[ISLAND HOPPING]
Cruising for whales
Navatek is offering a lunchtime whale-watching cruise that travels from Honolulu Harbor past Diamond Head and as far as Koko Head in search of our annual winter and springtime visitors, the humpback whales.Naturalists on board will share information about the whales' behavior and biology. The educational and entertaining trip, running from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily through April, also features a buffet, two cocktails and live music.
The cost of the adventure is $49 for adults and $29 for children ages 2 to 11. The kamaaina rate is $35 and $21 respectively. If the naturalist is unable to spot whales, guests will receive a pass to return on the Whale Watch Breakfast Cruise (without meal included).
Call 973-1311 to reserve.
Make Valentine's plans
With shops already displaying Valentine's Day merchandise, it's not too early to start thinking about the occasion.Over at the JW Marriott Ihilani Resort and Spa at Ko Olina in Leeward Oahu, a honeymoon package awaits newlyweds.
Starting at $359 per night for an ocean-view room, the package includes strawberries and a bottle of champagne; unlimited use of fitness facilities; and a choice of one of the following per person per day: a three-course dinner at Azul, Naupaka Terrace or Ushio-Tei, or a 50-minute spa treatment.
The package is available through Dec. 26, and a two-night minimum stay is required. Call 679-0079 or toll-free 800-626-4446.
Fossils on display
For a peek at prehistoric ocean life under the sea, stop by Maui Ocean Center store at 192 Maalaea Road on Maui.On view is a "Nature as Art" exhibit of fossils dating back 570 million years, to the Cambrian Period when the trilobites first appeared.
The fossils are not for sale, and also include a tooth from a 50-foot Megalodon shark common to Pacific waters 5 to 24 million years ago, plus crinoids, or "sea lilies," also dating to the Cambrian Period.
The center is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Call 808-270-7061.
Expressing aloha
These challenging times have forced many in the travel business to refocus. Over at the Kaanapali Beach Hotel, this has led to a renewed commitment to Hawaiian values.Employees have been asked to find new and different ways to express aloha to guests, and this has led to many an impromptu performance of hula and song, and the presentation of a kukui lei to each guest upon departure.
There are also daily complimentary Hawaiian craft activities and free nightly entertainment. Call 808-661-0011.