Outrigger Hotels and Resorts

Whale watching in Hawaii just got a lot easier and more affordable thanks to the "Celebration of Whales" program introduced this fall by the Outrigger Waikoloa Beach resort on the Kohala Coast of Hawaii's Big Island.
During the Celebration of Whales, November 1, 2002 through April 15, 2003, one guest per room will receive one FREE whale-watching cruise with every stay of four-nights or more at this 545-room beachfront resort.

From December 16, 2002, to April 15, 2003 when the whale population throughout the Hawaiian Islands is at its peak, all passengers are guaranteed a sighting or they can return the next day for a complimentary cruise.
Celebration of Whales coincides with the annual migration of the North Pacific Humpback whales, which seek the warm, protected waters of Hawaii for breeding and calving. A marine naturalist will provide expert narration on these gentle giants that weigh up to 40 tons and stretch 45 feet. Searching for arriving whales is part of the fun and often includes dolphin and turtle sightings along the way.

Other activities planned at the resort throughout the celebration include marine life exhibits, lectures and access to observation and listening stations that bring the sights and sounds of the ocean to the beachfront resort. All whale watching cruises are coordinated by Ocean Sports, which launches from the beach fronting the Outrigger Waikoloa Beach resort, a convenience not found at other resorts on the island. Guests simply walk to the beach fronting the resort and climb aboard one of the sleek luxury catamarans operated by Ocean Sports. Complimentary beverages and pupus (snacks) are included. Additional whale watching cruises can be purchased at $59 for adults and $39 for children.

Whale watching cruises depart at 4:30 p.m. November 1 through December 15. From December 16 through April 15, cruises depart at 7:30 a.m., 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Reservations are required 24 hours prior to boarding and are based on space availability. Phone the Aloha Services Desk at the Outrigger Waikoloa Beach to place a reservation.

"This will very likely be the trip of a lifetime for many people and we virtually guarantee that they will see whales on several different occasions," said Robin Graf, avid waterman and general manager for the Outrigger Waikoloa Beach. "Moms and their calves usually hang out just off 'Anaeho'omalu Bay. At birth, a humpback calf is about 1.5 tons and measures 10 to 16 feet in length. Females nurse their young to gain 200 pounds a day."

Their above-surface antics include spy hops, tail slaps and incredible breaches when the magnificent mammal hauls its massive girth out of the water in a spectacular vertical display. Last year's first whale of the season was spotted October 30.

"These warm waters surrounding the Hawaiian Islands constitute one of the world's most important humpback whale habitats," said Naomi McIntosh, acting director for the National Marine Sanctuary for Humpback Whales. The sanctuary supports whale research and long-term marine monitoring to improve our understanding of the social behaviors, population, dynamics, habitat requirements and impacts on humpbacks. "Scientists estimate that two-thirds of the entire North Pacific humpback whale population - roughly 5,000 of the 7,000 humpback whales - migrate to Hawaii each winter...it is the only state in the nation where humpback whales mate, calve and nurse their young," McIntosh added.

"The Hawaiian Humpback whale is the fifth largest type of whale in the world. They are charismatic mammals and a frequent repeat visitor to 'Anaeho'omalu Bay, returning year after year," said Peter Thoene, Outrigger Waikoloa Beach's director of sales and marketing. "Our goal is to provide our guests with an authentic Hawaiian experience that they will remember for the rest of their lives. It's our kuleana (responsibility) to do everything possible to ensure a great vacation and whale watching does just that."

One free whale-watching cruise is issued per room, based on a four-night minimum stay. This amenity can be combined with Outrigger's Best Value rates, or other promotional specials and packages. Whale Watching cruises are non-transferable, cannot be redeemed for cash and are not applicable to groups. Best Value Rates at Outrigger Waikoloa Beach start at just $189 per room, per night for a garden or mountain view room, a discount of 40% from the normal $315 rate. Rates quoted are in US dollars.

This marks the third year the 545-room Outrigger Waikoloa Beach is offering whale watching. Nestled on 15 acres fronting 'Anaeho'omalu Bay, the resort has the only soft, golden sand beach in Waikoloa. Ancient Hawaiians considered the entire bay area sacred and only alii (chiefs) were allowed to access the area and entreat themselves to the abundant fish, fruit and tranquility found here.

The hotel is owned and operated by Outrigger Hotels & Resorts, a division of Outrigger Enterprises, Inc., the largest locally owned lodging company in Hawaii and one of the fastest growing lodging companies in the Pacific. Under its two hotel brands - Outrigger Hotels & Resorts and OHANA Hotels & Resorts - the company currently operates or has under development 45 hotels and resorts throughout the Pacific region, representing more than 12,000 hotel rooms and condominium units in Hawaii, Micronesia, Australia and the South Pacific. Outrigger's affiliate, Outrigger Lodging Services, operates nearly two-dozen hotels and resorts throughout the U.S. Mainland.

For reservations or information, call your preferred travel professional or Outrigger Hotels & Resorts toll-free at 800-OUTRIGGER (1-800-688-7444) within the U.S., Guam and Canada. Outrigger's toll-free number is available internationally via AT&T's Direct 800 Service. Elsewhere call 303-369?7777. Internet users can access information of Outrigger or book on-line at www.outrigger.com and Outrigger's e-mail address is reservations@outrigger.com

Official Press Release of Outrigger and OHANA Hotels and Resorts