Aqua offers stress relief from air security measures

Flustered by the new security regimen at the nation’s airports? Aqua Hotels & Resorts is offering the "Don’t Touch My Package" package, which features spa and massage treatments for travelers stressed out by airport body scanners and pat-downs.

"With the recently enhanced security measures, it seems travelers have yet one more thing to be stressed out about when flying so we’ve come up with a special that will help ease the tension once they’re here," said Elizabeth Churchill, Aqua’s vice president of sales and marketing, in a release.

"Our ‘Don’t Touch My Package’ package includes multiple spa treatments, including a treatment for arrival day to immediately de-stress and another treatment on the day before departure to prepare for the next airport security encounter."

The package is available at Aqua’s Boutique hotels through Feb. 28. A three-night minimum stay is required. From Hawaii, call 924-6543; from the U.S. and Canada, call toll-free 866-406-2782.

Holiday feast benefits Big Isle culinary students

KAUPULEHU, Hawaii >> The culinary gala "Christmas at Kona Village, Dining with the Chefs" is set from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Saturday at the Kona Village Resort. The event features cuisine prepared by the Big Island’s top chefs and a gingerbread display made by culinary students at Hawaii Community College-West Hawaii.

The 22nd annual fundraiser, sponsored by the American Culinary Federation Kona Kohala Chefs Association, benefits HCC and high school culinary students.

The gingerbread display is fashioned after Polynesian hale (houses), and each hale will be up for bid at a silent auction. The event also features a live auction offering exclusive private dinners and culinary activities, including a dinner for eight at Mi’s Italian Bistro, a dinner for six at home prepared by Chef Peter Abarcar Jr. or a Chocolate Extravaganza for 25 at an exclusive Keauhou mauka residence, according to a release.

More than 20 chefs and confectioners will participate, including Mauna Kea Beach Resort, Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows, Daniel Thiebaut’s, Sansei’s Waikoloa, Monettes, Kona Village Resort, Royal Kona Resort, Kona Brewery and the new Humpy’s Big Island Ale House.

Attendance is limited to 500, and ticket prices are $75 per person. Reserved tables of 10 are available for $1,000.

Tickets can be charged by phone at 329-2522 and can be purchased at Kailua Candy Co., Clark Realty/Kona, Kona Wine Market and Cafe Pesto in Hilo. Event updates are also posted on Facebook.