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Dolphin Days Summer FestMakes It's Splash on Hawaii's Big Island June 26-28By Madelyn MillerDolphin Days Summer Fest makes its 9th annual splash at the Hilton Waikoloa Village June 26-28, 2003. The three-day festival features a charity golf tournament, Aloha Friday luau, silent auctions, live radio remote broadcasts, dolphin program, and Dolphin Days signature— the Great Waikoloa Food, Wine & Music Festival. I will miss it this year. I will be freezing my butt off, swimming with spawning salmon in Alaska instead. Dolphin Days is one of my favorite events—I love the food, the fellowship, and most of all, seeing the kids who are the recipients of the fund raising, enjoying their time in the water with the Dolphins. I plan to be back next year. The summer fest gets underway with a “Culinary Soiree” and silent auction at the exquisite Water’s Edge Ballroom on Thursday, June 26, from 7-10 pm. Rendezvous with Executive Chef Wilhelm Pirngruber and his award-winning culinary team as they explore "What's Hot and What's Not" for 2003. Chefs will share future trends and revisit passing fads, while party-goers sip on martinis and other "cool" drinks. Cost to attend is $75 and tickets are limited. On Friday, June 27, the day begins before dawn at the Water’s Edge Ballroom. Meet Big Island deejays along with the state's top radio personalities, Perry & Price from Honolulu's KSSK. Celebrities and very special guests will be interviewed and live audience participation is encouraged during this broadcast that gets underway at 5 am. Festivities continue at 5 pm at the Dolphin Learning Lagoon as playful Atlantic bottlenose dolphins perform a special 40-minute complimentary dolphin program. Dolphin Quest® independently owns and manages programs at the Hilton Waikoloa Village, is world renowned for educating the public about dolphins with interactive sessions for children, adults and families. Special guests, at this event, are Shriners Hospital’s Big Island keiki (children). Come early to get the best seats at the lagoon. Following the dolphin program, the evening celebration continues at 6 pm with the Aloha Friday Luau on the Palace Lawn. The luau has evolved into one of Dolphin Days' favorite family events. Special plans are underway to unveil an interactive “Fire and Ice” themed event. Featuring Tihati Production’s Polynesian drummers, dancers, and chanters, in an array of high-energy entertainment. Culinary creations from Chef Wilhelm Pirngruber and his talented team are in the making along with exotic tropical drinks. Contemporary dance music from popular island musicians will complete the event. Cost for the buffet-style luau is $75 (includes two drinks) and $35 for children ages 5-12. Dolphin Days gets into full swing with a Golf Tournament at the Waikoloa Kings’ Course on Saturday, June 28, with a 7:30 am shotgun start. Players are greeted with a continental breakfast and gift bag before beginning their 18-hole scramble. After golf, participants enjoy a post-tournament buffet luncheon with awards. (Registration is limited, $135 per player) The weekend festivities culminate with the 9th annual Great Waikoloa Food, Wine & Music Festival held under the stars on the Palace Lawn, Saturday June 28 beginning at 6 pm. Over two dozen of Hawaii’s most talented chefs will prepare culinary specialties, paired with a wide selection of fine wines, boutique brews and spirits. World-class entertainers keep the audience on their feet in an All-Star Jazz Jam Session. While enjoying the best jazz under the Hawaiian skies, stroll through the silent auction and bid on the many auction items available, including get-away vacation packages, sports memorabilia and fine art pieces. Last year's silent auctions contributed nearly one-third of the monies raised at Dolphin Days for its beneficiaries, Hawaii Shriners Hospital for Children and Pacific Marine Life Foundation. A dramatic firework display closes the 9th annual Dolphin Days. Tickets are $95(pre-sale) or $110 at the door, children $45 and the event has sold out the past several years. The three-day Dolphin Days summer fest event benefits the Hawaii Shriners Hospital for Children and the Pacific Marine Life Foundation. Hawaii Shriners Hospital touches more than 17,000 children from the Hawaiian Islands and the entire Pacific Basin. Keikis have received quality orthopedic care for no cost since established in 1923. Pacific Marine Life Foundation is a nonprofit organization created out of concern for the pressures on wild dolphins, whales and their fragile marine ecosystems with a mission to work for real solutions by supporting marine education, conservation and research. During the past eight years, Dolphin Days has donated more than $290,000 to these two organizations! For more information, or to reserve tickets to the 9th Annual Dolphin Days, call (808)886-1234 or visit us on the web at www.dolphindays.com. Special Dolphin Days room rates are available. For guestroom information call a preferred travel planner, 1-800-HILTONS or the Hilton Waikoloa Village at 808-886-1234. Hilton Waikoloa Village on Hawaii's Big Island offers lush tropical gardens, exotic wildlife, cascading waterfalls, tranquil lagoons and waterways, playful dolphins, three swimming pools, beautifully appointed guest rooms and extensive indoor and outdoor meeting and event venues. Amenities include two championship golf courses, a seaside putting course, world-class tennis, the luxurious Kohala Sports Club & Spa, nine restaurants, the Museum Walkway, Camp Menehune children's program and Hawaiian cultural activities. For more information call 808-886-1234 or visit www.HiltonWaikoloaVillage.com GREAT GUIDEBOOKSHawaii Maverick Guide to Hawaii Hidden Hawaii Lonely Planet Hawaii INSIGHT GUIDE TO HAWAII Gayot Guide to Hawaii HAWAII HANDBOOK Hawaii Travel Smart |
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