Road Scholar : Home
Snorkeling Hawaii’s Spectacular Marine Environments

Program Number: 18116RJ
Start and End Dates:
2/24/2014 - 3/5/2014;
Duration: 9 nights
Location: Kahului (Maui), Hawaii
Price starting at: $2,987.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Water Sports; National Parks Activity Level: t (see description)
Meals: 23; 8 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 8 Dinners    

Explore spectacular marine environments of the Hawaiian Islands on a series of unforgettable snorkeling field trips and on visits to premier research facilities. Get up close to sea life and ocean ecosystems in Molokini, Kahaluu Bay, the Kohala coast and Honaunau Bay. Local experts discuss the islands’ diverse marine environments, coral reefs and sea species, and a local family hosts a traditional backyard luau.




Highlights

• On a nighttime snorkel, observe manta rays feeding on plankton attracted by underwater lights.
• Exclusive guided visit of the Maui Ocean Center to see its collection of live coral and observe sea turtles, sharks, rays and more.
• Visit Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, the “Place of Refuge.”



Activity Particulars

Walking up to three miles on uneven ground. No snorkeling experience required, must have basic swimming skills.



Itinerary Summary

Arrival Kahului, Maui, 4 nights; fly to Kona, Big Island of Hawaii, 5 nights; departure.



Coordinated by Hawaii Pacific University.




Kahului (Maui)

Though the largest town on the island of Maui, Kahului is off Hawaii’s beaten track of mainstream tourism. The comparatively light crowds are a boon for visitors to the town’s natural and cultural destinations, including the Alexander and Baldwin Sugar Museum, Kanaha Pond State Wildlife Sanctuary and the Maui Arts and Cultural Center.
Accommodations
Hotels with air-conditioning, outdoor pools. Meals in hotels, nearby restaurant, picnic-style.
Meals and Lodgings
   Maui Beach Hotel
  Kahului, Maui, Hawaii 4 nights
   Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa
  Kona, Big Island of Hawaii 5 nights
 Maui Beach Hotel
Type: Hotel
  Description: This kamaaiana (local) property is located on the harbor side of Kaahumanu Avenue in Kahului, Maui and is conveniently located near the airport and program sites. It is a 30 minute drive from several lovely beaches (shuttles available or cars can be rented from airport - hotel has a free shuttle to airport). There is a large shopping mall across the street.
  Contact info: 170 Kaahumanu Avenue
Kahului, Maui, HI 96732 USA
phone: 808-877-0051
web: www.mauibeachhotel.net
  Room amenities: All rooms have a private bathroom, air conditioner, complimentary broadband internet access (no Wi-Fi in rooms), cable TV with Pay-Per-View movies, mini-refrigerator, alarm clock, telephone with voicemail, in- room safe, and iron/ironing boards.
  Facility amenities: This full service has a swimming pool and pool deck. As it is located on a “harbor” beach, swimming is not recommended here. The town of Kihei (a 30 minute drive) has several swimming beaches. There is free parking at the hotel, free airport Shuttle (6am to 9pm), free high speed internet, 24-Hour front desk, copy/fax service, computer internet kiosks through Shaka Net located in lobby, free Wi-Fi in the lobby, and a coin operated laundry.
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: See comment below. Additional nights are available at the Maui Beach Hotel if your Road Scholar program begins or concludes on Maui. 2013 Road Scholar Rates: Standard $125.00 + taxes Deluxe * $160.00 + taxes * At the Maui Beach Hotel, your program uses deluxe rooms. You may want to consider booking a deluxe room for your post-program stay to avoid having to change rooms. The Maui Beach Hotel also currently provides free shuttle service to and from the airport.
  Check in time: 4:00 PM

 Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa
Type: Resort
  Description: Situated on quiet and tranquil Keauhou Bay, sits The Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay, a 22 acre oceanfront resort. The resort features many recreational facilities, including a system of multilevel pools, including a 200-foot lava slide, two spa tubs, and a sandy-bottomed children's pool, as well as being in close proximity to numerous golf courses and ocean activities. The full-service Ho'ola Spa (means "healing" in Hawaiian) is truly a place of healing, relaxation, and rejuvenation. The 3,200-square foot spa facility was built with Hawaiian simplicity, yet has an air of distinct luxury. Indulge in Hawaiian lomi lomi massage or hot pohaku (stone) massage treatments. From the hair and nail salon to the vichy showers to the oceanfront treatment patios, Ho'ola Spa will add the perfect touch of indulgence to every visit. A total renovation of this property was completed in September 2012.
  Contact info: 78-128 Ehukai Street
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 USA
phone: 808-930-4900
web: www.sheratonkona.com
  Room amenities: Each room has air conditioning, balcony, private bath, shower, cable/pay TV/video games, coffee maker, radio/alarm clock, refrigerator, hair dryer, internet access, iron, ironing board, in room safe, complimentary wired high-speed Internet access, In room Wi-Fi (additional fee), and direct dial telephone/data port/voice mail.
  Facility amenities: This 4-star property has a business center and offers secretarial services, technology support staff, and limo/town car service. Wireless Internet access (surcharge) is available in public areas. For a surcharge, Business services, wedding services, concierge services, and tour assistance are available. Additional property amenities include a rooftop terrace, a library, and a coffee shop/cafĂ©. There is also a bar/lounge, barber/beauty shop, gift shop, laundry service, and restaurant.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights after: See addtl nights comments If you wish to stay extra nights at the Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa, please call Central Reservations at (866) 837-4256 and identify yourself as a member of our PII Road Scholar program. You will be given the best available rate at the time of booking.
  Check out time: 11:00 AM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Registration between 3:00 - 5:00 pm at Maui Beach Hotel lobby. Upon arrival, please proceed to the hotel’s front desk to check in. You will then be directed to the Road Scholar registration desk. You will be staying at Maui Beach Hotel that night.
  End of Program:
Program ends after breakfast in Kona; check-out by 11:00 AM; independent departures You will be staying at Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. The Snorkeling Equipment/General Health Questionnaire, Risk Release Form, & Release of Liability form to visit Molokini must be signed and returned to Pacific Islands Institute. Valid I.D. is required for inter-island flights.
  Parking availability:
Parking is free at Maui Beach Hotel/ Self parking is $10 and valet parking is $16 at the Sheraton Kona Resort. Prices subject to change.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Kahului, Maui, Hawaii
  Nearest city or town:  Kahului
  Nearest highway: Hana Highway (360) near Puunene (311) intersection
  Nearest airport:  Kahului Airport (OGG)
  From End of Program
  Location:  Kona, Big Island of Hawaii
  Nearest city or town:  Kailua-Kona
  Nearest highway: Highway 19
  Nearest airport:  Kona International Airport at Keahole (KOA)
Travel Details
 

Maui Beach Hotel

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Hotel Shuttle
Maui Beach Hotel Airport Shuttle
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Free
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

15 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

Approximately 3 miles
   

Please contact the front desk or porter to arrange your shuttle departure time.
 

Sheraton Kona Resort

 

To Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi
Various Taxi Companies

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Approximately $55.00 and up*; additional fees may apply for extra passengers, luggage
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

20 - 40 minutes depending upon traffic 
 

Distance:

 

15 miles
   

Taxi companies in Kona: Mel's Taxi (808) 987-7254 Aloha Taxi (808) 325-5448 Aloha Taxi (808) 325-5448

 

Sheraton Kona Resort

 

To Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Roberts Hawaii Express Shuttle
phone: 866-570-2536
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$33
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

20-40 minutes depending upon traffic 
 

Distance:

 

15 miles
   

This shuttle provides a convenient mode of transportation between the Kona International Airport (KOA) and Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa. Reservations are powered by Roberts Hawaii. Roberts Hawaii Express Shuttle guarantees no more than 5 stops to your hotel destination. Cost: $33 per person one way or $62 round trip. Includes 2 standard pieces of luggage and one carry on. Oversized luggage fees may apply. You can also make reservations online at www.robertshawaii.com/konaexpress/index.php
 

