Hawaii's Hale Koa has something for everyone

By Kyle Ford, U.S. Army Garrison-Hawaii Public AffairsDecember 19, 2008

Hawaii's Hale Koa has something for everyone
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Hawaii's Hale Koa has something for everyone
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Hawaii's Hale Koa has something for everyone
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WAIKIKI, Hawaii - Soldiers and family members looking for a night out on the town needn't look any further than the Hale Koa Hotel.

The hotel is not just for vacationers and it offers a wide variety of entertainment options for everyone from the single Soldier to couples and children in every price range.

People who want to spend the day at the beach can take advantage of the discounted parking for military members at the Hale Koa garage, just remember to bring your identification card.

Many people park at the Hale Koa and walk down the avenue to Waikiki beaches, according to Todd Yorimoto, marketing specialist, Hale Koa Hotel.

Rather than making the Hale Koa a rest stop, the staff at the Hale Koa work hard to ensure the military resort is a destination for visitors and those stationed in Hawaii.

"There's so much to do here you wouldn't have to leave the hotel grounds if you didn't want to," said John Bush, a retired Navy service member.

"You don't need to stay at the hotel to visit the bars, lounges and restaurants," Yorimoto said.

The pool, parking lot, beaches and live shows are available to military members and government workers. Armed services members can take in the free entertainment nightly at the Barefoot Bar, with a live band at the beach.

The Hale Koa Luau on Monday and Thursday evenings is widely attended and has a diverse menu of Hawaiian and American dishes.

The Magic in Paradise show on Tuesdays is popular with families as a night out, according to Yorimoto.

"We loved the magic show," said Ann Bush, who had been planning on coming to Hawaii for years. "It was great how it was a family show."

"There is always something going on at the Warriors Lounge, with nightly, live entertainment," said Yorimoto. "Many Soldiers begin their evening at the Hale Koa before moving on to the clubs in Waikiki."

The newest show is the Experience Aloha show on Wednesday evenings, a Hawaiian variety show, of hula, jazz, country and rock and roll with a lot of Hawaiian musical influence.

Not only are the performances family friendly, they are also presented by performers who have worked at the Hale Koa a number of years. Nohelani Cypriano remembers her mother running the luau when she was a little girl.

"Now I've come full circle," Cypriano said. "It's great having the freedom to create and be artistic, I love doing the variety shows taking a little of this and a little of that. And spreading a little aloha from the islands to the world."

People come from all over the world to visit Hawaii and stay at the Hale Koa Hotel. At the Experience Aloha show, recently, there were guests from Sweden, Chile, Japan and several dozen states. With the hotel being so popular, it can be hard to get a room.

"The biggest comment we hear is the Hale Koa is always booked," said Yorimoto. "While that's a great problem for us to have it's also tough to tell people that we don't have room. However, as booked as we are, there's always a possibility of getting a room for a night. Plus, if you're flexible, the reservations staff will work their best to get you into the hotel."

<u>Upcoming Events at the Hale Koa Hotel</u>

Dec. 24

Aca,!Ac An Island Christmas Candlelight Dinner with Nohelani Cypriano, 6 p.m., Hale Koa Luau Garden.

Aca,!Ac An evening of song and dance showcasing the vocal talents of Nohelani Cypriano, one of Hawaii's top recording artists, as she shares a little bit of Christmas island style.

A dinner is included to complete this festive evening. Adults $59.95, children under 12 years, $34.95 inclusive.

Dec. 25

Aca,!Ac A Christmas day buffet is 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Banyan Tree Showroom in the Hale Koa

Hotel. The chef prepares a bountiful buffet with popular local and continental favorites. Adults $38.50, children under 12, $22.00 inclusive.

Dec. 31

Aca,!Ac New Year's Eve Gala, 7 p.m. in the Banyan Tree showroom. Enjoy music, dancing and a special toast at midnight. A sit down dinner starts off the evening and then the party

begins. Tickets are $89 inclusive.

Aca,!Ac New Year's Eve beach party

Aca,!Ac A New Year's Eve Beach Party is at the Barefoot bar at 10:30 p.m. Welcome in 2009 as you dance the evening away with one of Hawaii's hottest DJs spinning great tunes all evening long. Cover charge $12.

<u>Weekly Entertainment</u>

Aca,!Ac The Hale Koa Luau is Monday and Thursday evenings at 5 p.m. in the Hale Koa Luau garden. Adults $49.50, children under 12, $29.50 inclusive.

Aca,!Ac Magic in Paradise buffet dinner show is Tuesdays at 6 p.m. in the Banyan Tree

Showroom. Cost is $35.95 for adults and $22.95 for children under 12 years of age.

Aca,!Ac Experience Aloha with Nohelani Cypriano, cocktail show is Wednesdays, at 6:45 p.m. in the Banyan Tree showroom. This upbeat musical experience showcases everyone's favorite music from hula, to jazz a little bit of country and good old rock and roll in a unique stage show that will keep you dancing throughout the night. On special cocktail is included. Cost is $29.95 for adults and $12.95 for children under 12.

Tickets can be purchased by mail, fax or online at <a href=http://www.halekoa.com>www.halekoa.com</a>. For more information, call the activities desk at 808-955-0555.

Related Links:

Hale Koa Hotel in Waikiki