North Shore Paddle Challenge

Turtle Bay Resort announces that it will be the home of the Waterman League’s season closing event from October 14, 2011 to October 16, 2011. The event, the North Shore Paddle Challenge at Turtle Bay Resort will bring together the world’s best paddlers, both stand-up and prone, for an unforgettable weekend of racing.

The schedule of events is:

Friday, October 14^th: Registration and Welcome

Turtle Bay Resort will host a welcome drink, pupus and registration in the Sunset Room, a chance for all athletes to get together and socialize before the big event as well as being treated to live music and film highlights from across the complete world of ocean sports.

Saturday, October 15^th: The Games Begin and Traditional Luau and Music Event

Saturday morning will see a series of youth clinics and races for underprivileged, local community and visiting kids of all ages to get out on the water and have fun. Saturday midday will see the start of the Stand Up Paddle technical race, an innovative and exciting new race format focused on the 12’6 board class that will provide high octane entertainment, but also intense competition for the world’s best paddlers. Saturday evening will host the Turtle Bay Luau and Waterman Concert, an evening for all the family as world renowned Hawaiian Watermen / musicians get together to entertain paddlers, families, hotel guests and the local community in the most traditional way.

Sunday, October 16^th: Legendary North Shore Open Downwind Run

Sunday will see the legendary Turtle Bay Resort to Haleiwa open downwind run for stand up and prone paddlers alike. Given the time period, this race should see some great surf and tradewinds and provide a spectacular close to the paddling season.

Entry Information

Official Registration forms will be posted online at www.watermanleague.com shortly.

Special rates available at Turtle Bay Resort

Make a weekend of it by taking advantage of Turtle Bay’s special rates for competitors ($150 + tax) and for spectators ($200 + tax). Call 1-800-203-3650 and state whether you are a ‘North Shore Paddle Challenge Competitor’ or ‘North Shore Paddle Challenge Spectator’. Please book early, as the hotel will sell out quickly. Please note that competitors will be required to show their entry registration at check in to be eligible for the competitor rate.

Additional Information

Keep an eye on www.watermanleague.com for the latest news and information.

The “Life of Lillie Langrty” came to join with Turtle Bay Resort’s Executive Chef Hector Morales and with Twenty One Degrees North’s Chef de Cuisine John Armstrong tonight in a special wine pairing dinner that brought a “Piece of Paradise” to “paradise”.

Known for the best in Guenoc Valley wines, Langtry Vineyards joined forces tonight for a celebration of the finest of North Shore cuisine and the finest wines.

The food was exquisite. The pairings divine. Make sure you don’t miss out on our upcoming Summer Series! The upcoming series is listed in the events calendar at the left of this post.

Every Friday at Turtle Bay Resort in the lobby, you can learn from the Turtle Bay Resort’s culinary team how to make special dishes at home.  Today we watched Chef Lloyd Kukino prepare his famous “Island Style” Bouillabaisse.

Attendees got to sample, taste, ask questions and they got a copy of his secret recipe…just another way to enjoy, learn and play at Turtle Bay Resort.

Friday, June 24, 2011, Guenoc Langtry unites with Twenty One Degrees North at Turtle Bay Resort to create a night to challenge the senses.  A night of the finest in California wines and the finest in North Shore cuisine. The menu is:

First Course: Diver Scallops, Jicama, Watercress Salad, Citrus Vinaigrette paired with Guenoc Lake County Sauvignon Blanc.

Second Course: Waialua Asparagus Soup, Parmesan Fan paired with Guenoc Lake County Chardonnay.

Third Course: Papaya Glazed Pork Tenderloin, Butter Nut Squash Risotto paired with Guenoc Lake County Cabernet Sauvignon.

Fourth Course: Filet Mignon with Lemongrass Peppercorn Sauce and Maui Onion Jam paired with Quenoc Lake County Petitie Sirah.

Fifth Course: Lilikoi Pot de Creme with Coconut Tuile and Raspberry Jam Cookies paired with Port.

Doors will open at 6 pm with no host cocktails. Dinner begins promptly at 6:30 pm. Reservations must be guaranteed with a credit card. Reservation are required at (808) 293-6052. Price is $60 without Wine Selections | $75 with Wine Selections, plus tax and tip.

