June 19, 2008 - Thursday

Opening Hawaiian Blessing

What: Join us to officiate the beginning of the Dolphin Days Summer Fest with a traditional Hawaiian blessing.

Where: The new Dolphin Quest Village at the Dolphin Quest Learning Lagoon

When: 5 p.m.

Cost: Complimentary

Dolphin Program

What: For the first time in Dolphin Days history, there is a special thirty minute dolphin program each day of the four-day festival to commemorate Dolphin Quest's 20th anniversary on Hawaii's Big Island. Experience the excitement first-hand.

Where: Dolphin Quest Learning Lagoon

When: Immediatly following the Opening Blessing

Price: Complimentary

Chef & Winemaker Dinner

What: Bravo Network's "Top Chef" second season finalist Marcel Vigneron will prepare a delicious dinner paired with wines from Forest Glenn Winery.

Where: The new Dolphin Quest Village alongside the Dolphin Quest Learning Lagoon

When: 6 p.m.

Price: Tickets are $85 per person, inclusive of gratuity, plus tax. This event sells out fast, as space is limited, so purchase your tickets today! From 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 17 - Thursday, June 19 and from 10 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. Friday, June 20 and Saturday, June 21, call the Special Events Desk at 808-886-2994 for reservations. Outside of these hours, call restaurant reservations at 808-886-1234, extension 54.

June 20, 2008 - Friday

Radio Remote Broadcast

What: Stop by and meet football celebrities, golf professionals, Dolphin Quest personnel, representatives from Hawaii Shriners Hospital for Children, jazz entertainers, and Big Island radio personalities broadcasting live.

Where: Grand Promenade

When: 6 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Price: Complimentary

Autograph Session with University of Hawaii Football Coaches

What: University of Hawaii Football Head Coach Greg McMackin, Associate Head Coach George Lumpkin and Defensive Coordinator Cal Lee sign autographs to benefit the Dolphin Days charities.

Where: Base of the Grand Staircase

When: 4 p.m.

Dolphin Program

What: The resident Atlantic bottlenose dolphins perform another special 30-minute program at the Dolphin Quest Learning Lagoon. Dolphin Quest, who independently owns and manages dolphin programs at the Hilton Waikoloa Village, is world renowned for its dolphin research and education with interactive sessions for children, adults and families.

Where: Dolphin Quest Learning Lagoon

When: 5 p.m.

Price: Complimentary

Dolphin Days Brew Fest

What: New this year! The celebration continues into the evening with the first annual Dolphin Days Brew Fest. Attendees receive ten, six ounce samples of beer from over a dozen different types of brews on tap from Anheuser Busch and Kona Brewing Company. Enjoy good old brew style food from the Chefs Grill Station with hamburgers, bratwurst and hot dogs to extra large soft pretzels and freshly popped popcorn. Finish it off with assorted ice cream bars.

Local Hawaiian-style entertainment includes The Mana’o Company, Typical Hawaiians and R.J. Lanui Kaneao. R.J will open from 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., Typical Hawaiians play from 7:45 p.m. – 8:45 p.m., and Mana’o Company will take the stage at 9 p.m.

The Mana’o Company is famous for their Island contemporary and Jawaiian style music. Hit songs include “Spread a Little Aloha,” “Drop Baby Drop,” “96 Degrees” and “Stepping Out.” In 2002 TMC’s album Spread a Little Aloha received five prestigious Na Hoku Hanohano Awards. There were three for the group (Album of the Year, Contemporary Album of the Year, and Single of the Year ); another for TMC founder, singer, guitarist and bassist Danny Kennedy for composing the Song of the Year ("Aloha") and one for Dave Tucciarone's win in the Engineering category.

Typical Hawaiians, a young, hip reggae group with an energetic vibe, features Thomson Enos and Tazra Vegas, along with a backline of talented musicians.  Their debut CD, In a Positive Vibrations was released in 1997 featuring the hit song, “Crazy,” which topped the island music charts.  The album won the 2000 Na Hoku Hanohano award for Reggae Album of the Year, making Typical Hawaiians only the second band in history to win Hawaii’s equivalent of the “Grammy Award” for a reggae album.  Their success has catapulted them into the spotlight – and onto some of the biggest stages.  While they’ve performed in such locales like Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Tahiti and Europe, perhaps their highlight was being tapped to serve as the back-up band for internationally acclaimed reggae star Rupert “Ojiji” Harvey (former lead singer of Messenjah).

With smooth reggae grooves and heart felt ballads R.J. has hit the stage with island and international greats such as Don Ho, Willie k., and Fiji and has covered the globe as a Polynesian entertainer and lead guitarist with Tihati Productions.

A silent auction will also take place with over three dozen items from hotel stays and sports memorabilia to island activities and art.

 
Where: Palace Lawn

When: 6 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Price: Tickets are $60 per person plus tax and include dinner, ten 6 oz samples of beer, and entertainment. For children ages 5 - 12, tickets are $30 plus tax per child.

From 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 17 - Thursday, June 19 and from 10 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. Friday, June 20 and Saturday, June 21, call 808-886-2994 to purchase tickets or stop by the Special Events Desk in the Main Lobby of Hilton Waikoloa Village. Outside of these hours, call restaurant reservations at 808-886-1234, extension 54.

June 21, 2008 - Saturday

Dolphin Days Golf Tournament

What: Dolphin Days goes full swing at the Waikoloa Kings' Course. Golfers will be greeted with a continental breakfast and tee gift before beginning their 18-hole scramble. Enjoy a post-tournament lunch with great food and prizes. The tournament is limited to 144 players.

