B on Hawaii

This is a quick item for our frosty brethren to the north who might be seeking a bit of respite this time o' year. If you're bundled up in a floor-length down parka, wool socks and a mink hat, then the folks at Northwest Airlines are proposing an offer to you. This week the carrier will launch direct flights between Anchorage, Alaska, and Kona, Hawaii aboard Boeing 757-300 jets.

Kona Brewing Company, Hawaii's own Big Island-based brewer of hops and so forth is about to release its first new product in eight years. The Pipeline Porter is a combination of roasted barley malt, hops, and 100% Kona-grown Cornwell Estates Coffee.

A 21-megawatt wind farm currently in construction on the Big Island's South Point will go operational as early as March 2007, according to Hawaii Electric Light Co. and partner General Electric. The Pakini Nui Wind Project will supply power for up to 10,000 households through the use of 14 turbines.

The 2005 Kona Coffee Cultural Festival at the Outrigger Keauhou is rapidly approaching. If you're looking for an excuse to save some shipping charges on Kona coffee, swing by the Big Island between November 3 - 12th, and can pick up a case of the island's top-rated brew.

In honor of yesterday's earthquake, we are going to alert readers about a special at the Big Island's Royal Kona Resort, located in the quaint town of Kailua-Kona. Those who book two nights at the hotel will receive a third night free. Yes, it's true: If you book six nights, you will receive two additional free nights. And so on, down the line. The offer is valid through December 20, 2006.

The Big Island Festival kicks off this weekend at the Hilton Waikoloa Village, with an endless string of wine, cocktail and food tastings, topped off with an outdoor event on Saturday night that coincides with Dwight Yoakam in concert.

The closure of the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel on Hawaii's Big Island might be the most significant result of the October 15 earthquake that shook the Kohala Coastline more than any other location throughout the island chain.