Hawaii Visitor News

Maui Standup Paddling – 4th Annual Olukai SUP Race

tr — Wed, 16 May 2012 06:27:47 +0000

Almost 300 stand-up-paddlers headed to Maliko Gulch in Haiku Saturday for the 4th Annual OluKai Ho’olaule’a, Maui’s most popular downwind SUP races. Attendance has nearly tripled since the first OluKai event.

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Hosted by California’s OluKai Footwear, this SUP race is unique on Maui because the $15,000 prize money is awarded equally to winners to both men and women in the elite division.

After a noon opening blessing on the beach, hundreds of yellow-shirted paddlers headed out of the bay and paddled west past north shore beach spots for the 8-mile downwind run to Kanaha Beach Park.

Turning in toward the park, paddlers made one last 300-yard sprint on the beach to the finish line near the Canoe Club Hale.

After a feast of local grinds and drinks, all were treated to Hawaiian entertainment from Lae’ula O Kai Canoe Club director Sharon Balidoy’s halau, and prize giveaways ceremony.

The Winners

Before announcing the winners, OluKai presented donations from their generous Ohana Giveback Program to beneficiaries Paia Youth & Cultural, Lae’ula O Kai Canoe Club, Maui Cultural Lands, and the Hawaiin Lifeguard Association, which received $20,000 toward their junior training programs.

The party continued into the early evening with more live Hawaiian entertainment, including a rousing performance from Ekolu Kalama, a world champion stand-up-paddler and popular recording artist from Molokai.

Men’s Elite SUP Top 5

Connor Baxter (Maui) 47 minutes, 28 seconds
Travis Grant (Australia) 48 minutes, 28 seconds
Danny Ching (Hawaii) 48 minutes, 39 seconds
Dave Kalama (Maui) – 48 minutes, 46 seconds
Jamie Mitchell (Australia) – 48 minutes, 58 seconds

Women’s Elite SUP Top 5

Andrea Moller (Haiku) – 56 minutes, 45 seconds
Talia Gangini, Haiku 58 minutes, 6 seconds
Devin Blish, Makawao 58 minutes, 31 seconds
Terrene Black, Australia – 1 hour
Jenny Kalbach, Honolulu – 1hour, 1 minute and 1 second

Maui Snorkeling – Maui’s Unique Olowalu Reef

tr — Sun, 13 May 2012 01:01:26 +0000

Hawaiian Green Sea Tutrtle

The best place to snorkel from the shore on Maui is being threatened by “Olowalu Town,” a 1,500-home development plotted by two development groups. If they succeed in obtaining state and county permits, it will likely destroy the delicate reef at mile marker 14, midway between Maalaea Harbor and Lahaina Town.

The propsoed development is to be built upslope from the only healthy reef left on Maui’s leeward side, a popular spot for snorkelers, scuba divers and Olowalu kayak tours. Shoreline development has already destroyed 25 to 90 percent of Maui corals at Kihei, Maalaea and West Maui due to the effects from sediment and terrestrial runoff, especially during construction.

On April 23, 2012, the public comment period officially closed for the 1,000-plus page Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS), which is currently under consideration by the state Land Use Commission (LUC).

Olowalu Reef

Rushed and under-funded, the DEIS stated the development “will not have any significant negative effects” on this reef. It also found a total of 12 species of corals, but marine invertebrate biologist, Cory Pittman, who has studied the Olowalu reef for the past 34 years, has recorded 24 species of corals, many of them unique to this reef.

The Statement mentions “numerous small black-tip reef sharks” but doesn’t say that this area has been a nursery area for them for decades, one of the few in the entire state. Pregnant females know to come specifically to this area generation after generation to give birth due to its calm, shallow, protected water.

On April 21, Pauline Fiene, a diver and biologist with over 8,000 dives in Maui waters since 1987, submitted a 3-page comment on the Olowalu DEIS to the LUC staff, which eloquently describes the dangers Olowalu Town poses to the delicate coral reef. “There is simply no compelling reason for a major development here. It doesn’t even fit most of the criteria for urban designation, being that it is so isolated from services and other developments,” she stated.

