Aumakua's Blessing!

  

ALOHA Dolphinites!

As some of you may know, Dolphins and You's dolphin swim tour is conducted on the west coast of Oahu, which is considered to be a sacred land amongst the Hawaiians. Remains of Hawaiian temples, which are called heiau, are dotted across the area, and development is prohibited. Compared to Honolulu (which has the second worst traffic in the US...ugh), time flows much slower and gently -- sort of how you'd imagine Hawaii to be like!

As guests to the cherished and honored land around Makua and Ka'ena, we offer some prayer and flowers to the ocean for a safe journey. Hawaiians believe that natural phenomena such as rainbows and lava, as well as animals and plants to be manifestations of gods and goddesses, and sometimes the family guardian spirit. These manifestations are called 'aumakua, and prayers, offerings and sometimes human sacrifices (!) were given to them as an essential part of indigenous Hawaiian religious practice.

Check this link to listen to the prayer/chant that we offer. It's called E Ho Mai.

Some people say that their encounter with dolphins in nature was a very spiritual/mystical experience, while others claim to be healed of their ailments after the swim. Hence our subtitle/motto "Journey of Self-Discovery".

Come check out our tour and know what this amazing experience will mean to you!

DolphinsAndYou.com

Mahalo!
J

Dolphins' First Victory!!

Adamant followers of this blog would know about Honolulu's rising star softball team -- The Dolphins! We finally have some good news of pizz... ahem... of victory! Yay!

We were worried at first because we were short on some players, but things worked out in the end, and the game commenced. To be completely honest, the Dolphins have not been able to make their fans proud over the first half of this season. We've had many nights of crying ourselves to sleep.

But this week was different. Perhaps it was something in the air, or it may have been that we were hungrier than usual for the satisfying taste of pizz... ahe-hem... of winning the game for the first time this season.

As I may have mentioned before, Big Boss Richard promised to take us out for pizza every time we won a game. And we did, Dolphins fans. Finally! Not all the teammates could make it to Kaimuki's Boston Style Pizza, but those who did (including myself, Jonathan) devoured the victory, which came in the form of freshly baked pepperoni and spinach-chicken pizzas and root beer.

Well, we sure hope we'd have another chance for pizz... ahehehehem... excuse me... victory!

Go Dolphins! Win Dolphins! Eat pizza Dolphins!

Come be a part of our great team/ohana (family)!!!

DolphinsAndYou.com

Mahalo folks!
J

Summer is Nigh! Diamond Head is Turning Brown!

Alooooooooooha Dolphinites!

Diamond Head is one of the most well-known landmarks of Oahu, and if you've visited Waikiki, you'd know of its prominence! This volcanic cinder cone is a perfect little hike that's easy for people of all ages (given that they are capable of walking for about an hour, of course). And the view from there is just amazing... See it for yourself! If you're lucky, you can see whales from the top during the winter months.

One thing that I (Jonathan in the office ;) ) have noticed in the 3 years that I've been on the island is how the shrub on the slopes changes color depending on what season it is. During the winter, it's the rainy season on the south shore of Oahu, so the slopes are thick with green. But as summer approaches, and we get less rainfall, the landmark starts to turn brown.

Well, anyway. Diamond Head is turning brown, and the surf's going high.

Some may ask, "What's the difference? It's warm in Hawaii all year around, right?"

Ladies and Gents, let me assure you. Summer is always better!!! (This is my personal opinion, haha)

... But, yes. It is pretty much warm year round...

In conclusion, summer is awesome, and you should be here!

And say hello to dolphins, who are as eager to see you as you are to see them!!
DolphinsAndYou.com

Mahalo, folks!
Jonathan

Kids on the Tour!

We have had a busy couple of weeks with tons of families visiting form around the globe! Spring break in Japan, and Easter Holidays in the US, Canada and Australia, you see. We love having kids on board. The dolphins are curious to see "little humans" too!

One question that we often get is whether it is safe for younger children to participate in our tour. The answer is a definite "YES". Some families are concerned that their younger children would be too scared to get in the water, considering the fact that the boat is usually a few hundred yards (meters) offshore, and the ocean can be about 50ft (15m) deep. The truth is, once the dolphins are spotted, most kids are too excited to worry about the water; and even if the dolphins do not get them excited enough to jump in headfirst, they tend to enjoy themselves worry-free once they're in the water.


For you and your family's safety, our crew is Lifesaver, CPR, and First Aid certified.

I'm sure you'd be happy to hear that we have had no accidents since the beginning of our operation. (Remember, we are the oldest dolphin swim tour on Oahu, established 1989!)

Dolphins and You is a great activity for families, as well as couples. Oh, who am I kidding; it's fun even if you come alone!

Next time you're Oahu, won't you come and swim with us??

dolphinsandyou.com

Mahalo!
J

Go Dolphins!

Aloha, Dolphinites!

We are proud to announce our softball team... Wait for it.... the Dolphins!!! Here's a photo from our most recent match :) We got our fins flipped pretty badly, but we had tons of fun! It's the second match in a row that we lost in, so we'd better gather some dolphin energy and swing that bat and hit that ball!

We focus on fun at D&Y. And safety of course.

Our next match is on Friday, 29th... Wish us luck!

dolphinsanyou.com

Thanks Zach!

Zach, who is one of our most loved crew/lifeguard is moving to the mainland to go to university. Some may know, but each of the crew member is assigned a ranger name, sort of like in Power Rangers. Zach is known as the "Sexy Single" Ranger. With his cute dimples and energetic dances, he's been entertaining our guests, or ohana (family) if you will, for the last couple of years.

We'd like to wish him good luck in his studies and everything! Oh, whales showed up today to send him off as well. See, marine mammals love to communicate with humans! Cheehoo!

Oh, PS: If you're a man or a woman of the sea, like to dance and have a great time on the boat, a spot just opened up ;) You fellas don't know what you're missing... Swimming with dolphins is a great career, wouldn't you say???

DolphinsAndYou.Com

Makua Magic!

Now, check this out! About 180 dolphins approached the Enzo (Dolphins and You's boat) today!
It was close to Makua Bay. Makua means "entrance" in Hawaiian, and it gets its name from the fact that it is at the front door of Kaena Point, which is considered one of the most sacred areas on the island of Oahu.

This is a sight to see!!!

DolphinsInHawaii.com