Playful, elusive and famously aqua-batic, dolphins are arguably the most endearing creatures in the sea.  Perhaps it’s the mammalian kinship we share or the smiles etched on their faces -- but for whatever reason, people are drawn to the slick, gray wave-dancers. Boat tour operators the world over have seized on the demand with dolphin-sighting cruises and plenty of marine parks stage elaborate shows; however, few places on earth actually permit direct dolphin contact.

On Hawai‘i, however, dolphin seekers can rejoice thanks to O‘ahu-based Sea Life Park by Dolphin Discovery and the myriad interactive opportunities they offer.  From waist-deep meet & greet sessions to programs that totally immerse guests in the company of dolphins, SLP has designed an experience to suit nearly every age, ability and interest, offering interactions with not only dolphins but a variety of ocean-dwellers.  At Sea Life Park stingrays, sea lions, penguins and other critters all have special roles to play in drawing people into their watery world.

The venue for these encounters is almost as breathtaking as the thrill of hitching onto a dolphin’s dorsal fin. The world-class marine attraction is located on O‘ahu’s scenic Makapu‘u Point, 15 miles east of Waikïkï, nestled between the majestic Koolau Mountain Range and Makapu‘u Beach.  The impressive backdrop is a natural stage for the symphony of sea-life so ably orchestrated by the park.

Its conductor, otherwise known as its managing director, is Renato Lenzi, wjp proudly sings the park’s praises. “The location chosen for the park is one of the most spectacular sites in all the state of Hawai‘i.” Lenzi explains. “Sea Life Park was first opened in 1964 and many of the marine parks built at that time were not so well integrated with the surrounding natural environment.”

He notes that, “The Polynesians who colonized Hawai‘i created one of the best models of sustainable development. For many centuries the land and the rich ocean resources were in perfect balance with the Hawaiian people.  Many of the animals that live at Sea Life Park were keys in the life of the Hawaiian, and for centuries Hawaiians interacted with them for a balanced survival. Dolphins were a very important element in the spirituality and daily life of the locals and in a way, they are a symbol of SLP.”

Lenzi’s passion for the sea has its source in Italy where he was born and raised. He started in the marine mammal field in 1985 at a small Italian facility in Riccione, where he was hired to help run a dolphin show.  “It was love at first site,” he says. “I enjoyed my experience there so much that I ended up getting a doctorate in Marine Biology and accumulating 21 years of experience in marine mammal training.”

Today, his passion and experience works in concert with fellow staff members for the enjoyment of visitors from around the world.  Lenzi believes that people come to Hawai‘i “because they want to participate in unique cultural and natural adventures.”  And Sea Life Park is happy to accommodate their desires for a basic admission price of $29.95 for adults, $23.95 for children 4-12 (kids 3 and under are admitted free).

From the moment you set foot on the property, each step seems to take you deeper into the underwater world, beginning with a spiraling walkway that descends around a 300,000-gallon aquarium.  Amid the tank’s kaleidoscope of sea life, you may notice an underwater safari underway.  The program, known as Sea Trek, equips guests 13 years and up with special helmets allowing them to roam their mini ocean range at a depth of three fathoms, snapping photos and feeding rays and fish– all for just over $100 per person.

Through the other side of the aquarium you discover attractions dedicated to turtles, sea lions, penguins and, of course, dolphins.  The shows are a fun mix of information and entertainment designed to satisfy most tourists’ palates, but for those with bolder appetites, the park offers more intense fare.

Lenzi explains,  “Nowadays while people still enjoy shows and display facilities, they are also looking for more hands-on experiences. Seeing a dolphin in a show can be a magical, educational experience; but once you have the opportunity to touch one, you create indelible memories.  The great side effect is that these participatory experiences also leave a much greater awareness of the conservation role that each participant has, once he or she goes back to their normal life.”

The variety of interactive programs offered is impressive.  From introductory programs like the Dolphin Discovery Swim and Hawaiian Ray Encounter to more intense offerings like the Sea Lion Discovery Swim and Dolphin Swim Adventure, each program offers personalized instruction and one on one time with the animals.

The deluxe program, known as Sea Life Discovery, lets guests taste of bit of everything from snorkeling with Hawaiian rays to swimming with bottlenose dolphins, even chilling out with the park’s resident penguins.  The experience is capped off with VIP seating at the Dolphin Cove Show and a backstage pass to meet and get kisses from the stars of the show ($335.36 Adults ages 13 years and up;  $299.32 Juniors ages 8 –12 years).

Thanks to Lenzi and Sea Life Park’s extraordinary interactive programs, entering the domain of dolphins has become as easy as it is exhilarating. To get any closer, you’d need to grow fins and a blowhole.

808-259-7933
www.sealifeparkhawaii.com

On Hawai‘i’s Big Island, determined dolphin seekers need look no further than Dolphin Quest at the Hilton Waikoloa Village. Independently owned and operated, Dolphin Quest offers guests 5 and older a variety of interactive dolphin programs.

Guided by marine mammal experts, guests connect with dolphins in one of the hotels gorgeous lagoons.  Participants learn about the dolphins' fascinating abilities and gain a personal appreciation for the importance of preserving the world's oceans and its inhabitants for future generations.

As an added bonus, participation in Dolphin Quest programs helps fund vital marine education, research and conservation programs around the world.

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