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Hawaii Tours and Activities – Best of Hawaii

tr — Wed, 09 May 2012 04:26:11 +0000

Filmmakers Quincy Dein and Dean Christener had a very rough summer last year. Their assignment for client HawaiiActive.com was traveling to the major Hawaiian Islands and documenting their adventures while participating in a variety of commercial activities and tours.

Dein and Dean produced two dozen videos of their Hawaiian summer frolics. Then they created a montage from all, displaying the best of their summer experiences, from the rugged, volcanic heights to the lush, submarine depths of these tropical islands. With spectacular images and an exciting soundtrack, you will see in just 3 minutes why your next vacation should be spent enjoying Hawaii.

HawaiiActive.com offers more than 300 exciting things to do on Oahu, Maui, Kauai and the Big Island of Hawaii. From zip-lining high above Kauai’s tropical rainforest canopy, to plunging deep into the tropical Pacific off the Big Island for a swim with wild dolphins; from biking down a volcano and ATV riding on Maui’s Mt. Haleakala, to parasailing and jet skiing off of Waikiki Beach on Oahu, you won’t find a more fun and exciting way to enjoy your next vacation.

And of course, this short video let’s you experience a romantic, sunset cruise from all four of the Hawiian islands, the perfect way to end an active, exciting day in paradise.

See all of Dein and Dean’s Hawaii videos >

Kauai Zip-Line at Princeville Ranch

tr — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 23:28:53 +0000

by Dean Christener

Kauai Zip-Line at Princeville Ranch is one of the most exciting adventures I’ve yet experienced yet here in Hawaii. Zip lines here have become more and more popular over the last five years, and after experiencing one, there’s no question why people rave about them.

Princeville is located on Kauai’s north shore, and is one of the most beautiful areas on Kauai and in Hawaii overall. It is an area that’s more green and dense with plant life than anywhere on Kauai, thus also making it a little more wet getting lots of sprinkled rain showers. However this adds to the pristine feel that you get when you are there.

Having never experienced a Hawaii zip line, I did not really know what to expect, but riding in our 6-wheeled, off-road vehicle to Princeville Ranch where all the zip lines were, it started to dawn on me while wearing my harness and helmet. A good way to prepare for this activity is to wear close-toed shoes, and a rain jacket, in case you encounter a few sprinkles here and there.

The tour guides are very knowledgeable about the ranch, gave us lots of information on the landscape, and of course the zip lines themselves. The first one we got to was a small one, only a 174 feet long. Nevertheless, everyone looked a bit nervous. The guides give very specific instruction on what to and not to do, however it was nothing complicated which will set you at ease before hand.

Securing the belt buckles to the wire cable stretching across the gulch, I was looking over the edge when all of the sudden the nervousness actually hit me. At that point though there was no looking back, especially with the rest of the tour waiting on me. Taking a leap of faith I jumped, and off I was. Not having much control, I came into the landing backwards, but the tour guide caught me. After that, all I wanted was to go again and all the nervousness had turned to excitement.

Over the next couple hours, the guides led us through many more different zipline courses, each higher off the ground and longer in length, making the run more and more exciting. We came to one part as well changing it up a bit, it was a one of those bridges with wide gaps between the footing, and very wobbly.

To our comfort there were wire cables on either side, but the goal would be to cross without holding onto the cables. I cannot describe how difficult it was but in a fun way! Moving along further through the Zip-Line course, we got to our lunch destination, which was located at a water hole where everyone could take a dip in a cool refreshing pool, then eat some food provided by the tour guides.

The finale, stretching 1200 feet across a gulch, went by the name of King Kong. The unique thing about this one was that you were able to actually go two at a time, which made it much more enjoyable because you could race each other, or even hold hands for a part of it. That is all that will be said however, because it is a ride not to be spoiled that you must check out on your own to experience the feeling of it!

