The new year starts of with lots of exciting activities, adventures and events on Hawaii, the Big Island. January 3 marked the 30th anniversary of the continuous eruption of Kilauea Volcano at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Let's see what's new on Hawaii Island this January.
Blue Sea Cruises
Blue Sea Cruises now offers two ways to experience manta rays - wet or dry. The only Dry Manta Watch is aboard its 70' Spirit of Kona. High intensity lights illuminate the underwater scene as giant graceful manta rays feed on the plankton forming near the lights of glass bottom wells. Join the Wet Manta Snorkel aboard the M/V Makai for a cushy, comfortable cruise along the Kona coastline at night. Large Kona manta rays will swim within inches of your viewing. Bring the whole family Visit their website or call (808) 331-8875 for more information.
Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
Lava from Kilauea's remote Pu'u 'O'o vent has again reached the ocean within Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park boundaries, at a location USGS scientists have named the West Ka'ili'ili ocean entry. The arduous hike from the bottom of Chain of Craters Road is about four miles one-way across an uneven flow field. Several streams of lava are pouring into the ocean, providing dramatic views, but conditions can change at any time. For more info, visit their website. You can also read our feature or view our video of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park.
Hilton Waikoloa Village
Hilton Waikoloa Village's 62-acre Pacific playground made dreams come true this holiday season by granting a wish for Alexandra S. from the Make-A-Wish foundation. The Dolphin Blessing Ceremony on November 17, 2011 changed the life for Alexandra as she announced the much-anticipated name of the newest dolphin member of Dolphin Quest. Join Dolphin Quest Hawaii as dolphins leap, splash and amaze during its Tuesday afternoon dolphin shows! Stop by on January 17, 24 or 31 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. Visit the Dolphin Quest website or call (808) 886-2875 for more information. You can also view our feature on Dolphin Quest.
'Imiloa Astronomy Center
Spend the day at 'Imiloa Astronomy Center and enjoy its new planetarium offering: Wildest Weather in Our Solar System. This new show takes the audience on a spectacular journey to witness the most beautiful, powerful, and mysterious weather phenomena in the solar system. From a storm the size of a 100-megaton hydrogen bomb, to a 400-year-old hurricane, to a dust tempest that could engulf entire planets, you'll be glad you live on Earth! Fly through the thick atmosphere of Venus, magnetic storms on the sun, liquid methane showers on Titan, and anticyclones whirling at hundreds of miles per hour on Jupiter. For more information visit their website. You can also read our feature on 'Imiloa Astronomy Center.
Iolani Air Tour Company
The Iolani Air Tour Company is ringing in the new year with two new lava specials: 1) Party of Two? Take advantage of the Deluxe Air Tour for Two from Kona. Now, couples aboard can experience the entire Hawai'i Island in the privacy and comfort of the company's brand new state-of-the-art Skyhawk. It is the only company offering a full circle island air tour exclusively for two people priced at $325 each. 2) $99 Air Tours from Hilo! See the Volcano in its Airvan at a price that cannot be beat. Rainbow Falls included. Visit their website or call (808) 331-8308 for more information.
Lava Ocean Adventures
Lava touched the sea on December 9, 2011, and now you have the chance to view it up close and personal! Lava Ocean Adventures offers lava boat tours to see, hear and feel the heat. Visit their new website or call (808) 966-4200 to find about more about its menu of east Hawai'i Island tours and activities.
Paniolo Preservation Society
Join the Paniolo Preservation Society (PPS) and delight in its new First Friday Paniolo Kanikapila Jam at Pukalani Stables on Friday, January 6. From 4:00-7:00 p.m., celebrate the pleasures of life in the country when the work is pau (finished) with informal music, mea 'ai (good food), and bingo. PPS will have non-alcoholic beverages and food available. Donation suggested: $5/adults; $3/Seniors; Free if you bring your own musical instrument. Dress warmly. For more information, visit their website or call (808) 854-1541.
Pu'ukohola National Historical Site
Narrated by the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary staff from the Pu'ukohola National Historical Site Visitor's Center, a free weekly shoreline whale watch takes place Fridays from 9:00-11:00 a.m. until April. The sanctuary lies just behind the Park's shores and is where humpback whales gather to give birth, breed and escape the cold winter. Presented by staff and volunteers who are well versed in whale biology and mo'olelo (legends). For more information, call (808) 327-3697.
Volcano Art Center
January 2012 marks the 100th anniversary of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO). Volcano Art Center shares in the celebration by featuring an exhibition titled "Observation/ Inspiration" from January 7 - February 19, 2012, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. The show features artists who gather inspiration from the volcanic activity at Kilauea, including Catherine Robbins, Tim Freeman, Alan Fine and Kimberly Dark. The exhibition takes take place at Volcano Art Center Gallery, located in the historic 1877 Volcano House in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. Park entrance fees apply. Call (808) 967-7565 or visit their website for more information.
Waimea Ocean Film Festival
The Waimea Ocean Film Festival, a world-class film festival combining 30 wide-ranging films, breakfast talks with film makers and ocean people, receptions, art exhibits and activities will inspire, educate and engage participants in our ocean and island culture as well as celebrate the connections people everywhere share between land and sea. The second annual event will take place in two phases, first in Waimea from January 4-8, then the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai from January 10-13. For more information, visit their website or call (808) 854-6095.