Whales take an early trip back to the islands

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Apparently the whales have decided to come back to the islands.  Hawaii Magazine has listed some of the best places to catch them on each island:

Oahu: The Makapuu Point lookout and lighthouse and Halona Blowhole lookout on Oahu’s south shore offer great vantage points, with wide ocean vistas. Both lookouts are located off Kalanianaole Hwy, and have free parking.

Maui: The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Learning Center in the south shore resort community of Kihei has an on site viewing scope and personnel available to answer any questions you might have on whales and whale behavior. The center, located at 726 S. Kihei Road, is open Monday to Friday; from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free. Driving to and from Lahaina? There are also several good lookouts for whale spotting along West Maui’s Hwy 30.

The Big Island: Kapaa Beach Park, on the northern tip of the island near Hawi, is a bit rocky for swimming. But the cove guarantees calm, clear waters, which make conditions easier for spotting passing humpbacks. The beach is located off Hwy 270, north of the South Kohala town of Kawaihae.

Kauai: The peninsula of Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge on Kauai’s beautiful north shore has an excellent ocean panorama. From a designated observation area in the shadow of the peninsula’s historic lighthouse, you’ll be able to whale watch from sea cliffs hundreds of feet above the turbulent north shore surf. Admission to the refuge is $5; hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.

For more information on what kinds of whale behaviors to look for as you enjoy them, see the rest of the Hawaii Magazine article here.

Friday happenings at the Maui Ocean Center

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On October 16, World Food Day, the Aquarium joins the international celebration by featuring the talents of James Beard nominee Chef Henry Tariga and the award-winning Seascape Ma’alaea Restaurant with a mini food exhibition of multi-cultural cuisine.  The restaurant will also offer a delicious cultural menu for one day only on October 16.   

In keeping with the day’s food theme, Chef Diver will give a presentation on the fishy meals prepared for the animals at the Aquarium.  This popular and educational presentation takes place in the Hammerhead Harbor exhibit at 12pm and is included with park admission.  Guests are invited to take a seat, watch, and learn about how food for the Aquarium’s animals is prepared, including they key ingredients that go into a healthy shark, fish, or ray’s diet.

Also, join them as they welcome a new female juvenile tiger shark to the Aquarium with a traditional Hawaiian blessing.  Maui Ocean Center’s cultural advisor Kahu Charles Maxwell Sr. will conduct the blessing in the Open Ocean Exhibit at 11:30am.  Guests are invited to witness this special event and to sample sweet potato and taro following the ceremony.

Start your holiday shopping at Parker Ranch

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Friday, September 25th: Rhona from Island Plantations visits Parker Ranch Store from 9am-1pm with their yummy tropical syrups, lilikoi, coconut, and guava flavors. Their syrups are a sure hit at the breakfast table, or a wonderful accompaniment on your favorite ice cream.

Enjoy the tropical flavored teas of the islands in soothing delightful blends. If ever there were a match made in heaven, these are it. Savor Passion Fruit French Vanilla, Macadamia Coconut, or everyone’s favorite Guava Strawberry. These all natural herbal teas are made in Hawaii with Aloha.  Go enjoy the tropical flavored teas of the Islands in these soothing delightful blends. Each flavor is an excellent choice as a gift for someone special or as a treat for yourself.  Can’t join us on the Big Island?  Click below to shop online!

Parker Ranch Brand Food

Experience local goodies at the Parker Ranch

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Gourmet Chips, Local Waimea Experience

Friday, August 7th: Jessa Candy presents Parker Ranch Store’s Horse Chips! Made in Waimea with love and care, especially for Parker Ranch, by Jessica Lindsey. She has carefully crafted with gourmet Hawaiian coffee, macadamia nuts, and coconut, some mouth watering brittle candies. Made the old fashioned way and with the flavors of the Islands, these wonderful confections are light and buttery. The perfect gift to take home. Come share an experience with Parker Ranch on Friday August 7th, from 9am to 1pm. 

Parker Ranch Store

Support the Kauai Sunshine Markets

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More and more people are shopping at farmers markets these days.  That shouldn’t stop just because you’re on vacation!  Matter of fact, it’s the best way to get some great local produce, mingle with some locals and support the local economy!  If you find yourself on Kauai, they have several great farmers markets on different parts of the island on different days of the week.  To find out the schedule, click here.

It’s time for Koloa Plantation Days

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If you live on or will find yourself on Kauai this week and weekend, make sure you stop by the sunny south shore to celebrate Koloa Plantation Days!  Lots of great activities are planned all this week.  If you can’t make it, you can visit the website and watch streaming video of some of the events. 

To download the schedule of events planned, click here.

Yummy treats await you this Friday at Parker Ranch

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Friday, July 17th: All the way from Hilo, Hawaii, County Economic Council “Rainbow Falls Connection” will be tasting their tropical lavosh and Hawaiian Honeys. Their assortment of Lehua Blossom, Macadamia Nut, Tropical Wildflowers, and Hawaiian Christmas Berry make the perfect gift pack to take home. Yum! HCEOC has seven bee sites through East Hawaii. In the middle of the Pacific Ocean they bring you all natural honeys from hives untreated with chemicals or medication. Please go and enjoy “A Taste of the Big Island!” 9am-1pm.

Parker Ranch Store

Candlebox coming to the islands

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Whether you live in Hawaii or are looking for something to do at night while on vacation, Candlebox fans will be interested in this one!

August 6th at The Cellar in Lahaina, Maui.

August 7th at the Pipeline Cafe in Honolulu, Oahu

and

August 8th at Rockstarz Club in Kona, Hawaii

To purchase tickets, click here.

Shark Tour Packages at Maui Ocean Center

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Shark Tour Packages are available exclusively in July, so don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to learn about these amazing, yet often misunderstood animals.

Upgrade for $15 per person and enjoy an Ocean Naturalist-guided tour and your choice of a complimentary lunch, snack, or dessert from the Reef Cafe. Learn to separate shark fact from fiction and chat up your Naturalist for a better understanding of these powerful creatures and their important roles in the ocean.

Offered every Wednesday in July at 11:30 a.m. Signups are taken at the aquarium’s Front Gate on the day of the tour or up to 24-hours in advance when called in to 270-7089. Package does not include park admission.

Shark Tour Package
Dates: July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Time: 11:30 a.m.
Cost: $15 per person, does not include park admission
Reservations: Optional, call 270-7089.

Celebrate the holiday paniolo style

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Friday, July 3, 2009:  Happy July 3rd! Parker Ranch presents their Annual Horse Races and Rodeo held at the Parker Ranch Arena. This year they are commemorating the 50th Anniversary of Hawaiian Statehood.

Rodeo begins at 9am and will end at high noon. Join the Parker Ranch ohana in celebrating with an exciting line up of events, children’s pony rides, train rides, and of course ono food! Parker Ranch Store will host a booth featuring their Rodeo tees, commemorative tees, and must have Parker Ranch goodies. Tickets are available at Parker Ranch Store or at the gate. This is an event not to be missed!

Click here to buy tickets online.

Parker Ranch Store

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