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LIHUE, Kaua'i, Hawaii – July 11, 2008 – The oceanfront Kaua’i Marriott Resort &
Beach Club (www.kauaimarriott.com) is re-establishing a Hawaiian sense of place,
creating more authentic and meaningful visitor experiences with the introduction of
the core Signature Guest Experience Program – comprised of six intriguing island
experiences for guests of all ages, all within this world-class resort.
 "We continue to ‘surpass the ordinary’ by providing
our guests with an ‘Epic Hawaiian Experience,’" said
Bill Countryman, general manager of Kaua’i Marriott
Resort & Beach Club. "Through hands-on, authentic
island activities, our Signature Guest Experience
Program is the hallmark of our commitment to
establishing this unique sense of place that visitors are
looking for and are unable to experience elsewhere."
The 356-room resort has developed a long-standing relationship with Ramsay Taum,
Native Hawaiian cultural practitioner, and director of External Relations and
Community Partnerships at the University of Hawaii at Manoa’s School of Travel
Industry Management, who has created and executed an intensive "Host Culture
Sense of Place" training program for all Marriott Resorts Hawaii associates
(employees).
"Ramsay’s teachings served as the impetus for our resort to reinforce each associate’s
role as a ‘host,’ welcoming our guests into our Kauai home," Countryman added.
"The true benefit is that our guests become engaged in the spirit of aloha that
resonates throughout the resort, and simultaneously learn about Hawaii’s diverse
culture and history."
Championed by Guest Relations Manager Sherri Holcomb, the Signature Guest
Experience Program is the foundation of the resort’s many Hawaiian activities offered
daily. "Our activity coordinators are skilled in their specialized trades and have an
innate love and knowledge for the art of Hawaiian culture, which translates to
delivering great authentic experiences to our guests," said Holcomb.
Niihau Shell Earring Crafts*
Genuine Niihau shells, found on the private island of Niihau, located 17 miles off of
Kauai, take the spotlight during this authentic experience, where guests can create
intricate earrings for just $20 per person. Guests can learn firsthand the art of Niihau
shell craftsmanship and show off their delicate jewelry upon their return from
paradise. Offered Mondays at 1:00 p.m.
"Our guests are able to take a step back in time utilizing this rare, tiny, beautiful
shell, and learn a craft that is becoming scarce," said Faith Melandish, resort associate
and craft kumu (teacher). "The people of Niihau have taken great pride over
generations in practicing their ancient art of Niihau shell lei, and we are fortunate to
be able to share this experience with our guests."
Sunset Hula Ceremony
The perfect place to take in the Garden Isle’s tranquility and splendor, Kalapaki
Beach, fronting Kaua’i Marriott Resort & Beach Club, is home to graceful weekly
performances of the auana (modern style of Hawaiian hula). Framed by picturesque
sunsets, the beautiful Ha’upu mountain range, and scenic Nawiliwili Bay, the
rhythmic sounds of waves lapping at the shore combined with the hula will romance
and intrigue guests. Offered Mondays at sunset.
"Our guests learn that the movements of the hula are pleasing to the eye, but more
importantly, that each dance is a tool in which the Hawaiians tell stories and accounts
of Hawaii, its people and their life experiences," said Holcomb. "We also encourage
them to learn a little bit of hula which allows them to feel more connected with our
culture and the true spirit of aloha."
Cultural Garden Tour*
Guests can take an informative guided tour through the resort’s award-winning, lush
Gardens of Kalapaki, home to more than 100 native Hawaiian plants and flowers.
The Nene, or Hawaiian Goose, Hawaii’s state bird since 1957, also resides amidst the
Gardens of Kalapaki. With some luck, guests will get a glimpse of these adorable
endangered species! Offered Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m.
"This tour provides an opportunity for us to share the cultural and historic uses of the
‘canoe plants,’ which were brought to Hawaii by the Polynesians on outrigger canoes
more than 2,500 years ago," said Ryden Domingsel, resort associate and cultural tour
guide. "Guests will see beyond the beauty of these plants once they learn how each
were used in old Hawaii for medicinal purposes, clothing and shelter."
