--you've reached a blog post from 2004 - please see article on Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort

Opening October 1 2004 after a $45M renovation, the Sheraton Keauhou Bay --on the south Kona coast of Hawaii's Big Island-- has splurged on a new pool complex. Meanwhile, out in the natural environment, guests can stroll by the ocean and see manta rays feed along the shore. Check out opening promotion rates.

Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa

scroll down for opening rates and other promotions

This 22-acre oceanfront resort is located an ancient lava flow on Keauhou Bay on Hawaii's Big Island. The resort has 522 rooms and suites, and is part of Starwood Hotels and Resorts.

Special features include:

• pool complex -- see details below
• programs for all ages to learn about the culture and history of Hawaii and the Keauhou area
• Moolelo (storytelling) in the gardens on-property
• special hiking and bicycling tours with local experts

Plus a feature in the natural environment that's sure to delight kids: every evening, manta rays glide along the shoreline to feed in front of the hotel.

As for the pool complex...

• the new pool complex at the Sheraton Keauhou includes upper, lower and children's pools
• two whirlpool spas are tucked beneath landscaping and lava rock outcroppings
• a river system connects the upper and lower pools, leads to a waterfall and becomes a 200-foot-long figure-eight lava tube waterslide
• a children's "beach pool" has a sandy bottom and a a large sandy area for play

The multi-level pool system begins at the edge of the resort, amid black lava rock and lush landscaping, and meanders to a tropical open-air interior atrium.

Promotions at the Sheraton Keauhou

Grand Opening offer rates start at $169/night for a deluxe mountain-view room. Opening day is October 1st on; boook before November 30, 2004 for Grand Opening rates, and travel until April 30 2005, with some blackout dates.

If you miss that booking deadline, try this instead: Endless Escapes start at $190/per room/ per night on specific room categories. Advance booking is required, and this offer continues until Dec. 25 2004.

Also this fall: Starwood Hotels & Resorts Hawaii is offering the Sunsational Ocean Promotion, with a free night on Ocean View rooms, $100 to $250 dining credits, and " Stay at one, play at all" privileges with other Starwood Hawaii properties.

Find out more about the Sheraton Keauhou

For more about the Sheraton Keauhou resort, see the Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa site, with photos.

To find out more about the Grand Opening and other promotions, check the Sheraton Keauhou Special Offers page, or call toll free 1-866-500-8313. For the Grand Opening special, ask for Rate Plan "GET TO KNOW."

To find out more about the Sunsational Ocean deal, check the Starwood Hawaii Ocean Promotion page or call 1-866-500-8313 and ask for the Sunsational Ocean Promotion.

--This information has been suppled by the Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort--

*photo courtesy of Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa