| | | Waikiki with a difference |ses'~ HONOLULU — Most neople are under the impression MANCHESTER trom $698 that there are two ways to have a vacation in Hawaii: ei- § FRANKFURT trom $8489 ther staying in Waikiki where the sun never sets on the AMSTERDAM trom $7685 party, or catching an inter-island flight to a quiet condo. PARIS trom $8485 it should be said right away that while quiet condos are still in abundance, the islands are chang- ing. Maui, for example, now has an afternoon rush hour along the Kaanapali strip, and Moose McGillicuddy's has expanded from Waikiki to Lahaina with its slogan behind the bar: **We cheat the other guy and pass on the sav- ings to you.’ The joy of Maui for me always has been. and I'm sure will re- main, the mix of beach and golf by day and Lahaina’s restaurants and bars bv night. But there is an alternative, one that is about to be promoied by three enterprising hotels on Oahu, the New Otani, Colony Surf and Diamond Head Beach Hotel. Steve Boyle, general manager of the New Otani, says new visitors look at a map and think the hotel is not in Waikiki. Indeed the main Waikiki beach-side strip ends at the Sheraton Moana Surfrider, beyond which there is a 15-minute walk towards Diamond Head be- fore reaching what appears to be a residential area. Carol Pozy, sales director of the Colony Surf, says it is the Waikiki alternative. But many celebrities who stay at the Colony Surf, in- cluding Tom Selleck, say it is Waikiki’s greatest secret. These three hotels, plus neighboring apartment buildings, are the winter homes for long-stay Canadians and those in the know. Others go for a walk along the beach, discover this oasis, and move in, as did a Vancouver cou- ple on their honeymoon, who were checking into the New Otani as I was leaving. Behind the hotels is Kapiolani Park, quiet, wide and beautifully treea with majestic banyans. Beyond is the Diamond Head Tennis Centre, a dozen or so courts where the games are frec and locals mix happily with visitors. Mind you, the booking fiddles that go on would impress Al Capone. Best of all is the uncrowded Sans Souci beach in front of the New Otani. Robert Louis Stevenson sat under the Hau trees at the top of the beach and wrote: “‘If anyone desires such old fashioned things as lovely scenery, quiet, pure air, clear sea water, good focd and heavenly sunsets hung out before his eyes over the Pacific and the distant hills of Waianae, | recommend him cordially to Sans Souci." Not a lot has changed. although the fare has come along a little, what with the New Otani's open- air Hau Tree Lanai restaurant, and Michet’s at the Colony Surt. Michel's is very special, an oasis you wouldn't espect in’ Hawaii, yet perfectly in place at the top of the beach, where you can sit ata candlelit table and watch the sun gu down. The food is worthy of a blow. out, while the wine list has some standouts such as a Chateau Beychevelle. much favored by Ox- ford dons. Yet all this is just a short stroll from Waikiki’s nightife and more modest but fun restaurants such as the Mezzanine at the Waikiki Terrace Hotel. Hop in a cab (as you'd do anyway if you were cighi in Waikiki) and there’s lots of ac- tion around Ala Moana. TRAVEL PROMISE THEM THE WORLD Sunday. March 10, 1991 ~ North Shore News - 25 } Introducing the Big Red Boat’s all inclusive Cruise é& Disney week Families can spend 3 or 4 nights basking in the magic of The Big Red Boat. and the magic of togetherness. They'll enjoy the most comprehensive children's and teens’ program in the industry. professionally-trained youth * counselors. and their favorite Disney characters aboard every sailing. Families fli out the week with the magic of the Walt Disney World Resort. The all-inclusive package price also includes free round-trip air from most majer cities (super-low air is available from other areas), accommodations at an Orlando-area hotel. or even on-site Vacation Kingdom resort. Plus tickets for the entire family to the Magic Kingdom. EPCOT Center. and the Disney-MGM Studios Theme Park, admission and a tour of Spaceport USA*®. and a rental car for seven days with unlimited mileage " NORTH SHORE VENTURE TRAVEL hotels I SES ARTES | TO EUROPE B LONDON from $6985 PRESTWICK trom $698 COPENHAGEN trom 5009 ; = STOCKHOLM trom Z David OSLO trom $1019 HELSINKI t $1219 Wishari f ~=s Call us for details. Prices ; ate based on various seasons. J ‘nr at Ro chatde for Denkings vance. Subject to availability Certain restrictions apply Stitt a reguatry Bahamas and Lideria 1090 Premier Cruise lines Lid $795 CALL YOUR TRAVEL AGENT OR Us. Suite 360-900 Howe St. Vancouver, B.C. V6Z 2M4 Tel: (604) 669-8855 1-800-668-2101 Faz: (604) 684-4529 E710 East 14th St f (atLonsdale) ff 986-1377 | North Vancouver TRAVEL TIPS Take the family to Compadres restaurant for Mexican grub, and check out the elegant new Prince Hotel and its Prince Court restau- rant. But don’t waste your time at the over-rated Nicholas Nicholas nightspot at the Ala Moana Hotel. The Rose and Crown pub is looking quite seedy these days. but Trappers bar in the Hyatt hums along with a great band called Honolulu. New Otani guests should aim for at least one quiet night how- ever, for GM Boyle lures many of them into an early-morning hike up Diamond Head. It’s a fine walk, a splendid view, and after- wards a ceremony as members are inducted into the hui (club} and given a T-shirt. Wherever you’ve been, going is fun with Continental Airlines’ stand-up pub in the sky, a cut above the sit-down lounge of early Wardair days. Either that or the Dick Tracy movies. The chotce is yours, and that’s Hawaii these days. “njoy our roy. al restoration for a idedly modest sum. We've spent a king's ransom restoring two children.) Come dive into The Empress’ The Empress—an impressive new pool and health club. Sip $45 million to be exact. And & afternoon tea in her refurbished now, as part of our “Savings lobby. Dine in her handsomely Plus” offer, you can stay at this redecorated restaurants. And magnificent waterfront heritage || From perroom:|! discover all of Victoria's charm, hotel from only $79.00" per with . pernight 17 right on her doorstep. night, any night until! March 31, sawin gS Ss Just contact your travel 199]. (Children under 18 free plu Ss agent or call the hotel directly at in parents’ room; maximum (604) 384-8111 or 1-800-268-9411. Canadian Pacific 4 Hotels & Resorts The Empress 721 Government Street, Victoria, British Columbia V8W 1W5 (604) 384-8111 of 1-800-268-9411. “Singie or Goudie occupancy plus tae Pased On avattantlty and selected accommeadaton Other standetds of 100mMs are available. including Business Class. for an addtional cost: Discount cannot be applied to musting discounts Undsvidual travel only) Offer subject to Change without notice