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Dolphin Encounters

Pods of dolphins surround the Islands, and spotting them can be as easy as just getting yourself out in the ocean. They are wild animals, of course, and do not follow a schedule, but a catamaran sail off Waikiki will usually net you a spotting. Dolphins also generally make appearances shortly after sunrise on the West Shore and can be clearly observed from beaches like Makua and Makaha. And while they won't have the peppy music of Sea World in the background, their jumping and spinning is even more awe-inspiring when you realize they are just doing it for fun rather than for a reward.

Dolphin Quest at The Kahala. This worldwide dolphin encounter group now has a O'ahu location in the Kahala. Trained Atlantic bottlenose dolphins hold court in an enclosed lagoon at the center of the hotel. The Kid's Quest for Knowledge ($175) is a two-hour, in-the-water session of feeding and interacting with sting rays, dolphins, and sea turtles. The adult session is only an hour, but it involves in-the-water interaction as well as education for $250. The Kahala, 5000 Kahala Ave., Kahala. 808/739-8918. www.dolphinquest.org

Sea Life Park. Dolphins are just one of the attractions at this outdoor marine life park. Seals, sting rays, and Hawaiian sea turtles are also in residence. Rates for the 45-minute interaction sessions with their Atlantic bottlenose dolphins in the salt water lagoon begin at $140. The in-the-water action includes belly rides along the surface as you hold onto a dolphin's pectoral fin. Not as ritzy as the Kahala, but, it may be more feasible for the everyman budget. 41-202 Kalaniana'ole Hwy., Waimanalo. 808/259-7933 or 886/365-7446

Wild Side Speciality Tours. This west-side charter follows the wild spinner dolphins that make their home off of Makua Beach. Marine biologists conduct the tours, adding a depth of knowledge not found with boat captains and dive masters. The biologists also evaluate the dolphins' mood; when the animals are playful and open to interaction, you are allowed to jump in and snorkel with them. If the dolphins seem strained or agitated, then you watch from the boat. There are no guarantees as these are wild animals. Wild Side offers morning, afternoon, and evening sails with meals on their 42-foot catamaran with a maximum load of only 16. Rates for the four-hour sail begin at $95 per person. Wai'anae Boat Harbor, Slip A-11. 808/306-7273. www.sailhawaii.com