Frequently Asked Questions
Aloha! We are posting a question and answer format below for some of the most common inquiries that we have received. We have tried to be as thorough and inclusive as possible. If you do not see your information or answer here, you may direct an inquiry to the Founder by going to our Contact Us page and selecting the option to email the founder directly and we will update this FAQ as needed!
Thank you all for your patience and aloha as we develop a more streamlined method of getting the information out there! Mahalo Nui!
Q.) WHAT AIRPORT DO I FLY INTO?
A.) The Alchemeyez Visionary Art Congress is being held at the Hilton Waikoloa on the Kona side of the Big Island of Hawaii. The closest major airport is the Kona-Keahole International Airport (KOA). The hotel is located approximately 25 minutes north of the airport. If you want to plan your trip around a more extensive vacation, and decide to fly into Hilo (ITO) instead, please be aware that the trip from Hilo to Waikoloa takes about two hours, along a two-lane highway. These are the only two major airports on the Big Island, so please plan accordingly.
Q.) HOW DO I BOOK A ROOM AT THE HILTON, AND WHAT ARE THE PRICES?
A.) Rooms at the fabulous Hilton Waikoloa Village are being made available to all of our buyers in a block pricing, which offers rates better than local pricing. The standard room can be obtained for 179.00 per night, for a total of approximately 600.00 after taxes, etc. This room may be shared by up to four individuals. Sharing the room is one of the easiest ways to enjoy all that the Hilton and Alchemeyez have to offer for the least cost. The link to book rooms directly online is on the home page. Just click on the words “Click Here to Book Rooms at the Hilton” and you will be redirected to this online resource. If you want to share the link to this Hilton web based Alchemeyez room block, the URL is as follows:
http://www.hilton.com/en/hi/groups/personalized/K/KOAHWHH-AVA-20110513/index.jhtml?WT.mc_id=POG
If you do not want to book online, you may call the Resort directly at (808) 886-1234 and ask for Reservations. Because they use a centralized reservation system for all Hawai’i bookings, you will have to tell the operator that you are purchasing a room as an ‘Alchemeyez attendee which is an Event at the Hilton Waikoloa.’ You will be asked for an Event Code. The Event Code for Alchemeyez is AVA! PLEASE ALWAYS MAKE SURE AND TELL ANY OPERATOR THE EVENT CODE AND REFERENCE OUR EVENT SO THAT WE RECEIVE CREDIT ON OUR CONTRACT FOR YOUR PURCHASE. Mahalo Nui!
Q. IS THERE GROUND TRANSPORTATION AVAILABLE FROM THE AIRPORT TO THE HOTEL?
A.) There is Ground Transportation available from the Kona Airport to the Hilton. Speedi-shuttle and Roberts Hawaii both offer shuttle service to the major Gold Coast Resorts. You may expect a shuttle charge for using this service. At this time, we are looking into offering a revolving bus service from the airport to the hotel for a minimized fee, but details are still being developed. There are rental cars available as well, however since the Hilton is an all-inclusive destination, you may find yourself under-utilizing this option . Only rent a car if you plan on e xploring more of the Island after the Event. Of course, you could always put on your favorite rainbow wig or costume and thumb it with pretty good luck. Hitchhiking is a fairly safe (we didn’t “officially” sanction this choice, thumbs out at your own risk) option here, and the highway is a short hike (approx ¾ mile) from your arrival gate. Again, the best option is to share a car rental with friends, take the shuttle services (which drop off directly at the Resort entrance) or check back here for more information about details regarding an Alchemeyez bus.
