WHAT S NEW IN THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS Welcome to 2017

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1 Page 1 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 2, 2017 WELCOME TO 2017 WHAT S NEW IN THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS Welcome to 2017 NEW HOTEL DEVELOPMENTS As part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, a global collection of unique and independent stay experiences, the Coco Palms Resort on the east side of Kaua i will begin construction in The Coco Palms Resort was originally built in 1953 with just over 20 guestrooms on grounds that were once home to Kaua i s last reigning queen, Queen Deborah Kapule Kekaiha akulou. Devastated by Hurricane Iniki in 1992, the revitalization of the 363-room historic hotel is scheduled to begin this year and slated to open in Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki and Golf Club on O ahu is undergoing a $55.4 million redevelopment and rebranding project to attract the next generation of travelers. Once completed in spring 2017, the property will debut as a brand new hotel with a brand new name: Prince Waikiki. All 563 oceanfront guest rooms and suites will be transformed to enhance its guest experience. The property will have all-new dining options, a modernized lobby with elevated personalized services, a new infinity pool and improved meeting spaces. HawaiiPrinceHotelWaikiki.com Scheduled to open in Summer 2017, The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas on the island of Maui will feature 390 luxurious villas and a variety of world-class resort amenities. Comprised of one-, two- and three-bedroom villas, The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas is designed to be a relaxing haven replete with culturally inspired programs and distinctive Hawaiian experiences. Under the careful guidance of the resort's director of culture, Makalapua Kanuha, Hawaiian culture has been carefully woven into design elements throughout the property. Additionally, the Pu uhonua o Nanea Cultural Center will be at the resort's heart. Its innovative and educational cultural offerings will honor local history, language, art, crafts, music and dance. On the island of Hawai i, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel and Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel will unveil newly refreshed meeting and group function spaces, along with new promotional packages for group stays in Whether your meeting or event is for 20 people or 800-plus, both hotels boast enhanced meeting spaces that offer a variety of well-functioning, perfectly catered and unforgettable

2 Page 2 venues. In addition to first-rate meeting spaces, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel and Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel are offering guaranteed oceanview guest rooms at special rates, complimentary internet access, and a complimentary round of golf for four at their championship golf courses plus a $100 credit at the course restaurant for qualified groups. Groups will also be able to select from a variety of complimentary concessions to enhance their stay. MaunaKeaBeachHotel.com With a spectacular $115 million redevelopment underway, the Pacific Beach Hotel on O ahu will be completely transformed into a tranquil oasis in the heart of Waikīkī. Acclaimed design firm, Rockwell Group, and architectural firms WATG and Pacific Asia Design Group have been enlisted to reimagine the hotel s guestrooms and suites, as well as public areas including a 280,000-gallon lobby oceanarium and a destination pool deck with two new pools. Two new restaurants by celebrity chef Masaharu Morimoto will be created exclusively for the hotel. Following the transformation, the hotel will enter the market as Alohilani Resort at Waikiki Beach in Fall Marriott is scheduled to open Koloa Landing, Autograph Collection on Kaua i in February 2017 and Marriott s Waikoloa Ocean Club on the island of Hawai i in May Spread over 21 acres of lush tropical grounds, Koloa Landing will offer everything from romantic 475-square-foot studios to grandiose 3,600- square-foot, four-bedroom penthouses - perfect for large families and couples alike. Additional resort features will include three lagoon pools, swim-through waterfalls, a waterslide, and a walk-through grotto. Marriott s Waikoloa Ocean Club will overlook Anaeho omalu Bay and offer one- and two-bedroom suites, inspired by the vibrant beauty of the island and furnished with kitchenettes, washer/dryers, LED TVs, and complimentary WiFi. Marriott.com/KoloaLanding and Marriott.com/WaikoloaOceanClub CULINARY Kona Tap Room by Kona Brewing Company on the island of Hawai i recently opened in the Hilton Waikoloa Village. On December 4, the new Kona Tap Room began serving up craft Kona Brewing Company beers on draught, including the brewery s Longboard Island Lager, Fire Rock Pale Ale, Liquid Aloha, Nine Stings Ale, and many more. Kona Tap Room s menu also features food-and-beer pairings showcasing its selection of craft brews, inspired by iconic Hawai i flavors. Dubbing itself as Hawai i s first gourmet Japanese food alley, Waikiki Yokocho on O ahu recently opened in December in the basement of Waikiki Shopping Plaza. Sixteen new-to-hawai i eateries fill a culinary village with three themed alleyways: Ramen Road, Noren Street, Engawa Terrace. The Honu Bar at Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows on the island of Hawai i has returned and is open nightly for handcrafted cocktails, püpü and small plate items. The nighttime gathering spot features live music and a casual resort vibe.

