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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by Dean Christener

Maui Downhill Bike Ride Tour is a great adventure that I’ve been aware of my entire life living here on Maui. Growing up and driving up and down Haleakala (House of the Sun), our renowned Volcano that stands tall here on the island of Maui, I would always watch the many cyclists that participated in the Maui bike tours, speeding down the windy roads.

Haleakala, said to be less than a million years old, stands at over ten thousand feet, its highest point reaching 10,023 feet. Haleakala, although not quite as tall as its neighboring volcanoes on the Big Island – Manakea and Manaloa – would tower over even Mt. Everest if you were to measure it from the sea floor.

Haleakala is technically not an active or a dormant volcano, but an inactive one because it last erupted only about 200 years ago, in 1790. It exploded along the southwest rift zone forming the large lava deposits of the Ahihi Kina`u/La Perouse Bay area of South Maui, which today is  covered by sharp black lava rock, with not much plant life growing there.

Hearing the ring in my ears from my iPhone, I quickly went to turn off the alarm only to see that it was 2:30am, and I had to be in town by 3:00 to meet for my Haleakala sunrise bike tour. Although this is not the usual way of getting to the check-in point for Maui Downhill, as normally you get picked up right from your hotel half an hour earlier than this and are taken straight there.

Nevertheless, arriving in Kahului, the main town of Maui, even though we like to think of it as our little city, we were escorted by tour buses up to the Maui Haleakala National Park where we would initiate our bike tour. Having been up to the crater, as we refer to Haleakala, several times, I think many of the people underestimated how cold it is up there, as they must have thought, “hey this is Hawaii, how cold can it actually be!” from the looks of what they wore.

But when we finally pulled up to the very top, and people awoke to cold air chilling their skin, boy were they in for a surprise. Seeing already glimpses of deep reds and oranges on the horizon, I could tell this was going to be a beautiful sunrise. You could see people huddling together over the railing that overlooked the large crater of Haleakala that stretched seven and half miles long and two and half wide.

The wind chill was definitely a big factor, as it seemed I just could not get the warmth I was looking for, even though I came quite prepared with heavy layered clothing. When the sun finally started creeping above the horizon, you could hear the people next to you gasp in amazement, as their expressions were left in awe. Having seen this a few times already, the sight really never gets old as I still found myself standing there stunned by the magnificent colors that the sun spurred out across the cloud cover.

Looking down into the crater, you could see the sunlight find every dark crevice as it crept from the east end and up the cliffs to where we stood. Cameras were heard clicking numerously amongst the people, and then as the sun lifted itself over the clouds, people could be seen scurrying back to the vans in preparation of the activities.

We headed back to our tour van that had, Maui Downhill Bike Tours written on it, and were told to fasten up and get ready for the activity we had all come to partake in. Heading down the windy road again to the Haleakala National Park entranceway, which has been there since 1960, we were given our bikes that we would ride down Haleakala. The blood seemed to still be flowing after watching the Haleakala Volcano sunrise, because peoples’ faces were lit up and ready to kick off.

Helmets on, windbreakers zipped, we were off and riding on the smooth road that winded through along the north face of Haleakala. Taking little breaks here and there, the ride went by quick as we were flying down the highway that hugged the cliff side. Watching the cattle go by on either side of us with the wind finding holes in my helmet, I was overtaken by the thrill of the ride.

Riding steadily for about 30 minutes, our group found ourselves at a little store in the Town of upper Kula, where we were able to briefly snack and take a bathroom break. The air was still chilly, but nothing when we started, so I sat in the grass eating a candy bar while enjoying the birds chirp around me.

Only a couple minutes later, however I found myself back on my bike again clutching the cold handlebars. The further down we rode, I noticed that the surroundings got denser with greenery, and the smell of Eucalyptus was ever more evident, giving a soothing smell and touch to the experience. Although we covered many miles of road, the activity went by fairly fast, but left everyone extremely content and happy with smiles on their faces.

I was definitely ready for a nap when it was all over, but I would do the Haleakala downhill tour in a second again, especially with Maui Downhill as they did an exceptional job leading us down the mountain as well providing us with a great service. Having now done this activity, I will tell others about it as well and how fun it is, as it is a must do whether living on Maui or just visiting!

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By Sara Schell

If you’re after an Oahu parasailing experience, why just fly high when you can fly with the highest? Xtreme Parasail Tours Oahu not only has the latest in equipment and safety, and 20 years of parasail touring experience – at 1,200 feet they also have Oahu’s most epic parasailing views!

