Outrigger Waikoloa Beach Resort

"There's the first whale!" That cry was heard November 4th when the Big Island's first North Pacific Humpback whale of the season was spotted off of the Kohala Coast. The whale sighting occurred just four days into the "Celebration of Whales" program that kicked off at the Outrigger Waikoloa Beach Resort this month.

"The whale caught everyone by surprise," said Johnny Hasper, crewmember with Ocean Sports. "It's the earliest we've seen one; and judging by its size, it was probably a juvenile male." According to Hasper, the young whale was leisurely swimming along the surface, but it is common to see larger males lift their massive 40-ton girths out of the ocean during a breach, providing a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Other above-surface antics-tail slaps and spy hops-are also unforgettable for whale watch enthusiasts, Hasper said.

Whale watching is fun and affordable thanks to the Outrigger Waikoloa Beach's "Celebration of Whales" program. From November 1, 2002, through April 15, 2003, one guest per room receives a FREE whale-watching cruise with every stay of four nights or more at the Outrigger Waikoloa Beach.

Any guest staying in an oceanfront room for four nights or more automatically receives a free set of hi-powered Bushnell binoculars with carrying case as an added value during the "Celebration of Whales" program. One set of binoculars is awarded per room.

During the height of the whale-watching season, which is December 16, 2002, to April 15, 2003, passengers are guaranteed a whale sighting or they can return the next day for a complimentary cruise. The North Pacific Humpback whale is Hawaii's official marine mammal. These mammoth creatures migrate to the islands every winter from polar feeding grounds to breed and calve in the warm waters surrounding the Hawaiian Islands.

Whale watching cruises are launched directly from the beach fronting the Outrigger Waikoloa Beach-a convenience unavailable at other island resorts. Guests simply walk to the beach and hop aboard one of the spacious luxury catamarans operated by Ocean Sports. Complimentary beverages and pupus (snacks) are included in the two-hour cruises, which normally cost $59 for adults and $39 for children.

Other "Celebration of Whales" activities at the Outrigger Waikoloa Beach Resort include a whale count on Friday, January 10, along with arts and crafts and educational fun for kids that includes whale hats, crab masks, whale activity guide books and marine life exhibits. Family members also have access to observations and listening stations where the sights and sounds of the ocean come to life.

The Outrigger Waikoloa Beach, a 545-room hotel at Waikoloa Beach Resort offers world-class amenities to the cosmopolitan traveler. Situated at 'Anaeho'omalu Bay, an area once reserved for Hawaiian royalty, Outrigger Waikoloa Beach is naturally blessed with its location and people; a golden sand beach, consistent sunshine and unparallel views of the Pacific Ocean that complement the gracious hospitality conveyed by staff who know and appreciate the meaning of aloha.

Outrigger Hotels & Resorts is division of Outrigger Enterprises, Inc., the largest locally owned lodging company in Hawaii and one of the fastest growing lodging companies in the Pacific. For reservations or information, call your preferred travel professional or Outrigger Hotels and 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 via the World Wide Web and www.outrigger.com and Outrigger's e-mail address is reservations@outrigger.com.