The latest need-to-know stuff out of Hawaii
Hawaii; it’s the destination every Aussie wants to go to – or go back to – and is a firm favourite with our country.
So how can you keep on top of all the changes and updates? We’ve got one way right here.
Following a fancy lunch with Aqua-Aston Hospitality on Friday, attended by yours truly, we got the lowdown on all the fresh and funky shake-ups going on in Hawaii, and now we’re passing the wisdom onto you.
Hawaii vacationers have a lot to look forward to at hotels and resorts managed by Aqua-Aston Hospitality; from summer camping, epic Fourth of July fireworks displays, boozy bites, and multi-generational vacation ideas, there’s something for everyone and every budget.
Boasting a portfolio of nearly 50 hotels and resorts on Oahu, Hawaii Island, Maui, and Kauai (and some on the continental U.S.), here’s what’s new and noteworthy for the summer from one of Hawaii’s largest hotel management companies.
WHAT’S NEW ON HAWAII ISLAND?
A How-to Guide for Summer Camping on Hawaii’s Active Volcano
Hidden within a fragrant eucalyptus grove, Volcano House’s Namakanipaio Campground offers summer visitors three ways to “glamp” or camp (at three levels of cushiness), all inside Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the state’s number-one attraction.
Whether a cozy, one-room camper cabin that sleeps four; a fully equipped (and pre-setup) rent-a-tent with an 8-inch memory foam mattress, hotel linens, cooler, lantern, and camping chairs; or a simple campsite lot for you to BYOT (bring you own tent) – Volcano House’s Namakanipaio Campground makes camping accessible to everyone.
Of course, if camping isn’t your preference, Volcano House has 33 historic hotel rooms where views of Kilauea’s glowing Halemaumau crater are visible while you relax and unwind.
WHAT’S NEW ON OAHU?
Dive into Summer with the Surfjack’s Summer Pool Party Series
The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club (which we recently checked-in to and reviewed), is Waikiki’s first 1960s throwback hotel.
It has curated a line-up of poolside events, including a mid-century pop-up shop, a “Talk Story” with surf filmmaker Taylor Steele, a puppy adoption day, and a trio of pool parties featuring beach wear launches, poolside massages, polaroid booths, celebrity guests, and an exclusive beach cruiser unveil, in addition to renowned DJs, mix-and-match juice cocktails, and light bites by Mahina & Sun’s.
With a summer lineup unlike any other hotel and pool parties in its iconic “Wish You Were Here” pool, guests can cannonball into summer with the latest adventurers, culturists, and epicureans. For more information, visit surfjack.com/experiences.
Locals Know This Waikiki Hotel Has the Best Firework Views on the Fourth of July
Every year, 40,000+ visitors flood Ala Moana Beach Park ready to day camp, grill, and watch the evening’s Fourth of July fireworks display – the island’s largest. But if crowds aren’t on your agenda, Ilikai Hotel & Luxury Suites, located at the gateway to Waikiki, offers guests some of the island’s best vantage points.
Book a room, skip the crowds, and enjoy a spectacular show. Here’s an insider tip: Book a Luxury Jr. Suite Sunset Ocean View room for the best fourth of July views. Or ask for Room 4137 or 4139.
Refreshing Sips at Refreshing Prices … in Waikiki!
Inside a boutique hotel off-the-beaten path in Waikiki is one of the neighborhood’s best kept secrets: Lounge Renew, a contemporary bar and hangout for cocktails and good conversation.
The best part? Cocktails are handcrafted at prices that don’t hurt the wallet, such as Lounge Renew’s Guava Mojito ($6), a tropical take on a time-honored cocktail. Happy hour cocktails are served daily starting at 5:30 p.m. for guests of Hotel Renew and the public.
Hotel Penthouse Gets in Bed with Airbnb
Boutique hotels like Aqua Ohia Waikiki are taking advantage of this new distribution channel. Leveraging Airbnb to sell a unique product like Aqua Ohia Waikiki’s ocean view 2-bed, 2-bath penthouse and private lanai, the hotel now has access to a new segment of consumers seeking one-of-a-kind lodging options.
Toss in additional benefits like free parking (a rarity in Waikiki) and waived hotel amenity fees, this penthouse is the perfect getaway for family travelers or a girlfriend trip to the island of sun, surf and sand.