The ziplines at Princeville Zip Line Adventure were such a rush, that all in all it was truly an awesome experience filled with so much fun! It’ss an activity that everyone needs to try, to feel the rush and thrill of a ride that is simply indescribable.

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Kauai Sunset Dinner Cruise

tr — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 02:51:12 +0000

by Dean Christener

Kauai Sunset Dinner Cruise along Na Pali Coast - Kauai has the most beautiful scenic views in all of Hawaii many would say. Kauai is filled with lush rain forests, towering sea cliffs, and dozens of beautiful golden beaches. It is Kauai’s breathtaking landscapes and seascapes that keep visitors coming back and singing the praises of the “Garden Isle.”

Kauai Dinner Cruise by Capt. Andy’s is without a doubt into one of these memorable experiences with some of the most beautiful yet diverse terrains of sightseeing in all of Hawaii. None other than Captain Andy’s puts on this amazing Sunset dinner cruise, offering also one of the best rafting activities along the Na Pali Coast that is a must do.

When booking their Capt Andy’s Kauai Dinner Cruise as well as the rafting one, book it more in the middle of your vacation so you can make sure to call in advance and ask about the conditions and how the conditions have been because to really enjoy these activities you want calm waters with not too much swell or wind.

Captain Andy’s vessel of choice for this fine dinning activity along the Na Pali Coast is one of the nicest catamarans that I have been on. Having experienced many sunset cruises all over Hawaii in various vessels, this one was by far the best. Only the finest woods used and easily distinguished even for some one like me who normally doesn’t pay attention to detail like that, lounging areas all over the boat, actual dinning tables for everyone to enjoy their cocktails, and of course the best dinner I think I have ever had on a boat.

The cocktails that were offered consisted of a wide range of mixed drinks including Mai Tai’s, lava flows, champagne and more. The dinner, as mentioned above, was unlike any, top grade filet mignon cooked to your personal preference, with barbequed shrimp, and complimented with fine cut vegetables. Above all, while we were on the boat sight seeing, the kitchen was located some what in the middle of the boat, so you were able to watch the cook right there prepare your meals, literally from the start of him cutting all the meat, dicing vegetables, etc.

But this accounted for only a portion of this beyond-supreme sunset dinner cruise. The scenery that could be seen on this activity was second to none. The Napali Coast being so well recognized for its breathtaking sea cliffs, the second tallest in Hawaii, reaching heights of 4,000 feet were incredible.

Departing from Port Allen, the main harbor on Kauai’s west-facing shores, Andy’s Sunset Dinner Cruise takes you all the way to the wild north-facing shores of Kauai. Covering such a large distance, one is able to see how much variety of landscape Kauai offers, such as the longest beach in Hawaii — Polihale — extending 15 miles down the coast, or the large sea caves carved into the walls of vertical sea cliffs, and the enormous surf that explodes along these coastlines in the winter. Many of the landscapes and seascapes here are familiar from famous movies such as King Kong, Pirates of the Caribbean, 6 days 7 nights, and many more.

Kauai’ Sunset Dinner Cruise with Captain Andy’s really gives you everything that you could want when taking a sunset cruise. When putting the breathtaking scenery together with the catamaran’s luxurious features and its compliments, there is no better feeling except pure bliss. This is especially recognizable when the cruise comes to an end, and you are able sail through a sunset that is just beyond gorgeous, lighting up the sky with beautiful iridescent colors. And though this tour is 4 hours long, the time seems to just fly by as one can indulge on the pristine scenery as well from what is offered.

I highly recommend the activity to anyone looking for a romantic sunset cruise in one of Hawaii’s most spectacular natural settings. I promise you will not be disappointed!

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Kauai Luaus – Smith’s Tropical Luau

tr — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 23:11:31 +0000

by Dean Christener

Kauai Luaus – Smith’s Tropical Garden Luau - Luaus are a popular activity here in Hawaii that all visitors should experience, because they really give one a greater idea about the Hawaiian culture, broken down in a simplistic theatrical form that is easy to digest and enjoy.

