[ISLAND HOPPING]

Coral love

Maui Ocean Center will unveil the secret sex lives of Hawaii's coral on July 12 and 13 when it hosts its annual rice coral spawning event. Once a year, a few days after the new moon, Hawaii's rice corals (Montipora capitata) simultaneously broadcast sperm and egg bundles into the water. About 10 percent of the eggs released in the spawning will develop into new coral polyps.

"The spawning is truly magical to witness," said Hannah Bernard, Maui Ocean Center education director.

Coral reef biologists Dave Gulko of the state Division of Aquatic Resources and Pauline Fiene-Severns will speak about the mysteries of coral sex. The Hawaiian Aquarium will be open from 7:30 to 9 p.m. and the spawning is expected to occur in the outdoor exhibits.

Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for keiki ages 3 to 12, and includes refreshments. For information, call (808) 270-7075 or (808) 270-7084.

The Maui Ocean Center is located in oceanfront Ma'alaea.

Keiki hula in Lahaina

The 4th annual Keiki Hula Festival takes place from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and July 14 at Lahaina Cannery Mall. Nearly 100 girls and boys from eight Maui halau will present kahiko (ancient) and 'auana (modern) hula. Here is the schedule:

Saturday
>> 11:30 a.m. -- Te Mau Merahi
>> 1 p.m. -- Halau Hula O Keola-Ali'iokekai
>> 2:30 p.m. -- Na Kamali'i Te Mea O Te Atua
>> 4 p.m. -- Na Lei Ulu O Ka Aina

July 14
>> 11:30 a.m. -- Na Kamali'i Nani O Lahaina
>> 1 p.m. -- Halau Hula Lakou I Kamalama A Kealoha
>> 2:30 p.m. -- Kano'eau Dance Academy
>> 4 p.m. -- Te Tiare Patitifa

Admission is free. The mall is on the north end of Lahaina Town fronting Honoapi'ilani Highway and Front Street.

Two views of Molokai

Guests of Pleasant Holidays who travel now through Dec. 20, 2002, and stay in deluxe accommodations at the Starwood's Sheraton Molokai Lodge or Kaupoa Garden accommodations at the Beach Village, will receive the third night free. A three-night minimum stay is required.

The Lodge evokes the old Hawaii of the 1920s and '30s, while Kaupoa Beach accommodations represent the best in outdoor living, with fully furnished canvas bungalows.

On Molokai, guests can experience the lifestyle of the Hawaiian cowboy, explore tidepools, go kayaking, mountain biking, or learn about Hawaiian fishponds.

Three-night, land-only holidays start at $413 per person, double occupancy. Included in the travel package are a daily Dollar Rent A Car and more.

Additional room nights also are available. Call Pleasant at (800) 242-9244 or go online at www.2Hawaii.com.

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