Scan waves for whales

Don't be the last kama'aina to catch a glimpse of the big, boisterous humpback whales, annual visitors to our warm winter waters.

Trilogy Excursions on Maui offers a Ka'anapali Whale Watch via catamaran daily through April.

Sign up at the Trilogy Ocean Sports kiosk located oceanside on the grounds of Ka'anapali Beach Hotel, or in front of the Maui Marriott's Ocean Club, to take excursion, offered from 10 a.m. to noon or 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Hydrophones are provided on each trip, allowing ocean enthusiasts to listen for the humpbacks' tune. While on board, snack on sodas, juice, veggie trays, salsa and chips.

Tickets are $42 for adults and $21 for kids. Call 1-888-628-4800.

Need that roar

If you're on vacation but can't imagine watching the Super Bowl without the roar of a crowd, the Ka'anapali Beach Hotel is presenting a Super Bowl brunch from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. today.

Enjoy peel-and-eat shrimp and other cold seafood offerings, omelets, Belgian waffles, smoked meats and desserts while enjoying the game on a 9-by-10 foot screen and surround sound. Yeah, baby.

The cost is $28.95 for adults ($4 off for kama'aina), $12.95 for ages 6 to 12 and free for under 5 (one child per paying adult). Call 808-667-0124.

Eagle at Dolphin's

The American bald eagle known as Challenger, will visit Dolphin Galleries on Maui for educational appearances with the non-profit American Eagle Foundation. Families are welcome to visit with our national mascot at the Whalers Village Dolphin Gallery on Tuesday, Jan. 28 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday and 6 t 9 p.m. Wednesday at Wailea Dolphin Gallery.

Eagles have long been associated with Dolphin Gallery, which represents eagle sculptor Chester Fields. His bronze pieces range in price from $10,000 to $1 million. Fields' 12-foot eagle masterpiece, "Splashdown," is on permanent display at Whalers Village.

Named in honor of the late Space Shuttle crew, Challenger was blown from his parent's nest in a storm before he was old enough to fly. He was rescued and raised until grown.

After attempting to release him into the wild, only to have him return to human handouts, federal and state wildlife agencies placed Challenger in the care of the foundation to travel for educational purposes.

For more information, call Whalers Village at 808-661-4567 or visit whalersvillage.com.

Ala Moana hana hou

The Ala Moana Hotel at the edge of Waikiki has launched a new guest program to recognize and show appreciation to the loyal customers.

The "Hana Hou Repeat Guest Program" rewards members with a variety of special privileges and discounts as quickly as their third visit to the hotel, including:

>> Express check-in at the Hana Hou counter

>> Room upgrade (subject to availability)

>> Free one-day, self-parking pass

>> Free $10 calling card

>> A 20 percent discount (for up to four people) on food and beverages at Plantation Café, Mahina Lounge, Ginger Terrace, and Rumours

A temporary membership card will be given to guests at check-in during a stay at the Ala Moana Hotel, to be turned in on a second visit. At that time, a permanent card will be sent to you, allowing you to begin enjoying benefits on your third stay.

The permanent membership card offers a lifetime of benefits.

For reservations or information about the Hana Hou Repeat Guest Program, call (808) 955-4811 or visit www.alamoanahotel.com.

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