The racers began arriving at Turtle Bay Resort early as 9 am. The weather was perfect…blue skies with a few white, fluffy clouds. The air was warm but not hot. The water refreshingly cool but not cold.  What a fantastic way to kick of the 21st annual Summer Solstice Paddling Race.

A summer swell made getting out to the starting line a little tricky. Some of the paddlers were unfazed and went right out the small channel at Turtle Bay Resort’s Bay View Beach. Others chose to go out through more protected waters from the other side of the hotel. Regardless of the route chosen, all of the contestants were able to make it to the starting line.

Upon the signal, paddlers and stand up paddlers of all ages started making their way along the coastline to the North Shore’s world famous Bonzai Pipeline, approximately 4 miles away. Awards were given by class, sex and age group.

All who participated had a great time. Those who would like to see additional pictures of the event can do so at www.FijiSurfShots.com.

Give your father something he will really enjoy…FOOD!. Turtle Bay Resort invites you to bring your father, your uncle or any other special person to a special Father’s Day Brunch in the Sunset Room. Live entertainment will be provided by Ellsworth Simeona.

Brunch includes hot selections including Poached Eggs with Kalua Pork Hash, Penne Pasta with Prosciutto, Garlic and Basil Sauce, Grilled Sausage Links, Whole Roasted Herb Chicken and Fresh Seared Island Fish. Sides and salads include Spinach and Arugula with Warm Bacon Vinaigrette, Vine Ripened Red and Yellow Tomato Salad, Long Rice and Grilled chicken Salad and Fresh Fruit and Berry Platter. Seafood includes Tako and Ahi Poke, Peal and Eat Shrimp and Assorted Sushi. There will be a Egg and Omelet, Prime Rib and Seared Shrimp Skewers with Fried Rice action stations. Soup is Hauula Tomato Bisque and deserts include Ice Cream Sundaes, Deep Dish Apple Pie and Waialua Chocolate Mousse Cake.

Price is $42 for Adults 12 and older and $21 for Children ages 4 to 11. A 15% service charge and applicable taxes will be added to your total. Reservations must be guaranteed and tickets are non-refundable. Seatings are at 9:00 am, 9:30 am, 11:30 am and 12:00 noon. Call 293-6053 for tickets, reservations or for additional information.

KUTV, channel 2 in Utah, recently checked out Turtle Bay Resort during their #1 rated morning news show. Here is what they had to say:

The North Shore Lifeguard Association and the Hawaii Paddleboard Association will be joining forces on Sunday, June 19^th, for the running of the 21st Annual Quiksilver Summer Solstice Race. This event includes stand up and paddle races for all age groups.

This race runs for 4½ miles, from Turtle Bay Resort to Ehukai Beach. The race starts at 11:00 am. Contestants must check in starting at 9:00 am and the cut off time is 10:30 pm. Download race entry forms here.

Whether as a participant or as a spectator, Turtle Bay Resort welcomes you to participate in this event.

Talk about a tough assignment. How would you like being assigned by your network to take on the season finale for American Idol during sweeps week, the week that sets the network’s advertising rates during the next quarter? Fox’s American Idol obviously dominated (30.9 million viewers and a 9.8 demo rating). During American Idol’s final finale hour (it was two hours long), ABC’s Cougar Town came in second place (5.3 million and a 2.0 demo rating). Those 5.3 million people, plus the millions of others that taped Cougar Town to watch it after American Idol, were treated to nearly an hour of Turtle Bay Resort and the North Shore of Oahu. Congratulations COUGAR TOWN!

If you missed any of the action, you can see it here!

Cougar Town Finale Part I

Cougar Town Finale Part II

(in two parts because it was an hour long special…so two 1/2 hour episodes)

What would you do to win a Turtle Bay Resort wedding? A selected group of engaged couples stuck out 10 weeks of torture in the location that was used by LOST for the home of the smoke-monster. The battle ends…and the wedding begins. If you missed the live broadcast on VH1…catch the replay here. The end result was a beautiful Turtle Bay Resort wedding.

