Posts Tagged ‘Activities’

We were on an Aloha Condos vacation at the Napili bay resort, lounging on the private beach, soaking up the sun, and just admiring the deep blue ocean. It was a complete surprise to my husband and me to see a mysterious spray of water out among the waves. Someone behind us excitedly said, “there was a whale blow out there.” In awe, I turned back to watch the water. Then, a huge fin raised out of the water and a local on the beach exclaimed, “fin slap!” The smattering of people on the beach were now silent, reverently watching the sea amongst the waves. A huge tail rose completely out of the water and someone quietly said, “tail slap.” At this point, we were transfixed; my husband had the cameral poised. We watched for about an hour and saw more blows, fin and tail slaps, and spy hops (whale’s huge head comes up and spins to get a look at the area). Then, the most sought after sight in whale watching: the breach. It was amazing to see the whale propel its enormous body out of the water, twist, and then fall back down sending a white spray of water high into the sky. We were treated to many more breaches and my husband got a beautiful picture.

Full breach seen from the Napili Bay Resort beach

The majority of these glorious creatures come to birth in the warm shallow basin of water, that is virtually predator free, between the three other islands and Maui from mid-December through mid-May. We were thrilled to have this wonderful Maui experience.

-alice

12/12/2009

A cultural journey of food and fun, this Waikoloa Beach Resort signature event offers guests a taste of the different cultures of the world as resort chefs showcase their cooking styles and offer guests samplings of the finest food from the resort’s best restaurants. Also features live cultural entertainment. Queen’s MarketPlace.  Call (808) 886-8811.

Looking for a place to stay in Kona, Hawaii?

I am offering 40% off published rates through stays ending June 30, 2009.  Check out my 2 bedroom / 2 bathroom oceanfront condo with air conditioning (unit 3702) with all the wonderful amenities of home.  This unit sleeps 6 and is warm and welcoming.  Prices start at $165 per night with discount (normal rates are $190 – $ 275).  I also have a 1 bedroom, 2 bathroom oceanfront unit that sleeps 4 with prices starting at $ 141 per night with discount (normal rates $ 165 – $ 235).

Contact me anytime for general information or  custom reservations.

Mahalo,
Al

Getting the chance to swim with sea turtles was a highlight in my life. My first opportunity came while staying with Aloha Condos at the Moana Kai Beach house on Kauai. I had my morning coffee on the lanai while watching the ocean only 30 meters away and thinking, “it can’t get any better than this.”  Then I gathered my snorkel gear and headed across the lawn to the beach. I parked my towel and chair in the warm sand, got my gear on, and plodded backwards into the ocean…a trick I discovered (after my husband mentioned it) that works much better than fighting the flippers to walk forwards. Now, this wasn’t listed as a popular snorkeling beach, although I would see a handful of locals out there almost daily. The first few times I snorkeled, I paid attention to every visible sea plant and fish; there were some great ones. On my later adventures, I realized I could swim with a snorkel better than without for my exercise. So, there I was swimming along in peaceful gratitude at my opportunity to exercise in such beauty, when I saw a big rock ahead…and then a gentle dusting of sand took me aback and the rock moved! In a moment of awe it dawned on me that it was a sea turtle! I gurgled surprise and then paddled in reverse to stay my position while . The magnificent turtle slowly swam up, looked back at me gently, and then surfaced for air. I thought, “oh yeah,  it isn’t fleeing because turtles are slow” (…until my second turtle sighting. That guy swam off like a torpedo). The turtle came back down, turned slowly, looked at me again, and then proceeded to swim mellowly along. I swam for over an hour with it (behind it and to the side of it), keeping a respectful distance. It never appeared frightened, intimidated, or aggressive, although at first I was a little hesitant. Shortly, I began to swim like my companion in that suspended moment of time…slow, graceful arm movements in the rocking of the ocean: gliding back,  then surging forward with the swell from the waves above. It was somewhat like life can be, taking steps forward, and a few backward, but still progressing ahead. I became so calm by being with this turtle. I saw him or her again a few days later…same experience. In times of stress, I often think of my turtle friend and that moment of  ” no worries” while we swam together. I feel very grateful and thank this glorious creature for its lesson that things “can always get better.”

11/07/2009 – 11/10/2009

This unique festival showcases the health-giving properties of native Hawaiian plants and foods.  Come on down & have lots of fun learning through their comprehensive presentations and workshops, healing arts, cooking demonstrations, lei-making contests, tours, hula and musical entertainment.  Located at the Amy Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden in Captain Cook and Kailua-Kona.  Call (808) 638-0888 or visit www.hawaiihealthguide.com for complete schedule.

Looking for a place to stay in Kona, Hawaii that is near this workshop?  Here it is!

I am offering 40% off published rates through stays ending June 30, 2009.  Check out my 2 bedroom / 2 bathroom oceanfront condo with air conditioning (unit 3702) with all the wonderful amenities of home.  This unit sleeps 6 and is warm and welcoming.  Prices start at $165 per night with discount (normal rates are $190 – $ 275).  I also have a 1 bedroom, 2 bathroom oceanfront unit that sleeps 4 with prices starting at $ 141 per night with discount (normal rates $ 165 – $ 235).

Contact me anytime for general information or  custom reservations.

Mahalo,
Al

Everyone needs some adventure in their lives!  Jack’s Diving Locker in Kailua-Kona, on the Big Island of Hawaii is the place to go for that adventure.  Join the experienced staff on one of the premier dive boats for two-tank dives, advanced 2 & 3 tank scuba dive trips, dolphin and whale watches, the Pelagic Magic Night Dive and the world famous Manta Ray Night Dive and Snorkel!  As a PADI 5 Star IDC Resort they have the Big Island’s widest range of scuba diving options and the best range of courses, from beginner introductory dives to Instructor training. They also have the Big Island’s Best Dive Shop with the friendliest service on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Check out the Manta Rays! Manta Ray Night Dive – Kona Coast

Looking for a place to stay in Kona ?!  Check out my Kanaloa-at-Kona offerings below:

I am offering 40% off published rates through stays ending June 30, 2009. Check out my 2 bedroom / 2 bathroom oceanfront condo with air conditioning (unit 3702) with all the wonderful amenities of home.  This unit sleeps 6 and is warm and welcoming.  Prices start at $165 per night with discount (normal rates are $190 – $ 275).  I also have a 1 bedroom, 2 bathroom oceanfront unit that sleeps 4 with prices starting at $ 141 per night with discount (normal rates $ 165 – $ 235).

Contact me anytime for general information or  custom reservations.

Mahalo,
Al