3 Page 3 Guests seeking evening cocktails or a light dinner will find an extensive menu of island-style favorites and seasonal specials. No reservations are required. Operating in the space of the former Prince Court, 100 Sails Restaurant & Bar on O ahu offers guests its signature views of Ala Wai Harbor and the ocean beyond, as well as breathtaking first row seats to Hawai i s most spectacular sunsets. A new active bar offers fresh smoothies and coffee in the morning, and craft cocktails in the evening will serve as the centerpiece of the restaurant. While the beloved buffets of Prince Court remains, a renewed focus on island-fresh cuisine promises to elevate the entire dining experience. 100 Sails Restaurant & Bar is now open for breakfast, lunch, afternoon püpü and dinner, as well as Sunday brunch. princeresortshawaii.com/evolution The Westin Kā anapali Ocean Resort Villas on Maui has unveiled its new restaurant, Auntie s Kitchen. The new restaurant has replaced Ocean Pool Bar and Grill in the same venue, poolside off of the resort s south lobby. Auntie s Kitchen was designed to celebrate the melting pot of flavors and cuisine that make up Hawai i s local culinary culture. Auntie s Kitchen, under the leadership of Chef Tanya Doyle and Chef Brian Murphy, is offering breakfast, lunch and dinner menus daily, including locally inspired à la carte selections and a daily breakfast buffet. The former Manta & Pavilion Wine Bar at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel on the island of Hawai i has returned with a new name, new look and new menu for the new year. The reopened Manta now features a lively open-air bar and lounge area, with indoor and outdoor seating ideal for enjoying handcrafted cocktails and a special bar menu. Jazz music on Wednesdays makes the middle of the week something to celebrate. Manta's new dining room menu elevates island fresh cuisine. And viewing the resort cove's majestic manta rays from Manta Point is still a time-honored Mauna Kea Beach Hotel tradition. The reimagined International Market Place on O ahu recently opened with world-class restaurants, coveted upscale and contemporary retailers, and the first Saks Fifth Avenue in Hawai i. In 2017, the center will continue to unveil new shops and restaurants, adding to its diverse retail and dining mix. InternationalMarketplace.com The following are among the upcoming eateries: o Baku, where East meets West, and traditional Japanese cuisine is paired with a playful, stylish and vibrant atmosphere, along with an extensive sake and international wine program. o Flour & Barley, a unique spin on a pizzeria eatery that offers a tasty twist on classic Italian dishes, complimented by one of the greatest handcrafted cocktail programs around. Now open! o Herringbone, offering coastal cuisine with an emphasis on line-caught seafood, high-quality meats, market-driven ingredients, and a curated wine selection. o Yauatcha, a Chinese dim sum teahouse with a contemporary influence.

4 Page 4 o The STREET, a multi-concept Michael Mina food hall that will showcase unique offerings, including those from several local Hawaiian purveyors, all under one roof. ATTRACTIONS AND ACTIVITIES Hawai i Volcanoes National Park on the island of Hawai i will offer free admission to all visitors on President s Day (February 20), National Park Week Weekends (April & April 22-23), National Park Service Birthday (August 25), National Public Lands Day (September 30), and Veterans Day Weekend (November 11-12). During typical days of operation, Hawai i Volcanoes National Park has an entrance fee of $20 per vehicle and the pass is good for seven days. Park visitors can also purchase the annual Tri-Park Pass for $25 and enjoy Hawai i Volcanoes National Park, Pu uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park, and Haleakalä National Park. The annual Tri-Park Pass, which is good for one year from the date of purchase, is available at the entrance stations of all three parks. Beginning on February 1, visitors in personal or rental vehicles wishing to view the breathtaking sunrise at Haleakalä National Park on Maui will need to make sunrise viewing reservations ahead of time at nps.gov. The cost is $1.50 per car and does not include the entrance fee. In honor of the 75 th commemoration of the attack on Pearl Harbor, O ahu s Bishop Museum in Honolulu will open an exhibit that shares stories of the citizens and civilians of Hawai i who endured that fateful day and the years of aftermath that followed. The exhibit will open in December and remain on display through March 2017 in the Portico Hall in the Hawai i Hall Complex. Brought to life with archival images and items from the Bishop Museum and expert collectors, visitors will see how the war transformed the island home of Hawai i citizens. Maui s oceanfront Royal Lahaina Resort on the famed Kä anapali Beach is the site of the spectacular "Myths of Maui" lü au, which will be celebrating its 45th year in Enjoy a breathtaking celebration of traditional Hawaiian, Tahitian, Samoan, and Maori dance and music as performers weave the legends of the South Pacific. The nightly extravaganza will feature a newly choreographed show, tantalizing all-you-care-to-eat buffet dinner and complimentary cocktails. MythsofMaui.com Holoholo Charters on Kaua i launched its Aloha Sunset Sail. Visitors can encounter the vision of life that was unique to the local population of Hawai i in the 1970s aboard Leila, a beautiful 50-foot sailing catamaran. Guests will experience an evening of memories as they cruise to the classic mellow sounds of Country Comfort, Cecilio & Kapono, Kapalana, Olomana and more! This twohour tour includes a bento-style buffet and beverages including Mai Tais, beer, soda, juice and water.

