Proper etiquette for coral reefs…and other great things you can learn on vacation, especially in Hawaii

Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii – Travelers can combine education, the environment and a vacation to Hawaii by taking advantage of special activities being planned for 2008 Year of the Coral Reef.

The Hawaii version of this year’s “International Year of the Reef,” the Year
of the Coral Reef is spawning a series of interactive and educational
activities about the islands’ marine eco-systems and how to care for them.

Outrigger Hotels & Resorts in Hawaii, in collaboration with the National
Marine Sanctuary Program (NMSP) and a network of nonprofit organizations, is
offering a series of programs and activities at its oceanfront properties as
part of the hotels’ ongoing commitment to the local environment. Most are
free to hotel guests.

“We regularly support many environmental education programs, but are
especially pleased to be a part of the Year of the Coral Reef as it
coincides with a major transformation of our Outrigger Reef hotel in which
Hawaii’s ocean and voyaging history plays a large part,” said Kimberly Agas,
Outrigger’s vice president of operations.

Upcoming Year of the Coral Reef activities include:

Bishop Museum Lectures Series
April 10, May 8 and June 12, 6 p.m.
Bishop Museum, Oahu
In conjunction with Bishop Museum’s new exhibit “Whales – Wonders of the
Ocean,” museum experts present a series of lectures on coral reef ecology.
Free. Information: www.bishopmuseum.org

8th Annual Coral Reef Awareness Day
April 19, 2008
Keauhou Beach Resort, Hawaii Island
Families are invited to join this fun-filled day at Kahalu’u Bay (adjacent
to the Outrigger-managed Keauhou Beach Resort) to learn about coral,
turtles, monk seals and other marine life. The educational event includes
activities, exhibits, videos and more. Free. Supported in part by the
Keauhou Beach Resort. Information: Sara Peck, 808-329-2861.

7th Annual Kona Underwater Classic
May 24 – 31, 2008
Keauhou Beach Resort, Hawaii Island
Dive, shoot and learn from some of the finest underwater photographers
including Marty Snyderman, David Fleetham and Doug Perrine. Registration
fee. Information: www.cenpac.com/konaclassic.htm

Outrigger Reef Builders
Wednesdays, June 25 through July 16, 10 a.m. to 12 noon Outrigger Reef on
the Beach, Oahu Children of all ages are invited to join Outrigger and NOAA
to build a coral exhibit and make sea stars, butterfly and tang fish to take
home. Free. Information: Luana Maitland, Outrigger Reef on the Beach,
808-924-6007.

Dr. Sylvia Earle
July 29, 2008
Outrigger Reef on the Beach, Oahu
World-renowned marine biologist Dr. Sylvia Earle will give a special
presentation. Free and open to the public. Information: Luana Maitland,
Outrigger Reef on the Beach, 808-924-6007.

Papahanumokuakea Exhibit
August 2008
Keauhou Beach Resort, Hawaii Island
This special exhibit at the Keauhou Beach Resort features stunning images of
Papahanumokuakea (Northwest Hawaiian Islands) by internationally noted
photographer Susan Middleton. Free.

IMAX Coral Reef Adventure
Throughout 2008
Polynesian Cultural Center, Oahu
This dramatic film on a giant screen measuring 65 feet high by 93 feet wide
highlights the beauty, diversity and the importance of maintaining healthy
coral reefs throughout the Pacific. Shown five times daily (one show in
Japanese), the film follows the real-life expedition of underwater
filmmakers Howard and Michele Hall as they explore unique locations in Fiji,
Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, Lizard Island National Park, Tahiti, and the
coral atoll lagoon of Rangiroa, French Polynesia. Admission fee.
Information: www.polynesia.com

Bottom Time Talks
Every Tuesday and Thursday
Keauhou Beach Resort, Hawaii Island
Get an underwater scoop on Hawaii’s marine environment at the Bottom Time
Hawaii’s dive shop at Keauhou Beach Resort. The knowledgeable staff offers
free talks every Tuesday and Thursday, complete with stunning images.
Information: 808-331-1858.

Kohala Center’s Kahalu’u Bay Project / Reef Teach
Throughout 2008
Keauhou Beach Resort, Hawaii Island
Learn about proper coral reef etiquette at the Kohala Center’s weekly Reef
Teach programs at Kahalu’u Beach Park, located adjacent to the Keauhou Beach
Resort. Evening programs at the hotel are also available. Free. Information:
www.kohalacenter.org

Island Explorer Kit
Family travelers can also receive Outrigger’s free Island Explorer Kit, a
colorful backpack about Hawaii’s natural environment containing a new coral
reef coloring book, pen, binoculars and sunglasses. Originally developed in
partnership with Jean Michel Cousteau’s Ocean Futures Society, this
educational kit is given free to children ages five to 10 years old staying
three or more nights at the Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach, Outrigger Reef
on the Beach, Keauhou Beach Resort hotels and all Outrigger condominium
resorts in Hawaii.

One Ocean CD
Currently under development by two-time Grammy Award winner Daniel Ho is a
new musical CD entitled “One Ocean.” Featuring music by noted Hawaiian
musicians including Ho, Tia Carrera, Kawika Kahiapo and Pali Kaaihue, the
compilation is being supported by Outrigger and the National Marine
Sanctuary Foundation, with proceeds benefiting student education. CDs are
expected to be available beginning in Summer 2008.

March 31, 2008   Posted in: Hawaii