Travel Agent recently sat down with representatives of Aqua-Aston Hospitality and was able to get the hottest news from this popular Hawaiian hotel chain.
Here’s what we find out to help you pitch Aqua-Aston’s hotels for clients heading to just about every Hawaii island this winter and beyond.
Aqua-Aston Hospitality Introduces New Corporate Travel Program
Aqua-Aston Hospitality recently announced a new corporate travel program called Aqua-Aston Advantage that’s free to join. Members of the program receive preferred rates at nearly 50 hotels and resorts, and added perks like no-deposit reservations, flexible cancellations, waived amenity fees (a savings of $13 - $25 per day), complimentary room upgrades, unlimited local calls, and free Wi-Fi, parking and daily newspapers. To enroll, or for more information, e-mail advantage@aqua-aston.com.
Grand Naniloa Hotel – A DoubleTree by Hilton Introduces Hula-themed Guest Experience
In the spirit of Hilo’s famed Merrie Monarch Festival, the Grand Naniloa Hotel – A DoubleTree by Hilton has implemented guest programming and experiences that perpetuate Hawaiian music and dance. Every Monday from 4 to 6 p.m., clients can sit back and enjoy the sights of local hula halau (groups) practicing on the hotel’s grand lawn. The Hula Lounge – the bay view lobby bar – features live music from some of Hawaii’s finest musicians every Tuesday from 5 to 7:30 p.m. In addition, The Crown Room, named after legendary Hawaiian musician Willie K., has been fully restored and serves as the premiere local venue for entertainment, including a monthly concert by Willie K. himself.
Aqua Kauai Beach Resort Introduces New All-Inclusive Destination Wedding Packages
With a newly renovated ballroom and guest rooms, and an oceanfront location on 25-acres of lush grounds, the Aqua Kauai Beach Resort makes a great choice for couples looking to tie the knot on Kauai. Starting at $1,895, the resort now offers four-tiered wedding packages. The packages can be customized and include the services of a professional wedding planner and an officiant, the ceremony location, seating, flowers and photography. Overnight wedding guests also receive preferred rates up to 12 percent off, without the hassle of a contract or minimum booking requirement, with the “No Commitments” wedding special.
Hilton Garden Inn Kauai Wailua Bay Hosts First Oceanfront Gazebo Wedding
With views of the Wailua River and Pacific Ocean, the new Hilton Garden Inn hosted its first outdoor wedding in its newly refreshed gazebo this month. The wedding party enjoyed the open air ceremony, followed by a fully catered reception in the newly renovated Palm Deck, part of the $18-million transformation of the property from the former Aston Aloha Beach Hotel. Wedding packages start at $750.
Cocktail Hotline and Upgraded Pool at Kauai Shores, an Aqua Hotel
The quirky, retro-inspired Kauai Shores Hotel on the Coconut Coast of Kauai has embarked on a quarter-of-a-million-dollar pool project that will include the expansion of the existing pool, an upgrade to the pool deck area and furniture, and a brand new hot tub. The improvements come complete with a new "cocktail hotline" that let’s guests ring the Lava Lava Beach Club restaurant with their orders for delivery direct, without leaving their pool loungers. The hotel relaunched in 2015 after the completion of a renovation project that included a new lobby.
Aston Kaanapali Shores’ Annual Easter Egg Hunt Expected to Feature 3,000 Eggs
Aston Kaanapali Shores on Maui will host its annual Easter Egg Hunt on the hotel’s garden lawn. Great for children ages 1-12, the egg hunt has kids busily running around to find the more than 3,000+ Easter eggs, plus coveted golden eggs, for an extra treat. The Easter Bunny himself will preside over the festivities, and the Beach Club Restaurant & Bar will serve up a delicious special menu on Easter day.
Aston at The Whaler on Kaanapali Beach Unveils $3.5-million Lobby Renovation
Aston at the Whaler on Kaanapali Beach has just unveiled a $3.5 million lobby renovation. The transformation includes a new open-air design and trickling water features. The check-in process has also been upgraded with iPads and welcome beverages. The hotel also has an on-site spa, is within proximity of golf resorts and shopping at The Village, and is located on West Maui’s most popular swimming beach for cliff-jumping and snorkeling.
Aston Waikiki Beach Tower Completes $4 million Transformation of Rooftop Recreation Deck
Located in the heart of Waikiki with stunning beach views, this high-end condo/hotel now offers a new community experience for guests, including a stocked library, a brand new ocean view fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment; group fitness classes like sunset yoga, Pilates and spin; a new wading pool and stylish new lounge furniture; private cabanas, and barbecue grills.
World’s Second Largest Holiday Inn Express Opens in Waikiki
The 596-room Holiday Inn Express Honolulu-Waikiki has just opened. A mid-priced “express” option, this hotel on Oahu provides clients with such amenities as a complimentary hot breakfast buffet, a free 24-hour coffee service, and a variety of amenities on the fifth floor sky deck, such as private pool cabanas and nine-hole mini-golf.
The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club Launches Hawaii’s First ‘Artist in Residence’ Program
On February 15, the Surfjack Hotel in Waikiki hosted its first artist, poet Kathy Jetnil-Kijiner, as part of a new Tastemakers Exchange. A Marshallese artist, activist and spoken-word performer, Jetnil-Kijiner famously received a standing ovation when she opened the United Nations Climate Summit to world leaders, and she has participated at various literature readings, showcases and conferences around the world to raise awareness of the issues faced by her people including the impact of climate change. She is visiting Honolulu as part of the first Honolulu Biennial, a new arts festival from March 8 to May 8 that celebrates contemporary art from the Americas, Pacific and Asian continent to foster greater intercultural exchange, cultural diplomacy and understanding through art.
Visit www.aqua-aston.com and keep visiting www.travelagentcentral.com for all your latest travel news. Be sure to follow Travel Agent’s Joe Pike on Twitter @TravelPike and Instagram @pike5260.