Here on the island of Smith’s Tropical Kauai Luau has been a popular activity for many of the visitors who come to Hawaii. From rumor, Smith’s Luau has always hit the spot when it came to describe the Hawaiian culture, while combining it with a variety of Hula dances and festivities that resemble the culture yet still sticking to a traditional Hawaiian luau feel.

Smith’s Luau is a unique show compared to other Kauai luaus due to the amazing property it is set on. The luau actually takes place in Wailua, a secret hideaway for the Ali’i, also known as the royal or high-class people of Hawaii.

Entering the lush park where the Kauai luau occurs, you can see beautiful landscapes throughout, filled with ponds, native birds, as well as gorgeous plant life. I arrived early, and since the luau would not start for an hour, it gave me a chance to walk through the park and take in its beauty.

This is possible on your own, or if your prefer there were also little buses that take you around on a guided tour so you won’t miss anything important. I preferred walking around on my own giving myself time to see things a little longer. It is your personal preference.

It’s easy to get carried away with the sightseeing, but stay alert, because when the clock hits five, the vibrant song of a conch shell can be heard, and that’s the cue that the Hawaiian Luau festivities are about to begin. For a start, the owner of Smith’s Luau shares warm words about the location and its origins, as well a brief history of why Luaus were significant in the Hawaiian culture.

A luau is actually a gathering where people can enjoy themselves, eat, and reminisce amongst each other. This could not have been illustrated better than by the Imu Ceremony, when the Kalua pig is dug out from the earthen oven.

Kalua pig is a very popular food in Hawaii. Its preparation involves the pig being roasted for many hours in an underground oven called an Imu, resulting in extremely moist meat that falls right off the bone. It’s definitely a traditional treat that everyone needs to try.

The food was beyond exceptional, and they offered a vast variety of the traditional Hawaiian foods such as the kalua pork, sweet potato and yams, poi (the traditional staple made from the Taro plant), and Haupia, a delicious desert made from coconut.

Of course the menu also consisted of other dishes besides traditional Hawaiian food, and there were many drinks provided as well. The festivities were hit up to a great start with even a brief teaser of some Hula dancing too what would be shown next, and would be the main event of the Hawaiian luau.

The main event is what makes this such a popular activity, and what gives Smith’s Luau an edge over other Kauai luaus. It takes place, in a large semi-circular outside theater only a short walk away from where we feasted.

The show started very quickly as the lights were dimmed and from the center the light could be seen from an artificial volcano where the Hawaiian fire goddess, Pele, presented herself. She gave the introduction to the many dances that would be performed, and ended on a high note that left everybody excited and ready for more.

Many dances were performed, sharing different cultures from Hawaii such as the Hawaiians themselves, but also other influences such as the Chinese, Filipino, and Korean dances. There were those dances also from other island cultures like Polynesia, of which the fire dance stood out the most to myself.

All the dances were done so well, especially with the amazing setting that was provided as far as lighting and the phenomenal live music that went along with the show.

The show went on for almost an hour, and from the looks on people’s faces, it left nobody disappointed. All in all, the activity hit almost every point that I could have thought of, as well gave me a whole new perspective on how important these luaus are, because they really reflect the culture in a way that everyone can easily understand it, yet take so much away from it back home.

I would well recommend Smith’s Tropical Garden Luau Kauai to everyone, as it is an activity that leaves everyone full, well minded and educated about the Hawaiian culture.

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Kauai Rafting & Snorkel Trip

tr — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 22:17:07 +0000

by Dean Christener

If you want to have the activity of your life, that will impact you by the scenic experience, then Kauai Rafting & Snorkel Tour along the Napali Coast is the one! I have honestly never seen such breath-taking scenery as the Napali coast — its jagged mountains, long golden beaches, and ever changing landscape.

Our captain got us off to a very enthusiastic start, as he was cracking jokes, while getting us prepared for the epic adventure that was ahead of us. Our small Zodiac, that would hold only eight of us, awaited us in the harbor.

