The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, which suffered damage in the October 2006 earthquake, celebrates its official grand opening this weekend. The iconic hotel closed for renovation following the big shake and has undergone a multimillion-dollar renovation.

Two evenings of celebrations are planned: On Friday, the hotel will host "Cuisines of the World," a themed dinner with entertainment by jazz-fusion group Hiroshima. On Saturday, Cecilio & Kapono entertain guests at the Mauna Kea lu'au. The cost is $150 for dinner and concert on either night; $1,500 for a table for 10. VIP tables for $2,000 include preferred seating with champagne and wine. Both events begin at 6:30 p.m. 808-882-5707.

Skidmore, Owings and Merrill of San Francisco designed the 1965 Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, recognized in 2007 by the American Institute of Architects as one of the best works of architecture in the U.S. During renovation, only the interiors were changed, with freshened guest rooms and suites, lobby, restaurants and gathering areas. Rooms and suites are enlarged and redecorated in a contemporary Island style.

Rees Jones, son of Robert Trent Jones Sr., the original architect of the Mauna Kea Golf Course, has redesigned the 18-hole course, which includes a new clubhouse with pro shop, locker rooms and a restaurant.

The hotel's Rockefeller art collection is also being spruced up. Some work is damage repair — such as a large 'awa bowl put back together like a koa jigsaw, and the 7th-century pink granite Buddha that jiggled off base in the quake. Some is maintenance from insects, wind abrasion and dirt.

"Laurance Rockefeller knew art very well and ... (the collection) was put together with two things in mind: geography and spirituality," says conservationist Michael Jones. "The geography is the Pacific Rim. ... (The art) ranges from tribal to Buddhist — very primitive efforts, to extremely sophisticated ways of finding a spiritual life."

Mauna Kea Beach Resort's kama'aina specials include:

• A $50 room rate for a third night's stay, which celebrates Hawai'i's 50 years of statehood.

• Kama'aina room rate starts at $225 per night for a mountain-view room through Sept. 30.

• Kama'aina room and daily breakfast for two starts at $249 for a mountain-view room through Sept. 30.

808-882-7222, www.maunakeabeachresort.com.

— Chris Oliver

VANCOUVER

GOLDEN COLLECTION SHOWCASES 17TH-CENTURY DUTCH ARTWORK

Fans of the book and the 2003 movie "Girl With a Pearl Earring" will recall how the wintry Netherlands landscape and household of artist Johannes Vermeer was etched in dramatic light and form. This spring a major exhibition brings some of the finest paintings by Vermeer and other Dutch masters to the Vancouver Art Gallery.

"Vermeer, Rembrandt and the Golden Age of Dutch Art: Masterpieces from the Rijksmuseum" will be the largest and most significant collection of 17th-century Dutch art ever presented in Canada. The 128 works of art features paintings, drawings and decorative arts, including the famous blue and white Delft pottery.

"I am proud ... to present an exhibition of some of Europe's most important works of art," said VAG director Kathleen Bartels. "... We look forward to sharing this collection with audiences from across North America over the spring and summer."

The 17th century, known as the "Golden Age" in the Netherlands, saw artistic talent flourish as the new Dutch Republic emerged as one of world's foremost political and maritime powers.

View the exhibition May 10 to Sept. 13 at the Vancouver Art Gallery. www.vanartgallery.bc.ca.

— Chris Oliver