KAILUA-KONA, HI--(Marketwired - Jun 4, 2013) - On June 11, 2013, the entire state of Hawaii will honor former King Kamehameha with a day of celebrations, including many near this beachfront Kona hotel .
The Courtyard King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel is located on one of the state's most historic sites, adjacent to what was the king's royal residence. Guests and visitors to this hotel near the historic Kailua village will find artifacts and depictions of 18 th -century Hawaiian life throughout the property, offering the perfect precursor to attending celebratory events.
Among the pieces on display at this Kamakahonu Bay hotel are a lobby mural depicting King Kamehameha speaking with his son; 20 portraits of Hawaiian royalty; an ahu'ula (feathered cloak worn by royalty in battle); a mahi'ole (feather helmet); lei hulu (wreaths of yellow feathers worn by women around the neck or head); a lei niho palaoa (whale-tooth pendant worn by only the highest-ranking leaders); war weapons including wood clubs, daggers and slings; ancient hula instruments such as feather gourd rattles, a nose flute and shell trumpet; and domestic and agricultural artifacts ranging from fishing spears to part of an underground oven. Complimentary guided tours led by the knowledgeable hotel staff are available. For the more hands-on crowd, the Cultural Center will host morning demonstrations of traditional activities including poi pounding, lauhala weaving, fish net making and kapa making. The hotel is also adjacent to Ahu'ena Heiau, an ancient temple reconstructed by the king in the early 1800s and now on the National Historic Landmarks registry.
After gaining a historical background at the hotel, visitors should head to the king's birthplace in North Kohala for an all-day festival. The day starts with the draping of the king's statue. After a 25-foot-long flower lei is draped over it, an opening blessing will be given and followed by hula and music. After, a traditional pa'u parade fills the festival with floral-adorned horses, riders and floats. It wouldn't be a celebration without music, and the park hosts a ho'olaule'a , or music festival, where visitors can sample local food, watch artisans create traditional arts and crafts, listen to award-winning Hawaiian musicians and see an authentic hula performance. For more information on the festival, visit www.kamehamehadaycelebration.org/ .
The celebration doesn't end there. The King Kamehameha Day Celebration Parade will follow on June 15, 2013, in Kailua Kona. Visitors to the hotel will find arts & craft booths, food and local entertainers, highlighting the announcement of Pa'u awards. For more information on the parade, visit http://konaparade.org/ .
About the Courtyard King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel At the oceanfront Courtyard King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel, the beauty of Hawaii beckons right outside the door, where white-sand beaches offer a perfect escape. Just minutes from cruise terminals and near the Kona International Airport, this hotel is ideal for short stopovers, family vacations, business retreats, honeymoons or just a much-needed break. Guest rooms offer plenty of space and stylish decor, plus amenities including a large desk, high-speed Internet access, flat-screen cable TV, luxurious bed linens, refrigerator and coffeemaker with delicious Kona coffee. Guests can enjoy regional Hawaiian cuisine and live music at the hotel restaurant, Honu's on the Beach. For those who want to unwind or work in the company of others, the state-of-the-art lobby offers flexible seating areas, complimentary Wi-Fi and GoBoard technology that offers the latest news, weather and airport information. Visitors can tour nearby attractions including Kailua village, Hulihe'e Palace, Kailua Kona Pier, Honokohau Marina and Kaloko-Honokohau National Park, or spend time soaking in the outdoor pool, sipping cocktails from Billfish Poolside Bar & Grille or working out in the fitness center. The hotel's Island Breeze Luau offers the chance to experience authentic Polynesian cuisine and live performances. With a beachfront location and 20,000 square feet of event space, this Kona hotel is the ideal venue for weddings, corporate retreats, meetings and celebrations.
CONTACT: Courtyard King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel 75-5660 Palani Road Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740 USA 1-808-329-2911