Q. IS THERE NEARBY CAMPING AVAILABLE?
A.) Unfortunately, the camping options on the Big Island are not the best. The Big Island is very large (as islands go) and the distances between towns and resources are accessible only by car or bus. The environment off the coast along this stretch of the Island is harsh, high desert and is not recommended for renegade camping. There are a very few camp spots available at some nearby beach parks, but the rules and availability for their use can be quite strict. Often, they are booked many months in advance. There are no large campgrounds or other public areas. Persons with vehicles that allow sleeping (such as vans or RV’s) may find grace with locals and in certain areas, but specific recommendations are not available. There are (slightly) cheaper lodging options available in Kailua-Kona, such as cut-rate hotels (still 99.00-149.00 a night) or even the Hostel, but their location is a good 30 minute commute from the Hotel, without traffic, and much worse if you hit a commuter stream. The very best option for enjoying Alchemeyez is to book a room online and share the cost with friends. You will be awesomely comfortable in a luxurious setting, and if you split the booking cost four ways, you can enjoy one of the Island’s premier destination vacation Resorts for the entire weekend for way less than a single night usually costs! 600.00 split four ways is 150.00 apiece, the rooms are way awesome, and the usual rate to stay at this Hotel is usually 239.00 a night and up. All rooms come with a pool pass, and you enjoy your private bathroom (i.e. dressing room, etc.) as well as all the hotel amenities, such as maid, room service, breezy balcony, etc. CAMPING SPOTS ARE FEW AND FAR BETWEEN ON THE BIG ISLAND IN ANY CASE, AND ARE NOT THE BEST OPTION TO ENJOY ALCHEMEYEZ! (ACTUALLY, IF YOU BRING A BLOW UP MATTRESS, A TENT, AND YOUR IRON CLAD WILL, AND DONT MIND SLEEPING ON THE SURFACE OF THE MOON, YOU MAY BE ABLE TO RENEGADE IT IN A LAVA TUBE OR DEEP PUKA WITHOUT ATTRACTING ATTENTION, BUT DON'T USE A LANTERN OR LIGHT ANY FIRES! THIS IS A JOKE. RENT A ROOM! TRUST US!)
Q. IS THE HILTON GONNA LET US CELEBRATE ALL NIGHT FOR REAL?
A.) Yes, Yes, Yes! The Hilton has partnered with Alchemeyez to provide our Organization with a beautiful and accommodating location for this year and continuing years. They have been very helpful in designating use areas and allowances to create a ‘dream festival experience’ for our Buyers. This is basically how it works:
There will be a Lagoon Stage directly on the inbound beach area of the Hilton Lagoon, which will feature groovy beats all day long from 10am-10pm. It doesn’t start earlier because we like quiet mornings, and feel that the surf and wind and beautiful birdsong are all a part of the ideal Alchemeyez experience. This large Lagoon is equipped with a rental area where Buyers can rent kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, pedal boats, snorkel gear, and a variety of other water toys to enjoy the Lagoon. There is also a Lagoon Grill with a full compliment of cocktails and delicious food. The music outside continues into the warm tropical evening, well after dark, and we will have a beautiful lighting display and illuminated interactive environments and fire-shows after dark. The music ends outside at ten o’clock to respect the local sound ordinance, and to not too deeply shock the ‘non Alchemeyez hotel guest’…While this music is going throughout the day, a full schedule of symposiums and talks and movie screenings will be taking place inside the posh Main Gallery in the Grand Ballroom. The Music outside at the Lagoon is not going to be performed by our most popular Headliners, so as not to create conflict between the Speakers and Presenters and the Headlining Musicians.
But buckle your seatbelts and get ready to whomp it up, because at ten p.m., the musical celebration will continue ALL NIGHT LONG in two indoor Ballrooms, at the Main Stage in the Gallery accompanying the Visionary Art displays, and in an adjacent smaller Ballroom which will also feature beautiful deco and Art. These indoor areas have no restriction on volume or music type because they are located away from room areas and behind large doors in expansive spaces. We are contracted with the hotel to offer this Music until 6am. We are ending music at that hour to allow for a recharge by both our Attendees and Production Staff, who will need to clean, re-orient and prepare for continuing celebration throughout the weekend!
Q. WHERE CAN I VIEW AN EXACT SCHEDULE OF DJ’S AND SPEAKERS?
A.) An exact and detailed schedule of all the Musical Acts and Speakers will be posted online and shared widely through our Social Media platforms in the coming days. It is still being finalized and prepared. This schedule will also be on display in the Main Gallery at our Information Booth on large vinyl banners. In an attempt to mitigate waste and be a little greener, we have decided to present a paperless experience this year. There will not be a paper program, but the information will be online, on Facebook, and at www.alchemeyez.com with at least a month of notice, and displayed prominently onsite. Changes that may arise to this schedule will be announced by Production Staff throughout the weekend as they arise.
