| Visitors to Hawaii frequently see dolphins from shore | | | | opportunities touching or holding a dolphin in different |
| or on a whale-watching cruise or fishing boat. Visitors | | | | poses. |
| sometimes happen to be in the water snorkeling or | | | | 2. Dolphin Quest on Oahu |
| kayaking when a pod of dolphins swims by. Some | | | | Pros: |
| visitors even seek out dolphins, either by frequenting | | | | Extensive program for kids 5 to 12. |
| areas where dolphins live and play, like Kealakekua | | | | Cons: |
| Bay on the Big Island, or by taking a boat tour that | | | | No actual 'swimming' with dolphins. The Oahu program |
| frequents areas where dolphins live and play. | | | | is located at the Kahala Mandarin Oriental Hotel. |
| If however, you would like to guarantee up-close | | | | Although the Oahu and Big Island programs are similar |
| dolphin interaction you can pay for the privilege at | | | | in theme, there are differences. The Oahu program |
| three places in Hawaii. | | | | includes many of the same aspects as the Big Island |
| 1. Dolphin Quest on the Big Island | | | | program but here kids also have an opportunity to |
| Pros: | | | | interact with reef fish and sea turtles. Oahu also |
| Children 5 years and up can participate. Several | | | | offers a program that is half as long and a little less |
| programs to choose from. | | | | expensive. |
| Cons: | | | | 3. Sea Life Park on Oahu |
| No actual 'swimming' with dolphins. The Dolphin Quest | | | | Pros: |
| Program on the Big Island is located at the Hilton | | | | If your dolphin is willing, you get to hold onto his/her |
| Waikoloa Village hotel. You do not have to be a | | | | dorsal fin for a swim. |
| guest at the hotel to participate in or watch the | | | | Cons: |
| dolphin programs. The program includes dolphin trivia | | | | Out of a 45 minute program, only 15 of it is in the |
| and facts, close up examination the program's captive | | | | water. Only for ages 13 and up. This program also |
| dolphin's body parts like teeth and tail, getting to | | | | includes the price of admission to Sea Life Park. It |
| feed the dolphins, being in the water with the | | | | features a lot of in-depth dolphin facts and some |
| dolphins, and watching them underwater with the | | | | close up dolphin interaction, plus 15 minutes in the |
| mask. Each person also gets a few photo | | | | water with the dolphins. Pictures are also available. |