Jan 26, 2014, 12:41 pm
Last edit by: Canarsie
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[ARCHIVE to 2015] Hilton Waikoloa Village {US-HI}
Mar 11, 2003, 9:27 am
#931
Join Date: May 1998
Posts: 3,062
I called the hotel directly last week and had no problem reserving an ALON at HWV for April 13th-19th. I don't even both calling Hilton's central 800 number for award reservations any more.
Mar 11, 2003, 9:28 am
#932
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: atlanta, GA
Posts: 2,040
I just got Valentines week from the 800 number.
Mar 11, 2003, 9:33 am
#933
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: ny
Posts: 12
I was able to get ALON on HHV with no problems for August but HWV was another story. I wasn't able to redeem even one night in August. In fact I've been on their waiting list for over a month now. We just need 3 or 4 nights, not even the full 6 nights. I've also called the hotel directly a few times too.
A side question: is HWV worth the $250-$300 a night? Orbits is showing a rate of $195 for Hapuna Beach and $225 for Mauna Kea, $279 for HWV for our dates. Also interesting to note HWV is coming up as a 3 star on Orbits.
A side question: is HWV worth the $250-$300 a night? Orbits is showing a rate of $195 for Hapuna Beach and $225 for Mauna Kea, $279 for HWV for our dates. Also interesting to note HWV is coming up as a 3 star on Orbits.
Mar 11, 2003, 10:00 am
#934
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Pinckney, MI USA
Posts: 379
Great report samg23,
I too have the same guidebook, and I am almost through it for my trip in Aug.
Did you go to the Green Sand beach in our SUV.
It sounds kind of risky, but I was told that you can park, and then walk.
Did anyone panhandle you to pay for parking?
Supposedly this is a scam, and you just tell them you are on to them.
I too have the same guidebook, and I am almost through it for my trip in Aug.
Did you go to the Green Sand beach in our SUV.
It sounds kind of risky, but I was told that you can park, and then walk.
Did anyone panhandle you to pay for parking?
Supposedly this is a scam, and you just tell them you are on to them.
Mar 11, 2003, 12:41 pm
#935
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: IAD
Programs: UA1P, HH Gold
Posts: 606
Dolphins are beautiful animals. We had the opportunity to see many in the wild when we took a dolphin cruise on the Outer Banks last summer (would highly recommend if you're ever in the area!).
With that said, I try not to support programs like HWV's that keep dolphins in captivity for the sole purpose of performing for/interacting with humans. The popularity of these programs necessitates that more and more dolphins are removed from the wild each year, which strikes me as a form of cruelty in and of itself. I don't know anything about Waikoloa's operations but I've heard from a marine biologist acquaintance that some of these programs also have a pretty poor record when it comes to ethical treatment of their animals.
Hope this doesn't come off sounding preachy--just felt a need to present the other side of this issue. If anyone is interested here's a link to the Humane Society's position:
http://www.hsus.org/ace/11727
With that said, I try not to support programs like HWV's that keep dolphins in captivity for the sole purpose of performing for/interacting with humans. The popularity of these programs necessitates that more and more dolphins are removed from the wild each year, which strikes me as a form of cruelty in and of itself. I don't know anything about Waikoloa's operations but I've heard from a marine biologist acquaintance that some of these programs also have a pretty poor record when it comes to ethical treatment of their animals.
