nathankam’s posterous

                                         

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Those who follow me on Twitter and this blog know I was just on Hawaii’s Big Island last week for The Ellen DeGeneres production shoot. I also had the chance to stay at the newly renovated and reopened Mauna Kea Beach Hotel which has come back in fine form since it suffered damage following the October 15, 2006 earthquake. I found the resort to be incredibly beautiful...even better than I remember it before...and the service was outstanding. Mauna Kea set the standard on the Kohala Coast when it opened in 1965 and has remained one of Hawaii’s most venerable beach resorts.

This weekend, the hotel celebrated its full-fledged return to business as one of the world’s most revered resorts with a grand grand opening that included lavish dinners, and concerts by Hawaii’s most beloved duo, Cecilio & Kapono (aka C&K), and the internationally acclaimed jazz-fusion artistry of Hiroshima. I understand even Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann got up on stage to perform with C&K! Mauna Kea Beach Hotel dignitaries also celebrated the Grand Opening with a good luck Sake Ceremony which included Adi Kohler (former Mauna Kea General Manager), Jon Gersonde (Mauna Kea General Manager), Big Island Mayor Billy Kenoi, Former Vice President Dan Quayle, and Takashi Goto (President Prince Hotels and Resorts).

My colleague Dara Lum, who handles the Prince Resorts Hawaii account at McNeil Wilson Communications, was at Mauna Kea for the weekend so I asked her to send me back some information and photos so I could blog a little about it. She did and I’m sharing them with you here in this space.  You’ll also find the official press release attached which goes into more detail about the event. From what she sent me, I really wish I could have been there for the fun and excitement.

If you’ve not been to Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, it’s one of those “must experience” places. Total relaxation in one of the prettiest places in Hawaii. And I’m not just saying that because I grew up on the Big Island. Here’s what you need to know:

Opened in 1965 on 60 acres overlooking Kaunaoa Bay – one of Hawaii’s finest natural white sand beaches – the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel is known for a remarkable sense of place that embraces without intruding on its dramatic natural surroundings. In 2007, the American Institute of Architects recognized the hotel as one of the 150 best works of architecture nationwide. Reservations can be arranged through a preferred travel planner or by calling Prince Resorts Hawaii’s Luxury Desk toll-free at 1-866-977-4589. For the latest updates and information, please visit www.maunakeabeachhotel.com.

[Photos courtesy of Bob Fewell Photography and Mauna Kea Beach Hotel]

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The famous 3rd hole at Mauna Kea Golf Course. Simply incredible! It's 210 yards of carry over the Pacific Ocean to the hole from the back tee. I'm hitting my utility club. How about you? ;-)

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The rooms at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel are NICE! Not sure it gets much better then this!

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Just checked into the incredible Mauna Kea Beach Hotel on Hawaii's Big Island. This place looks amazing after its renovation. Kaunaoa Beach is calling, but first we must work.

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MEDIA ADVISORY
March 5, 2009          

Media Contact:        
Darlene Morikawa
Director of PR/Communications
dmorikawa@hvcb.org
808-924-0259
 
THE ELLEN DEGENERES SHOW BEGINS HAWAII GAME WEEK ON MARCH 9
 
WHAT:

The Ellen DeGeneres Show launches “Hawaii Game Week” on Monday, March 9. The week of fun games will wrap with a grand prize trip to Hawaii announced on air March 13. This dream Hawaiian holiday for two, courtesy of the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB), includes luxurious hotel suites, first class airfare to Oahu and Hawaii’s Big Island, helicopter tour, and more. The lucky winners will depart almost immediately arriving in Honolulu on March 14 for an eight-day stay. A video of the winner’s vacation in Hawaii will be played live on the show upon their return. In addition, a home viewer will also win the same amazing trip and find out during the show on March 16. A benefit to the programming is that it airs during March sweeps.
 
WHEN:
 
March 9-13 and 16, 2009
3:00 p.m. HST
ABC Network, Oceanic Cable 6 and 86/Digital 1006
 
WHO:
 
The Ellen DeGeneres Show continues to be one of the most-watched daytime talk shows with more than 3 million viewers and has earned an impressive 25 Daytime Emmy Awards since its inception in 2003. Host Ellen DeGeneres delivers uplifting, inspiring, and hilarious experiences to viewers. Ellen’s talent, warmth, and insight have earned her recognition as a global entertainer and household name. Through her show, she brings her humor, personal warmth, insight, and talent for tackling topical issues into viewers’ lives with her distinctive style touching every aspect of the show.

HOW: 

“Hawaii Game Week” on The Ellen DeGeneres Show is a marketing initiative of HVCB in partnership with Hawaiian Airlines, The Royal Hawaiian (A Luxury Collection Resort), The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, and other Hawaii participants. Ellen will showcase the fun and excitement of a Hawaii vacation to a national television audience. The promotion will also include a follow-up video of the winner’s experiences in Hawaii that will air on the show; enchanting and inspiring destination branding visuals; Hawaii mentions throughout the week; a Hawaii-themed set; online presence on EllenTV.com; Hawaii trivia; and island entertainment to celebrate the grand prize winner. The show’s 400 audience members in attendance on March 16 will also receive a collection of unique gifts from each of the major islands.

  -pau-

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