Turtle Bay Resort is pleased to announce that its main website, www.TurtleBayResort.com, now has a companion site in Chinese. This now mirrors what has been previously available in Japanese and in Korean. You don’t even need to remember the individual, specific url’s. Just go to www.TurtleBayResort.com and in the upper right hand corner you can select Chinese, Korean or Japanese.

Augie T was voted “Entertainer of The Year” by Midweek Magazine and the Star Bulletin and is listed in the Star Advertisers‘ “Best of the Best” of Hawaii’s favorite Radio Shows (6am-10am on 93.1 The Zone KQMQ). A two time Na Hoku Hanohano Award Winner with record selling DVDs “Live at Hawaii Theatre” and “Then and Now!”, Augie has been selling out shows all across Hawaii and the mainland.

On Saturday, June 4, 2011 at 8 pm (doors open at 7 pm), Augie will appear at Turtle Bay Resort. The need to laugh is not only healing but it takes us away from the craziness of every day life. Augie’s comedy is safe and clean for the entire ohana (family)!

Tickets are only $10 and can be purchased through the concierge at (808) 293-6000.

Whether you are a fan or a future fan (after all its been picked up for a 3rd season so you still have time to become a fan) of ABC’s Cougar Town or if you are a fan of Turtle Bay Resort, or any combination of the above, you all have a reason to tune into your local ABC television station on Wednesday at 9:30|8:30c on May 25th You will be rewarded with a 1-hour special season finale, (so more Cougar Town) filmed at Turtle Bay Resort (so more Turtle Bay). Its two great things in one.

ABC caught some of the stars between takes while at Turtle Bay Resort for the following report:

Be sure to check your local listings for exact channel and air time in your area!

The Executive Management Team of Benchmark Hospitality International weighed in on conference center and hospitality industry trends while at the International Association of Conference Centers’ Annual Conference. Check out the video:

The North Shore Chamber of Commerce presents its 3rd Annual Business Exposition at Turtle Bay Resort on May 25, 2011. The event starts at 8:00 am and runs to 6:30 pm.

Sponsored by Turtle Bay Resort, Hawaii Human Resources, First Hawaiian Bank, Kamehameha Schools, North Shore News, Barefoot Wine & Bubbly and Waialua Soda Works, this event brings in this year as the Keynote Speaker Don Horner, Chief Executive Officer of First Hawaiian Bank, Board Chair of the Hawaii Tourism Authority and most recently appointed as Hawaii Governor Neil Abercrombie’s first selection to the newly created state Board of Education.

The Expo offers six 45-minute seminars on a variety of relevant topics and it gives business owners along the North Shore an opportunity to mix with each other and learn together and from each other throughout the course of the day.

Cost is 40 for North Shore Chamber of Commerce Members and $50 for everyone else. Registrations forms can be downloaded at www.gonorthshore.org.

Turtle Bay Resort’s top tier Executive Chef Hector Morales is busy working with Twenty One Degrees North’s Chef de Cuisine John Armstrong and with Silver Oak and Twomey in order to create a special night to savor, sip, and remember…a Prix Fixe Wine Pairing night at the exclusive and romantic restaurant Twenty One Degrees North.

As we approach the summer season, north shore sunsets occur outside Twenty One Degrees North’s windows as you dine on the fantastic creations that Chef Hector and Chef John have created. Add to that Silver Oak and Twomey wineries…and you have the mathematical formula for ultimate success and the ultimate treatment for your senses and taste-buds.

The Pairing Menu consists of:

1st Course: Mango Glazed Opakapaka,  Melted Leeks, Molokai Sweet Potatoes,  paired with a 2009 Twomey Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc.

2nd Course: Polenta Crusted Crab Cake & Spicy Hauula Tomatoes paired with a 2006 Twomey Napa Valley Merlot.

3rd Course: Pepper Crusted Wagyu Medallion, Roasted Summer Vegetables, Potato Gratin with Roasted Pepper Relish paired with a 2006 Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.

4th Course: Waialua Chocolate Pate, House Made Spiced Mocha Sorbet and Macadamia Nut Shortbread paired with a Taylor Fladgate 10 year old Tawney Port.

