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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Sunday, August 12, 2007

Holoholo

Advertiser Staff

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Star of Honolulu

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W Honolulu Diamond Head's Labor Day package starts at $295 per room per night (regular rates are $495 per night) and includes two free cocktails at check-in and free parking. The package is available for stays between Aug. 23 and Sept. 9. 866-716-8111, www.starwoodhotels.com.

RENOVATION SPECIAL: Ohana Waikiki Beachcomber has begun its $12.1 million refurbishment of all 493 guest rooms, with a completion date set for February. During renovations, the hotel, which hosted Don Ho's show in his final years, is offering a special $129 room rate, Aug. 26 to Dec. 21. The hotel's new decor, inspired by the Waikiki of the 1950s and '60s, will feature ocean and beach motifs and Island artwork. 800-642-6262, www.ohanahotels.com.

GIRLS' RODEO AT KUALOA: The 15th Annual Zip Memorial All-Girls Rodeo is set for 9 a.m. Sept. 8 at Kualoa Ranch, and is expected to draw more than 120 cowpersons from across the state. The 2006 event drew 91 contestants from O'ahu, 17 from Moloka'i, four from the Big Island, and one each from Maui and Kaua'i. This year's rodeo is dedicated to the memory of AKA Diamond Jim (Zip), a 9-year-old quarter horse stallion who died unexpectedly this year. The rodeo will feature 3D mixed barrels, barrel racing, pole bending, breakaway roping, dally team roping, steer undecorating, calf mugging and goat tying. Tickets are $7 advance, $9 at the gate. 526-1708, www.rodeooahu.com.

NEW NAME, NEW SHIP: Paradise Cruise Ltd. has changed its name to Star of Honolulu Cruises & Events. The company celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, with more than $3 million of renovations and additions to the Star fleet. Star of Honolulu Cruises & Events now offers 16 cruises daily from O'ahu and Maui. Renovations include $1 million for updates to its flagship, Star of Honolulu. The company's latest addition, Hoku Nai'a, a 149-passenger vessel, sails for the first time in October, bringing the fleet to four. Sunset dining cruises begin at $69 per person, or you can opt for dining and a show for $79, sunset dinner and show for $119, or sunset dining and jazz for $169. 983-7827, www.starofhonolulu.com/cruises/oahu_cruises.html.

LIGHTERS OK AGAIN: Airline passengers may once again carry aboard butane-fired cigarette lighters, including disposable ones such as Bics, and refillable Zippo-style lighters. The Transportation Security Administration report that officers confiscate 22,000 lighter each day and says lifting the ban will allow officers to "concentrate resources on detecting explosive threats." www.tsa.gov.