Adventure Girl: Exploring Hawaii

Guest Post by Stefanie Michaels Stefanie Michaels, known to legions of fans as “Adventure Girl®,” has carved a unique niche in the world of travel and entertainment. Her website, AdventureGirl.com, has been utilized by millions looking for tips on exciting places to visit, be it sleeping in an Ice Hotel in Reykjavík, Iceland, swimming with dolphins in the Bahamas, or tapping into the chicest eco-friendly destinations in travel today.

If you have the winter blues, and let’s face it, we’re not even into the major part of winter yet … look no further than the island of Hawaii's generous gifts of adventure, hot hotel deals, culinary treats, warm waters and wide open spaces. They're sure to brighten the mood of any Grinch, any time of year.

Nature and the environment are key players here, with a bounty of activities for exploring the beauties of the Big Island, and luxuriating in one of the most stunning and diverse locals on the planet.

Every winter, humpback whales swim from their summer homes in Alaska to the warm birthing waters of the Hawaiian Islands. One of the best and least crowded places to view and learn about these extraordinary creatures is right off Hawaii's Big Island. Encounter these majestic mammals during high season, now through March, under sail, under water or from under a palm tree. Visit Hawaii's official travel site and pick your favorite way to watch whales.

Want to help the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary count this season's population of humpbacks in Hawaiian waters? Call (888) 55-Whale to be part of the Sanctuary Ocean Count, which happens the last Saturday of January, February and March 2009, and visit here for details.

Just before sunset, guests are whisked away in high style aboard the Hula Kai from the pier at Keauhou Bay. Arriving at Manta Village, divers observe the sea's most graceful creatures while a tethered float on the surface provides maximum comfort and safety. The 2.5-hour evening excursion includes wetsuit, snorkel gear, beverages and snacks. $89 per snorkeler; $110 per certified diver. Visit www.fair-wind.com or call toll-free (800) 677-9461.

The Pacific Tsunami Museum in historic Downtown Hilo opens a dramatic new exhibit entitled "The Indian Ocean Tsunami of 2004" on Dec. 14. This opening coincides with the anniversary of the deadliest tsunami in recorded history (Dec. 26 is the exact anniversary date). Noted University of Hawaii-Hilo oceanographer and tsunami expert Dr. Walter Dudley (also a Museum scientific advisor) has since been assisting the governments of India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand and the Maldives to improve their tsunami education, preparedness and evacuation plans. Visit www.tsunami.org.

The Volcano Winery announces the release of its 2006 Pinot Noir, Limited Edition. Only 120 bottles of this wine were produced, so this exclusive offer is only available while supplies last. The customized bottles are numbered and labels will be signed by the vintner upon request. $60 per bottle, sold at the winery or, to place an order, call (877) 967-7772. Visit www.volcanowinery.com.

One of the Big Island's most popular charity events — the Kona Brewers 14th Annual Festival — tap dances again Mar. 14, 2009. Taste-test from 30 breweries serving 60 beers and challenge your epicurean delights with 25 restaurants preparing delectable food at King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel. The event features live music, a "trash fashion show" and hula. The multi-day celebration also includes a beer and food pairing dinner, a charity golf tournament, and a Walk/Run for Hops. Entrance fees vary per event. Call (808) 331-3033 or visit www.KonaBrewersFestival.com for more information.

Where to stay and play

An exclusive spa experience will be unveiled at the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai (pictured below) in mid-December. Grounded in island healing practices, native plant and mineral resources will be incorporated into signature treatments and a new apothecary will custom-blend products. Then, all new in early 2009, complimentary pre-treatment spa rituals in the Waiea (Water of Life) Garden, couples hale with private plunge pool, and pre- and post-relaxation areas will be added. Call (808) 325-8000 or visit www.fourseasons.com/hualalai for all the details.

It's a Family Affair with ResortQuest Hawaii's "Kids Stay, Play & Eat Free" package. The program entitles children 12 and younger to free activities, meals and merchandise — up to a $300 value — when accompanied by one paying adult. Additionally, children ages 17 and under stay free when using existing bedding in the same room with their parents. Visit www.ResortQuestHawaiiKids.com or call (866) 774-2924 to make a reservation.

Guests of Outrigger Condominiums on Hawaii's Big Island enjoy a fourth night free when staying three nights or more. Perfect for honeymooning couples, families with children, or large groups of friends. Rates start at $143 for a one-bedroom condo at Outrigger Kanaloa at Kona, $130 for a studio at Outrigger Royal Sea Cliff and $190 for a two-bedroom condo at Outrigger Fairway Villas. Valid through Dec. 21, 2009; call (800) 326-6803 or (808) 322-3441.

Overlooking the blue waters of the Pacific, Royal Kona Resort offers guests traveling now through March 31, 2009 an Aloha Special Reduced Rate of $135 plus tax per night in its Bay Tower Ocean View guestrooms. Rates are based on double occupancy and subject to availability. For more information and reservations, please call 1-800-22-ALOHA (1-800-222-5642) or visit www.RoyalKona.com.

Watch your savings rise as you dive down with Bottom Time Hawaii, conveniently located at Keauhou Beach Resort. For all of 2009, stay four nights at the Outrigger Keauhou Beach Resort, upgrade to a partial ocean view room, and receive three days of two-tank dives at $650 per person. Reservations must be made directly with Bottom Time Hawaii at (866) 463-4836. Snorkeling friends of divers receive 10 percent discount and complimentary snorkeling gear. Visit www.bottomtimehawaii.com.

Learn more! Click this helpful calendar for detailed information about Hawaii island events.

Photos courtesy of Stefanie Michaels.