The rock of the boat, the roar of the engine, the snap as the chute unfurls, a dizzying rush as your feet leave the deck and then… Waikiki in all its glory crowned by a bird’s eye view of Diamond Head. It’s a view that we guarantee you’ll never forget!

Flying at 700-1,200 feet in the air, tethered to the latest and greatest in parasailing equipment, you’ll have 15 minutes of soaring over beautiful Oahu.

Maybe you’re someone who loves action but prefers to keep their feet a little closer to the ground? Well, as long as you don’t mind if the ground moves around a bit, why not try an Xtreme Jet Ski Oahu Tour? Xtreme uses the latest in Honda jet skis and two custom jet ski boats with the latest in safety equipment.

Whether you’re a beginner or a jet ski action junkie from way back, Xtreme has a jet ski course for you! If you aren’t too keen on piloting a jet ski in Hawaii you can go on a tandem ride or tag along as a non- participating observer – no one needs to miss out.

After you’ve seen Waikiki from the air and sea, jump into a Waikiki car rental and check out the many excellent shops and restaurants before heading off on your next adventure.

If you’re after the extreme vacation experience, then Oahu has another very special option for you – Hawaii volcano tours! What could be thrilling than standing at the edge of a 2000 degree F lava flow? Feel the heat radiating from superheated molten rock as you witness one of nature’s most awe-inspiring forces at work!

Inter-Island Tours, from Oahu to Big Island, invite you to experience this incredible Hawaiian volcano activity during the course of a 16-hour tour encompassing the volcano observatory, steam bluffs and crater drive, the Thurston lava tube, Volcano House and Kilauea Iki Crater. You’ll travel in a modern air-conditioned bus with an experienced tour guide and take in some of the most fantastic scenery that Hawaii has to offer!

When you’re all done and back on Oahu for some R & R, take advantage of an Oahu rental car to drop back to a more leisurely pace for a perfect finish to the perfect getaway!

By Sara Schell

Kauai, also known as the Garden Isle, is blessed with some of the most beautiful and unique scenery of all the Hawaiian Islands. One of the most outstanding examples of this would have to be the Kauai Fern Grotto on the Wailua River.The Kauai Fern Grotto River Boat Tour lets you take in the sights in authentic Hawaiian style, showcasing Hawaiian history, flora and music along the way.

The Fern Grotto, a lava rock grotto covered with ferns, is an amazing sight not to be seen on any of the other Hawaiian Islands. And it’s not just a treat for the eyes – the Grotto also has incredible natural acoustics and you’ll be serenaded by Hawaiian musicians while you take in the scenery.

After your trip along the river you’ll no doubt have built up an appetite, so what better way to spend an evening than at Smith’s Luau Kauai? Quite possibly the best Kauai luau, Smith’s Tropical Paradise Luau and Hawaiian Show features an excellent menu with a wide range of selections in a true Island atmosphere.

Relax with a drink and a wide variety of dishes while you watch a spectacular Hawaiian ceremony at torch-lit Lagoon Amphitheatre. You’ll see traditional native dances and witness an appearance by Pele, the Hawaiian Goddess of Fire and Volcano herself!

After such an exciting first day, no doubt you’ll be ready and raring to go again next morning! If you fancy a leisurely drive you can take advantage of a Kauai car rental and take the magnificent Waimea Canyon Drive or, if you’d prefer an autopilot for the day, forget the car and jump in a helicopter for a bird’s eye view of one of Hawaii’s most astounding sights!

The Blue Hawaiian Helicopters Kauai ECO Adventure is a 50-55 minute tour of Kauai. Traveling in a new American Europter ECO-Star with individual Business Class style seating and lots of glass to take in the views, Blue Hawaiian Helicopter tours show off the Garden Isle’s best views!

Starting at Hanapepe Valley, Kauai ECO tours cover Mana Waipuna Caka, Waimea Canyon, Bali Hai Cliffs, the Princeville Resort area and more. Weather permitting, you may be treated to a visit to Mt Wai’ale’ale. You’ll be flown into the crater for an unforgettable view of its 5000-foot walls and 3000-foot waterfall – a view that’s guaranteed to have your nose glued to the window!

At the end of your flight you’ll be returned to Lihue Airport. From there, with a Lihue car rental, it’s just a short hop, skip and jump to some good food and retail therapy before you continue your Hawaiian adventure!