Q. IS IT STILL POSSIBLE TO RENT A VENDING SPACE? WHO DO I TALK TO?
A.) There are Vending Opportunities still available for Alchemeyez! We are putting the Vendor Market together this year for an amazing deal! Obviously, Vendors are a beautiful addition to our Vision, and offer our Attendees a bunch of awesome gear and wearable art to take home as momentos. The published deal for Vending at Alchemeyez right now is available for a total fee of 750.00. This price includes a hotel room (to secure belongings and merchandise) and allows the entrance of two individuals (Main Vendor and Helper) to both the entire show and the lu’au. We are offering this package for the basic cost of the accommodations for two reasons. We do not want to make money from other artisans, instead providing them with an opportunity to energize their small businesses and create more dynamic, art based income. The rate, which covers their room rental and lu’au, is a distinct help to Alchemeyez in two w ays. It reduces our liability on our Contract to the Hotel by generating a room booking and lu’au purchase, and also beautifies our Space with various artforms and fashions, which makes a more awesome experience for the general public.
Our Vendor Coordinator is Ardas Alena Wright, and she may be contacted at that name on Facebook or by emailing her by going to the Contact Page and selecting the option to email Vending. She has all the details regarding availability and payment methods. Please submit requests to her directly for the best response. Mahalo!
Q. ARE THERE ANY VOLUNTEER POSITIONS LEFT?
A.) There are fewer Volunteer positions this year at Alchemeyez, primarily because the use of the hotel covers such needs as security, parking, etc. There are a very few construction positions available, but these have been 90% filled, and the remaining positions are already being interviewed for. There may be a few positions that open up in the coming days for SERIOUS INQUIRIES ONLY for Information Booth Angels or for Ticketing and Gate Workers, but these will be given almost exclusively to on-Island workers who have already expressed interest. The only other positions that may open up are for Decoration Crew, and the easiest way to be aware of these opportunities is to check the Facebook Page of our Executive Producer and Founder, Rio Gordon. He will make appropriate announcements as needs arise and these will be re-announced and indicated virally at our Fan Pages and Social Media platforms by our PR department. If you live on the Big Island, and absolutely need to make application or inquire about an opening, you may also message Sky Doherty, our Volunteer Coordinator, who goes by Sky Makai on Facebook, and he will make note and direct your inquiry. You may also email him by navigating to the Contact Page, and selecting the option to email Volunteering.
Q. HOW ARE MUSICIANS AND ARTISTS CHOSEN? IS IT AN OPEN APPLICATION PROCESS? I REALLY FEEL CALLED TO BE IN THE SHOW. HOW DO I MAKE THIS HAPPEN, ETC.
A.) The Gallery and Stages at Alchemeyez and the Talent chosen to produce the Show are at the personal discretion of our Executive Producer and Founder, Rio Gordon. The Art shown at Alchemeyez is of the very highest caliber, and represents Artists who have a long established history of public showings and publications. The only exception to this is for the two or three new positions in the line-up added each year, for emerging new Visionaries, at his sole discretion. For the most part, the Artists and Musicians of Alchemeyez are close friends of Rio. The very best way to get into the Alchemeyez Gallery, is, quite frankly, by wowing Rio with your work, and developing a communication or friendship with him. Rio had the unfortunate job of regretfully turning down more than 200 inquiries by Artists and Musicians for this years Production. This is not his favorite job. Rio has developed relationships with many new artists, and if you are selected to display or perform at Alchemeyez, you will be invited by him directly in writing. Alchemeyez is not a public Gallery or open juried show. Please don’t be discouraged by this. Prepare your best work and cross your fingers.
Q. IS THE KAMA’AINA DISCOUNT AVAILABLE TO ALL HAWAI’I RESIDENTS OR ONLY TO THOSE ON THE BIG ISLAND?
A.) The Kama’aina discount advertised on the website at www.alchemeyez.com and at eventbrite.com is only available to Big Island residents. This is a special discounted program which allows for greater on-Island participation. It may be more appropriately described as a Big Island discount since any local Island resident may be referred to as kama’aina (literally child of the land). The ID of each of these buyers will be verified at the Gate and our Gate staff are aware of off-Island addresses or townships. Please do not buy this pass online if you are not a Big Island resident as it may not be honored at the Gate, and you may be asked to pay the difference. The discount is only 75.00 per ticket, but represents a huge favor to our Big Island neighbors and friends. Thank you for your support of our Vision and your appropriate purchase! If you are a Big Island resident, CLICK HERE TO BE NAVIGATED BACK TO OUR PURCHASE PAGE and purchase your kama'aina ticket.
Q.) WHAT IF I DON’T SEE MY QUESTION ANSWERED HERE?
A.) If you still need an answer to a specific question, you may direct an inquiry to the Founder by going to our Contact Us page and selecting the option to email the founder directly and we will update this FAQ as needed! You may also receive an answer directly, if time allows. Mahalo for your interest in Alchemeyez. We look forward to seeing you in May!
