ISLAND HOPPING
Greet new year on cruise ship
The Star of Honolulu is offering New Year’s Eve cruises that depart from Aloha Tower Marketplace Pier 8 at 10:15 p.m. Monday and return in the new year at 12:30 a.m.
Cruise-goers will have views of the fireworks along the Waikiki coastline, plus dinner and entertainment. Cost is $186 per person. Kamaaina and military rates begin at $141.75.
For reservations, call 983-7827 or visit www.starofhonolulu.com.
‘Stars’ to greet 2013 in Waikiki
Legends in Concert Waikiki will ring in the new year Monday night with "Elvis" and a cast of tribute artists performing at the Royal Hawaiian Theater (fourth floor of the Royal Hawaiian Center).
Dinner packages start at 6:15 p.m.; cocktail packages, 7:45 p.m. Showtime is 8:15 p.m.
For reservations, call 629-7469 or visit www.legendswaikiki.com.
Cost is $70 per adult. Kamaaina and military rates begin at $56.70.
GLOBE TROTTING
Hikes commemorate milestone for Tennessee parks system
NASHVILLE, Tenn. » The Tennessee State Parks system is sponsoring hikes at the start of the new year to commemorate its 75th anniversary.
State Environment and Conservation Commissioner Bob Martineau says each state park will host its own special hike in the first few days of 2013.
Officials say the free, guided hikes will vary, with short ones for novice hikers and longer ones for more experienced hikers.
The hikes are part of America’s State Parks First Day Hikes initiative in all 50 states, which officials say give individuals an opportunity to begin the new year rejuvenating and connecting with the outdoors.
In addition to the hikes, Tennessee State Parks is also hosting a variety of special events in the upcoming year in celebration of the 75th anniversary.
(For information on First Day Hikes in all 50 states, go to www.americasstateparks.org/ first-day-hikes.)
Change in Maryland law keeps casino open 24 hours
HANOVER, Md. » Maryland’s largest casino will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Maryland Live! at Arundel Mills Mall unlocked its doors for the last time Thursday morning. Previously, Maryland casinos could be open from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 4 a.m. Friday and Saturday. But an expansion of gambling approved by lawmakers in August and voters in November included the expansion of hours for the state’s casinos.
Next month, construction teams at Maryland Live! will be making modifications to add more than 150 table games to the casino floor, including blackjack and roulette.