The lifestyles, history and hospitality of seven Pacific cultures come alive at Polynesian Cultural Center, Hawaii' ...
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Dolphin Quest
We bring people and dolphins together with fun activities and amazing interaction. Enjoy the experience of a lif ...
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Expedia Local Expert
We want to introduce you to the best things to do while on Oahu. Adventures and activities abound here and we can r ...
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• Hawaii has no snakes in the wild.
• 'Iolani Palace in Honolulu's Capitol District featured electricity before even the White House in Washington, D.C. More about the Palace >>
• Hawaiian monarch King David Kalakaua (reign 1874 to 1891), was the first reigning monarch to circumnavigate the globe and the first foreign head of state to speak before a joint session of the U.S. Congress.
• Hawaii is home to the tallest mountain on the planet: Mauna Kea on the Big Island — measured from the seafloor — tops out at 33,476 feet. From sea level it measures 13,796 feet high. More >>
• Hawaii is the most geographically isolated population center on earth. The Hawaiian Islands are 2,000 miles from the Marshall Islands; 2,390 miles from California; 2,500 miles from Tahiti; 3,850 miles from Japan; 4,900 miles from China; and 5,280 miles from the Philippines.
• Hawaii is home to the longest continuously erupting volcano in recorded history: Kilauea Caldera on the Big Island of Hawaii has been producing a lava flow since January 1983. More >>
• Hawaii has two official languages — English and Hawaiian. More >>
Events & Entertainment
Be awed by Hawaii's distinctive colors, choreography, flavors and sounds ... all to be found in the Islands' many festivals and celebrations year round. Include a slice of culture in your visit!
Throughout 2008
Polynesian Cultural Center, Oahu
This dramatic film on a giant screen measuring 65 feet high by 93 feet wide
highlights the beauty, diversity and the importance of maintaining healthy
coral reefs throughout the Pacific. Shown five times daily (one show in
Japanese), the film follows the real-life expedition of underwater
filmmakers Howard and Michele Hall as they explore unique locations in
Fiji,
Australia's Great Barrier Reef, Lizard Island National Park, Tahiti, and
the
coral atoll lagoon of Rangiroa, French Polynesia. Admission fee.
Information: www.polynesia.com
2008 has been designated as Year of the Coral Reef, with support from Outrigger Hotels & Resorts in Hawaii. Environmental education combines with fun during these special activities and events.
The Hawaii version of this "International Year of the Reef," is spawning a series of interactive and educational activities about the islands' marine eco-systems and how to care for them.
Outrigger Hotels & Resorts in Hawaii, in collaboration with the National Marine Sanctuary Program (NMSP) and a network of nonprofit organizations, is offering a series of programs and activities at its oceanfront properties
as part of the hotels' ongoing commitment to the local environment. Most are free to hotel guests.
Upcoming Year of the Coral Reef activities include:
Bishop Museum Lectures Series
April 10, May 8 and June 12, 6 p.m.
Information: www.bishopmuseum.org
8th Annual Coral Reef Awareness Day
April 19, 2008
Keauhou Beach Resort, Hawaii Island
Supported in part by the Keauhou Beach Resort. Information: Sara Peck, 808-329-2861.
7th Annual Kona Underwater Classic
May 24 - 31, 2008
Keauhou Beach Resort, Hawaii Island
Dive, shoot and learn from some of the finest underwater photographers. Registration
fee. Information: www.cenpac.com/konaclassic.htm
Outrigger Reef Builders
Wednesdays, June 25 through July 16 at Outrigger Reef on the Beach. Children of all ages are invited to join Outrigger and NOAA to build a coral exhibit and make sea stars, butterfly and tang fish to take home. Information: Luana Maitland, 808-924-6007.
Dr. Sylvia Earle
July 29, 2008
Outrigger Reef on the Beach, Oahu World-renowned marine biologist Dr. Sylvia Earle will give a special presentation. Information: Luana Maitland, Outrigger Reef on the Beach, 808-924-6007.
Papahanumokuakea Exhibit
August 2008
Keauhou Beach Resort, Hawaii Island
This special exhibit at the Keauhou Beach Resort features stunning images of Papahanumokuakea (Northwest Hawaiian Islands) by internationally noted photographer Susan Middleton.
IMAX Coral Reef Adventure
Throughout 2008 at Polynesian Cultural Center, Oahu
Admission fee.
Information: www.polynesia.com
Bottom Time Talks
Get an underwater scoop on Hawaii's marine environment at the Bottom Time
Hawaii's dive shop at Keauhou Beach Resort. Information: 808-331-1858.
Kohala Center's Kahalu'u Bay Project / Reef Teach
Learn about proper coral reef etiquette at the Kohala Center's weekly Reef Teach programs at Kahalu'u Beach Park, located adjacent to the Keauhou Beach
Resort. Evening programs at the hotel are also available.
Information: www.kohalacenter.org
The Island Explorer Kit is a free gift when you stay three or more nights at the Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach, Outrigger Reef on the Beach, Keauhou Beach Resort hotels and all Outrigger condominium resorts in Hawaii.
Women-only Marine Explorations - for Women with a Wild Side Join like-minded baby boomers for mornings spent exploring Oahu's rural west coast, swimming with dolphins, green sea turtles and other marine wildlife.
Snorkel encounters led by local marine biologist Tori Cullins and her all-women-crew. This is a yearly don't miss event with surprise onboard guest appearances.
Portion of proceeds donated to the Wild Dolphin Foundation.
The 26th annual Vans Triple Crown of Surfing features the world's best surfers against the world's biggest and best waves of Oahu's famous North Shore. These three events for men and women offer $750,000 in prize money and will crown the 2008 Association of Surfing Professionals World Champions. Wave face heights along the North Shore during the winter months range from six- to 60-feet!
All of the action can be experienced live via the internet at www.triplecrownofsurfing.com.
The International Waikiki Hula Conference offers the rare opportunity to come to Hawaii to learn, share and experience the hula firsthand, with a variety of respected hula masters, many of whom do not travel outside Hawaii to teach.
The 26th annual Vans Triple Crown of Surfing features the world's best surfers against the world's biggest and best waves of Oahu's famous North Shore. These three events for men and women offer $750,000 in prize money and will crown the 2008 Association of Surfing Professionals World Champions. Wave face heights along the North Shore during the winter months range from six- to 60-feet!
All of the action can be experienced live via the internet at www.triplecrownofsurfing.com.
