1. Home
  2. Travel
  3. Hawaii / South Pacific Travel

Hilton Waikoloa Village Dolphin Days Summer Fest 2007
Kohala Coast, Hawaii's Big Island

By John Fischer, About.com

Hilton Waikoloa Village Dolphin Days

Dolphin Kiss - Hilton Waikoloa Village Dolphin Days Summer Fest

The 13th Annual Dolphin Days Summer Fest returns to Hilton Waikoloa Village June 14 through June 17, 2007. Guests at this festival experience creative Hawaiian cuisine, dolphin encounters, jazz all-stars, benefit auctions, golf and tennis tournaments and the grand finale - The Great Waikoloa Food, Wine & Music Festival held under the stars.

Dolphin Days Summer Fest benefits the Hawaii Shriners Hospital for Children and the Pacific Marine Life Foundation. Over the past twelve years, Hilton Waikoloa Village has donated over $500,000 to these two highly deserving charities.

The 13th Anniversary Dolphin Days Lineup

Mahalo Party & Blessing
Thursday, June 14: 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Experience a traditional Hawaiian blessing to commence the start of Dolphin Days. Then Bravo Network’s "Top Chef" finalists Marcel Vigneron and Elia Aboumrad showcase their culinary talents in Water’s Edge Ballroom along with specialty tastings from Hilton Waikoloa Village chefs, tropical martinis, a silent auction and live entertainment. The cost is $85 per person.

Also celebrate the release of the latest edition of the "Thirty Four Chefs" cookbook, featuring the chefs of Dolphin Days.

Radio Remote Broadcast
Friday, June 15: 6 a.m. - 10 a.m.

Stop by Water’s Edge Ballroom and meet tennis and golf professionals, jazz entertainers, representatives of Hawaii Shriners Hospital for Children, Dolphin Quest personnel, and Big Island radio personalities broadcasting live. Complimentary.

2nd Annual "Adopt a Rubber Dolphin Race"
Friday, June 15: 1 p.m.

Adopt a rubber dolphin and watch it race along the waterslides and gentle river current in the Kohala River Pool. Great prizes! The cost is $5 per dolphin or five for $20.

Dolphin Program
Friday, June 15: 5 p.m.

Watch playful Atlantic bottlenose dolphins perform a special 30-minute program at the Dolphin Quest Learning Lagoon. Dolphin Quest, who independently owns and manages dolphin programs at the Hilton Waikoloa Village, is world renowned for its dolphin research and education with interactive sessions for children, adults and families. Special guests at this event include Big Island children serviced by Hawaii Shriners Hospital. Complimentary.

Hot Rocks Luau at Volcano Bar
Friday, June 15: 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Friday's celebration continues into the evening with the exclusive Hot Rocks Luau on the Palace Lawn. Make sure to catch the ceremonial removal of the pig from the imu (underground oven).

Tihati Production's Polynesian drummers, dancers, and chanters will create an array of high-energy entertainment. Feast upon a bountiful buffet of traditional luau-style Hawaiian foods and sip on exotic tropical drinks from the Volcano Bar.

Check out the benefit silent auction with items from sports memorabilia to vacation packages. The cost is $85 per adult and $42 per child (5-12 years of age). The price includes buffet dinner, two drinks, and entertainment.

Chef & Winemaker Dinner
Friday, June 15: 6 p.m.

Dine at Donatoni’s and discover an exquisite evening featuring "Top Chef" finalist Marcel Vigneron and wines from Cordorniu Napa, Domaine Napa and Ridgeline Vineyards.

Dolphin Days Golf Tournament
Saturday, June 16: 7:30 a.m.

Dolphin Days goes full swing on Saturday at Waikoloa Kings’ Course. Golfers will be greeted with a continental breakfast and gift bag before beginning their 18-hole scramble. Enjoy a post-tournament lunch with great prizes. The cost is $150 per person.

Dolphin Days Grand Prix Tennis Tournament
Saturday, June 16 & Sunday, June 17: 8 a.m.

Kohala Tennis presents the Dolphin Days two-day tennis tournament. Saturday and Sunday men's and women's tournaments invite all-comers at 3.5, 4.0, 4.5 and Open skill levels. All ages are welcome.

Dolphin Program
Saturday, June 16: 1:15 p.m.

Watch playful Atlantic bottlenose dolphins perform a special 20-minute program at the Dolphin Quest Learning Lagoon. Dolphin Quest, who independently owns and manages dolphin programs at the Hilton Waikoloa Village, is world renowned for its dolphin research and education with interactive sessions for children, adults and families. Complimentary.

Next Page > More Events and Ticket Information

About.com Special Features

Find travel inspiration and get the best tips and reviews for your next getaway. More >

The best times to visit East and Southern Africa. More >