By Sara Schell

Sparkling blue waters, the smell of the sea, the exhilaration of the wind streaming by and the limitless horizon – Maui sailing charters give you the chance to experience the incredible feeling of freedom that sailing brings. Nothing between you and the horizon, and a world of possibilities beyond!

High adventure, romance, a private charter or a sunset sail, a Maui sailing charter on the America II has it all. Leaving from Lahaina harbor, the boat dock is an easy drive from Lahaina Airport, so with a Lahaina car rental you’ll have just a few minutes’ drive to the adventure of a lifetime.

If open ocean sailing isn’t for you, there’s no need to miss out on the fun! Maui kayak tours also make a great way to spend some time on the water and see the sights on the island from a comfortable vantage. Kayaking in Maui is an excellent way to get up close and personal with the scenery and the wildlife.

Paddling gently along the coast in your Maui kayak rental, watching the world float past at a leisurely pace, you can enjoy a 3 hour Makena Turtle Town Eco Adventure and watch these magnificent creatures in their own environment. Dolphins, manta rays, octopi: If you want to see the sea life, then a kayak adventure tour is a great way to do so!

Sailing – in all its forms – has been a part of Maui culture for a very long time. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced sailor, a Maui sailing canoe gives the most authentic experience of island sailing. Why not join a Maui sailing canoe tour at picturesque Polo Beach, Wailea? You’ll learn about ancient Hawaiian sailing canoe tradition, construction, and navigation without the mod-cons. You can choose to sail the canoe along side the crew or just kick back and enjoy the ride!

Now that you’ve planned your Maui sailing vacation, the only thing left to do is to see to it that your adventure gets off to a good start. A traditional Hawaiian lei greeting at Kahului International Airport welcomes you to Hawaii in the spirit of Aloha, and sets the scene for the island adventure to come. You’ll receive a warm personal greeting and lei, as well as assistance with baggage claims and connecting flights, and directions to Kahului car rental to make traveling around Maui easy and convenient.

Whether you want to be in the thick of the action, or just sit back and relax, Maui sailing charters are an enjoyable, unforgettable way to see Maui!

By A.R. Royo

Kauai Sailing and Snorkel Adventures along the world-famous Na Pali Coast, is the only means of truly enjoying this majestic, wonderland along 17 miles the island’s northwest shore.

Called “The Jewel of Kauai,” the breathtaking beauty of its 3,000-foot cliffs, secluded waterfalls tumbling into emerald green valleys, and hidden sea caves and beaches, can only be properly appreciated from sea.

With nearly a 100 inches of rain each year and the Kalalau Trail providing the only land access to this enchanted region, Kauai’s famous coastline remains much the same as it did in centuries past when native Hawaiian settlements grew taro in its hidden valleys.

Although the scenery is spectacular from the deck of any vessel sailing the Na Pali Coast, this is only half the experience. Don a mask, snorkel and fins, and get ready to be blown away by the rich panorama of marine life just below the ocean’s surface.

In this new universe below the waterline, you’ll likely see hundreds of brilliantly colored reef fish, Hawaiian green sea turtles, octopus, eels, and amazing coral reefs studded with sea urchins, crustaceans, mollusks and marine flora of all kinds.

But remember: to protect this pristine marine paradise, don’t touch coral with your fingers, elbows, knees or fins. Don’t stand or walk on coral. And never feed the fish!

A number of sailing, snorkel adventures depart from Kikiaola Harbor and Port Allen Harbor on Kauai’s southwest shore to sail and snorkel for more than 5 hours along the Na Pali Coast. All feature fantastic sightseeing, provide incredible snorkeling and serve a delicious buffet lunch with drinks.

HoloHolo Charter Tours offers true trade wind sailing aboard “Leila,” a beautiful 50-foot sail-fitted Na Pali catamaran departing from Port Allen. This sailing excursion, which can attain speeds up to 18 knots, provides views of lush green valleys, dramatic sea cliffs, and mysterious caves before anchoring to snorkel the pristine waters off the Na Pali Coast.

Their namesake craft, “HoloHolo,” a 65-foot power catamaran also embarks from Port Allen serving a continental breakfast while sailing northwest to the Na Pali coast. Here, passengers enjoy spectacular views of waterfalls, lush valleys and sea caves. After sightseeing and learning the history of the area from the knowledgeable crew, “Holoholo” heads west across the Kaulakahi Channel to the “Forbidden Island” of Niihau. Anchoring offshore of this mysterious island, snorkeling and a picnic lunch ensue in a location that very few people have ever visited.

