Every Christmas, I take my kids up to the Waikoloa area when they are on break from school and let them experience the holidays at the resorts and shops in that area. I am going to write a few posts about some of the fun things we have planned to do this year if you need some help with ideas for holiday adventures!
Starting with North Waikoloa:
1. The Shops at Mauna Lani – (My friend, Laura Kinoshita, is the web marketing pro there and gave me some tips to share with you)
First of all, many of my friends from Kona STILL don’t know where this mall is located. It’s about a mile NORTH of the Waikoloa turn off. It’s the same entrance you would take to go to the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel. As you are heading towards the hotel, look on your right and you will see the Shops.
My kids LOVE the Great 4D movie ride and they are excited about going up there during their break. Kama’aina Kids RIDE FREE during December-Cool, huh? Bring your kids up to the 4D movie ride and let them experience one of six different rides. The rides start at noon.
Yummy tip..the Foodland right next to the 4D ride has gourmet gelato by the scoop, so I am going to surprise the kids and treat myself, too..can you say MINT CHIP?There is also Juice 101 for healthy smoothies and they are opening up a taco restaurant, too.
Another feature that is quite entertaining is the water fountain at The Shops. It plays like a mini-Vegas show and the water is warm..hence, kids love to play in it. My son spent over 40 minutes in there one time! There is a dancing/chasing feature that little kids love because they don’t know where the water streams will burst from next. Good news: Even in December, the mid-day temps are in the 80’s, so kids can play in the fountain all year long.
If you are a tourist or visitor here, The Shops is doing a great promo right now for Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse. If you go today until December 22nd, you can get a free appetizer up to $15 with the purchase of two entrees. Get your coupon here.
The Shops also has a FANTASTIC and FREE Polynesian Hula Show every Monday and Thursday starting at 6. The performance troupe, Te`E`a O Te Turama, have been performing for over 20 years and provide a show that is just as good, if not better, than any you will see on the island. After the intermission at 7 pm, they perform a FIRE dance. How cool is that? Here is a short video clip of the fire dance portion of the show; http://bit.ly/tgmgeO.
My next post will be the petroglyphs and the Mauna Lani Christmas trees!
Spread the word if you love what you heard! #365kona so we can say Thanks!
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