Price is $75 without wine and $95 with the wine selections, excluding tax and gratuity.

Doors will open at 6 pm with a no-host bar and dinner will begin promptly at 6:30 pm. Reservations must be guaranteed with a credit card. You must cancel within 48 hours. A cancellation/no show charge of $50 per person will be applied.

Reservations are required. call (808) 293-6053 to reserve your spot today!

The Pearl City Elementary School Chorus entertained the guests of Turtle Bay Resort today in the main lobby. The Chorus is made up of 4th to 6th grades students. The Chorus was under the direction of Ginny Iwami.

The Chorus started with a group of traditional Hawaiian songs, then moved into a series of medleys that covered just about every era from traditional folk songs, through the 70s, 80s and 90s, to even current Glee songs.

The local highlight, however, was when a young hula dancer performed to the Chorus’ rendition of Koke’e.

The Pearl City Elementary Chorus stayed at Turtle Bay Resort as part of program developed by the group that included tours of the Waimea Valley and the Polynesian Cultural Center. Through these experiences the children involved were able to have hands on experiences with the history and the culture of the Hawaiian songs they perform.

We’ll leave you with the Chorus’ rendition of Koke’e (if you look close toward the left in front of the Chorus you will see the young hula dancer):

Treat your mother  to an elegant Mother’s Day Brunch to be remembered!

Turtle Bay Resort will be serving up a special Mother’s Day Brunch on Sunday, May 8th, with seatings in the Kuilima Ballroom at 10:00 am, 10:30 am, 12:30 pm and 1:00 pm.  Live Entertainment will be provided by the Ka’ala Boys

Hot selections will include Carved to Order Roast Prime Rib, Poached Eggs with Crab Hash, Basil Linguine and Five Spice Pork Tenderloin.

Sides, salads, & display highlights will include Marinated Grilled Vegetable Platter, Crispy Spinach & Warm Bacon Vinaigrette, Caprese, Tabouleh, & Roasted Asian Duck Salads and Caesar Salad with Grilled Chicken or Blackened Ahi.

Seafood will include Tako & Ahi Poke, Marinated Mussels and Grilled Calamari Steak Salad.

Action stations will include Belgian Waffles with Toppings Station, Eggs & Omelet Station, Teppanyaki Station and Veggie & Vegan Stir Fry Stations.

Soup will be Hauula Tomato Bisque.

Dessert highlights will include Banana’s Foster Station, Apple Mango Galette, Meyer Lemon Tarts and Coconut Almond Honey Cakes.

Prices are $42 Adults and $21 Children ages 4-11. A 15% service charge and 4.712% tax will be added to the final bill.

Reservations must be guaranteed and tickets are non-refundable. To make your reservation or to purchase your tickets call (808) 293-6053.

The Hans Hedemann Surf School (located at Turtle Bay Resort) and  C4Waterman conducted a clinic at Turtle Bay Resort today to introduce Turtle Bay Resort’s managers to the rapidly growing sport of SUP (Stand Up Paddle surfing). The results?  Kai Lenny, current Stand Up Paddle surfing champion of the world and official ambassador of Turtle Bay Resort has nothing to worry about. None of Turtle Bay Resort’s management is gong to be taking away his title any time soon! Turtle Bay Resort’s staff, instead of becoming overnight professionals, just had the most wonderful, relaxing time. (albeit that some are now a little sore this afternoon having used muscle groups this morning that are not in their normal routines).

Stand up paddle surfing is great exercise, is family fun (if our management team can do it you can do it) and it is a great way to enjoy all that nature and Hawaii have created. This morning sea turtles watched us having fun…and we got to watch sea turtles having fun.

Next trip to Turtle Bay Resort, if you’re not thinking you can handle the North Shore surf, but you want to have some fun…contact the surf shop and they’ll set you up in a sheltered bay and you too can have the ride of your life!

Come join Pastor Ron Valenciana in a special Easter Morning Worship Service at Turtle Bay Resort. This special service will be held in Turtle Bay Resort’s beach-side Pavilion and will feature music and messages appropriate to the season. Special guests joining Pastor Ron are both the 2006 Mrs. Hawaii Arlene Newman, who had a starring role in the recent movie release “Soul Surfer” and the 2011 Mrs. North Shore Shawn Paracuelles. Both will be performing a hula.

