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Plunge into Dolphin Days
at Waikoloa

Dolphin Days is a party with a "porpoise." As one of the Big Island's biggest annual celebrations, it was launched by the Hilton Waikoloa Village in 1995 to mark the first birthday of the first three Atlantic bottlenose dolphins born at the property under the auspices of Dolphin Quest.

If you go ... What: Dolphin Days Place: Hilton Waikoloa Village, Kohala Coast, Big Island Dates: June 23 to 26 Cost: Tickets for all events can be purchased at the Special Events desk in the main lobby and online through June 17. Hotel rates start at $239 ($179 for kamaaina) per night for garden-view accommodations. Call: 808-886-1234 E-mail: dolphindays@hiltonwaikoloavillage.com Web site: www.DolphinDays.com Plan ahead If you want to go on a Dolphin Quest, act early. Space is limited and programs usually sell out. Reservations should be made two months prior to the desired date. Dolphin Quest introduced five new programs on Wednesday: Sea Quest, Kids Quest, Dolphin Encounter, the Family Program and the Dolphin Twilight Camp. For details, call 808-886-2875 on the Big Island or toll-free 800-248-3316 from the other islands, e-mail dqhawaii@dolphinquest.org or check out the Web site dolphinquest.org.

The resort also is the birthplace of this innovative organization, which was founded in 1988 to promote the conservation, research and breeding of marine wildlife.

Dolphin Quest's Learning Lagoon at the Hilton Waikoloa was the first habitat in the world to be built for dolphins to live, play and reproduce free from the threats they face in the wild. It was here that Dolphin Quest introduced its now-famous education programs that allow people to get up-close and personal with the friendly, intelligent creatures under the supervision of marine mammal specialists.

Now in its 11th year, Dolphin Days -- running June 23 to 26 -- pays tribute to Dolphin Quest's mission, accomplishments and 10 charming charges that reside at the Hilton Waikoloa (five born at the resort). Even better, the event benefits the Hawaii Shriners Hospital for Children and the Pacific Marine Life Foundation, which supports marine education, conservation and research.

"Dolphin Days is a fun way for the Hilton Waikoloa Village to give back to the community," says marketing manager Leanne Pletcher. "Since its inception, it has raised more than $385,000 for these two nonprofit groups through silent auctions, sponsorships, donations and proceeds from the events."

THIS YEAR'S festivities span four days, beginning with an evening gala offering select dishes from the cookbook "Thirty Three Chefs," which was released last year to mark Dolphin Days' 10th anniversary.

The book includes recipes and profiles of the 33 island chefs who've prepared cuisine for Dolphin Days over the past decade, including powerhouses George Mavrothalassitis, James McDonald, Russell Siu, Glenn Chu, D.K. Kodama, Roy Yamaguchi, Peter Merriman and Sam Choy.

"The opening dinner will showcase an amazing array of ingredients, seasonings, preparation styles and platings," says Pletcher. "It will bring deserved recognition to the 33 chefs featured in the Dolphin Days cookbook, who are all true artists."

The celebration continues June 24 with a complimentary 40-minute Dolphin Program in the afternoon, which provides an opportunity for Big Island children who've received treatments or services from Hawaii Shriners Hospital to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience with dolphins.

One such child was Bambi Oyama-Yuen, daughter of Sandra Oyama-Yuen, the Hilton Waikoloa's workers' compensation manager. Because of her congenital hip condition, Bambi has undergone five surgeries at Shriners Hospital since she was 14 months old.

In 1999, when she was 7, she was among the lucky youngsters who participated in the Dolphin Program.

"Sandra says this was a very positive experience for Bambi and almost wiped away all the bad memories she had about having to have so many surgeries," Pletcher said.

The audience becomes as involved with the informative, entertaining presentation as the keiki. "Hundreds of spectators cover the oceanfront lawn with beach towels and chairs," says Pletcher. "They learn about dolphins' behaviors, diet and mating rituals as well as Dolphin Quest, which independently owns and manages the interactive dolphin sessions at the hotel."