This definitely had its advantages, because we were able to cruise much faster and in the shallow waters, and it was a long way to our destination. It also allowed us to get just a feet away from the shore line beaches to see beaches up close and literally blast through sea caves.

It didn’t take long for everyone to be boarded and on our way. The captain and his first mate did not waste any time as we hit the coast full speed. There was a little bit of swell that day too, and being that it may, the entire coastline up were perfect little sandbars, that for a surfer made it very tempting to not want to jump in with a board.

As we headed up the coast our captain told us that this beach was the longest beach in Hawaii, and actually longer than if you put every beach from the entire islands together. It stretched as long as fifteen miles and was called Polihale.

It was filled with towering sand dunes all up the coast, with no body on the beach. About halfway up, we reached a point that was owned all by the military, actually the last eight miles of it, until the beach receded to the infamous Na Pali Coast.

Anyway, this was the largest missile-testing zone in the US, and is completely cut off limits to the public. I know that when you hear this at first, it may sound like the place is not a place of beauty, but there you will be mistaken, as the scenery never ends and the military base is hardly an eye sore.

Going up, the water was so clear, almost like you were wearing polarized glasses and not able to miss a coral head beneath. On the way up we also encountered a small pod of dolphins, which we were able to get close enough, where we could practically touch them with our hands.

It was like the marine life never ended here, as quoted by our captain for the next segment of the ride up, “its like playing Mario kart, but instead not hitting the turtles because there are so many of them bobbing right beneath the surface.”

Coming up the coast, we started coming onto what they call the Kalalau trail, which was the way you could hike the Napali coast. This is one of the most difficult yet rewarding hikes in the State of Hawaii. As we drove up the coast, you could really tell how much the valleys changed, and how each was a little different from another.

What really took my breath away, and what makes the Kauai Rafting with Captain Andy’s so unique is that you are able to go into the sea caves. We literally would fly full speed through these sea caves, getting showered on by waterfalls within them.

While going through these sea caves, the captain would give us extensive information on them and the formation of how they came to be. They were pretty amazing to be within, especially when a swell would flush through it. We covered several caves along the coast, and finally made it to the famous Kalalau beach, the final destination of the Kalalau hike.

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Kauai Fern Grotto River Boat Tour

tr — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 04:50:55 +0000

by Dean Christener

Kauai Fern Grotto River Boat Tour - I really had no clue what it was or where it would take us. It didn’t take long however, till I came upon the east side of the island of Kauai, where the district of Wailua is located.

The area where Smith’s Fern Grotto takes place can immediately be taken as a significant region in Wailua as the landscape was very unique, covered in thick over-brush, with a wide river leading up into the valley.

The boat we took up into the valley had a large Smith’s tour logo on the side of it, making it easy and distinct to spot. The boats we used on the tour were very big, and I guess for the inexpensive price you pay for this activity, I could not blame nor second-guess why this activity had so many people on our boat. It did not affect me however at all, as the tour made sure everyone had a great seat to partake in the beauty, going up the valley and taking in Kauai’s beautiful sightseeing.

We had a very knowledgeable tour guide take us on our ascent into the valley, describing different zones along the river that were used by the Hawaiians. According to the guide, this was a place that was very significant because it was a dwelling ground for the Ali’i and Kings in the Hawaiian tribes. Ali’i is the term for royalty, and that is exactly what and who partook in this area.

I cannot exactly remember all the native plants that our guide pointed out for us, however I guarantee you will not be disappointed on how many unique Hawaiian flora you will encounter. As our tour pushed deeper in to this dense valley we came into an area where the river split, or one could say where it connected if you were coming down from the valley. From what the tour guide told us, this was actually how Wailua got its name, “where things connect, or meet.”

After going upstream for almost two miles, a small dock with guides waiting for us could be seen. We were shortly informed after that we would be taken up into the valley, a short ways which was all on a paved path and easy to walk on, to the main attraction of the activity, the Kauai Fern Grotto. Along the way there were restroom facilities that also gave the opportunity to take a rest.

