Keauhou Beach Resort Brings Ancient Hawaii to Today’s Guests with Huaka’i Tour (United States)
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Keauhou Beach Resort Brings Ancient Hawaii to Today’s Guests with Huaka’i Tour (United States)
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Category: North America & West Indies / Carribean islands - United States
This is a press release selected by our editorial committee and published online for free on 2010-09-01
Now, stay three nights or more and enjoy the Huaka’i Tour for free – a $40 per guest value
In ancient times, the Keauhou-Kahalu`u area, where the Keauhou Beach Resort is located, was known for its royal fishponds, freshwater bathing pools and as a landing site for canoes. Hawaiian royalty once lived and played in this area, and it is said women of the chieftain class would hold birthing rites at the Hapaiali’i Heiau, one of two ancient temples located on the Keauhou Beach Resort’s property, in order to instill great spiritual power within their children. Nearby are two massive ku`ula stones, reputed to have been transported over a hundred miles from a neighboring island. Early canoe-faring people believed that prayers and offerings left at such ku`ula stones would bring luck to their fishermen.
These special places and the distinct traditions of old Hawaii are part of the resort’s new Huaka`i Tour, a guided journey through time and traditions; and starting August 27, 2010, the Keauhou Beach Resort is offering its guests this special experience – a $40 value per guest– as a complimentary activity with every three-night minimum stay.
“Keauhou Beach Resort provides guests with all the modern comforts and amenities of a hotel intertwined with the rich cultural experience of ancient Hawaiian traditions,” said Paul Horner, general manager of Keauhou Beach Resort. “We are fortunate to be able to share this one-of-a-kind authentic experience with our guests, creating a lasting memory that they can take home with them and treasure long after their tan has faded.”
During the Huaka`i Tour visitors explore the hotel’s historic 12-acre site, learning the practices of ancient chiefs and how they honored Kuka’ilimoku, the war god, as well as practice lei making and lauhala weaving, utilizing native plants.
Additionally, as part of the Huaka’i Tour, children and adults play makahiki games around the grounds – strategic activities designed to challenge both the body and mind. Guests can test their wits with a round of konane, a version of checkers, check their reflexes with the balancing game haka moa, or try a game of ulu maika, similar to modern day bowling with a twist. Participants also enjoy a friendly game of tug-of-war or hukihuki kaula.
At the conclusion of the special Huaka`i experience, participants come together to plant a native ti plant to contribute to replenishing the land, which was an important Hawaiian tradition and value.
The Keauhou Beach Resorts cultural programming is guided by cultural director Kumu Keala Ching, a well-known Hawaiian cultural educator, composer, song writer, and spiritual advisor to many Hawaiian organizations. Kumu Keala is also a recognized kumu hula (hula teacher/director). He is fluent in the Hawaiian language, which he uses as the foundation for all of his teachings. A practitioner of Ho`oponopono (an ancient Hawaiian practice of reconciliation and forgiveness), Kumu Keala is also a graduate of the University of Hawaii, Manoa with a degree in early childhood education.
After spending an enriching day in Ancient Hawaii, guests can return to the present and retreat to their comfortable accommodations at the Keauhou Beach Resort. Each morning the resort provides a complimentary breakfast buffet (a $15 per person value) at the Kama’aina Terrace restaurant. Guests can indulge in scrambled eggs, toasted hash browns or warm potatoes, alongside crispy bacon and savory sausage. Or take the tropical route and indulge in fluffy pancakes, topped with creamy coconut syrup paired with freshly cut fruit. Classic breakfast items such as oatmeal, assorted cereals, pastries and yogurt are also available. No matter the choice, it’s great fuel for guests as they gear up for a busy day of activities at Keauhou Beach Resort.
The Huaka’i Tour is included, free of charge, with any minimum three-night stay. Other complimentary amenities and services available to all guests with no minimum stay include a full schedule of cultural activities, including Hawaiian language classes, ancient Hawaiian games, lessons in hula `auana (modern) and hula kahiko (ancient), lei making, ukulele lessons, arts and craft demonstrations by area kupuna (elders); free Internet access in guestrooms and lobby; free local and long-distance phone calls to the U.S. and Canada (first 15 minutes); free use of in-room safe; and free in-room coffee and tea.
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