Pho Meets Shave Ice at Aqua Oasis Hotel
Agalico Waikiki is the newest restaurant to open inside Aqua Oasis Hotel, a small boutique hotel and oasis located amidst the hustle and bustle of Waikiki. Agalico Waikiki’s Asian fusion style concept blends Thai, Vietnamese, and Indonesian cuisine and tops it with a unique Hawaii twist.
For example, you’ll find unique dishes like Shrimp Toast and Pho Shaved Ice, a pho dish with a frozen savory broth and rainbow food coloring so that it appears like shaved ice. Hotel guests at Aqua Oasis can enjoy an exclusive 10% discount on these popular dishes as well as all other menu items.
WHAT’S NEW ON KAUAI?
Summer Cottages for that #VacationLifestyle – Fit for Families and Couples!
Nestled next to the famous Wailua River, a quiet row of 2-room cottages faces the island’s eastern shore overlooking one of Kauai’s safest and most swimmable beaches. It also happens to be a best kept secret at the Hilton Garden Inn Wailua Bay.
With the privacy of your own cottage, outdoor lanai, and driveway and the brand standards of a Hilton hotel, these Kauai cottages are an essential ingredient for an island getaway.
Insider tip: Ask about the sunrise ceremony, beach cruiser bikes, beach mats and toys, and complimentary Mai Tais available to guests.
Summer Bites: Kauai’s Only Boozy Shave Ice is Hidden in This Hotel
On an island with no shortage of shave ice stands, it’s surprising that Ko Shave Ice – a hidden stand located poolside at Aqua Kauai Beach Resort – is Kauai’s only boozy shave ice shop.
And if you needed more reason to stop by, its signature adult Piña Colada and Mai Tai shave ice come spiked with Koloa Rum, Kauai’s award-winning spirit.
WHAT’S NEW ON MAUI?
How to Have Your Best Multigenerational Summer Vacation … Island Style
Family vacations can be a tricky feat, especially if they need to meet a multigenerational agenda where mom and dad, kids, grandparents, and even cousins need to be considered. But it’s also the reason why Aston Kaanapali Shores is a popular summer choice.
There’s something for everyone – two fresh water pools and endless activities at the hotel’s year-round Camp Kaanapali program for kids ages 5-12 years old, free scuba diving lessons, couple massages at the resort’s new spa for mom and dad, or a poolside hula show or lobby craft fair for the grandparents, are just some of the options.
With condo-resort style accommodations, fully equipped kitchens, and washer/dryer units in all its junior and full suites, Aston Kaanapali Shores is how expert multigenerational travelers enjoy summer vacations with the entire family.
Kaanapali Says “Aloha-aaaaah” to Two New Spas
Maui has two new ways to destress, relax, and unwind – Puamana Day Spa, located within Aston Kaanapali Shores and The Spa at Aston Whaler on Kaanapali Beach. At Pumana Day Spa, a quiet, private oceanside cabana awaits guests for a full mind, body and spirit rejuvenation.
While at The Spa at The Whaler, a must-try is the Whaler Renewal Ritual, an energizing body exfoliation infused with island botanicals. Insider tip: Inquire about vouchers or promotions exclusive for hotel guests.
Maui Kaanapali Villas Celebrates 50 Years of Hawaiian Hospitality
Maui Kaanapali Villas, a modern condo resort with “old Hawaii” at heart, is celebrating its 50th anniversary with 50% off guests’ fourth night stays.
Set on 11 acres of exotic tropical gardens on one of the finest stretches of Kaanapali Beach, Maui Kaanapali Villas, which offers full kitchens in all its studios and suites, is the perfect getaway for friends and family. This one-time exclusive offer can be booked online through October 31 with the promo code “MKV50.”
WHAT’S NEW IN TAHOE?
A Lake Tahoe Resort for the Whole Family
Situated on a private stretch of Lake Tahoe beach, Aston Lakeland Village Beach & Mountain Resort is a luxurious condominium resort that’s summer ready for the whole family.
With its Aston Kids’ Camp, which opened this month, children ages four and up have access to free daytime and evening activities like treasure hunts, Olympic days and tie dye fun – leaving parents some much earned downtime to explore the lake on one of the resort’s stand up paddle boards or kayaks.
For popular summer events like Harvey’s Tahoe Summer Concert series and the American Century Celebrity Golf Championship, hotel guests can receive complimentary shuttle rides to and from the event, as well as discounted celebrity golf tickets.
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