Whales are back in town
In a rare bit of good news demonstrating life goes on, the first humpback whale was spotted in Maui waters at 2:30 p.m. Oct. 30, according to the Pacific Whale Foundation.The whale appeared to be a yearling or sub-adult, a whale that has not reached sexual maturity. It surfaced three times about 1.5 miles southeast of Lanai.
Marsha Wienert, executive director of the Maui Visitors Bureau, said, "The return of these magnificent animals to our island waters is comforting. In the midst of the recent catastrophic events affecting our nation, we are brought back to the ever-recurring cycles of nature which provide the real background rhythms for human existence."
The humpbacks migrate annually to Maui waters from Alaska, staying from November through April to breed and raise their calves. Maui celebrates their presence with a monthlong "Great Maui Whale Festival" in February.
For more information on the whales, send a self-addressed, stamped (.55 cents) No. 10 envelope to: Free Whale Guides, c/o Pacific Whale Foundation, 101 N. Kihei Road, Kihei, HI 96753. The guide, "Watching Hawaii's Humpback Whales," contains information on whale migration, feeding and reproduction.
For festival information, call (800) 942-5311.
Breaks in Poipu
The Poipu Kapili, a luxury oceanfront condominium resort in Kauai's Poipu Beach resort area, is offering discounted Kama'aina Getaway Rates for travel through Dec. 20.The rate for a one-bedroom oceanview condominium is $150 per night, reduced from $210; a two-bedroom oceanview condo is $195 (four-person maximum), down from $280; and $500 penthouse suites are now $350 per night (five-person maximum). Units come with an entertainment center with television, stereo, VCR, plus fully equipped kitchen and lanai.
In addition, every seventh night is offered free, and discounted car rental rates are also available.
To get the discount, guests must request the Kama'aina Getaway Rate when booking, and show a valid Hawaii driver's license upon check-in. The rates are subject to applicable taxes and are available for new bookings only.
For information or reservations, call (808) 742-6449 or toll-free (800) 443-7714.
Star-Bulletin staff