Maui Beach Hotel

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi
Various

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Approximately $10 (subject to change)
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

10 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

3 miles
   

Maui Taxi Companies: A. Maui Airport Taxi LLC (808) 875-6110 B. Sunshine Cabs of Maui (808) 879-2220 C. Royal Sedan & Taxi (808) 874-6900 D. Speedi Shuttle 1(877) 242-5777

 
Driving Directions
  From Continental US to Hawaii: Honolulu International Airport (HNL) on Oahu is Hawaii's major airport, serving as the entry point for most of Hawaii's visitors. All twenty-three major domestic carriers (such as American, Continental, Delta and United, etc.) and sixteen international carriers serve Oahu, so you can get here from just about anywhere. There are also direct flights from the mainland U.S. to Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii's Big Island, but for the most part, you may need to connect through Oahu to get to the neighbor islands. If your program begins on Maui, Kauai, Molokai or Hawaii's Big Island, and you need to transfer from Honolulu International Airport, you will need to take a short inter-island flight on one of the local carriers (Hawaiian Airlines, go!Airlines or Island Air.) Transfer flights are not difficult. They are short – 25 to 45 minutes long depending on the island destination – and frequent – there are multiple departures daily, often hourly. You can buy your flights directly on your own, through your local travel agent or over the Internet using the airline’s own website or through a travel website such as Expedia.com, Travelocity.com, Orbitz.com or Kayak.com. Hawaii’s Airport Codes HNL – Honolulu, Oahu OGG – Kahului, Maui KOA – Kona, Hawaii's Big Island Hawaiian Airlines www.hawaiianair.com 1-800-367-5320 go!Airlines www.iflygo.com 1-888-435-9462 Island Air www.islandair.com 1-800-653-6541
  From Kahului Airport (OGG) to Maui Beach Hotel Start out going SOUTHWEST on KEOLANI PL toward HEMALOA ST. 2: Turn SLIGHT RIGHT onto HALEAKALA HWY / HI-396 W. 3: Turn SLIGHT RIGHT onto HANA HWY / HI-36 W. 4: Turn SLIGHT LEFT onto E KAAHUMANU AVE / HI-32 W. 5: Make a U-TURN onto W KAAHUMANU AVE / HI-32 E. 6: End at 170 W Kaahumanu Ave Kahului, HI 96732-1607, US Total Est. Time: 9 minutes Total Est. Distance: 2.96 miles
  From Sheraton Kona Resort to Keahole-Kona International Airport (KOA) From the Sheraton Kona Resort, turn left on Ehukai Street and head toward Kamehaha III Road. Turn right on Kaleiopapa Street. Continue to Alii Drive and turn left. Continue to Palani Road; Turn left on Queen Kaahumanu Highway. Remain on "Queen K" for approximately 7 miles. Turn right on Keahole Airport Drive.
Equipment Requirements: It is strongly recommended that you bring your own snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel, fins) for optimal fit, comfort, and experience; however, snorkeling equipment will be available available for use at no additional charge.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Registration/Welcome & Introductions
(Monday, February 24)
   
 Afternoon: Program Registration
 Dinner: Hotel Dining Room
 Evening: Brief Introductions to Fellow Group Members
   
Accommodations: Maui Beach Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Introduction to Hawaii's Marine Environment/Snorkeling
(Tuesday, February 25)

Note: The actual day we visit a particular snorkel site is dependent upon varying weather, tide, and other local conditions at the time and are subject to change
   
 Breakfast: Rainbow Dining Room
 Morning: Optional Snorkel warm-up, Orientation, Class: Introduction to Hawaii's Marine Environment
 Lunch: Picnic lunch at the beach
 Afternoon: Field Trip: Snorkeling
 Dinner: Rainbow Dining Room
 Evening: Free Evening
   
Accommodations: Maui Beach Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Snorkeling/Guided tour of Maui Ocean Center/Class:Coral Reefs & Fishes Class
(Wednesday, February 26)

Note: The actual day we visit a particular snorkel site is dependent upon varying weather, tide, and other local conditions at the time and are subject to change
   
