~ Dolphin Encounters. These are among the pricier tours offered in Hawaii, but are well worth it. Get into pools with dolphins are interact with them face to face. Dolphin encounters often include dolphin kisses and swimming with the dolphins, where you hang onto their dorsal fin and are pulled through the water. You’ll usually get a souvenir photo, too, which makes an amazing keepsake. This tour is great for families!

~ Dolphin cruises. These are boat tours created especially to help you find dolphins and humpback whales (in season). You’ll climb aboard your boat and learn about dolphin behavior from a knowledgeable tour guide, who happens to know some of the busiest spots for dolphin activity. Don’t forget your camera!

~ Snorkel with the dolphins. This is an exciting adventure where you have the chance to actually interact with dolphins in their natural habitat. Board a boat as you go in search of dolphins and, when you find them, don your snorkel gear and join the dolphins in the water!

~ Dolphin Shows. If getting in or out on the water isn’t your idea of a good time, check out one of the many dolphin shows in Hawaii. You can catch a dolphin show at Oahu’s Sea Life Park or at various resorts throughout the islands. These shows are lots of fun for the whole family and allow you to stay (relatively) dry.

There are several different species of dolphins that occupy the waters around Hawaii. One of the most common is the spinner dolphin, which is famous for its impressive, acrobatic spinning jumps out of the water.

Spinner dolphins travel in pods, so if you spot one of them in Hawaii, chances are there are lots more nearby. They like to rest in the shallow bays near deep waters in Hawaii during the day. At night, they move further offshore to hunt for food.

Another very common dolphin in Hawaii is the bottlenose dolphin. Bottlenose dolphins are renowned for their playful behavior, especially near boats. They love to play and jump in the wakes created by watercraft! If you’re on a boat excursion, don’t be surprised if you catch a glimpse of a few bottlenose dolphins pacing your boat and putting on a show.

The best way to see dolphins in Hawaii is to get out on the water.

Because dolphins love to play in the waves and are attracted to the pressure created by boats, your best bet is to take a dolphin tour or dolphin excursion in Hawaii to see them in their natural habitat. Otherwise, there are lots of dolphin encounters you can check out on Hawaii, where you get to interact with the dolphins up close and personal.

Valentine’s Day is a special day, even in Hawaii, where we’re already pretty famous for our romance.

A lot of people come to spend Valentine’s Day with us here in Hawaii, whether it’s to escape the chilly weather back home, throw a fabulous destination wedding, renew their wedding vows, or simply to indulge in a little tropical Hawaiian romance.

If you’re here today, make sure you brush up on a few important Valentine’s phrases to wow your Valentine (not to mention impress the locals!):

How to say “Happy Valentine’s Day” in Hawaiian:

“Hau’oli La Aloha,” pronounced how-oh-lee-la-ah-lo-ha. Literally translated, “Hau’oli La Aloha” means “Happy Love Day.” (Aww!)

How to say “I love you” in Hawaiian:

“Aloha wau ia ‘oe,” pronounced ah-lo-ha-wow-ee-ah-way.

Maybe you noticed that both phrases have our famous word, “Aloha,” in them. “Aloha” is a very versatile word in the Hawaiian language that means hello, goodbye, love… it’s a word of greeting but also a symbol of welcome and affection that is more of a spirit than simply a dictionary definition.

This Valentine’s Day, make sure you try a traditional Hawaiian kiss!

“Honi” is a special Hawaiian “kiss” that comes from ancient Hawaiian tradition. Here’s how to try the “honi” yourself:

Stand in front of one another and gently press your foreheads and noses together, with your eyes and mouths closed. Then, take a few breaths together at the same time. The air you are sharing symbolizes the exchange of “ha” – the breath of life – and “mana” – spiritual power. It’s meant to be a special, sacred ritual between loved ones… so enjoy!

Hau’oli La Aloha, everyone! Happy Valentine’s Day!

But if you’re looking for something extra special this Valentine’s Day, check out some of these fun, romance-filled events that will put a smile on your Valentine’s face:

- Legends in Concert Waikiki. A fun-filled evening of musical tributes to great artists including Elton John, the Beatles, Elvis, Cher, Dean Martin, and many, many more. This show gets amazing reviews and is an easy distance from most hotels and resorts in Waikiki. Choose from a variety of packages that may include VIP treatment, a 4-course dinner, and drinks in addition to your award-winning show.

