“A Taste of Hawaii”
February 8 - 16, 2012
Bill and Mariann Vandenberg have been visiting Hawaii for almost 30 years. We were lucky enough to live there for a year in 1991-92. We have made many good friends and love the culture, history and MOST OF ALL, the wonderful food! For more information on the venues, click on the blue highlighted (and underlined) links below.
The program begins on arrival at Keahole-Kona International Airport (KOA airline code). We’ll meet you at the airport and transfer to Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort and Spa where the group will stay for 6 nights. From this location we’ll explore the Kona and Kohala districts, enjoying the sun and sea, producers and local businesses.
Our last two nights will be spent in Honolulu, right on Waikiki Beach at Westin Moana Surfrider. Hayley Matson-Mathes is originally from Kansas, lived and worked in Kansas City and is very active in the culinary business world of Hawaii. She will be our guide with access to some very interesting and delicious venues.
Itinerary (subject to amendment)
Wednesday, February 8
Arrive Kailua-Kona and be transferred to the Waikoloa Beach Marriott. Most arrivals from the mainland are in late afternoon and early evening. Private transfers will be arranged. No functions scheduled for this day.
Thursday, February 9
Following a delicious Hawaiian buffet breakfast at the hotel, we plan to head south to the area around Kona Village. Many fine foods are grown in this area and we’ll visit a Kona coffee farm and Macadamia Nut orchard. The Kona Inn is a favorite for lunch with its views of Kailua Harbor. Free afternoon to explore the shops and historic buildings. (Breakfast and lunch included today)
Friday,
February 10
King Kamehameha, who united the islands of Hawaii in 1810, was born on the northern most point of The Big Island. Today we drive north to the “end of the road” that overlooks the beautiful and remote Pololu Valley followed by lunch in Hawi at the famous “BAMBOO”, known for its old fashioned Mai Tais and local dishes from local growers. Time to explore the small galleries and shops before retuning to the hotel mid-afternoon. The evening is free to dine at one of the many restaurants at nearby King’s and Queen’s entertainment areas.(Breakfast and lunch included today)
Saturday, February 11
Saturday is market day in Keauhou Shopping Center, just south of Kona Vilage. Bill and I shop here when me make our annual visit. The are many vendors and ALL products must be produced on Big Island. Fruits, vegetables, baked goods, Mac nuts, Kona coffee, usually a cooking demonstration with tasting and live music. Kealakekua Bay has major historic significance…Captain Cook, who “discovered” Hawaii was killed here by the local population in 1779. We will also visit The City of Refuge, a part of the National Park Service. Sunset Luau tonight!(Breakfast and Luau included today)
Sunday, February 12
This is a free day for you to do as you please. There are water activities (perfect time of year for whale watching ), lay on the beach, helicopter flights to the volcano, or rent a car and drive the Saddle Road to Hilo, on the other side of the Island. Plenty of things to do (Breakfast included today)
Monday,
February 13
Heading north today we see the region where sugar used to be the major source of income. Now it has become a major agricultural center growing for the many fine restaurants in the islands. Here is the only place in the USA that grows vanilla and we will have a tour and tasting. The town of Waimea (Kamuela) is also home to Parker Ranch that covers the slopes of Mauna Kea. Time for lunch on your own, then back to the hotel to rest up. The plan is to enjoy dinner at Huggo’s Fine Dining in Kona Village. Excellent seafood and gorgeous sunset views. (Breakfast and dinner included today)
Tuesday, February 14
Happy Valentine’s day! After breakfast we transfer to the airport and a quick flight to Honolulu. First stop is Chinatown where Haley will show us the exotic markets before we enjoy a lunch of Oriental delights. Then a tour through the heart of Honolulu, en route to the Westin Moana Surfrider. Dinner is on your own tonight…perhaps with your sweetheart. We will offer suggestions well in advance as it is recommended to have reservations on a busy night in Honolulu. (Breakfast and lunch included today)
Wednesday, February 15
This will be an early morning as Hayley with direct us first to the Honolulu Fish Auction and then to Nico’s Pier 38, a very popular market restaurant known for typical Hawaiian breakfast that may include fresh caught fish or SPAM!!! Then we continue around the island with stops at the Sumida Watercress Farm, Dole Plantation and the north shore beaches in Waimea. This is the heart of surfing country and winter is the time for BIG waves. There is lots of aqua-culture in this area including fresh water shrimp and sea asparagus
Dinner tonight will be at Chef Mavro. He is a leader in Hawaiian Regional Cuisine and is a James Beard Award winner. (Breakfast and dinner are included today)
Thursday,
February 16
Aloha! This is departure day. Most flights to the mainland are in the evening, so we will spend the morning (early) visiting the Arizona Memorial and USS Missouri at Pearl Harbor, a must-see for anyone coming to Hawaii. We hope to arrange for late check-out, and the Spa will be available for a fee. It is open until 8:00 pm.
You may want to consider a visit to another island, either before or after the program and we would be happy to assist.
After registration, we will make airline and schedule recommendations for your stay in the islands.
What is included?
o 6 nights garden view accommodation at Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort and Spa (ocean view rooms available at additional cost)
o 2 nights city view accommodation in Honolulu a Westin Moana Surfrider
o 6 buffet breakfasts at Marriott, 1 breakfast in Honolulu, 5 lunches, Sunset Luau at Waikoloa Beach, 2 dinners
o Tours and tastings as indicated in the itinerary
Land Only Price: $3,497.00 per person, based on 2 people sharing a room and a minimum of 14 participants. Single Supplement: $906.00
Payment: Please make checks payable to Travels With Taste Holding Account
Reservations and deposit are due no later than FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2011
Deposit: $500 per person
Please "click" here for Reservation Form.
Mail completed reservation form to: Travels With Taste, 5921 W. 88th Terrace, Overland Park, KS 66207
Cancellations and refunds: All cancellations are subject to a $75 administrative fee. Deposit (less administrative fee) is refundable up until November 4, 2011. Cancellation after November 4, 2011 will result in loss of deposit. Refunds for cancellations received on or after Thursday, December 8, 2011 will be dependent upon monies recovered from suppliers. The price is also subject to increase due to imposition of taxes or fuel surcharges not in effect at the time of pricing, or should the number of participants fall below fourteen.
Insurance: Trip cancellation/baggage/emergency medical evacuation/accident and sickness insurance protection is highly recommended. Full information will be provided by Travels With Taste upon receipt of deposit.
Registration deadline: Friday, November 4, 2011
Final Payment Due: Thursday, December 8, 2011
For more information,