Services start at 9:00 am and will continue for approximately one hour.

Class members from Dr. Lenard Huff’s BUSM 422 (Marketing Research) class from Brigham Young University Hawaii made a presentation to Turtle Bay Resort’s General Manager, Resort Manager, CFO and other key executives today summarizing their winter semester’s class project, which was a marketing research project looking into several programs at the resort.

“The presentation was exceptionally well done”, said Robin Ide, Director of Sales for Turtle Bay Resort. “They gave us a lot of information we can really use going forward to make our programs better”, stated Jan Kribell, Turtle Bay Resort’s Escape Club Manager. The resort’s General Manager and Resort Manager were equally impressed and they got together with Professor Huff after the presentation to discuss possible internships that would focus on implementing some of their recommendations.

Today’s event represents a continuation of the relationship that Turtle Bay Resort has with Brigham Young University Hawaii. This same class (as far as title, but not the same students) worked, as their class project, on the research and set up of Turtle Bay Resort’s Escape Club several years ago. One of the students from that class subsequent worked as an intern to implement the recommendations of that project. Turtle Bay Resort’s Public Relations Manager was invited this semester to be a visiting guest professor, teaching BUSM 308 (Entrepreneur Practicum), where students had to prepare and present a business plan to a group of investors. Mike Wilkins, the resort’s Director of Sales and Marketing was invited to be a guest lecturer for several classes over this past semester as well.

All of this fits squarely with the values of Benchmark Hospitality International, the management company of Turtle Bay Resort. Benchmark believes in strong community relationships and educational relationships with local schools and universities…so much so they have a program entitled “Hometown Hospitality”.

So the next time you are enjoying a specific program at Turtle Bay Resort, it just might be of interest to know that there is a good likelihood that a local school was at least partially involved in its creation and/or maintenance.

Turtle Bay Resorts own Bay Club hosted the 2011 Women’s Pipeline Pro Celebration last night. The event organizers brought in live entertainment at the beginning of the evening but then turned over the music to a DJ who spun dance tunes until the wee hours of the morning. This evening event was one of many surrounding the 2011 Women’s Pipeline Pro surf contest and it allowed the young women to dress up and enjoy themselves. And they did.

The top women’s pipeline surfers and staff enjoyed a Mexican buffet prepared by Turtle Bay Resorts culinary team. Videos of women surfing were shown from all the televisions in the Bay Club all night long including some footage of this year’s event.

Special awards were given in the different categories, with one award getting unique attention (and one that none of the women really wanted to win). Pipeline is not a forgiving wave and just being in the wrong place can cause major pain…so great applause was awarded the recipient of the wipe-out queen award.

Another highlight of the evening was the San Lorenzo bikini model show. These locally designed and sold bikinis are available at www.sanlorenzobikinis.com.

We enjoyed being one of the sponsors of the 2011 Women’s Pipeline Pro and we look forward to next yea!. More information and this years results can be found at www.pipegirls.com.

Soul Surfer is the “must see” movie of this weekend, not only because it prominently features Turtle Bay Resort in the beginning but because it is fun, emotional, motivational and spectacular! Take your family, take your partner or just take yourself…but GO!

At the earliest showing of Soul Surfer available today near Turtle Bay Resort the audience got involved. At one point the audience’s hands shot up in the air and some people even stood up out of their seats as if cheering for their favorite super bowl team. At other places people clapped. There were lots of tears and lots of moments of celebration.

Check it out today!

There is no way that Turtle Bay Resort could not make a posting on its blog regarding the current  release in theaters world-wide of the movie of Soul Surfer: yet this particular posting became amazingly difficult to write. As I reviewed pictures, booking records, filming notes, etc., and after I read review after review from across the world it became obvious that rather than using the traditional “reporting” style of writing used in the other postings on this blog that it would have to be personal because that is just the way it was. This film is personal.