Liko Snorkel’s “Napali Kai III” leaves from Kikiaola small boat harbor, the closest harbor to the Napali Coast. This incredibly fast and comfortable 49-foot powered catamaran offers unobstructed views of verdant valleys, sea caves and cascading mountain cliffs. All seating is forward facing with padded seats for comfort. On this 5-hour Napali snorkel tour, participants experience numerous sea caves, including Pirates Cave (Waiahuakua), Rainbow Falls and the famous Honopu Archway where King Kong was filmed.

Capt. Andy’s also offers incredible 5-6 hour norkeling expeditions to raft Kauai’s Na Pali Coast. Aboard fast moving sea rafts visitors leave the modern world behind, darting in and out of sea caves, plunging under cascading waterfalls and encountering the dramatic peaks and majestic valleys of the Na Pali Coast. They also learn about Kauai’s rich history, discover abundant wildlife, navigate spectacular sea caves, and snorkel at a remote reef before enjoying a picnic lunch on some remote beach.

By A.R. Royo

One of Maui’s most popular attractions, Molokini “crater,”  is technically no crater at all. It is actually a crescent-shaped, partially submerged volcanic cinder cone. Molokini is located in the middle of the Alalakeiki Channel, about 3 miles west of South Maui’s Makena State Park, and 3 miles northeast of the island of Kaho’olawe.

Molokini’s incredibly clear water, with visibility exceeding 100 feet on most days, makes it one of the top 10 dive and snorkel spots in the world.  Accessible only by water, Molokini is also a Marine Life Conservation District and Seabird Sanctuary.

Molokini has a diameter of about 1/2mile — the back side drops off to depths of 300 feet, making it a popular location for scuba diving as well.  Its crescent shape acts as a barrier, offering protection from wind, waves and the powerful currents of the channel. Inside the crater’s 30-foot-deep basin is a lush reef that always surprises visitors with its colorful abundance and variety of marine life.

Many of the more than 250 species endemic to Hawaii can be observed here and nowhere else in the world! Its population includes parrot fish, damsel fish, butterfly fish, trigger fish, surgeon fish, Moorish idol,  eels, reef sharks and Humuhumunukunukuapuaa (the Hawaii State Fish).

Humpback whales, whale sharks, Hawaiian rays, Hawaiian monk seals and spinner dolphins have also been reported visiting the crater.  The best conditions for snorkleing Molokini are usually in the morning before winds and waves pick up.

There are a few excellent excursions from Maalaea Harbor that include delicious snacks and lunches, as well as naturalist guides who will make your experience educational as well as fun. These boats fill up quickly, so book yours well in advance. All snorkeling equipment is included.

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• Molokini Snorkel Cruise Aboard Four Winds
• Snorkeling Molokini Crater with Trilogy
• Maui Magic Molokini Snorkel Adventure
• Molokini Snorkel Sail Aboard Allii Nui

Hawaii’s Only Dolphinarium – Dolphin Discovery, an international company with dolphinariums in numerous countries, acquired Sea Life Park Hawaii in 2006. Since then, this popular Oahu marine park has undergone a face lift and expanded its activities and attractions, especially interactive Dolphin activities – where visitors can swim with real dolphins!

Three interactive dolphin programs are held daily in Dolphin Cove, a beautiful ocean-side lagoon, complete with its own private island. All three activities allow participants to learn about daily dolphin life and to interact with them in an intimate and educational adventure.

Dolphin Encounter allows participants one year and older, the opportunity to touch, learn and even kiss friendly dolphins in a 45-minute program. Guests learn about the intriguing world of dolphins and observe them from a waist-high platform while they perform high-energy stunts and tricks.

Dolphin Swim Adventure for 8 and older, lets participants mingle with the dolphins and trainers who put on the 45-minute program. It includes a personal training lesson with trainers and a chance to view dolphins underwater, up-close and personal. This adventure concludes with a belly-ride where a dolphin takes participants across the water’s surface while they hold on to the fins. This guests.

Dolphin Royal Swim is the premium dolphin interactive program that can only be described as ‘exhilarating and thrilling. It includes a “dorsal tow,” where two dolphins take participants on a ride as they hold on to their fins. The most breathtaking feature is the “foot push,” when guests can feel all the strength and energy of these amazing marine mammals as they push them across the water from the bottom of their feet.

Opened in 1964, Sea Life Park Hawaii is just 15 miles from Waikiki on Oahu’s scenic Makapuu Point, perched between the majestic Koolau Mountain Range and breathtaking Makapuu Beach. Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime chance to swim with dolphins when you are in Hawaii.