Elvis may have left the building 40 years ago, but he will be remembered in January at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center where he originally performed the first concert ever broadcast globally via satellite to an audience estimated at 1.5 billion.

Elvis Presley Enterprises Inc., based at his Memphis, Tenn., mansion known as Graceland, has begun selling packages for a weeklong 40th-anniversary celebration of the icon’s "Aloha from Hawaii" concert, expected to draw thousands of die-hard fans to Oahu Jan. 10-15 with daily events at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort. It will culminate with an enhanced film screening of the concert originally held on Jan. 14, 1973, at the then-Hono­lulu International Center.

"They say that more people saw that live via satellite than watched man walk on the moon — it was broadcast literally all around the world," said Scott Williams, vice president of sales and marketing for Elvis Presley Enterprises. "There are a handful of cities that can claim Elvis as their own (Hono­lulu being one of them). Elvis absolutely had an affinity for the islands."

The broadcast aired in 40 countries across North America, Asia and Europe and was the most expensive entertainment special at the time, at $2.5 million.

The tribute for Elvis, who had an illustrious history in the islands after filming three movies and staging at least four concerts here, is expected to draw fans seeking to visit the sites once frequented by the king of rock ‘n’ roll, including Diamond Head, Hanauma Bay and the USS Arizona Memorial. Events include panel discussions with Elvis’ movie co-stars and friends, including concert promoter Tom Moffatt, who worked with the celebrity in Hawaii.

Moffatt was the one who greeted the star at the heliport at the Hilton Hawaiian Village in 1973 and asked what the King thought of the first-ever upcoming satellite broadcast show.

"He said, ‘Tom, this is the biggest thing I’ve ever done.’ It was a milestone to reach that many millions of people around the world," said Moffatt, who also introduced the star at his first Hawaii concert in November 1957. "It was a great showcase for Hawaii. I really feel Hawaii tourism benefited. He’s done a lot for the islands to expose Hawaii. A lot of Elvis fans will come in for this. I think it’s going to be very big."

Mark Storfer, chief operating officer of Pomare Ltd., owner of Hilo Hattie, is preparing for the events with exclusive Elvis memorabilia and activities at its flagship store on Nimitz Highway.

"We see our participation with (Elvis Presley Enterprises) as a strategic move for Hilo Hattie and its parent company, Pomare Ltd., as we build our group of iconic Hawaiian brands," he said. "Tens of thousands of Elvis fans from around the world and locally are expected to participate in the various activities planned for this event."

Jon Conching, Hilton’s vice president of sales and marketing, said the resort is "excited about this group as we know that Elvis had a very special connection with Hawaii and the Hilton Hawaiian Village."

A significant gain in tourism numbers, however, will be "dependent upon how much publicity it gets," said Jay Talwar, senior vice president of marketing for the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau. "It really is going to depend on how that gets amplified and promoted. The opportunity is there because Hawaii and Elvis are both newsworthy, so if they’re able to promote it in a way that it gains publicity, that will only help Hawaii’s tourism down the road."

Elvis Presley Enterprises is still in the early stages of planning all the ways the King and Hawaii will be celebrated during the week, as well as how the occasion will be commemorated by fans worldwide, Williams said.

"It’s such an interesting part of Elvis’ life and such a unique opportunity, it will no doubt spark lots of great events and ways for fans to celebrate both in Hawaii and around the world," he said.

Legends in Concert will host the first Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest on Jan. 12 at the Royal Hawaiian Theater as part of the festivities and expects its show, with 750 seats, to sell out the entire weekend, according to Brian Brigner, general manager.

"I think it’s going to draw a very broad international audience, especially from Japan and Australia, and certainly from the mainland," he said. "It’s the most committed fan base of any music artist in the history of music — it’s unparalleled."

Charlie Ross, president of the Elvis Memorial Fan Club Hawaii, established in 1978, said the club’s 50 local members are excited to be a part of the affair.

"We love him like the rest of the world loves him, but he loved Hawaii so there’s a special thing," said Ross, who was in attendance at Elvis’ original "Aloha from Hawaii" concert. "I loved him the first time I saw him on stage. I still love his music. He was a wonderful singer, wonderful person. He really loved Hawaii, and he was good to the people when he was here."

The events will include Elvis-themed pool parties, dance functions and live concerts, including a gospel concert featuring former members of J.D. Sumner and the Stamps.

Travel packages start at $1,700 and can be purchased at www.elvis.com/aloha.

"Elvis, in a lot of ways, he was the first international tour guide of Hawaii," Williams said. "He loved Hawaii, loved taking his friends and family there. It brought him great peace and tranquility."