Roy “Dutch” Hofstetter checked into Turtle Bay Resort as a guest in October of 2008. One of the first things he did after checking in was to meet with me and he “pitched” me with the idea of making and filming a movie at Turtle Bay Resort called Soul Surfer, based on the life of Bethany Hamilton. He gave me a copy of Bethany’s book “Soul Surfer” and a preliminary copy of the script. Having several movie and television productions under my belt at the resort, including the highly successful Forgetting Sarah Marshall, I eagerly went to work and I became convinced that this was something that just had to be done.

I next met with our then General Manager, Bob Boyle, and we discussed all possible options and I went back to Dutch. It was all too wonderful to be true. Turtle Bay Resort was ready…but then backer, after backer, after backer…after backer of the film Soul Surfer ‘backed out’. Dutch, rather than becoming discouraged or giving up…just kept on making the next attempt, while continuing to sell off his own personal assets in order to keep his room at Turtle Bay Resort. I often joked with him that “when this movie happens I will need to put a brass plaque in front of your room stating ‘To Dutch Hofstadter, the man who never gave up”.

Month after month turned into years…and nothing seamed to really happen. Dutch’s promotional bill, as he solicited investor after investor and writer after writer continued to climb. I remember a very critical meeting with me, Bob Boyle, and with our Revenue Manger. Bob looked me in the eye and asked “what do you think?” I responded that “he has no contract, every attempt he has made has failed…but somehow I believe he can actually do it.” He then asked me one more question that I will never forget. He asked “if he does get it, will he remember and reward our contribution?” Without hesitation I said “yes”.

Bob Boyle then sat down with Dutch. No one else was invited to that meeting and I would love to know what was discussed or agreed to…but I’m sure I never will know. All I know is that Bob then came to me and said “make sure this movie gets made!”

Shortly after that event I was introduced, by Dutch, to Brookwell McNamara. I have since become close, personal friends with David and Sean. I was introduced to a key set of financial backers who were willing to back them making this film. The process went forward.

Finally, winter of 2010, more than two years after I had first met Dutch, production started. Hawaii based film crews were hired. Bob Boyle and Tom Cross, (Turtle Bay Resort’s Resort Manager), looked at me with disbelief as I said a “half pipe” was going to be built next to the resort’s pool. But they let me do it. As we worked through issue after issue that naturally takes place with onsite filming over two months a great synergy started to take place.

I had to reflect this past week as I’ve been involved in the events leading up to the release of this movie tomorrow that a few days ago I mentioned to a colleague that I really wish Bob Boyle had seen all this (he passed away this last fall). My colleague reminded me that Bob had the opportunity to see and present the Director’s Cut of Soul Surfer to key group of Turtle Bay Resort staff members shortly before his passing. I had forgotten that…but was so ever thankful for the reminder.

Dutch, true to his word and what I told Bob Boyle he would do, ensured that Turtle Bay Resort was prominently recognized in this movie. Sean and David…to you I only give thanks that Bob got to see your work (and the work of your entire staffs and everyone else involved) before he left this world for a better place.

So check out Soul Surfer, opening tomorrow, Friday, April 8^th. From Hawaii and partially filmed at Turtle Bay Resort.

The ancient origins of the nifo oti ["deadly tooth"] was as an actual battle weapon. With knifes and hooks at the ends of the handle, a warrior of strength could twirl it quickly and it would become like a giant saw, cutting anything that came in contact with it, including the person handling it. So it is not surprising that the same skills needed to use the tool in war could evolve into the most exciting form of Polynesian entertainment today, the ‘ailao afi. The world’s best will display their skill and courage from May 11th through May 14th at the Polynesian Cultural Center.

Yes, those are real flames and yes, those are real blades. This contest requires exceptional talent and abilities because one small mistake can result in severe cuts and/or burns.

For the first two days, the events will be held in the Polynesian Cultural Center’s Hale Aloha dinner theater. Friday’s evening event and Saturday’s day and evening events will be held in the Pacific Theater. Purchase your tickets online now to secure a seat at www.polynesia.com. And don’t forget to make your reservations for Turtle Bay Resort at the same time at www.turtlebayresort.com.

