MEDIA RELEASE

The Big Island Visitors Bureau wants the kamaaina dollar. Trying to make the best of a bad economy, the bureau has devised a campaign to encourage residents to get out and enjoy their own island, rather than spend their summer vacation funds elsewhere.

BIVB, which is always good about putting a happy spin on things, issued the following statement:

The Big Island Visitors Bureau and its island activity, lodging and dining partners have pooled resources to splash out unbeatable savings for kamaaina travelers.

“We have paradise right here on Hawaii’s Big Island, and it’s just a short drive or short and affordable flight away,” said George Applegate, executive director of the Big Island Visitors Bureau.

The weather is fabulous, Kilauea volcano is putting on quite a show, and getaways, reunions and vacations are top of mind for local people – both Hawaii Island and neighbor island residents. Applegate said when BIVB asked local businesses what kinds of deals they could offer kamaaina, the organization was met with irresistible offers from all corners of Hawaii’s diverse Big Island.

Want to unwind on one of the world’s best beaches on the sun-soaked Kohala Coast? Take advantage of Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel’s Golden Anniversary of Statehood kamaaina special: book two nights at $199 per night, get the third night at $50.

Never been to Ka Lae, where sea-faring Polynesians landed their sailing canoes to discover Hawaii long ago? Discover this tranquil, beautiful region and stay at Kalaekilohana, a Hawaiian-owned luxury B&B offering a “Guilt-Free Getaway” for groups for as little as $49/night per person, if your party stays three nights or more.

Want to see the sun sink beneath the clouds, then the stars light up the night sky atop Maunakea? Or take a guided trek to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park – Hawaii’s only World Heritage Site – to witness the recent activity at Kilauea, both at the summit and at sea level? Compare deals by Arnott’s Lodge & Hiking Adventures, KapohoKine Adventures, and Hawaii Forest & Trail.

How about dining oceanfront at Huggo’s in Kailua-Kona? You’ll save 20 percent off entrees after 8:30 p.m. Take an underwater journey aboard Atlantis Submarines in Kailua-Kona, and keiki ride for free with a paying adult. Or, snorkel and dive at night with gentle, giant manta rays and the expert crew of Kona Honu Divers, for 15 percent off.

“There are so many remarkable experiences on Hawaii’s Big Island, and our island is so vast and so diverse, even Big Island residents can enjoy a real getaway by driving to a different zip code,” Applegate said.

Nearly 50 Big Island offers await residents of the 50th state on its new kamaaina special Web site, www.bigisland.org/getaway. The specials will be promoted on local radio, TV and in print media, too. 

Why go anywhere else? Save money and splurge on unforgettable memories right here at home, on Hawaii’s youngest and biggest island, where the scenery is different around every corner and the savings are spectacular.

— Find out more:

BIVB Kamaaina Specials: www.bigisland.org/getaway