Aloha!

Welcome to the June 2013 edition of the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau’s (HVCB) “What’s New in the Hawaiian Islands,” a bimonthly update keeping journalists informed of what’s new with Hawaii’s new developments, events and attractions, transportation updates, and accolades.

Please see the attachment for the complete PDF version of our What’s New.

The following are highlights from this “What’s New in the Hawaiian Islands”:

NEW DEVELOPMENTS
The Royal Hawaiian Center (Oahu), Waikiki’s largest retail complex, is undergoing a five-month makeover to The Royal Grove to enhance the 30,000 square foot garden with ponds, fountains, new landscaping, widened pathways and a new cultural and guest center. The Royal Grove has become a favorite gathering place for visitors and local residents alike, hosting performances of Hawaiian story telling, dance and music, and as a venue for special events such as Aloha Festivals and private functions. For more information, visit RoyalHawaiianCenter.com.

Following renovations and rebranding, Shoreline Hotel Waikiki (Oahu) is now open for business. Operated by Joie de Vivre Hotels, the former Seaside Hotel is design driven boutique hotel, drawing inspiration from bold 1970’s architecture and designed by California-based designer Anthony Laurino. The renovations include the addition of 10 new guest rooms and a refreshed lobby. For more information, visit JDVHotels.com/Hotels/Hawaii/Shoreline-Hotel.

Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor

EVENTS AND ATTRACTIONS
The Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor (Oahu) is now home to the legendary Boeing B-17E Flying Fortress aka “Swamp Ghost.” In 1942, the bomber participated in a mission attacking ships in Rabaul, a harbor of Japanese-held New Britain. The mission was the first American heavy bomber offensive raid of World War II. The B-17 was thought lost forever after crash landing in a remote swamp on the North Coast of Papua New Guinea, but was discovered in 1972 by Australian soldiers. While funding is being acquired to restore the aircraft, the museum plans to create an exhibit resembling the swamp where the bomber was discovered. For more information, visit PacificAviationMuseum.org.

The Polynesian Cultural Center (Oahu) unveiled a new Island Luau, centered on Samoan culture. The luau features Samoan dishes paired with Hawaiian luau foods, including roasted pig. Admission also includes interactive guest activities, the new Hawaiian Journey interactive theater presentation, Ha: Breath of Lifeevening show and admission to all seven island villages and exhibits represented at the center. For more information, visit Polynesia.com.

TRANSPORTATION
Island Air recently began new daily routes between Honolulu (Oahu) and Kahului (Maui) and between Kahului and Lanai. Island Air also recently added a new ATR 72 aircraft to its fleet, which will be used to service the new routes.  For more information, visit IslandAir.com.

ACCOLADES
Honolulu, Oahu (9), Lahaina, Maui (18) and Kailua-Kona, Hawaii Island (22) made the Top 25 Destinations in the United States on TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Destinations. The Travelers’ Choice Destinations awards honor top travel spots worldwide based on millions of valuable reviews and opinions from TripAdvisor readers. Award winners were determined based on the popularity of destinations, taking into account travelers’ favorites and most highly rated places. For more information, visit TripAdvisor.com.

Aloha,
Michael