Hula Halau Rohotu Practice
In partnership with Kauai’s own Halau Rohotu, the intriguing practice of hula by this
renowned dance troupe is showcased at the open-air Niihau Court to the delight of
guests. Offered Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m.
"Our halau (dance troupe) is pleased to provide guests an authentic, behind-thescenes
experience that visitors may not be able to see first-hand elsewhere," said
kumu hula (master) Walis Punua. "We enjoy sharing the discipline and art of the
Hawaiian culture through our teachings during each practice session here at Kaua’i
Marriott."
Torch Lighting Ceremony
With torches aflame and the backdrop of a panoramic Hawaiian sunset disappearing
into the waters of Nawiliwili Bay, kahiko (ancient style of Hawaiian hula) comes to life
with rhythmic chants and tales of old Hawaii. Guests can begin a night of excitement
with a refreshing mai tai as cool trade winds sway palm trees along the shoreline.
Offered Thursdays at sunset.
Koi Fish Feeding
Kaua’i Marriott Resort & Beach Club is home to a vibrant collection of more than
1,500 red, orange, yellow, and white koi fish, teeming in anticipation and waiting to
be hand-fed each morning by resort guests in the Gardens of Kalapaki. Located near
the resort’s main lobby, these freshwater, live works of art are a sight to behold. From
their serene and elegant nature, to the frisky, unforgettable splashing and churning of
the pond during feeding time, koi fish feeding is a fascinating experience for guests of
all ages! Offered daily at 9:00 a.m.
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In addition to the core Signature Guest Experience Program, Kaua’i Marriott Resort &
Beach Club offers the following authentic Hawaiian activities for a nominal fee:
- Hawaiian Tattoo* - Get a temporary tattoo and learn the history behind tattoos
of Polynesia
- Flower Lei Making* - String your own lei using beautiful fresh flowers
- Hawaiian Color Time* - Design your own Hawaiian coloring book
- Hawaiian Name Jewelry* - Learn your Hawaiian name and create a
personalized necklace or bracelet using beads
- Hawaiian Necklace Class* - Make your own unique necklace utilizing a
selection of puka shells and coconut beads
- Hawaiian Flowers Class* - Create a souvenir that will last a lifetime
- Hawaiian Petroglyphs* - Use colored sand to create a petroglyph of your own
- Hawaiian Candle Making* - Use soy wax and a tropical sachet of choice
topped in a natural cask of coconut or bamboo
- Ukulele Lessons* - Learn basic chords and strum to a few songs
- Hula Lessons* - Learn a beautiful art form full of grace and story telling
- Hawaiian Pillow Making* - Select beautiful Hawaiian-printed cloth and create
a memorable pillow case
- Hawaiian Bath Salts* - Develop bath salts with aromatic flora and fauna scents
popular in Hawaii
- Keiki Storytelling* - Bring your keiki (child) for some fun-filled storytelling and
learn a Hawaiian word or two
- Postcards from Kauai* - Send your loved ones back home a personalized
postcard from the Garden Isle
- Sea Shell Frames* - Design your own frame with sand and Hawaiian sea shells
from Kauai’s beaches
Dates and times are subject to change. Parents must accompany children ages 12 and under.
For information on the Signature Guest Experience Program, or to make reservations
for any activity, please contact the Concierge Desk by calling Kaua’i Marriott Resort
& Beach Club at (808) 246-5166.
*Reservations must be made 15 minutes prior to the activity.
Overlooking the scenic Kalapaki Beach and Nawiliwili Bay, the Kaua‘i Marriott Resort &
Beach Club is located on 51 prime oceanfront acres on Kaua‘i’s east side. The resort offers 356
comfortably appointed hotel guest rooms and features four restaurants and two lounges, a
Fitness and Aerobics Center, full-service day spa, and 26,000 square-foot swimming pool –
one of the largest in Hawai‘i. For more information or to make reservations at the Kaua‘i
Marriott Resort & Beach Club, please call (800) 220-2925 or (808) 245-5050 or visit
www.kauaimarriott.com.
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