Check out this clip from last years event:

The best extreme women surfers in the world, from places such as Puerto Rico, Japan, Venezuela, Australia, England, Ireland, the United States, Brazil and France, have gathered around the North Shore, waiting for the right waves to roll into the world famous Banzai Pipeline. The 2011 Science Hawaii Pipeline Women’s Pro’s waiting period runs March 29^th to April 12^th. All that is needed it 3 good days of waves!

The Pipeline Women’s Pro is the only all women’s event held at the Banzai Pipeline and it attracts talented surfers to compete in shortboarding, longboarding, bodyboarding, and stand up paddleboarding events. The event’s motto is “we can do anything we want” and programs are established that will promote strong, independent women as role models for young women.

This year the event will also work hard to promote organic lifestyles and will be run “green”. The events will use no plastics, will recycle, will use solar energy…it will even use “reused” trophies. Banners will be made out of organic materials and t-shirts, etc., will all use water based inks and dies. Turtle Bay Resort is pleased to be a sponsor of this fine event.

This year’s schedule is as follows:

March 29-April 12       Ehukai Beach Park (Pipeline), 8am to 4pm, waves permitting

April 2                          Celebration of Artists, 6:30 pm, Wyland Galleries

April 9                          Awards and Autograph Party, 6pm, Bay Club, Turtle Bay Resort

April 12                        Final Celebration, 8pm, Pizza Bobs

For more information and last minute changes go to www.pipegirls.com.

Directions and map from Turtle Bay Resort to Pipeline are included below. Click on the images for a larger version.

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Danna Holck will be taking over the reigns of Turtle Bay Resort as General Manager on April 11th and Danna is excited to be returning to her native island homeland.

Danna is of Hawaiian, Japanese and Norwegian descent and she was born and raised in Kailua. She grew up in a military family (her father was a soldier with the U.S. military’s most highly decorated unit, the 442nd Infantry). She loved the traditional values of her native islands including dancing the hula from age 5 and she dreamed of becoming a professional hula dancer. She attended local schools and the University of Hawaii’s School of Travel Industry Management.

Danna started her career in hospitality by working with sales and marketing at hotels in California, Hawaii and Florida. Throughout her career she has held numerous general manager and executive-level positions at major brand properties in resort destinations throughout the United States, with her most recent position being the general manager for Rio Mar Beach Resort & Spa in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico.

“This is a full-circle career trajectory for me,” Danna said, referring to her return home to Hawaii. “I’m looking forward to working with my team at Turtle Bay Resort and to reconnecting with my kama’aina friends of many, many, years. It’s good to be home!”

Please join us in welcoming Danna Holck to Turtle Bay Resort.

Tune your dial to ABC tonight, March 23rd, to see Spencer (a Turtle Bay Resort Surf Instructor) fall “Off the Map”

Unlike the likes of LOST, Cougar Town, Pirates of the Caribbean IV, Enlightened and Soul Surfer, all of which filmed on property of Turtle Bay Resort, ABC’s new show Off the Map has not used any of the resort’s jungles or lands in filming its first season. However, that does not mean that there is no connection between Off the Map and Turtle Bay Resort. Quite the opposite.

Turtle Bay Resort works extensively with two schools in its immediate vicinity, Kahuku High School and Brigham Young University Hawaii. The resort’s staff has taught courses at both institutions, has worked with internships and partnerships with both institutions and has worked with career opportunities with both. So how does Turtle Bay Resort tie in with Off the Map?

Take a look at Cody Mafatu Easterbrook, a graduate of Brigham Young University Hawaii with a degree in international culture studies and communications. Last fall, Cody wrote, produced, filmed and edited a made for television half hour feature on Turtle Bay Resort’s Seafood Festival and in last week’s episode of Off the Map he played a titled role as Ramirez, a young guard who reluctantly runs to the rescue to stop a bleeder when a doctor passes out during surgery. “I got a call to audition for the part on a Monday and I was in wardrobe and on set that very Friday! I learned that your life can change in an instant! So be prepared because in this industry you never know what will come your way!”

Cody is also grateful for the work that allows him to stay in Hawaii. “I think it is great that so many productions have come to call Hawaii home. Not only do they boost our local economy but they give Hawaii actors and crews the great opportunity to participate in the magic of Hollywood while living in their own island homes.”

