ENJOY POCKET-SIZED VIDEOS AT EYE LEVEL WITH THE SOARIPOD

Aboard a flight in 2007, George Papadakis realized that watching movies on his newly acquired iPhone would be far more enjoyable at eye level and with his hands free. "Here was the first opportunity to enjoy personal videos easily and it didn't seem logical to have to hold the device (and always look down)," Papadakis said. Within a year he brought out the Soaripod, a device with a flexible neck that clips the iPhone or iPod to a train or in-flight tray table, a window rim, car seat, hotel headboard or poolside chair for easy viewing.

"It is a simple idea that no one had addressed," said Papadakis. The device can also be used in the gym, the car and the office.

But it's the traveler looking to enjoy the video experience of their pocket device for which the Soaripod was designed, Papadakis said.

The Soaripod has a 12-inch fully-articulating neck, and a spring-loaded P-clip that opens between a quarter-inch and 2 inches to clip on to a table or seat back. Compatible with most handheld devices, $29.95 at www.soaripod.com.

BIG ISLAND

HULA SEMINAR HONORS PELE DURING VOLCANO AWARENESS MONTH

January is Volcano Awareness Month, and Hawai'i Volcanoes Institute presents "Hula Pele: Kílauea," an on-site hula seminar to learn "Kílauea," a hula Pele by Alice Namakelua. Join kumu hula Ab Kawainohoikalai Valencia of Hālau Hula Kalehuaki'eki'eika'iu and "learn a hula that tells the story of the lady of the fire," Valencia says.

"Previous hula experience is recommended but not required to attend this hula seminar," notes Valencia, who has taught hula in Honolulu and Kílauea for 30 years. "A pā'ū hula (dance skirt) for na wahine and raffia pāu hula for na kāne is required. An ipu heke (gourd drum) to learn the pa'i (beat) is optional."

"Hula Pele: Kílauea" is 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Jan. 16 at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Tuition is $35 for Friends members and $45 for nonmembers.

Register for the seminar at 808-985-7373 or www.fhvnp.org.

WAIKÍKÍ, LAS VEGAS

TAKE A STAYCATION AT THE HYATT, THEN ENJOY A NIGHT AT STRATOSPHERE

Kamaäina and military personnel now stationed in Hawaii can earn a free night's stay at Stratosphere, Las Vegas by visiting Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa. Through March 31, for every two nights that residents stay at the AAA Four Diamond Waikíkí resort, they'll receive a gift certificate for a free one-night stay at Stratosphere; certificates must be redeemed by June 30.

The Hyatt Regency Waikiki kama'āina room package includes a two-for-one breakfast and free self-parking. Rates start at $140.

For kama'āina and military families, the Hyatt offer can be a terrific gift for Mainland family or friends. 808-923-1234 and mention VEGAS.