[ISLAND HOPPING]
Kid missions in Waikiki
Kids now have more to enjoy at Outrigger Waikiki through the free snorkeling program, "Introduction to the Waters of Hawaii."From 8 to 8:45 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, kids can learn snorkeling techniques from AquaZone, a company with more than 15 years of experience.
Your child can continue his or her adventures through three action-packed missions designed to educate children about Hawaii's marine life as well as focus on environmental awareness and safety. These missions were created in conjunction with PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors), a national organization that teaches the vast majority of the world's recreational divers and the PADI Seal Team youth program.
The three adventures available are The Humuhumu AquaMission (ages 6 and up), which includes a fish ID card, sticker, AquaMission certificate, snorkel briefing and fish finding and identifying tour in the ocean or at the Waikiki Aquarium; the Honu (green sea turtle) AquaMission (ages 8 and up) includes a honu information pack, sticker, certificate, snorkel briefing and boat tour to spot the honu; and the Hawaiian Monk Seal AquaMission (ages 6 and up) includes a monk seal information pack, coloring book, video viewing, and tour of the Waikiki Aquarium to study the endangered Hawaiian monk seal.
Each mission costs $55 and includes a pass for free admission to the Waikiki Aquarium. For more information, contact Guest Services at 923-0711.
To sign up for any of the AquaMissions or the complimentary snorkeling lesson, call AquaZone at 923-DIVE (3483).
Walk like a paniolo
Celebrate Hawaii's unique cowboy heritage and culture with a visit to Parker Ranch's Historic Homes in Waimea on the Big Island. The homes, Mana Hale and Puopelu, grace the rolling green landscape of Parker Ranch, one of the largest ranches in the United States. Visitors are encouraged to dress paniolo style.In September, "Parker Ranch Paniolo Fridays" will offer an opportunity to "talk story" with kupuna (Hawaiian elders) as they demonstrate Hawaiian crafts, from lei making and coconut frond weaving to playing the ukulele. Craft and music demonstrations are held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m Fridays.
>> Sept. 7: Donna Jensen demonstrates ipu making (making gourds into musical instruments).
>> Sept. 14: Nelson Elliott shows how to make seed lei.
>> Sept. 21: Leo Mills demonstrates lei humu papa (making flat feather hat lei).
>> Sept. 28: Pat Clifford demonstrates lei hulu poepoe (making round feather lei).
Admission is $8.50 for adults, $7.50 for seniors (60+), $6 for children 4 to 11, and free for under 4. Call (808) 885-5433 or visit http://www.parkerranch.com.