Experience the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Big Island, Hawaii Hotel & Special Event Venue Through the Kupuna's Eyes

WAIKOLOA, HAWAII – June 25, 2009 – As seen through the Hawaiian kupuna's eyes (Hawaiian grandparents, ancestors or esteemed elders who pass their knowledge on to others), Hawaii's unique cultural heritage is filled with legends and stories that have been passed through oral history from generation to generation. For the kupuna, it is here at the 15-acre oceanfront Big Island, Hawaii hotel and special event venue where there is a deep sense of Hawaiian place and feel amidst the tropical splendor. It is where one reconnects with the land, sea and sky to feel the spiritual "mana," or strength, of Hawaii's Big Island. With an array of natural and cultural attractions offered throughout our Big Island hotel's grounds and surrounding area, guest can experience an authentic Hawaiian vacation with knowledgeable hotel staff to assist with both on- and off-resort Kona Kohala Coast event planning needs. From hiking to see the nearby Petroglyphs to observing the Hoaka Ho'omalu ceremony, guests can experience the wisdom of the kapuna at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Big Island, Hawaii Special Event Venue.

Petroglyphs
The Ala Kahakai (shoreline trail) located outside Waikoloa Beach Marriott Big Island, Hawaii Hotel & Special Event Venue is one of three ancient Hawaiian paths preserved by the resort as part of the overall cultural preservation program. The Ala Kahakai is part of the National Trails System for the National Register of Historic Places. It is 700 miles in length, originating from North Kohala and ending at the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Closer to the popular Kings' Shops located across from the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Hawaii Hotel and Special Event Venue, there is the Ala Loa trail. It connects visitors to adze quarries scattered throughout the resort. This trail opens to the ancient Hawaiian petroglyph field, containing more than 12,000 images carved in stone.

Lava Rock Garden
The kupuna at Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa created the Hoaka Ho'omalu program designed to return lava rocks from those who took the rocks from the natural environment. Hawaiian legend states that if anyone removes lava from its rightful place here in Hawaii, one would encounter misfortune. Returning the rocks to Hawaii is said to restore the spiritual energy (mana) to its origin. The Hoaka Ho'omalu program is conducted on the first Wednesday of every month at the Big Island hotel where a lava rock garden surrounded by native plants on the resort grounds. Hotel guests are invited to witness the ceremony that includes chants performed by the resort's cultural specialists. After the ceremony is concluded, the resort's cultural staff mails a personal letter to the sender informing him that the lava rocks were returned to the land in a traditional Hawaiian ceremony. Twenty pounds of lava rocks are returned in the mail each month by visitors.

WAIKOLOA BEACH MARRIOTT RESORT & SPA on Hawaii's Big Island is located on 15 oceanfront acres overlooking 'Anaeho'omalu Bay and just 18 miles north of the Kona International Airport at Keahole. Completed highlights of the $50 million renovation includes all 555 beautifully refurbished guest rooms, suites and cabanas featuring Marriott "Revive" bed and linen collection, the new porte cochere and lobby offering a fresh, contemporary Hawaiian guest arrival experience, public areas, the 5,750 square-foot world-renowned Mandara Spa and a fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment from cardio to free weights, the newly remodeled Hawaii Calls Restaurant & Lounge which provides an expanded outdoor lanai for ocean view dining, two pools including the newly built Infinity pool with lava pots, a children's program and nearby Waikoloa Golf Club offering 36 holes of championship golf and shops, restaurants and boutiques at The Kings' Shops and the newly-opened Queens' MarketPlace. For more information,reservations, or Kona Kohala Coast event planning, please call toll-free at 800 922-5533 or the hotel at 808 886-6789.