HOLOHOLO
Big Isle a retreat for green thumbs
By Chris Oliver
Mix green-thumb tendencies with vacation at Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows' Gardens in Paradise Sept. 14-17. Kathleen Brenzel, senior garden editor of Sunset magazine and author of "Western Garden Book," will lead tours and offer advice on infusing island flavor in garden and home designs. The program includes a garden reception at an exemplary home, lunch at a private farm and a tour of Mauna Lani Resort's Kalahuipua'a fishponds with Danny Kaniela Akaka, the resort's cultural affairs director.
Room and event packages start at $1,830 for two (double occupancy). Information: www.maunalani.com (800) 367-2323, (808) 885-6622.
All-out for Hiff: Sheraton Hotels in Waikiki and the Hawaii International Film Festival offer festival packages in October. The package includes: 20 Quick Tix for any HIFF film, excluding opening night and special event screenings, two invitations to a celebrity reception and private screening with discussion on Oct. 25; two invitations to the opening gala and the awards show, plus two festival T-shirts, canvas bags and posters. Also included are two tickets to The Contemporary Museum in Makiki.
Packages are based on three-night minimum stays during the festival, Oct. 18-30. Prices and places: $121 and up per room, per night, at the Princess Kaiulani; $229 at the Sheraton Waikiki; and $295 at the Sheraton Moana Surfrider and Royal Hawaiian. Reservations: www.starwoodhotelshawaii.com/waikiki, (866) 716-8140.
Lana'i playtime: The Four Seasons Resort on Lana'i 4X4 Adventure Package offers a daily choice of activities such as golf, massage, round of sporting clays and guided horseback excursions. Rates start at $630 per night for a garden room and go up to $2,435 for an oceanfront suite. Information: (800) 321-4666, www.fourseasons.com/manelebay.
Midsummer's dream: Shakespeare fans, it's time to head for Oregon's Ashland Festival. A weeklong tour organized by Pasadena City College begins July 29, and will take in four plays by the Bard. Participants tour Ashland's theaters and attend seminars on the plays. Cost: $630 per person, double occupancy ($130 single surcharge), which includes housing, theater tickets and tours. Meals and transportation to Ashland are not included. Information: Pasadena City College, (626) 585-7426, or (626) 585-7496.
Reach Chris Oliver at coliver@honoluluadvertiser.com.
