Though dolphins frequent Hawaii's waters like visitors flock to its shores, up-close and personal encounters with the fascinating creatures are a gamble at best. Probably the best way to assure contact is to take part in a Dolphin Quest interactive program at the Hilton Waikoloa Village. Make your reservations far enough in advance (about two months out) and you'll find yourself in the resort's lagoon mingling with well-trained dolphins.There are programs for adults and children that are both fun and educational.

Dolphin Quest, a marine research and education center, donates a portion of its proceeds to the Pacific Marine Life Foundation.

Hawaii is home to eight different species of dolphin but the most famous and instantly recognizable are the bottlenose. Pacific bottlenose dolphins can reach up to 10 feet in length and are easily identified by their rounded forehead, or melon, and amicable expression. Usually seen in small groups, they spend most of their time in the channels between the islands. At the Hilton Waikoloa, dolphins reside in a protected area of the resort's four-acre, saltwater lagoon.