 Breakfast: Hotel Dining Room
 Morning: Field Trip: Snorkeling
 Lunch: At Maui Ocean Center Restaurant
 Afternoon: Visit Maui Ocean Center - a guided tour of the aquarium which is devoted to Hawai`i’s unique marine environment. This state-of-the-art marine park features spectacular live coral displays (the largest collection in the nation), elusive garden eels and majestic lionfish, colorful Hawaiian wrasses, Hawai`i’s beloved green sea turtles, sharks, rays and more.
 Dinner: Hotel Dining Room
 Evening: Class: Coral Reefs and Fishes
   
Accommodations: Maui Beach Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Snorkeling Cruise/Explore Lahaina
(Thursday, February 27)
   
 Breakfast: Continental breakfast aboard snorkel boat
 Morning: Field Trip: Snorkeling off the coast of Molokini Shoal and Turtle Arches. The group will enjoy a continental breakfast on the boat and watch for whales (whales only from January – April) while heading across the bay to Molokini. A naturalist will accompany the group to provide us with an in-depth understanding of Hawai`i’s unique ocean ecology. Before heading back to port, enjoy a deli-style lunch on board.
 Lunch: Picnic lunch aboard snorkel boat
 Afternoon: Free time to explore Lahaina. Optional Historic Lahaina walking tour included or free time to explore on your own. Late afternoon scheduled bus departure for hotel or you may choose to stay in Lahaina for dinner and an evening show (extra expense)
 Dinner: On Own
 Evening: Free evening
   
Accommodations: Maui Beach Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5: Fly to Kona, Hawaii/Introduction to Kona's Marine Environment/Snorkeling
(Friday, February 28)
   
 Breakfast: Hotel Dining Room
 Morning: Depart hotel for Airport. Take a short flight to Kona.
 Lunch: Picnic lunch
 Afternoon: Check-in at hotel and attend Class: Introduction to Kona's Marine Environment. After class depart on a Field Trip: Guided snorkeling at Kahalu`u Bay, one of the best snorkeling and swimming spots near Kailua-Kona.
 Dinner: Hotel Dining Room
   
Accommodations: Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Snorkel & Sail
(Saturday, March 1)
   
 Breakfast: Continental breakfast aboard snorkel boat
 Morning: Field Trip: Depart on a catamaran for a remote bay along the Kohala coast. A great opportunity for snorkeling, weather permitting.
 Lunch: Deli-style lunch aboard snorkel boat
 Afternoon: Upon returning to port, free time to explore beach area before departing for hotel. Once back at hotel, there will be a few hours of free time until dinner.
 Dinner: Hotel Dining Room
 Evening: Free evening to explore Kona and walk along the beautiful coastal Alii Drive.
   
Accommodations: Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Free Day in Kona/Night Time Manta Ray Snorkel Trip
(Sunday, March 2)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on your own to choose from the variety of options available along Alii Drive.
 Morning: Free day to explore Kailua-Kona or snorkel along the Kona coast.
 Lunch: Lunch on your own
 Afternoon: Continue your Free Afternoon before departing in the late afternoon for a night time Manta Ray Snorkeling excursion.
 Dinner: Picnic dinner aboard the snorkel boat
 Evening: Field Trip: Tonight we go in search of manta rays on a night time snorkel. Large underwater lights attract plankton which in turn attract feeding Manta Rays (if the mantas feel like turning up - they are "wild" after all). In any case, it will be a unique experience and we're sure to see a lot of fish.
   
Accommodations: Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 8: Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii/Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site/Backyard Luau
(Monday, March 3)
   
 Breakfast: Hotel Dining Room
 Morning: Field Trip: Today we head north up the Kohala Coast of Hawaii. Our first stop will be at the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii (NELHA). NELHA's mission is "to develop and diversify the Hawaii economy by providing resources and facilities for energy and ocean-related research, education, and commercial activities in an environmentally sound and culturally sensitive manner."
 Lunch: Picnic lunch at beautiful Hapuna Beach Park
 Afternoon: Field Trip: Puukohola Heiau, the "Temple on the Hill of the Whale,” was built by Kamehameha I in 1790-1791 to incur the favor of the war god, Kuka`ilimoku. This was the last major heiau (traditional temple or place of worship) built in the islands.
 Dinner: The group will experience a backyard luau with a local family. Please understand that these types of experiences are a rare treat and may not be possible at the time the group visits.
 Evening: Cultural Event: This traditional cultural event includes local stories, imu (underground oven) preparation and cooking, local plant life, hula, music, and other cultural activities. Please understand that these types of experiences are a rare treat and may not be possible at the time the group visits.
   