Hope this doesn't come off sounding preachy--just felt a need to present the other side of this issue. If anyone is interested here's a link to the Humane Society's position:
http://www.hsus.org/ace/11727
Mar 11, 2003, 12:45 pm
#936
Moderator: CommunityBuzz!, OMNI, OMNI/PR, and OMNI/Games & FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: ORD (MDW stinks)
Programs: UAMM, AAMM & ExPlat, Marriott lifetime Plat, IHG Plat, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 23,506
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Lpas:
With that said, I try not to support programs like HWV's that keep dolphins in captivity for the sole purpose of performing for/interacting with humans. The popularity of these programs necessitates that more and more dolphins are removed from the wild each year, which strikes me as a form of cruelty in and of itself.</font>
With that said, I try not to support programs like HWV's that keep dolphins in captivity for the sole purpose of performing for/interacting with humans. The popularity of these programs necessitates that more and more dolphins are removed from the wild each year, which strikes me as a form of cruelty in and of itself.</font>
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Visit FlyerTalk Dining http://flyertalk.com/diningfr.shtml
Mar 11, 2003, 12:58 pm
#937
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: IAD
Programs: UA1P, HH Gold
Posts: 606
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Sweet Willie:
While I understand your point and to a degree empathize with it, w/out programs such as this, many people would not get exposed to the "wild" and having an intimate encounter w/a beautiful creature such as a dolphin might actually make more people give a sh_ _ about the environment and our mostly negative impact.
</font>
While I understand your point and to a degree empathize with it, w/out programs such as this, many people would not get exposed to the "wild" and having an intimate encounter w/a beautiful creature such as a dolphin might actually make more people give a sh_ _ about the environment and our mostly negative impact.
</font>
It's obviously a personal decision and not necessarily an easy one--I know most kids are absolutely enchanted with these kind of programs. I just hope that people consider both sides before deciding what to do.
Mar 11, 2003, 1:14 pm
#938
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: CMI
Programs: AA EXP & 2MM, HH DIA, Hertz GLD
Posts: 954
Howdy,
The dolphins, with one exception have all been bred and raised in captivity.
Consider the economics, it is in their best interest to treat the animals well.
Observe them, then observe a few border collies, then tell me the difference
(ok, these guys swim a lot better and can't herd sheep).
Now, plenty of folks have strong arguments that may well have merit about such things as compainion animals, working animals, leather, eating meat....it's a big list - you get the idea...hey - if these things bother you - skip dolphin quest.
But - for those of you who can walk through a zoo and enjoy yourself; dolphin quest can be a wonderful experience.
Keep the faith,
Pakse
The dolphins, with one exception have all been bred and raised in captivity.
Consider the economics, it is in their best interest to treat the animals well.
Observe them, then observe a few border collies, then tell me the difference
(ok, these guys swim a lot better and can't herd sheep).Now, plenty of folks have strong arguments that may well have merit about such things as compainion animals, working animals, leather, eating meat....it's a big list - you get the idea...hey - if these things bother you - skip dolphin quest.
But - for those of you who can walk through a zoo and enjoy yourself; dolphin quest can be a wonderful experience.
Keep the faith,
Pakse
Mar 11, 2003, 1:48 pm
#939
Senior Moderator; Moderator, Eco-Conscious Travel, United and Flyertalk Cares
Join Date: Jun 1999
Location: Fulltime travel/mostly Europe
Programs: UA 1.7 MM;; Accor & Marriott Pt; Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 17,831
Well said Lpas.
I've written my similar thoughts on this a few times in the past (you'd probably find them in the archives), but didn't want to keep harping on it.
I do agree with Sweet Willie that sometimes it's unfortunately necessary to sacrifice the well-being of a few animals to teach others to appreciate them. Sad, but it's the way it is.
For less money though many people can take a boat out and enjoy a dolphin surfing their bow wave or see whales. I've seen orcas swim in the wild and they reach speeds of 40 mph plus. It's really sad to then see them swimming circles in pools in marine amusement parks. Similarly, I've had dolphins escort our sailboat to a harbor and then jump several times when we got there. A paid encounter feels cheap and icky. A real wild encounter is nothing short of awesome.
As for all but one of the dolphins at HWV being born in captivity, I'm not sure that's really true. I was first there when it was a Hyatt and they had about six adult dolphins that they had just began working with. The program was much more limited then because they hadn't taught the dolphins many tricks. Perhaps all but one of those has died by now. I've also noticed that their dolphins tend to breed like mad - there's a newborn everytime I've been there. Where are all these dolphins now? They can't be released back to the wild.
