Marriott Resorts Hawaii is celebrating Hawaii’s 50th anniversary of statehood with a “Tweet Yourself to Hawaii” online campaign.

The campaign will award free trips to Hawaii aboard Hawaiian Airlines with stays at Marriott hotels in Hawaii:

• 25 all-expense paid trips for two to a designated Marriott resort on Kauai, Oahu, Maui, or Hawaii’s Big Island by submitting a Twitter handle, Facebook connection or email address;

• A Hawaii “tweetup” (meet-up for Twitterers) for one winner and 11 of his/her friends or family members by submitting a video describing why he/she loves Hawaii.

The contest web site is www.marriotthawaiitweets.com.

“Social media is an incredibly powerful communications tool,” said Ed Hubennette, vice president for North Asia, Hawaiçi, and South Pacific, Marriott International.

“We believe that people will care enough about these fabulous free trips to Hawaiçi to share the news with their friends through Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, message boards, websites and blogs, and that the campaign will take on a life of its own and reach tens of thousands of people.”

The campaign is the result of a collaborative effort between Marriott, Hawaiçi Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB), Hawaiian Airlines and Hertz.

“With social networks building at incredible speeds, this campaign has the potential to spread very quickly,” said John Monahan, President and CEO of the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB). The Bureau is participating in this campaign as well promoting it at its Los Angeles city blitz in September.

The contest is being launched nationally this week in New York City, where Maui Chef Beverly Gannon is appearing on national television shows and Hubennette will be hosting a private party for movers and shakers on Statehood Day at The Ritz-Carlton, Battery Park.

In September, a “tweetup” is being organized in Los Angeles as part of the scheduled HVCB month-long area blitz. Locally, Marriott Resorts Hawaii will introduce the contest to the Hawaii social media community with a Waikiki “tweetup” Aug. 18 at Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa.

“It’s an exciting program and we’re pleased to be part of it,” said Glenn Taniguchi, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Hawaiian Airlines. “The free trips are a fun incentive that will bring new visitors to our website and increase brand awareness.”

People can enter both contests by visiting www.marriotthawaiitweets.com.

How does it work?

For the 25 trips for two to Hawaii, visit www.marriotthawaiitweets.com and enter an email address, Twitter handle or Facebook connection. Announcements of all winners will be made over Twitter from @MarriottHawaii and on Marriott Resorts Hawaii’s Facebook page. Contest rules, terms and conditions are posted on www.marriotthawaiitweets.com.

25 winners will be randomly selected for a trip for two over an eight-week period. The first winner will be drawn 9 a.m., Aug. 28. Drawings will be made every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, ending on Oct. 21.

The winners will receive round-trips for two from any Hawaiian Airlines U.S. West Coast gateway city and a five-night stay at a designated Marriott resort in Hawaii, along with a Hertz rental car, dining credit and access to island activities and attractions. During their trips, the winners will be encouraged to “tweet” and blog about their Hawaiian vacation.

Marriott Resorts Hawaii is also awarding a prize of a tweetup for 12 people in Hawaii. This contest requires people to submit a video describing why they love Hawaii. “We are asking people to tell us ‘Why You Love Hawaii,’” said Hubennette. “In your submission, tell us why you deserve this amazing trip and why the public should vote for your video to win.”

Entrants submit their YouTube video link to www.marriotthawaiitweets.com by Dec. 20. Upon review, Marriott Resorts Hawaii will post them on the contest web site.

In January 2010, a select number of the best fan videos will be posted for public judging, with the highest vote-getter winning the free Hawaiian tweetup for them and 11 friends/family members.

The group will enjoy seven nights at up to two participating Marriott resorts in Hawaii of their choice with round-trip airfare courtesy of Hawaiian Airlines.

Anticipating high interest and participation, Marriott Resorts Hawaii has designated two full-time associates to the contests. (The contests are not approved, sponsored or endorsed by Twitter, Inc., Facebook or YouTube.)

For reservations, please visit marriott.com, or toll free within the U.S. and Canada at
1-800-228-9290, or your nearest Marriott Worldwide reservations office in your country.