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[ ISLAND HOPPING ]

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'Kupanaha' price break

Ka'anapali Beach Hotel is now offering $10 off the usual kama'aina rate on its spectacular "Kupanaha" dinner show, as a holiday special the whole family can enjoy. The incredible talents of Maui's Magical Family, Jody & Kathleen Baran and their daughters will absolutely mesmerize you.

Modern technology and the world-class talent of Maui's magical Baran family -- Jody, Kathleen and their daughters -- make this show, including levitation and disappearing acts.

In addition to the Barans, the award-winning hula halau Kano'eau Dance Academy perform dance and chant, weaving Hawaiian myth and legends into the magic.

The new rate is $39 for adults and $19 for ages 6 to 12 (children under age 5 are admitted free). The price includes the show, a three-course dinner, open standard bar and validated complimentary parking.

Book an overnight stay for $99 in a Garden View room.

This offer is valid for direct bookings through Dec. 17, 2003. For more information and reservations, call 667-0128 or visit www.kbhmaui.com.

Humpbacks en route

We have yet to hear from Maui, but Wild Side Specialty Tours / Wild Dolphin Foundation reports its first whale sighting took place Oct. 12 off of Nanakuli, a sign the humpbacks are starting to make their winter holiday trek from chilly Alaska to more hospitable Hawaiian waters.

Wild Side Specialty Tours, in operation since 1996, are led by a marine biologist crew on a 42-foot catamaran out of the Waianae Boat Harbor. Four-hour morning charters, beginning at 7 a.m., are focus on coastal marine wildlife including whales (in season), dolphins, turtles and coral reef fauna.

Snorkel gear and instruction included along with continental breakfast. Research is conducted while under way, and a portion of proceeds go to conservation efforts. The excursion cost is $95 per person, with kama'aina discounts available.

Call 306-7273 or visit the Web site, sailhawaii.com.

WILD SIDE SPECIALTY TOURS Wild Side Specialty Tours passengers may have spotted the first of our ocean-going winter tourists on Oct. 12 off the coast of Nanakuli.