There's a lot happening on Hawaii Island, the Big Island, in February 2012 and throughout the year. We'll begin with four great activity providers that get you up close to the wonders of the ocean and the creatures that live therein. Then we'll look at some of the upcoming festivals and events on the island.

Atlantis Submarines Kona
Dive into the fun of Hawai'i Island with Atlantis Submarines Kona! Atlantis offers the island's only submarine dive taking guests more than 100 feet underwater to tour Kailua Bay and see thriving marine life and a magnificent coral reef. Combine this exciting, eco-friendly undersea experience with three cost-saving Atlantis packages to enjoy a lu'au, whale watch cruise (until April), and snorkel adventure (April-December). Kailua Bay teems with fish and marine life of all shapes and colors. For more information, call (808) 329-6626 or visit their website.

Captain Zodiac
The whale-watching season is in full effect in Hawaii, and nothing compares to viewing these "gentle giants" from two feet above the waterline in Captain Zodiac's Navy SEAL Zodiac Hurricanes. Their knowledgeable captains find the most elusive of marine mammals all year long. Whale season will last until about the end of April. For more information, call (808) 329-3199 or visit their website.

Dolphin Quest Hawaii
Visit Dolphin Quest Hawaii and watch as dolphins leap, splash and amaze during their Tuesday afternoon dolphin shows. Stop by on February 14, 21, and 28 at 4:15 p.m. for a 15-minute dolphin show set to music. Bring your family and friends. Dolphin Quest Hawaii is located at the Hilton Waikoloa Village. Follow Dolphin Quest Hawaii on Facebook, visit their website, or call (808) 886-1234 ext. 1216 for more information.

Fair Wind
Fair Wind's 40-plus years of award-winning excellence has earned the company a reputation as Hawaii Island's first choice for ocean adventure. In 2012 the Fair Wind II and sister vessel the Hula Kai are offering fun dive propulsion vehicle rentals (Sea Rockets) to guests for just $25 per half-hour. And through March 11, visitors may take advantage of Fair Wind's Winter Web Special. Book a Fair Wind Morning Snorkel Cruise or Hula Kai Evening Manta Adventure on their website and then call Fair Wind to receive 50% off a Fair Wind Afternoon Snorkel Cruise or a Hula Kai Morning Snorkel Cruise.

Festivals and Events

Fridays Throughout the Year - Aloha Fridays at Volcano Art Center
Join Aunty Maile Yamanaka on the Volcano Art Center Gallery porch for Aloha Fridays at Volcano Art Center, every Friday from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Hula lessons, storytelling, lei making, and lauhala weaving are some of the variable offerings that will be available in these sessions. All events are free (donations welcome); park entrance fees apply. Visit their website for more information.

Many people don't realize that Hawaii has an emerging chocolate industry. While the pineapple and sugar industries have declined in recent years, the Hawaiian chocolate industry is growing every year. While for many years exclusively grown on the Big Island of Hawaii, today lands formerly used for sugar cane on Oahu are now growing cocoa trees.

In celebration of one of Hawaii's fastest growing agricultural industries, the Hawai'i Chocolate Festival will take place on February 25 from noon to 5 p.m. at the Dole Cannery Shops in Honolulu. The festival is the state's premier showcase of locally produced chocolate products. I have it on my schedule to attend this event while I'm on the island.

Presented by Special Events Hawaii in celebration of the state Legislature's declaration of February 2011 as "Hawaiian-Grown Cacao Month," the festival is sponsored in part by Hawaii Tourism Authority, Honolulu Magazine, Lei Chic and Waialua Estate.

Admission is $20 in advance online or $25 at the door and not only gets you into the festival to browse, learn about and shop for all things chocolate, but it also is your passport to 10 chocolate samplings of your choice from some of the state's top chocolatiers.

There is just one week left to get your nominations in for the About.com 2012 Hawaii Travel Readers' Choice Awards.

We are looking for nominations in the five following categories and we're looking to hear from you. At this point we've received lots of nominations in several categories, but are definitely looking for more especially in the categories of favorite luau in Hawaii and favorite Hawaii beach. So, please take a minute to submit your nominations.

If you're not a Facebook or About.com member and still want to submit your nominations, you can email me your nominations directly at gohawaii.guide@about.com. Be sure to tell me briefly why you like the island, hotel/resort company, activity company, luau or beach that you're nominating. You can make up to 3 nominations in each category.

Submit your nomination for Favorite Hawaiian Island

Submit your nomination for Favorite Beach in Hawaii

Submit your nomination for Favorite Hotel/Resort Company in Hawaii

Submit your nomination for Favorite Luau in Hawaii

Submit your nomination for Favorite Hawaii Activity Company or Provider

Nominations will be accepted through February 15, 2012. From February 22 through March 21, 2012, you will be able to vote for the winner from a list of the top nominees in each category. Winners will be announced on March 30, 2012.

So, whether you're a visitor, public relations representative, company owner, or Hawaii resident, let's hear from you. Please let your friends and business associates know of this year's awards.

Follow me: Facebook | Twitter

For information on Hawaii packages and deals, check our frequently updated Hawaii Deal Sheet.

Congratulations to Hawaii, the Big Island which has been recognized as one of the Top 10 U.S. Travel Destinations for 2012 by the editors of Lonely Planet, placing eighth. Hawaii Island is the only Hawaiian Island to make the list compiled by one of the world's leading travel publishers. Lonely Planet's Top 10 U.S. Destinations list is published annually in December. Destinations were chosen for their new, interesting, up-and-coming or undiscovered qualities. Be sure to read the full list for details and see which other destinations were selected.

Now let's see what's new with Hawaii Island accommodations in February.

Castle Resorts & Hotels
We'll start with the following deals at Castle Resorts & Hotels on Hawaii Island:

• Castle Hilo Hawaiian Hotel - Enjoy a standard room for only $119 per night, 50% off the regular rate, $238. Dine luxuriously in island style at the award-winning Queen's Court Restaurant, overlooking the idyllic and historic, Hilo Bay.
• Castle Kona Bali Kai - Spring into savings of 50% off. Feel the ocean breeze from a studio mountain-side unit for only $125 and enjoy the private lanai, swimming pool and a full-kitchen.
• Kona Reef - Enjoy a 1-bedroom garden view condo for only $148 per night, Regularly $298. You'll love the convenience of full-kitchens, renovated pool, BBQ, and sundeck areas as well as your proximity to historic Kona town.
• Halii Kai at Waikoloa - From spacious, modern accommodations to the luxurious, large, oceanfront swimming pool, sand-bottom jet spa, restaurant, and fitness cabana, all of your winter worries will melt away. A 2-bedroom garden view villa is only $335, 50% regular rates.

For more information, call (800) 367-5004 or visit their website.

Dragonfly Ranch
Dragonfly Ranch: Healing Arts Center has musical/dancing performances, dinners, wellness programs, gardening classes, workshops, and more. Both residents and visitors alike are welcome to enjoy free bi-weekly entertainment gatherings. Events are followed by healthy gourmet dinner club meals. Dragonfly wellness educators offer consultations as well as nutritional and detoxification programs tailored for individual needs. Registered guests may receive a free mini Hawaiian lomilomi rejuvenation treatment. For more information, call (808) 328-2159 or book online on their website.