On February 16, 11 local artists exhibited pieces curated by John Koga and Lawrence Seward at Hotel Renew. If you missed it, the artists will discuss their art every Thursdayfrom 5:30-6:30 p.m. at Hotel Renew.

l hope 2012 is off to a great start for you! There are a lot of exciting events happening on Oahu over the next few months and we hope you’ll consider coming back to visit us soon. Hawaii is a wonderful place to visit for Mid-Winter and Spring breaks to avoid the crowds and to enjoy a slice of paradise that you can call your own. We’ve been spotting humpback whales all over the island and they should be here for another couple of months. If you haven’t been here to see them, it is something very special. Please let us know if we can be of any assistance in helping you book your next trip to the islands. I hope to see you soon.

Mahalo,
Daniel Howery
General Manager

Dreaming of sunshine and palm trees? Escape the winter blues and visit us at
Hotel Renew. With rates starting at just $159, now is the time to plan your next vacation.

 Honolulu Festival – March 2 – 4
Hawaii’s premier event promoting cultural understanding, economic cooperation and ethnic harmony between the people of Hawaii and the Asia-Pacific region. The Festival kicks off at the Hawaii Convention Center, and will feature a variety of events at different Oahu venues. The Festival will culminate with a grand parade down Kalakaua Avenue.

Half Marathons – March 11 & April 1
There are several fitness challenges coming up in Honolulu including the Hapalua – Hawaii’s Half Marathon– 13.1 miles through paradise.  Half the distance – twice the fun!  The starting line is a two-minute walk from Hotel Renew and ends in our back yard!

Diva’s Wahine Half Marathon – This half-marathon for the ladies starts in Ala Moana Beach Park and finishes there with a big “diva” dance party. Feather boas and pink t-shirts are provided!

Hawaii’s Annual Lei Day Celebration – May 1
A beautiful event sponsored by the Dept. of Parks & Recreation at Queen Kapiolani Park, Waikiki, 12:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. honoring the day with a queen and court a well as an adult lei contest, a children’s lei contest and entertainment with many hula halau participating. See some of the most exquisite leis in the world exhibited in a variety of colors and methods. Free.

For more information call (808) 692-5118.

Photographer: Monica and Michael Sweet/Getty Writer: Joe Yogerst

Oahu: Slack Key Guitar Festival

August 19

Hawaii’s homegrown acoustic guitar fest is a moveable musical feast that makes its second stop on the island of Oahu. Festivalgoers gather in Kapiolani Park to listen to Grammy-winning guitarists strum “slacked key” (loose-string) instruments and sing; slackkeyfestival.com.

While you’re here: Duck into the Bishop Museum for a glimpse of old Hawaii, including kahili (feather standards) once carried like scepters by Hawaiian royalty.

Where to stay: Base your stay at the chic little Hotel Renew, a block off the beach and a five-minute walk from Kapiolani Park. Rates start at $148; hotelrenew.com.