Primary Contact:
Revell Newton, Director of Sales & Marketing
Sheraton Keauhou Resort & Spa
Revell.newton@sheraton.com
Secondary Contact:
Vicky Kometani, Current Events
Vicky@current-events.com
808-326-7820

NEW LUAU SHOW TO DEBUT AT SHERATON KEAUHOU BAY RESORT & SPA
Award-winning Entertainer Danny Couch to Host Big Island's Newest Luau

Keauhou, Hawaii's Big Island ~ Visitors to Hawaii's Big Island will soon celebrate the island's newest and most progressive luau, "Origins," each Sunday and Thursday evening at Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa's luau grounds on the Kona Coast.

Set to debut on Thursday, December 23, the evening begins in a most unique and affable way as guests are lei greeted at stunning Crystal Blue Point overlooking Keauhou Bay. During an hour-long Mai Tai reception, guests can mingle among Polynesian crafters showing their wares, learn an intricate step or two of hula, have their photograph taken as the sun drops in to the ocean beyond, learn about the amazing and ancient body art styles of Polynesians or strum an ukulele. The mesmerizing sound of a conch shell will signal the reception's end and the beginning of a memorable evening of food and dance.

Immediately establishing itself as a discerning luau, Origins will offer diners the option of premium Ali'i (royal) Circle seating with personalized, tableside family-style service. The $79 price, inclusive of tax and tip also includes an open bar. Children 5 to 12 years of age are half price.

Luau goers can opt for more traditional buffet seating. Self-service buffet dining at Origins is $65 price is inclusive of tax and tip. Children 5 to 12 years of age are half price.

Whether Ali'i Circle or buffet, dining will include delicious traditional luau foods such as succulent roast pig, lomi salmon and poi along with familiar favorites including tender prime rib and the island's freshest catch of fish served with a variety of flavorful sauces to complement each one. A dessert table will be headlined by haupia (coconut) cakes or puddings and a variety of sweet Island tropical fruits.

Following the bountiful luau, Hula Town Productions will present a spirited journey through Polynesia highlighting historic events that took place right on the lands of Keauhou. Rhythmic chants and dance will tell stories of Hawaii's people, their land and the gods they served. Distinctive cultures of the South Pacific will be showcased by Samoan fire knife dance, the Maori songs of New Zealand and the hip-shaking Tahitian tamure.

Host for the evening is legendary island entertainer Danny Couch. Couch, a Na Hoku Hano Hano award-winning recording artist has been wowing audiences for decades. His recording, "These Islands," was used during the 1998 Miss Universe pageant and has become Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau's theme song in televised advertising campaigns. Couch's silky yet powerful vocals will add unexpected dimension to the evening's dramatic musical scores and have everyone begging for more at evening's end.

"We have carefully shaped this luau with the assistance of the experts at Hula Town Productions to showcase the rich history of Keauhou," said resort general manager Charldon Thomas. "Keauhou, which means a new beginning, is further symbolized in the luau's name, "Origins" as well as in the unique Ali'i Circle seating, our pre-luau reception and the selection of Danny Couch as the evening's emcee. This will be the island's absolute best luau, unequivocally," Thomas stated.

Call Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa at 808-930-4900 for reservations and information. Book your table now at Origins….and experience the beginning.

**Digital photography available. Email vicky@current-events.com** Luau is commissionable to Travel Agents.

Situated on an ancient lava flow on Keauhou Bay, the resort is located on 22 lush oceanfront acres. The hotel is completing a $70 million renovation. By first quarter 2005, it will boast 521 spacious guestrooms and suites featuring Sheraton "Sweet Sleeper" beds and new Sheraton amenity lines, in-room coffee maker, 100 percent Kona coffee, resort-wide wireless internet access, iron and board, hair dryer, television, in-room safe and mini-refrigerator.

The hotel will offer an extensive hands-on program for guests of all ages to learn about the rich culture, history and arts of Hawaii and the Keauhou area. Moolelo (storytelling) will be featured in the gardens at the center of the property. Guests can enjoy snorkeling, surfing, hiking and bicycling tours conducted by local experts. The multi-level Manta Ray Super Pool and its 200-foot-long lava tube waterslide are designed with children and adults in mind. The resort's one-of-a-kind Manta Ray Experience will add an indelible memory to every visit. The Keauhou Convention Center is slated for opening early December 2004.

For individual traveler reservations, contact Starwood's toll free reservations line at 1-888-488-3535, email info@sheratonkeauhou.com, or visit www.starwood.com/hawaii.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with more than 750 properties in more than 80 countries and 110,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. With internationally renowned brands, Starwood is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels and resorts including: St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, Sheraton, Westin, Four Points by Sheraton, W brands, as well as Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit www.starwood.com.