Last November there was an article in Travel Agent Central with the headline, “‘The Descendants’ Sparks Holiday Travel Interest in Hawai’i.” Because of the success of “The Descendants,” Kaua‘i and O‘ahu were listed as the top travel destinations for movie
Last November there was an article in Travel Agent Central with the headline, “‘The Descendants’ Sparks Holiday Travel Interest in Hawai’i.”
Because of the success of “The Descendants,” Kaua‘i and O‘ahu were listed as the top travel destinations for movie lovers to vacation.
Wellington, New Zealand, where “Lord of the Rings” was filmed, came in second on the list, followed by Paris, were “Midnight in Paris,” was shot. Nassau in the Bahamas came in fourth place as “Casino Royale” was filmed there and Crete, Greece, where “Mama Mia” was shot, came in fifth place.
We agree, movies and television filmed on Kaua‘i have given us added exposure and piqued people’s interest in seeing the locations featured on the big screen.
During a recent visit with former Kaua‘i resident Chris Cook, we reminisced about his move to Forks, Wash., many years ago.
He said he told the town stakeholders how their lives were about to change due to a little movie called “Twilight,” which takes place in Forks, Wash.
Cook lived on Kaua‘i for many years and was an important element on our island through his writing, editing and work at the Office of Economic Development in Tourism, just to name a few.
Having seen first hand what Kaua‘i experienced with our years of partnership with Hollywood, he knew this movie was going to have an economic impact on the town of Forks.
When I looked on-line at the local newspaper of Forks, I saw a tab called “Twilight” and clicked on it.
Sure enough, there were listings for Bella’s Birthday and “Stephanie Meyer’s Day” flyers, while Forks Outfitters posted they carry the book series, along with “Twilight” themed hotel rooms, along with all kinds of promotional items.
Forks, Wash., is on the map.
Today, Hawai‘i celebrates another milestone with the 40th Anniversary of the Elvis Presley “Elvis — Aloha from Hawai‘i via Satellite” concert.
We are reminded of the impact of just one film, one concert.
The concert was beamed across the world Jan. 14, 1973, into 40 countries and seen by more than a billion people, making television history.
There is a five-day schedule of events on O‘ahu tying into the debut of the re-mastered, re-digitized “Elvis — Aloha from Hawai‘i” concert for fans to enjoy and remember “The King.”
The Kaua‘i Visitors Bureau host a special evening to honor Elvis Presley with the “Kaua‘i Loves Elvis” event at 5:30 p.m., Friday, at the Kaua‘i Marriott Resort on Kalapaki Beach.
Part of the proceeds for this event will benefit the Kaua‘i United Way.
Hilo Hattie is celebrating their 50th anniversary and has created a line of clothing honoring Elvis in Hawai‘i.
Hilo Hattie will give each of the Kaua‘i event attendees a special coupon, with a portion of the proceeds from those coupon sales going to the Kaua‘i United Way. More information can be found at http://www.hilohattie.com/Elvis-in-Hawaii-C2201.aspx online.
The “Kaua‘i Loves Elvis,” event will feature a silent auction of Elvis memorabilia and other Kaua‘i items, an ono buffet including a prime rib carving station, no-host bar, along with a 90-minute show featuring Elvis tribute artist Tim Welch and Kapu Kinimaka-Alquiza’s hula halau.
Tickets are $65 each and are available at the Kaua‘i Visitors Bureau office, 4334 Rice St., Suite 101 in Lihu‘e.
The deadline to purchase tickets is tomorrow.
Tickets are also available at the Kaua‘i Marriott on Kalapaki Beach, Scotty’s Music in Kalaheo and Westin Princeville Ocean Villas.
For more information, call 245-3971 or email kauai@hvcb.org.
Come enjoy as we honor Elvis Presley and give back to a great non-profit organization, Kaua‘i United Way, which supports more than 29 local agencies.
