeth, which is now occupied by the Kona Historical Society & Museum. Guided walking tours run continuously from 8am – 4pm Monday through Friday and 8am – 3pm on Saturday. Be sure to check out the white chocolate covered coffee beans.

For more
www.konacoffeefest.com
www.greenwellfarms.com
www.groundsforhealth.org
www.konahistorical.org