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TENNIS ANYONE?
Buffs Play on the Playground of Kings
Tennis fanatics can serve it up on the playground of
Hawaiian royalty with a tennis package available in the Hawaiian Islands.
Catering to lovers of recreation, history and nature, the Kona Surf Resort and
Country Club offers an affordable option for those who want to fine-tune their
game on a vacation that has sunny days and moonlit nights, fine dining, and a
Polynesian flair. "Why play anywhere else in the world when you can
enjoy such an affordable package that blends value with a host of recreation
and dining options?" remarks Glenn Berk, Director of Sales and Marketing
for the property. "The Kona Surf lets you play tennis where Hawaiian kings
once played their own style of games. And for those off-court times, the resort
is situated at the doorstep to Hawaii's
most spectacular experiences -- volcanoes, Hawaiian battlegrounds, coffee
plantations, bill fishing. You name it, it's here." Avid tennis players can work on their strokes on the
Kona Surf's three lighted, hard-acrylic courts. The resort's USPTA tennis pros
will arrange for tournaments with groups traveling together, or will advise
individuals on upcoming events for their participation. Staff pros are also
available for individual instruction, clinics and tennis aerobics. Daily court
fees are $7 per person. "It's a deal that allows you tournament play and
instruction in a remarkable area, all at a price that's geared to meet every
budget," says Berk. Berk notes that while many resorts feature tennis
facilities, the Kona Surf does so in a setting that is filled with Hawaiian
history and culture. Surrounding the site of the Kona Surf Resort and Country
Club are ancient Hawaiian burial grounds where warriors slain in the Kuamo`o
battle were interred. This battle pitted traditionalists attempting to
reinstitute the kapu systems against Christian converts. The Christians
prevailed, led by the force of King Liholiho and his premier, Kalanimoku. Another unique attraction at the Kona Surf Resort is the
nightly manta ray feeding, an exciting resort tradition for the past 25 years.
With wing spans of up to ten feet, these incredible ocean creatures glide
gracefully through the waters fronting the resort. Guests are often seen
swimming with the gentle giants of the ocean in this nightly ritual. The manta
ray attraction and other diving activities have earned high ratings for the
resort as one of the top dive destinations in the world. A favorite for lovers of song and dance, the Kona Surf's
complimentary 'Polynesian Paradise' revue each Tuesday and Friday evening has
become one the the Kona Coast's most celebrated evening attractions among
visitors and local residents alike. This fast-paced South Seas show traces the
different eras of the Hawaiian hula, including ancient, missionary, swing and
modern-style hula. The show concludes with an action-packed, drum-filled
journey through the songs and dance of Samoa, Maori and Tahiti. Lovers of Hawaiiana may opt to catch other activities
which are scheduled throughout the week for a nominal charge: Ancient Hawaiian
Craftwork, including leaf waving and coconut painting; Lei Making; Botanical
Tours; and Hula Lessons Located oceanfront on the sunny Kona Coast of The Big
Island of Hawaii, a 25-minute drive from Keahole Airport, the 530-room Kona
Surf Resort and Country Club is a self-contained resort located on a beautiful
lava headland that dramatically meets the ocean. Guest rooms feature a separate dressing area and private lanai
with panoramic view. In-room amenities include cable television and a
mini-refrigerator. On-site, guests can also enjoy saltwater and freshwater
swimming pools, a 36-hole championship golf course/pro shop with complimentary
shuttle service, complimentary coffee served daily in the lobby, private
chapel, 31,000 square feet of meeting space, running paths, garden trails, a
volleyball court, shuffleboard, an activities desk, and a sundries shop. Dining/cocktail options
include the oceanside Nalu Terrace, Karaoke-style Puka Bar and Pele's Court for
breakfast and dinner daily. Essential Information:
Available through Dec. 15, the Kona Surf Resort's Tennis
2000 Package features your choice of daily rental car use or full American
breakfast for two, from $139 per night. For tournament play and additional tennis details,
contact Rudi at (800) 367-8011, extension 2257. For rates, reservations or information, call (800)
367-8011 from the U.S. or Canada. Or call the property directly at (808)
322-3411. Visit our web site at http://www.konasurfresort.com
for a video tour of the property. Edited
by Kerry Cohen |
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TM