Kona Surf Film Festival returns to Kohala

9th Annual Kona Surf Film Festival

Kohala Coast, Hawaii
7 - 8 December 2012

Epic Weekend Of Film, Music, Art, Ono Grindz & Drinks Planned

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 16 November, 2012 : - - Hawaii’s premiere international surf film showcase, the Kona Surf Film Festival, will run December 7 & 8, 2012. The ninth installment of this weekend of film, acoustic music, art, ono grindz and drinks is set to be the biggest festival yet with surprise special guests to share in the stoke.

The Kona Surf Film Festival showcases independent short and feature films from established and emerging surf filmmakers from around the globe. The event is a benefit for the Kona Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation and Nā Kama Kai (Children of the Sea), whose mission is to empower youth by creating ocean-based programs that target ocean safety and conservation awareness.

This year festival organizers received a record number of film submissions including American, Australian, European and locally produced works. Festival founder and program director, Chad Campbell, said "I'm so stoked to be gearing up for our 9th year. It seems like each year we get more films, more art, more people, and always have a great time."

The 2012 Festival will again present a sustainable art fair showcasing planet-friendly local art, design, fashion, jewelry and surf equipment and accessories. Art installations and an alternative surf movie screen will also feature as part of the line-up. Opening up the festival is soulful Hawaiian singer Paula Fuga on Friday the 7th, and the Big Island’s own rising star Kimie Miner on Saturday the 8th.

Stay tuned for the complete list of films, music, entertainment, art, and famous faces

WHAT: 2012 Kona Surf Film Festival, benefiting the Kona Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation and Nā Kama Kai

WHEN: Friday, December 7, 2012 . 4pm - 10pm & Saturday, December 8, 2012 from 4pm - 10pm. Check schedule for details and times.

WHERE: The Pavilion at The Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows, Kohala Coast, Hawaii.

COST: Adults $20 door / $17 pre, Groms (Kids!) $15 door / $11 pre, Little kids Free. 2 day passes available for $35 and $20 for groms (online only) -- ONLINE SALES END DEC. 4TH purchase tickets at konasurffilmfestival.org

BYO: Beach chair and blankets for films shown under the stars. Bring a sweater as it may get a little chilly!

FOOD: BBQ and beer available for purchase. No coolers please.

ART & DESIGN: Available for purchase.

STAY: Take advantage of Mauna Lani Bay’s exclusive Kona Surf Film Festival room rates starting from $185 per night. Contact (800) 367-2323 or visit maunalani.com

About Kona Surf Film Festival:
Founded in 2003 by Chad Campbell, the Kona Surf Film Festival celebrates the art of surfing. Chad, a surfer, filmmaker and editor himself, has always held a passion for film-making and the surfing lifestyle. He wanted to use that passion to bring the community together to participate in the long-held tradition of surfers watching surf films on the big screen. Often showcasing unknown films and filmmakers who have a love for all things surf, the Kona Surf Film Fest gives people an opportunity to share in the stoke, outside of the water.

The Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows is recognized as one of the world’s premier eco-friendly resorts and one of the Islands’ leading destinations for a Hawaiian cultural vacation. Preserving and sharing the history and culture of Hawaii is a huge part of the Mauna Lani Bay experience, led by the resort’s Director of Cultural Affairs, Daniel “Kaniela” Akaka, Jr, who is also a respected kahu, teacher, musician, storyteller, explorer and preservationist. Mauna Lani’s famous golf courses, the Francis H. I’i Brown North & South Courses, named in honor of the former Mauna Lani landowner and champion Hawaii golfer, offer breathtaking scenery, unforgettable signature holes and cutting-edge course design built around ancient Hawaiian petroglyphs, trails and fishponds.

The award-winning Mauna Lani Spa resembles a traditional Hawaiian village with thatched hales (huts) for treatments. It is the only spa in Hawaii to offer natural Lava Saunas and the Lava Watsu Experience set within a lava tube. The resort’s signature restaurant, CanoeHouse, is consistently ranked as one of Hawaii’s best restaurants for its progressive take on Hawaii Regional Cuisine.

Mauna Lani Bay is establishing its reputation as a popular health, fitness and outdoor lifestyle retreat partnering with international pro triathletes and a local stand up paddling champion. The resort is committed to delivering aloha in everything it does by extending complimentary programs and services to its guests that go beyond the norm.

Mauna Lani Bay has maintained its original owners since opening in 1983 and is a member of the Preferred Hotel Group recognizing the world's best independent luxury hotels and resorts.