5 Page 5 FESTIVALS & EVENTS In February 2017, Royal Lahaina Resort on Maui will host the Fed Cup 2017, a best-of-five match series. The series will begin on Saturday, February 11, with two singles matches, and is followed by two reverse singles matches and the doubles match on Sunday, February 12. This will be the second consecutive year that Hawai i will host the Fed Cup and the first time that a state has hosted consecutive Fed Cup home ties. FedCup.com Experience the creative magic of talented chefs and brewers when they unite for the 22nd annual Kona Brewers Festival on the island of Hawai i. Happening in Kailua-Kona on March 11, 2017, guests are invited to indulge in the flavors of island-style cuisine coupled with craft beers curated from throughout the United States, all while supporting island of Hawai i charities. The Hawai i Food & Wine Festival is the premier epicurean destination event in the Pacific. Set in the lush island paradise of Hawai i, the Festival will take place over three weekends in 2017 (October 20-November 5) on multiple islands, featuring a roster of more than 100 internationally renowned master chefs, culinary personalities, and wine and spirit producers. The Festival, held on the island of Hawai i, Maui, and O ahu, will showcase wine tastings, cooking demonstrations, one-of-a-kind excursions, and exclusive dining opportunities with dishes highlighting the state s local farmers, fishermen and ranchers. Waimea Town Celebration, Kaua i s largest and oldest annual festival, will celebrate its 40 th anniversary in For eight days in February, Waimea Town will be filled with hula & Hawaiian music, Kaua i cocktails and cuisine, the largest Hawaiian rodeo in all the islands, a long distance canoe race, a celebration of King Kaumuali i, athletic competitions, cultural exhibits, and more! Whether you prefer being a spectator or want to get in on the action, Waimea Town Celebration offers something for everyone. TRANSPORTATION On January 18, 2017 Hawaiian Airlines resumed daily flight service between Honolulu International Airport and Kapalua Airport in West Maui. Ohana by Hawaiian is operating the new service with 48-seat, ATR-42 turboprop aircraft featuring livery designed by Hilo-based artist Sig Zane and his son Küha'o. The aircraft are named after a significant wind on each of the other islands that Ohana by Hawaiian serves: Holo Ka omi of Paomaʻi, Läna'i; Kaiäulu of Wai anae, O ahu; and Hikipua of Hälawa, Moloka i. Now through April 2017, Alaska Airlines is offering nonstop service between Bellingham International Airport in Washington to the Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keähole on the island of Hawai i. With the new flights, Alaska serves four Hawaiian Islands with 86 weekly flights from the West Coast. Alaska is also serving Maui seasonally from Bellingham through April 2,

6 Page 6 Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Këahole recently began servicing flights from Japan to the island of Hawai i with the re-establishment of a U.S. Customs station and Hawaiian Airlines launch of its non-stop route between Haneda and Kona Airports. The Honolulu-based airline currently operates three flights a week between Haneda and Kona and four flights between Haneda and Honolulu. Island Air resumed service to the island of Kaua i with six daily round-trip flights between Honolulu and Līhue Airport (LIH). The airline s return to Līhue is expected to benefit travelers by offering more seats and more flight options for interisland travel. -pau- About HTUSA Hawai i Tourism United States (HTUSA), managed by the Hawai i Visitors and Convention Bureau, is contracted by the Hawai i Tourism Authority (HTA) for marketing management services in the continental U.S. The HTA, the state of Hawai i s tourism agency, was established in 1998 to ensure a successful visitor industry well into the future. Its mission is to strategically manage Hawai i tourism in a sustainable manner consistent with the state of Hawai i s economic goals, cultural values, preservation of natural resources, community desires, and visitor industry needs. For more information about the Hawaiian Islands, visit gohawaii.com. Special note to media: HTUSA recognizes the use of the okina [ ] or glottal stop, one of the eight consonants of the (modern) Hawaiian language; and the kahakō [ā] or macron (e.g., in place names of Hawai i such as Läna i). However, HTUSA respects the individual use of these markings for names of organizations and businesses. Media Contacts: Darlene Morikawa Michelle Hee Sr. Director, PR/Communications Account Executive Hawai i Visitors and Convention Bureau Anthology Marketing Group dmorikawa@hvcb.org Michelle.Hee@AnthologyGroup.com