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HILTON WAIKOLOA VILLAGE Children from the Hawaii Shriners Hospital work with a Dolphin Quest trainer at a previous Dolphin Days event. This year's Dolphin Days runs from June 23 to 26 at the Hilton Waikoloa Village.

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FOLLOWING THE Dolphin Program, the Hot Rocks Luau on the Palace Lawn will draw crowds to a grand party, Hawaiian style. In addition to traditional favorites such as kalua pig, poi, lomilomi salmon and steamed fish, guests will feast on Korean chicken sushi rolls, braised short ribs, kim chee fried rice, Kona coffee chocolate decadence cake, mango milk chocolate mousse and other buffet delicacies.

A Polynesian revue by Tihati Productions -- featuring three fire knife dancers -- will keep the energy level high.

"The Great Waikoloa Food, Wine & Music Festival" under the stars will be the grand finale. More than two dozen top chefs from the Big Island, Oahu and Maui will prepare specialties paired with fine wines and boutique brews. Among the award-winning restaurants represented will be 3660 on the Rise, Hali'imaile General Store, Pacific'O, Merriman's and Spago.

Meanwhile, Grammy award-winning vocalist Deniece Williams, pianist David Benoit and guitarist Paul Brown will keep music lovers on their feet during a jazz concert. Adding more magic to the mix will be two local greats: saxophonist Michael Paulo (who's performed with the likes of Al Jarreau, Kenny Loggins and Jeffrey Osborne) and vocalist Pauline Wilson (a Big Island girl who received a Grammy Award for her duet, "Friends," with George Benson).

A dazzling fireworks show will bring the evening to a spectacular close.

This is the third Dolphin Days that Pletcher has helped plan. "It's a lot of work," she admits, "but at the same time it's so fulfilling. Dolphin Days helps children. It helps marine life. And everyone who attends has a great time supporting great causes. You can't ask for better results than that!"

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HILTON WAIKOLOA VILLAGE The Dolphin Quest program allows people to get up close to the animals shaping the next generation of dolphin fans.

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Dolphin Days highlights

June 23

» "Celebrating 33 Chefs of Dolphin Days": Feast at the Water's Edge Ballroom from 7 to 10 p.m., at a cost of $85 per person. You can order the "Thirty Three Chefs" cookbook online as well. The cost is $33 plus $10 for shipping and handling, and proceeds benefit Hawaii Shriners Hospital for Children and the Pacific Marine Life Foundation. Or purchase the book at locations including the Kohala Sports Club & Spa, Donatoni's, Kamuela Provision Co., the Special Events desk of the Hilton Waikoloa Village, and "Dolphin Days" events.

June 24

» Dolphin Days Grand Prix Tennis Tournament: Opening dinner for tournament participants and their guests, with live entertainment at Kohala Tennis Club, 6 p.m.
» Dolphin Program: At the Learning Lagoon, 5 p.m.; free.
» Hot Rocks Luau: On the Palace Lawn, 6 to 9 p.m. The cost is $85 per person (including two drinks) and $42 for children 5 to 12.

June 25

» Dolphin Days Grand Prix Tennis Tournament: At Kohala Tennis Club, 8 a.m. All ages and levels of play are welcome for the men's and women's competitions on the 25th and 26th. Entry fee is $55 for one event or $75 for both events. There is a $1,500 purse for the men's open doubles competition.
» Golf Tournament: At the Kings' Course, 7:30 a.m. shotgun start. The cost is $150 per player (space is limited). Get a hole in one and you'll win a 2006 Hyundai Tucson SUV.
» The Great Waikoloa Food, Wine & Music Festival: On the Palace Lawn, 6 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $140 per person pre-sale through June 22 ($150 after June 22) and $75 for children. Purchase tickets on the Big Island at Mele Kai Music, Kona Wine Market, Byrd's Audio and CD Wizard.

June 26

» Dolphin Days Grand Prix Tennis Tournament: At Kohala Tennis Club, 8 a.m.

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