The fern grotto itself was an amazing thing to see, ferns hanging hundreds of feet down, leading into a large cavern. Unfortunately, visitors are no longer allowed to go into the grotto anymore due to a massive landslide that took place in 2006.

However, it is still a cool site, and our guides who we only found out after were great entertainers as well. They played beautiful Hawaiian melodies complimented by an awesome hula performance. After about a half an hour we started to make our way back to the dock where the boat was waiting for us.

The return did not take long from where we started, but we were not disappointed as our crew sang songs and danced the beautiful Hawaiian hula all the way back. Toward the end, people started trying to dance the hula as well — a pretty entertaining and a fun sight to see.

The Activity was great and simple, and was much more than I had honestly expected. I learned a lot about the Hawaiian culture, and was able to get some great sightseeing from royal land that had provided to thousands of people in the past.

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Maui Sunset Cruise – Sunset Sailing with Alii Nui

tr — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 00:02:58 +0000

by Dean Christener

Maui Sunset Cruise - Trade winds blew through my hair, as the salt spray could be smelled in the moist air. We had just arrived at Maalaea harbor on the south-facing shores of Maui, where we would attend Sunset Sailing with Alii Nui.

Alii Nui was very noticeable in the harbor standing out as one of the biggest, distinguishable by its name, as Alii in Hawaiian means royalty, and Nui means great or supreme, and in whole can be translated as the highest rulers of the Hawaiian Islands.

The Alii Nui is a very new catamaran too, as they had just sailed it from Oregon two years prior to Hawaii, where it is used on a daily basis for sunset cruises, snorkeling trips, and whale watches in the wintertime.

The check-in for the Maui Catamaran Sunset Sail with Alii Nui took place shortly after 5:00pm, and soon we set a course into the windy shores off of Maui. Veering west of Maui, the crew was able to slowly hoist the mainsail in the shelter of Maui’s sea cliffs, commonly referred to as the Pali.

There we enjoyed the smooth, pristine blue waters, and sailed steadily into the sunset. I must say the Alii Nui was probably the smoothest of all the sailing boats I had been on in the past, as it cut through the waters without even much of a bump on board the vessel.

The crew on the Maui sunset sail was very lively and excited to be with us, which made our experience all the better, fun and very enjoyable. They went over their standard procedure in the beginning, covering the safety, which was very straightforward, and shortly after we were offered a selection of drinks at the open bar.

The setting could not have been complemented well with the drinks and the beautiful sunset that we were sailing into. The people on board were all fairly on the younger side, yet I should say there was still diversity on the boat, making it very easy to talk with all sorts of people. Time flew very quickly as I would find myself mesmerized by the beautiful shades coming off of the sunset.

Talking and meeting many interesting people from all over, we were called below the deck for an amazing food preparation, that consisted of fried potatoes, vegetables and dip, the most delicious ribs, shrimp with dip, and many other great foods. I have to say I was so taken by how good the ribs tasted that I had seconds and maybe even thirds if I recall. The food I could tell set well with everyone, as everyone cast off smiles, and compliments toward the crew for their great food preparation.

As people started to fill up on the food, you would see them come back for more drinks such as champagne, to enjoy the evening’s last light. We were now slowly heading back to the Maalaea Harbor with the wind at our backs.

Coming around the sea cliffs of the Maui Pali, where we saw the speckled dots of light in harbor. The cruise had gone by so fast, that I felt like I was not ready to get off the boat yet, even though two hours flew by like nothing.

It was a great cruise neither the less upon the Alii Nui, as I was able to really enjoy myself to the fullest. I would recommend this activity to anyone who is visiting on the island of Maui, or even lives here, as it is great to go on with friends or even just you and your partner and enjoy a romantic evening.