- Romantic Valentine Dinner Cruise. Set sail aboard the Star of Honolulu and enjoy a seven-course French dinner, Hawaiian bellinis, and dancing to the music of a live jazz band. Cuddle up with your Valentine as you watch the sun set into the Pacific as the sky fills with stars. Ultra romantic!

- Resort Romance Package. Most resorts offer romance packages, which usually include a bottle of chilled champagne, chocolate dipped strawberries, and more. Your resort may even offer complimentary vow renewals. Be sure to ask at the front desk. After a day in the sun, pour yourselves some bubbly and indulge in some sweets as you enjoy the sunset from your balcony.

- Book a Table. If you’d like to do dinner out on Valentine’s Day, make sure to book as early as possible. A lot of restaurants offer special Valentine set menus that are a real treat, but it’s a very busy evening for restaurants so definitely make that reservation as soon as you can.

Luaus are available on every Hawaiian island and are the perfect blend of fun, authentic Hawaiian atmosphere, and good old-fashioned Valentine’s romance. Picture yourself enjoying a meal with your beloved and then enjoying a hula show that takes you on an adventure through Hawaii’s history, as the sounds of live Hawaiian music float out over the Pacific.

Receive a lei at a luau

Luaus typically start before the sun sets. You’re greeted with a fragrant lei and invited to the open bar serving mai tais, Blue Hawaiis, margaritas, and more. Soon, you get to witness the time-honored tradition of the imu ceremony and then sit down to a traditional Polynesian dinner of roast pig, poi, and more.

As dinner begins to wind down, the stage lights up and it’s time for the show. You and your date will be impressed by a variety of Hawaiian talent, including stories of Hawaii’s history told through song and hula dancing. You may even get to watch some amazing acrobatics or fire-dancing!

During the show, the sun is settling down beyond the horizon. You’ll be mesmerized by the beauty of the Hawaiian sunset – don’t forget to snap a few pictures! When the show is over, you’re full of food and drink, and the sun is gone, it’s time to go back to your hotel under the starry Hawaiian sky – a romantic end to a perfect evening.

Remember that the Valentine’s season is a popular time for luaus… be sure to book ahead to avoid disappointment!

Check out a few of the awesome wrecks that Oahu has to offer:

• Corsair Airplane Wreck – In 1948, a pilot was on a routine flight from Pearl Harbor when he was forced to do an emergency landing off the southeast shore of Oahu due to a fuel issue. He landed the plane successfully and was rescued, but the plane sunk intact to its current resting place, at the bottom of 115 feet of clear blue water.
• Mahi Wreck – The Mahi was a WWII minesweeper, sunk deliberately in 1982 for use as an artificial reef. The Mahi Wreck site is legendary for its excellent visibility and wealth of exciting marine life, including Bluestriped Snapper, Lionfish, Moray Eels, Nudibranchs, Octopus, Rare Frog Fish, Schooling Puffer Fish, and Spotted Eagle Rays.
• LCU Wreck- Another artificial wreck, intentionally sunk in 1988 to increase the reef mass, the LCU (Landing Craft Utility) is an amazing place to spot all kinds of fish as well as reef sharks that like to hide in the larger crevasses of the wreck. There is even a swim-through at this site, in which it’s common to pass by several sleeping sea turtles. Pretty cool!
• New Barge - Like the name suggests, this is a newer wreck, so there isn’t a lot of coral to be seen, but white tip reef shark are often lazing around the area and you’re able to swim through the entire length of the wreck.

Corsair cockpit

Please note that although some wrecks are accessible to beginners, wreck diving is typically for more experienced divers. Make sure you consult with a proper scuba organization in Hawaii before attempting any wreck dives!

…or you do you think about shotguns and skeet shooting?

Well, let’s be honest: unless you’re a huge enthusiast it probably hasn’t occurred to you to include clay shooting on your Hawaii itinerary, but if you’re going to Lanai and you’ve got an adventurous spirit – or you’re craving something a little less traditional – then clay shooting might just be the perfect afternoon for you!

Central Lanai is famous for its clay shooting. There are a number of facilities you can check out and it totally doesn’t matter if you’re a complete beginner who has never so much as looked at a shot gun ever in your life. The instructors are there to teach you how to shoot and are ready with plenty of helpful tips so you might actually hit a target or two!