When: 7:30 a.m. shotgun start

Where: Waikoloa Kings' Golf Course

Price: $150 per person and $550 per foursome includes a continental breakfast, gift bag, buffet luncheon, and great prizes. Or pre purchase three mulligans and register for $175 per person and $700 per foursome. Space is limited. Call 808-886-2860 for special kama'aina pricing. Mulligans will be available for sale at check-in on June 21.

From 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 17 - Thursday, June 19 and from 10 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. Friday, June 20 and Saturday, June 21, call 808-886-2994 to purchase tickets or stop by the Special Events Desk in the Main Lobby of Hilton Waikoloa Village. Outside of these hours, call restaurant reservations at 808-886-1234, extension 54.

View and submit the Entry Form (PDF)

Video from last year's Golf Tournament

Dolphin Program

What: And another one! Watch the playful Atlantic bottlenose dolphins perform a special program at the Dolphin Quest Learning Lagoon. Dolphin Quest, who independently owns and manages dolphin programs at the Hilton Waikoloa Village, is world renowned for its dolphin research and education with interactive sessions for children, adults and families. Arrive early to stake out the best seats!

Where: Dolphin Quest Learning Lagoon

When: 5 p.m.

Price: Complimentary

The Great Waikoloa Food, Wine & Music Festival

What: Dolphin Days culminates with its signature event - The Great Waikoloa Food, Wine & Music Festival. Over two dozen of Hawaii's most talented chefs will prepare culinary specialties, paired with a wide selection of fine wines, boutique brews and spirits. World-class jazz entertainers keep the audience on their feet with an All-Star Smooth Jazz Jam Session. While enjoying the best smooth jazz under the Hawaiian skies, partygoers will be able to stroll through the benefit silent auction to bid on vacation packages, sports memorabilia, fine art pieces, and much more!

Jazz Artists: Headliners this year include Jeffrey Osborne (vocals), Oleta Adams (vocals and piano), and Ray Parker Jr. (guitar.) The Dolphin Days All Star Band features Andrew Ford with bass, Michael White with drums, Greg Karukas and Kiki Ebsen with keys, Fred Schreuders with guitar, Michael Paulo with sax, Pauline Wilson and Margo Le Duc with vocals, Clifford Coulter with keys and vocals and Ron Powell with percussion.

Presenting Chefs & Restaurants: Chef Russell Siu of 3660 on the Rise, Big Island Ice Cream, Chef Bill Bruhl of Bluwater Grill, Chef Vincent Hu of Chang Mai Thai Cuisine, Chef Daniel Thiebaut of Daniel Thiebaut Restaurant, Executive Chef Collin Thornton with the Fairmont Orchid, Executive Chef James Babian with Four Seasons Hualalai, Chef Ross Alaim with Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel, Kailua Candy Company, Kawaihae Harbor Grill & Seafood Bar, Chef Vincent Tso of Kirin Chinese Restaurant, Chef Michael Rose of Longhi's Restaurant, Executive Chef Edwin Goto with Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows, O'Keefe & Sons Bread Bakers, Executive Chef Jackie Lau of Roy's Restaurant, Ruth's Chris Steak House, Romano's Macaroni Grill, Chef DK Kodama of Sansei Seafood Restaurant and Sushi Bar, Chef Goran Streng of Tango Contemporary Cafe, Sushi Shiono, Chef Steven Arakaki of The Cake Rack of Kona, Chef Colin Nakagawa of The Seaside Restaurant, Chef Scott Lutey of Tommy Bahamas, Tropical Dreams, Executive Chef Miles Togikawa of Waikoloa Beach Marriott, Chef Kenichi Kanada of Kenichi Pacific Inc., Chef Sascia Marchesi of Donatoni's, Chef Fumio Inaba of Imari, Chef Dayne Tanabe of Kamuela Provision Company, and Executive Pastry Chef Eddie Enojardo.

Where: Palace Lawn

When: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Price: Tickets are $120 plus tax per adult and $60 plus tax per child (5-12 years of age).

From 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 17 - Thursday, June 19 and from 10 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. Friday, June 20 and Saturday, June 21, call 808-886-2994 to purchase tickets or stop by the Special Events Desk in the Main Lobby of Hilton Waikoloa Village. Outside of these hours, call restaurant reservations at 808-886-1234, extension 54.

The After Party Jam Session

What: The food and wine fest celebration continues well into the night at Malolo Lounge adjacent to the main lobby. The After Party is a great way to wrap up "the party of the year,"gather with friends, enjoy tropical drinks, and dance the night away with live entertainment.

Where: Malolo Lounge

When: 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Must be 21 years or older to enter this event. No-host bar.

June 22, 2008 - Sunday

Malibu Pool Party

What: Sip on tropical drinks and lounge by the Kona Pool at Malibu Pool Party sponsored by Malibu Rum. Enjoy fun games and music with friends and family and taste the new Malibu Banana Rum. Themed pupu (appetizers) are available for purchase.

Where: Kona Pool

When: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Price: Attendance is complimentary

Dolphin Program

What: The final thirty minute dolphin program with the resident Atlantic Bottlenose dolphins!

Where: Dolphin Quest Learning Lagoon

When: 5 p.m.

Price: Complimentary

Adopt-a-"Frisbee" Dolphin Race

What: Adopt a Frisbee and watch as the resident Atlantic bottlenose dolphins pick their favorite Frisbees. If your Frisbee is chosen, win great prizes!

Where: Dolphin Quest Learning Lagoon

When: 5:30 p.m.

Price: Purchase one Frisbee for $5 or five Frisbees for $20. To purchase Frisbees stop by the Special Events Desk in the Main Lobby of Hilton Waikoloa Village. The Special Events Desk is open from 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 17 - Thursday, June 19 and from 10 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. Friday, June 20 and Saturday, June 21.