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Dolphin Swim Kona, Hawaii

tr — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 23:32:56 +0000

by Dean Christener

Dolphin Swim Kona, Hawaii is not something you hear about every day, much less have the opportunity to experience. But I was lucky enough to enjoy a tour on one of the best boats based on the Big Island’s on Kona Coast, that takes visitors to swim with wild dolphins every day of the year.

While a number of boats offer swimming with wild dolphins in Hawaii, most take large groups of people, which just doesn’t give you the personal experience I enjoyed with only three others on the boat, although Captain John Float told us he could take up to six.

It was a sunny, warm morning when we departed from Honokohau Harbor, Kona with captain John Float, one of the nicest and most knowledgeable guides in Kona. The Kona Coast is the leeward side of Hawaii’s Big Island. It is somewhat remote, with an abundance of lava fields, because the Big Island still has active volcanoes.

Captain Float told us on our way out that he had been swimming with Dolphins for over 30 years. He started when he was only 20, traveling all over the world seeking them out. Hawaii dolphins migrate in large pods of maybe 30, up and down the coast of Kona Coast, he explained.

So to start off our Big Island Dolphin tour we first headed North out of the Harbor, because that’s where dolphins normally are in the mornings, he said. Our boat ride was a bit bumpy, due to a large south swell that was currently hitting the south shores of Hawaii, but this made the adventure of finding the dolphins all the more exciting, because we were able to watch the surfers along the coast catching beautiful waves that crashed against the black lava rock shores.

Cruising offshore along the amazing Kona Coast really provides a good idea of how big the Big Island really is, especially when coming from a neighboring island like Maui, that is dwarfed by it. Heading up the coast beyond Kailua-Kona, we passed the famous NELHA marine research lab with its numerous conservation and research projects like Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm.

The lab is located just at the Big Island’s western-most point, where two of Hawaii’s biggest sea currents meet, creating rough waters that are plentiful with sea life. A lobster and tuna farm are also located offshore here, as well as facilities for bottling Hawaii Deep Seawater.

Not far up the coast from here, sure enough, just as John promised, we found the dolphins. There were so many more than I ever had expected to see! At one point that’s all I could see – dolphins playing, jumping, riding swells; it was so cool to watch!

I guess they were extra playful because of the south the swell that day, and as we rode the waves on our little boat, the dolphins surrounded us nearly close enough to touch over the sides – truly one of those feelings that you cannot describe, you just have to be there and experience it.

It amazed me how fast dolphins swim. As our boat was speeding down the face of a wave, the dolphins would stick to us every bit of the way, weaving in and out of each other through the pod. Shortly, John told us he was going to lead them to a shallow reef, where we could jump in and swim with them.

The excitement was overwhelming when we leaped overboard – there were dolphins everywhere I looked. Watching the dolphins swim below me, I did a couple deep dives to see how close I could get to them, and sure enough they were almost in reach of touching.

I was amazed at how close I was able to get to them, but even more amazed to hear how loud they sound underwater. Even with my head above water, I could hear their songs vividly. The adrenaline would be so intense at times that even when I was almost out of air I would just keep pushing myself to descend further so I could get closer to the pods.

I didn’t have to always dive deep to get close to them though; it just gave me more of a thrill. There were many times when a group would fly past from behind, and I would go from seeing just the deep shade of blue from the depths, to being engulfed by dolphins. Truly no better or comparable feeling!

Captain Float provided assistance when we were in the water, pointing us in the right direction to where the dolphins were, and if we needed to catch a breather aboard the boat, gave snacks and drink that he brought along. While taking breaks on the boat, all we could see were dolphins, and John would repeatedly be on the scene, getting ready to set us up for the next dive with them.

After about three and half hours, when we had done all the swimming we could, and gotten our fill of watching dolphins for a lifetime, we headed back toward the harbor, enjoying the scenic coast once again. This activity, like I had said before, is something that everyone needs to experience first-hand, because my attempts to describe it, does not do it justice. Between the scenery, the dolphins and John’s extensive knowledge of Hawaii, it was a great and unforgettable experience!

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