[ISLAND HOPPING] Happy trails to whales
Alas for whale watchers, the last of the humpbacks that vacation off Maui during the winter will soon leave on their arduous 2,500 to 3,000 mile migration to the cold, nutrient rich waters of Alaska and the North Pacific.Once there, the whales will devote their time to feeding, to replenish the fat reserves lost during their winter of mating, breeding and calving in Hawaii.
To bid them farewell, Pacific Whale Foundation is offering an "Aloha to the Whales" cruise from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday on the Ocean Spirit out of Maalaea Harbor. Check-in is at noon at the Pacific Whale Foundation Marine Resource Center in Maalaea Harbor Village.
"We'll have some free refreshments, and we'll take a minute to thank the whales for honoring us with their presence," says Marsha Sarver, Cruises Marketing Director at Pacific Whale Foundation.
The price for the two hour cruise is $19.80 for adults and $15 for children ages 4 through 12. Children under 4 go free. The kama'aina rate is $12 for adults and $10 for children.
For more information about the Aloha to the Whales cruise, call 879-8860.
Jazz at Waikoloa
Renowned singer/songwriter Oleta Adams and a cast of musicians jazz up the Great Waikoloa Food, Wine & Music Festival at Hilton Waikoloa Village June 30.The event is part of the 7th annual Dolphin Days, a benefit for Hawaii Shriners Hospital for Children and the Pacific Marine Life Foundation, June 28-July 1.
Adams' runaway success began in 1990 with her platinum-selling debut album, "Circle of One." Since then, she has released numerous albums and garnered rave reviews.
In addition to Adams, the evening's jam session will crescendo with Carl Anderson, Clifford Coulter, David Garfield, Rafael Padilla, Michael Paulo, Land Richards, Fred Schreuders, Freddie Washington, Ken Wild, Larry Williams and Pauline Wilson.
The Great Waikoloa Food, Wine & Music Festival will feature food made by Hawaii chefs.
Tickets for the festival are $95 for adults and $30 for children ages 5 to 12, and include unlimited food, beverages and music. For information or to reserve tickets call Hilton Waikoloa Village at (808) 886-1234. For room information call your travel agent, 1-(800) HILTONS or the Waikoloa Village.