|
| |
Island Minutes
Oahu
Pearl Harbor
Visitor Center and Museum will have a new facility -
Construction
of a new visitor center campus is now well underway after
years of planning and fundraising. The new $58 million museum and
visitor center will replace the current USS Arizona
Memorial Visitor Center shore side facility. Construction will be done
in phases over the next two years enabling the center and tours to the
USS Arizona Memorial to remain open throughout the process. The
official dedication of the new visitor center and museum is scheduled
for December 7, 2010. The Arizona Memorial Museum Association
has
recently changed its name to Pacific Historic Parks.
The Historic Battleship Missouri is extending
its hours to accommodate increased visitor demand. The new
hours are from 7:30 am to 5:00 pm, opening 90 minutes earlier than
previously and will be extended until Labor Day if the demand
continues. The Sheraton Waikiki
has recently completed a $187 million transformation featuring new
facilities and resort amenities. Physical improvements were made to
meeting space, the Hawaii Ballroom and smaller conference rooms. An
outdoor function space was created for events, parties, and
luaus.
Also added is the 6,000 s.f. Spa
Khakara and Waikiki's first infinity edge pool.
Kaua'i
Tommy Bahama is set to
open in July at The Shops at Kukui'ula Village in Koloa. The Seattle
based retailer will be joining a host of other specialty shops,
galleries and restaurants to include: Merriman's Kauai, Josselin's
Tapas Bar & Grill, Gallerie 103, Bungalow 9, Living Foods Market
& Cafe, Quicksilver, Lappert's Ice Cream & Coffee, Bubba
Burgers, Palm Palm and more.
The
Shops at Kukui'ula Village opened last December and were designed to
mirror Kaua'i's plantation style architecture using materials that make
this newest shopping and dining center look as if it were built over
time. Groups can take advantage of the open areas with ocean views as a
backdrop, or smaller more private areas surrounded by lush tropical
landscaping.
Lana'i
On July 3, Lana'i City held its Annual
Pineapple Festival. The festival celebrates and commemorates Lanai's
pineapple plantation and ranch history. The island, which is now home
to two of the finest resorts and golf courses, was once owned
by James Dole, who grew and canned his famous pineapple on the
island. In fact, Lanai once produced 75% of the world's pineapple. In
order to pay homage to this past, the colorful Pineapple Festival, held
at Dole Park in Lanai City, had pineapple eating contests,
pineapple cooking competitions, live music and entertainment, local arts
and crafts, and delicious food. If you are on Mau'i next year in
early July, you might want to visit Lana'i for the
festival. It is a quick jaunt on a ferry over to the Pineapple
isle. You can go early, spend the day at the beach, then head
into Lana'i City. The ferry service runs between the two
islands throughout the day.
Pineapple Cake
1 can (20oz) DOLE Crushed Pineapple in Juice,
un-drained
1 pkg. JELL-O Vanilla Instant Pudding
1 cup Cool Whip Topping
1 pkg. (10oz) round Angel Food Cake, cut into 3
layers
10 small fresh strawberries
Mix pineapple and dry pudding mix. Gently stir
in Cool Whip. Stack cake layers on a plate, spreading pudding
mixture between layers and on top of cake. Refrigerate for 1 hour. Top
with the strawberries.
Prep time: 15 min. Makes 10 servings.
|
|
Kula's O'o Farm Culinary Experience | |
Just
another fabulous way to offer a great group event and
spend time in beautiful upcountry Mau'i. At 3,400 feet, O'o Farm inhabits 8.5 acres of diversified
and sustainable organic crops in a cool, misty microclimate with a
stunning view of Central Maui.
The culinary tour begins after hot apple cider, farm
grown coffee and pastries are served upon arrival. During a
pre-lunch tour, farm manager Richard Clark describes how a partnership
with the owners of I'O, Pacific'O, 'Aina Gourmet and the Feast of Lele
invested in the farm to serve local organic produce in their
establishments. Ten years later, O'o Farm boasts more than sixty
crops, including colorful Russian kale, yellowstone carrots, daikon,
jicama, sorrel, and, most recently, coffee.
Guests
take seats around the handsome outdoor dining table after foraging for
crisp lettuce greens and vegetables which are prepared for them on
site. The menu includes fresh catch of the day, wok seared or
steamed vegetables and dessert.