Accommodations: Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Puuhonua o Honaunau (Place of Refuge) National Historical Park/Snorkeling in Honaunau Bay & Free Time in Kona
(Tuesday, March 4)
   
 Breakfast: Hotel Dining Room
 Morning: Field Trip: Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park was a “Place of Refuge” provided to Hawaiians who broke a kapu (law) or were defeated in battle, giving them a second chance. It was a place of sanctuary where all was forgiven – sacred ground where life could begin anew.
 Lunch: Picnic Lunch at beach
 Afternoon: Snorkeling in beautiful Honaunau Bay. Upon returning to the hotel, there will be free time to explore Kona.
 Dinner: Hotel Dining Room - Groups Aloha (Farewell) Dinner
   
Accommodations: Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Hotel Check Out/Independent Departures
(Wednesday, March 5)
   
 Breakfast: Hotel Restaurant
 Morning: Hotel check out by 11:00 am and independent departures
   
Meals Included: Breakfast

Free Time Opportunities
  
  Kahului, Maui, Hawaii Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau
Comprehensive listing of events and activities for the state. Contains much information about local events and activities. Searchable by dates, activity, etc. - To find information on the island's events and activities, click on the island in the map at the top of the home page. Or, you may call 1-800-Go-Hawaii. For additional information, visit www.gohawaii.com
  Kona, Big Island of Hawaii Ahuena Heiau
This well-restored religious site, once the personal heiau of King Kamehemeha the Great features prayer and drum houses, carved tiki gods and an oracle tower. King Kamehameha worshipped at this site from 1813 until his death in 1819. It is located on the grounds of the hotel but the public may visit the site during the day. King Kamehemeha Kona Beach Hotel 75-5660 Palani Road Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 Tel: 808-326-4969 Hours: 9am - 4pm daily Admission: Free
  Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau
Comprehensive listing of events and activities for the state. Contains much information about local events and activities. Searchable by dates, activity, etc. - To find information on the island's events and activities, click on the island in the map at the top of the home page. Or, you may call 1-800-Go-Hawaii. For additional information, visit www.gohawaii.com
  Hulihee Palace
Built in 1838 by Governor John Adams Kuakini, Hulihee Palace remained until 1916 a retreat and vacation spa for Hawaiian royalty. The Palace is now a museum, displaying historical treasures from Hawaii's past including a collection of former Hawaiian royalty furniture and effects, as well as ancient artifacts. In 1925, the palace was purchased by the Territory of Hawaii and turned over to the Daughters of Hawaii, an organization dedicated to perpetuate the memory and spirit of old Hawaii and of historic facts. 75-5718 Alii Drive Kailua-Kona, Hawai'i 96740 Tel: (808) 329-1877 Hours: Sunday-Saturday 9am-4pm Adults: $6.00 Seniors: $4.00 For additional information, visit www.huliheepalace.org
  Kona Coffee Plantation and Factory Tour
Almost everyone has heard about the magnificent taste of hand-picked Kona coffee. Some of the best coffee in the world is grown on a narrow strip of land in the mountain slopes above Kailua-Kona. Nearly 600 farms share space in this 20-mile-long, 2-mile-wide coffee-rich corridor. Island Sun Coffee or Greenwell Farms are a couple of farms that offer a plantation tour and tasting for a unique sightseeing and educational experience. For additional information, visit www.konacoffeefest.com/vendors.html
  Parker Ranch
Parker Ranch, in Waimea was founded in 1847 and is one of the oldest ranches in the United States. Spreading approximately 175,000 acres of the island, Parker Ranch is also one of the country's largest cattle ranches. Learn about life on a working cattle ranch that has been home to Hawaii's cowboy, the paniolo, for six generations. The ranch is open daily with wagon rides, museum tours, historic homes tours, plus shopping and dining. 67-1435 Mamalahoa Hwy., Kamuela, HI 96743 Located off Hwy 190 in Kamuela Tel: 808-885-7311 Headquarters Tel: 808-885-7655 Museum & Visitor Center Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Admission: $6.50 per person. Child & Senior discounts available. For additional information, visit www.parkerranch.com
  Pua Mau Place Arboretum & Botanical Garden
The name Pua Mau means ever-blooming in native Hawaiian. The Garden is located on the west slope of the Kohala Mountains on the Kohala coast, a unique area of the Big Island where arid mountain slopes and intriguing ravines slice through the landscape. See an expanding collection of continuous flowering plants including a Hibiscus Maze planted in over 200 varieties of hibiscus, incredible sculptures found no where else, and an arrangement of large stones based on the standing stone circles associated with Celtic culture in the British Isles. 10 Ala Kahua Kawaihae, HI 96743 Tel: 808-882-0888 Hours: 9am-4pm Daily For additional information, visit www.puamau.com
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List