If clay shooting sounds like an interesting way to spend a break from the beach, check out the Lanai Pine Sporting Clays, located in Central Lanai, right near the Four Seasons Lodge at Koele. Their knowledgeable staff will outfit you with everything you need and teach you everything you need to know, with an emphasis on safety. They even accommodate kids, so if you have a rambunctious teen in tow, this might just be right up their alley!

If you are an experienced clay shooter, never fear! The Lanai Pine Sporting Clays has stations for experts as well as novices. It’s a surprising event that promises a little bit of unique fun!

…But if a filmmaker is looking for a laid back, tropical, sublimely beautiful beach atmosphere, nothing beats Hawaii.

A lot of movies have been filmed in Hawaii over the years. Here are a few:

• Just Go With It (2011) – A fun movie starring Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston, Just Go With It is a fun comedy in which Sandler and Aniston’s characters eventually fall in love. The backdrop for this movie is amazing, with lots of the scenes being filmed at the Grand Wailea resort on Maui.
• The Descendants (2011) – This drama stars George Clooney, who plays a lawyer in Honolulu. Many parts of this movie were shot on location in Hawaii, mainly in Honolulu and near Hanalei Bay.
• Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008) – This romantic comedy features Mila Kunis and Jason Segel and revolves around a broken-up couple that accidentally ends up vacationing at the same Hawaiian resort. The resort used? None other than the posh Turtle Bay Resort located on Oahu’s North Shore.

Over course, these are just a few of the more recent movies filmed in Hawaii. Over the years, there have been dozens of directors and producers who have flocked to Hawaii’s shores to shoot their movies and television shows against some of the most breathtaking backdrops in the world – a lot of which have become blockbusters (Jurassic Park and its sequels, for example, which were all shot on Kauai).

By night, things heat up in resort’s stunning outdoor venue, the Maui Moon Theatre, with the critically-acclaimed show Cirque Polynesia.

Hailed as the only true cirque show in Hawaii, the Hyatt’s Cirque Polynesia features traditionally-inspired song and dance as well as death-defying acrobatics and much more.

Set in a Polynesian village and a celebratory atmosphere, Cirque Polynesia is non-stop fun for the whole family. You don’t need to be a guest of the Hyatt Regency Maui to get tickets, so wherever you’re staying, make sure you check out this breathtaking family event.

Not convinced yet? Check out these reviews:

“Harrowing stunts and high-flying moves, the show is equal parts torture and pleasure… Be prepared to be taken on an emotional roller coaster.” - The Maui News

“An extraordinary performance…” - Travel Weekly

Visitors have the option of purchasing tickets for the show only or upgrading to dinner theatre tickets, which include admission to Cirque Polynesia as well as a yummy dinner at one of two dining venues located at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa. The menu features a variety of salads, entrees, and desserts, as well as vegetarian options and a special keiki (kids) menu.

Young and old alike will love the song, dance, and daring acrobatics of Cirque Polynesia. If your Hawaiian vacation plans include a stay on Maui, make sure to check it out! As always, remember to book your tickets well in advance to avoid disappointment.

In January, February, and March, the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary is holding its annual whale count. Whale counting is an important activity each year; it helps the powers that be track the number of whales that visit our gorgeous Hawaiian waters and monitor their behavior patterns.

Humpback whale activity is at its peak during the winter months, so if you’re here, why not do something you were probably going to do anyway – and do a little good while you’re at it?

The 2012 days for the whale counts are January 28th, February 25th, and March 31st on the islands of Oahu, Hawaii, and Kauai.

Spaces are very limited and a lot of them are already booked up, so if you’re interested in participating, click here to register.

Of course, you are free to enjoy whale watching on any of our islands, whether you’re actually counting them or not! During whale season – going on right now! – it’s easy to spot humpback whales from virtually any vantage point on all of the Hawaiian Islands. Sit out on the beach, watch from your hotel room’s balcony, or get up close and personal on a whale watching tour!

To spot a humpback whale, you need to start by gazing out at the ocean (obviously!). Then, scan the water for sprays (the water that shoots out of their blowholes). That’s a sure sign that a whale is nearby! Get your camera ready, because you might be on the verge of seeing a whale tail or maybe even a whale breaching!

At the very least you’ll have a whale of a tale to tell!