And then there is  Spencer Deavila. Spencer lives in the Kahuku/La’ie area and he attended Brigham Young University Hawaii. He is also a surf instructor at the Hans Hedemann Surf School at Turtle Bay Resort. He currently also works on Off the Map as stunt double and stand in for Actor Zack Gilford, who plays Dr. Tommy Fuller on the series. In the March 23rd episode he fell through a wooden scaffold.

Spencer attributes his experience on the show with teaching him how to work hard and enjoy life at the same time. “I have learned how to work 16 hour days and stay happy”, he said. He also feels that the show helps the Hawaiian economy as he sees many others, like himself, earning money while living local.

And then there is Joshua Aplaca, originally from Haleiwa and now living in La’ie. Joshua is just starting to attend Brigham Young University Hawaii. He has worked as a Photo Double and Background on Hawaii Five O, was an Extra on Cougar Town and is both Featured Background and an Extra on Off the Map.

Joshua appreciates the opportunity he has been given. “…So many people see the end product but never see what it takes to make filming. It really does take any army. I see more and more shows being filmed on the island. It’s a major increase not only for Hawaii financially but also its popularity as a tourist destination as viewers see these shows who have never been here.”

Finally take Kealohilani Wallace, a Kahuku High School Valedictorian, a graduate of Brigham Young University Hawaii in International Business with a Digital Media emphasis and a minor in Polynesian Studies and a Hau’ula resident. She worked as a “day player” on Off the Map as a Locations Assistant. She was also called twice to be an extra for Off the Map but was not able to work due to scheduling conflicts.

Kealohilani is also grateful for the opportunities she has been given from Off the Map. “This show was my way back into Locations. I got into locations with LOST, but then had to hop around different departments as a production assistant until Off the Map. This job got me on my desired career path doing Locations and I have been able to be hired as a Locations Assistant ever since.”

She is also a big supporter of filming in Hawaii. “I think it is impacting our economy in a very positive way. Every dollar that Off the Map spends while in Hawaii goes to benefit local businesses. And every local hire they acquire gives an opportunity to further that person’s experience. It is especially good for young people trying to break into the business. Many of my friends have been hired for either a better position than they have ever had before, or even given their first chance ever to work in this industry.”

If you have not checked out ABC’s Off the Map, do so today (it airs on Wednesdays). Check your local listings. Your viewership just might be what it takes to boost the rating enough to keep this show…and filming around Turtle Bay Resort…going for another season!

Turtle Bay Resort’s Executive Chef Hector Morales was presented an official plaque from the Department of the Navy as a special commendation for Chef Hector’s continuing service to the local North Shore community. Specifically, this commendation cited Chef’s Hector’s efforts during the 2010 NCTAMS PAC Operation Aloha community event that fed more than 450 people at a special Thanksgiving dinner. Chief David Watkins made the presentation.

The commendation reads in part “On a day known for giving, the men and women of NCTAMS PAC, Waialua Community Association, North Shore volunteers, entertainers, and many others’ combined efforts made this a day many will remember. Chef Morales, you and your teams’ exceptional dedication and personal integrity reflect great credit upon yourself and the Turtle Bay Resort. Thank you for your continued support!” The commendation is signed by P. Cole, Captian, U.S. Navy, Commanding Officer of the Naval Computer and Telecommunications Area Master Station, Pacific.

To Chef Hector and the entire culinary team – we are proud to work with you!

Turtle Bay Resort has a couple of new employees that are kicking up a bit of excitement. Meet Elvis (a boy and in the right side of the picture),  who is nine years old and Lilikoi (a girl and in the left side of the picture), who is 8 years old. Both are actually full grown horses…just in miniature size.

These two new employees are an instrumental part of the Stables at Turtle Bay Resort’s latest adventure, the “Pony Experience”, which is a 15 minute, hands-on activity for children 6 years and younger. This experience includes helping to groom and feed the animals and taking either a ride on them or in a pony drawn cart. Pony Parties are also available and are individually priced by size of group, amount of time, etc.

The “Pony Experience” is $45 plus tax per person. Reservations are required at (808) 447-6569.