Big Island of Hawai`i


Author: Bisignani, J.D.


Description: General



Coral Reef Fishes


Author: Ewald Lieske, Robert Myers


Description: A convenient handbook to shallow-water fishes associated with coral reefs throughout the Indo-Pacific and Caribbean. With 2,500 illustrations covering 2,100 species worldwide



Hawaii's Fishes


Author: Hoover, John P.


Description: First Published in 1996, this new edition of Shore Fishes of Hawaii updates our knowledge of Hawaiian fishes and has been expanded to include 372 species. Because it is necessary to use some scientific terminology when giving the principal diagnostic characteristics of families or species of fishes and what they eat, a handy glossary appears at the back of the book before the Index.



Hawaii's Humpback Whales


Author: Kaufman, Gregory D. and Forestell, Paul H.


Description: Hawaii's Humpback Whales is an informative and richly illustrated description of the humpback whale and its behavior. This book is unique in providing the opportunity to learn about one species of whale in sufficient degree to recognize its behaviors and displays, and perhaps even interpret the significance of many of them. This fine volue includes a behavior "key" describing activities and the contexts in which they occur; detailed information on where and how to watch for whales; regulations govering human activity in the vicinity of whales; what to do in case of a stranding; and a discussion of the future management and conservation of humpback whale populations.



Hawaii's Sea Creatures: A Guide to Hawaii's Marine Invertebrates


Author: Hoover, John P.


Description: Hawaii's seas teem with life. Living creatures--swimming, creeping, floating or crawling--have invaded every possible undersea habitat. They have multiplied and diversified into every imaginable shape and form, from 20-foot giant squids to tiny creatures living between sand grains. Ninety percent of these animals are invertebrates-- animals without backbones. Many are beautiful, a few are bizarre, all are fascinating. This book, a sequel to the John Hoover's best-selling guide Hawai`i's Fishes, leads the reader deeper into the undersea realm with 660 underwater photographs of over 500 species of lobsters, shrimps, crabs, shells, octopus, corals, anemones, urchins, stars, sponges, slugs and a host of other lesser-known creatures. Virtually all the animals encountered by snorkelers, divers and beachgoers in Hawai`i are here. Hoover provides scientific, common and Hawaiian names for each animal, as well as a wealth of information on its natural history, ecology, cultural importance, and even suitability for aquariums.



Hawaiian Coral Reef Ecology


Author: Gulko, David


Description: Filled with color photographs, graphics, diagrams and cartoons, each page will pull you into the process of discovery as you learn more about the vital role coral reefs play.



The Whales of Hawaii


Author: Balcomb, Kenneth C. III and Stanley M. Minasian


Description: Produced by the Marine Mammal Fund, this information-packed, beautifully designed volume provides great insights on Hawaii's whales, spinner dolphins, monk seals and other marine mammals. Includes full-color photography.





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