This trip upcountry can also include a stop at the Alii Kula
Lavendar Farm and shopping in Makawao. Give Wendy Ottinger a call
at 877.472.6522 or email her at wottinger@tmghawaiiltd.com
and she will create this exclusive event for your next program on
Mau'i. |
|
Why use TMG Hawaii as your Hawaii DMC?
Our skill and
commitment is what gives us the leading edge. Our highly motivated team
is known for creativity, innovative solutions, high standard of service
and meticulous attention to detail. We provide excellent planning and
execution of programs and events.
A partnership is the relationship involving close
cooperation between parties having specified and joint responsibilities.
TMG Hawaii is the definition of a great partner. That
is why you should choose TMG Hawaii as your Hawaiian
DMC.
For a
customized proposal or further information please contact Wendy Ottinger
at wottinger@tmghawaiiltd.com
or call 877.472.6522.
| | |
|
|
|
|
NOW
IS THE TIME TO LOOK TO THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS FOR VALUE | |
At TMG Hawaii, we know meeting planners work hard
to find a great destination that meets their program budget and must
focus spending the dollars in the best way possible. We spend a great
deal of time assisting our clients in securing the best
value for their programs. Of course
it is always in our best interest to highlight our beautiful
islands to perspective clients. We know participants love
coming to Hawaii and always want to return. Not only are the islands
beautiful and offer world-class resorts, golf courses and facilities,
but the Hawaiian islands are a safe and secure destination with an
abundance of sunshine, clean air and clean water. Spending those sacred
dollars for your next meeting or rewards program in Hawaii rather than
other tropical world destinations help the U.S. economy
- that in itself is a good idea!
The Hawaiian Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB) has been
actively working to broadcast via the internet, publications and
advertisements, the excellent rates and added-value incentives for
groups booking Hawaii. Please see an excerpt by Michael Murray, VP Sales and Marketing of
the HVCB from a recent publication:
" HVCB's popular Added Value Resource Center continues to
resonate with planners and groups because of the cost-savings and
special incentives being offered to help make Hawaii meetings and events
more affordable.
The seven programs (see below) created for the benefit of
meeting planners are in effect through 2011 and available online at
- Hot Rates, Hot
Dates!
offers savings on accommodations and activities at resorts.
- Hawaii Value-Added offers
groups special savings on retail goods and activities.
- Hawaii Free lists more than 125 free
activities to incorporate into itineraries.
- DMC Special Offer provides
destination management services (DMC) for free or at discounted rates.
- Hawaii Booking Advantage lets groups
select a complimentary product or service from participating HVCB
members.
- Hawaii Speakers Bureau lists
Hawaii-based leaders who can address groups on a variety of subjects.
- Green Hawaii lists eco-friendly programs
initiated by resorts and activity providers. "
Come to Hawaii, it is a
winner!
Aerial of Waikiki, Honolulu
Four Seasons at Haualalai, Hawaii
Tunnels Beach, Kauai
Plantation Course at Kapalua, Maui |
|
Some client comments about our
team...
"In the afterglow of President's Club, I want
to share with you how much of the credit for this program's success
belongs to you and your team.
Over the years I have learned to appreciate the
importance of the DMC's role and I have come to expect good service.
Your team, however, could be the poster child for the difference between
good and great. All of the TMG representatives I met were capable and
accommodating and worthy of mention - thank you to them all." Jan Lachenmaier
QAD
"Thank YOU for
all your help and the wonderful service provided by you and your
staff. I told Jacque she was truly my right arm and I meant
it! Everything was so professionally done. My attendees are
still talking about their activities and the guides they had and the fun
nights - it really was a special trip - everyone said "one of the
best!"
Ann Schirk, Sage Products, Inc. |
|
Looking for a great
arrival room gift? What about beach totes? They continue to
be very popular. Stuff them with aloe skin products, sun visors,
map of the island, tropical fish card, and throw in some
Maui Jim sunglasses to give your participants a perfect start to having
the best trip in Hawaii.
These are just a sample of the many "beach totes"
available. Check with Wendy Ottinger at wottinger@tmghawaiiltd.com
and she will assist you with the perfect room gift. |
|
|
