Hawaii Hospitality - May/June 2013 - (Page 13)

Kawena Mechler, far right, officiated as Kimberly and Matthew DeCovich of Waterford, Mich., renewed their wedding vows on Valentine’s Day at Outrigger Reef on the Beach and Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach. Performing at the ceremony were, from left, Rodney Bejer and Tiana Barrett. Photo courtesy of Outrigger Hotels and Resorts Hooluana (director of cultural activities). “As one of the most important historical areas in all Hawaii, by sharing Keauhou’s history with guests through our guided tours, we find they gain a much deeper appreciation for where they are staying and they have a much keener sense of Hawaii as a place. “We couple our many cultural offerings with touches such as manta ray talks, coffee talks, nightly island entertainment at Rays on the Bay and even slide races at our Manta Ray super slide and pool so that everyone has the opportunity to learn about Hawaii, enjoy all that a resort stay in Hawaii should encompass and more.” Each Thursday morning guests can drop over to Keauhou Coffee Company, where Mama’s 100% Kona Coffee growers offer free samples while explaining the process of growing a perfect cup of Kona coffee. Unending Surprises “little touches” help guests at the Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas stay busy. Every Tuesday and Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. the resort’s Keiki Club offeres activties for kids 5 to 12 that help introduce them to Hawaiian culture and traditions, such as lei-making and learning a Hawaiian “Word of the Day.” This also allows parents a muchThe RumFire is a popular fun spot appreciated night out. at the Sheraton Kauai Resort. Every Wednesday is movie night on the lawn and on saturdays the resort holds a mixology class. The resort also will pre-stock the villas according to guests’ wishes, and provides free shuttle service to st. Regis beach and nearby shopping. At the Sheraton Kauai Resort, guests can stop by RumFire and compare wines rated 85+ by Wine Spectator. They also can enjoy a memorable and private Halelani dinner—with islandinspired dishes spearheaded by Executive Chef Roger liang— at one of the resort’s poolside bungalows. At check-in the Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection creates a unique welcome experience with fresh lei greeting, a signature Royal pink Elixir beverage, a refreshing oshibori towel and homemade banana bread compliments of the resort’s chef. Honeymoon couples receive a “complimentary bubbly toast” of sparkling wine at the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa, either in their rooms or with their dinner at any of the resort’s restaurants. And should guests become ill, the housekeeping and security staff will send care packages. If a guest at the Moana Surfrider and Sheraton Princess Kaiulani mentions that he or she is feeling under the weather, the resorts’ associate may send fresh oranges to the guest’s room without having to consult with a manager. Other housekeeping “surprises” there can include fresh flowers (anniversary), a baby travel kit, ballons (birthday), postcards to send home, heart-shaped petals (honeymooner), bathrobes (adults and kids), earplugs and eye pads for those with trouble sleeping and fresh flowers to welcome returning guests. The Sheraton Waikiki provides copies of Kupaa Magazine, which highlights unique events around oahu, fun tips for new activities, restaurants and shopping and informational stories of Hawaii. The hotel will personalize the front cover of the magazine to reflect the return guest’s trip purpose, such as an anniversary or birthday with a headline stating the guest’s name and the occasion. on special request, a guest there may find messages spelled with flowers in their room, or towel origami shaped as monkeys, turtles, burgers, flowers or swans. Guests at the Waikiki Parc enjoy a “Welcome Program” from their room attendant, says diane Ako, director of public relations for the Halekulani Corporation. After check-in day the “room attendant will place their personal (handwritten) welcome card plus a few Hershey Kisses candy on the bed (below the pillows) for the guests.” On guests’ last day in paradise a departure card is “placed at the foot of the bed with some Hershey Kisses,” Ako notes. Room attendants also use the cards to communicate daily with guests, Ako says, leaving notes such as “I hope you enjoyed your birthday dinner at Nobu Waikiki last night,” or “I hope you are feeling better today, there is an extra tissue box on your nightstand.” And when all our hotels and resorts have pleasingly and completely spoiled visitors, perhaps as they depart the Islands they’ll say, with a big smile, “Mahalo nui loa.” Guests at the Sheraton Kauai Resort can enjoy an evening by the fire. www.hawaiihospitalityonline.com 13 http://www.hawaiihospitalityonline.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Hawaii Hospitality - May/June 2013

Hawaii's Female Chefs
War on Waste
Big Island Hookipa
Hawaii’s Little Touches
HRA Excellence Awards
Talk Story with George Szegeti
New Restaurants: Chef Chai and Liko Lehua Cafe
News Briefs
Association News

Hawaii Hospitality - May/June 2013