Anyway ... I held my breath on this one and didn't intend to get involved, but obviously couldn't help myself.
I've written my similar thoughts on this a few times in the past (you'd probably find them in the archives), but didn't want to keep harping on it.
I do agree with Sweet Willie that sometimes it's unfortunately necessary to sacrifice the well-being of a few animals to teach others to appreciate them. Sad, but it's the way it is.
For less money though many people can take a boat out and enjoy a dolphin surfing their bow wave or see whales. I've seen orcas swim in the wild and they reach speeds of 40 mph plus. It's really sad to then see them swimming circles in pools in marine amusement parks. Similarly, I've had dolphins escort our sailboat to a harbor and then jump several times when we got there. A paid encounter feels cheap and icky. A real wild encounter is nothing short of awesome.
As for all but one of the dolphins at HWV being born in captivity, I'm not sure that's really true. I was first there when it was a Hyatt and they had about six adult dolphins that they had just began working with. The program was much more limited then because they hadn't taught the dolphins many tricks. Perhaps all but one of those has died by now. I've also noticed that their dolphins tend to breed like mad - there's a newborn everytime I've been there. Where are all these dolphins now? They can't be released back to the wild.
Anyway ... I held my breath on this one and didn't intend to get involved, but obviously couldn't help myself.
Mar 12, 2003, 2:16 pm
#940
Join Date: Aug 2002
Posts: 35
My wife and I just returned from an ALON stay at the HWV and one of the dolphins, Eva, had a baby while we were there - it was really cool seing an hour old dolphin!
Mar 12, 2003, 2:17 pm
#941
Join Date: Aug 2002
Posts: 35
We did and there was nobody asking for money to park...
Mar 12, 2003, 6:10 pm
#942
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: LAX CA
Programs: UA1P MM, Hilton Dia, Mar Lifetime Gold, Hertz Gold
Posts: 2,536
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Lpas:
Dolphins are beautiful animals. We had the opportunity to see many in the wild when we took a dolphin cruise on the Outer Banks last summer (would highly recommend if you're ever in the area!).
With that said, I try not to support programs like HWV's that keep dolphins in captivity for the sole purpose of performing for/interacting with humans. The popularity of these programs necessitates that more and more dolphins are removed from the wild each year, which strikes me as a form of cruelty in and of itself. I don't know anything about Waikoloa's operations but I've heard from a marine biologist acquaintance that some of these programs also have a pretty poor record when it comes to ethical treatment of their animals.
Hope this doesn't come off sounding preachy--just felt a need to present the other side of this issue. If anyone is interested here's a link to the Humane Society's position:
http://www.hsus.org/ace/11727</font>
Dolphins are beautiful animals. We had the opportunity to see many in the wild when we took a dolphin cruise on the Outer Banks last summer (would highly recommend if you're ever in the area!).
With that said, I try not to support programs like HWV's that keep dolphins in captivity for the sole purpose of performing for/interacting with humans. The popularity of these programs necessitates that more and more dolphins are removed from the wild each year, which strikes me as a form of cruelty in and of itself. I don't know anything about Waikoloa's operations but I've heard from a marine biologist acquaintance that some of these programs also have a pretty poor record when it comes to ethical treatment of their animals.
Hope this doesn't come off sounding preachy--just felt a need to present the other side of this issue. If anyone is interested here's a link to the Humane Society's position:
http://www.hsus.org/ace/11727</font>
This is preachy. You are on the Hilton page and have made your point. Give-it-a-rest. Thanks to those who gave information pertainate to the Dolphin Quest at HWV. I will experience it this August. It appears that the price will be $150 for an adult.
Mar 12, 2003, 6:20 pm
#943
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: Charlotte, NC USA
Programs: AA EXP; Marriott Lifetime / Annual Titanium; Massively Missing Starwood
Posts: 5,337
Just walked in the door from our trip and I'll be posting more details later. To address a few questions here, I would not want access to the lounge. I didn't have it, but can't see what good it would be unless you were going to be at the hotel all the time. If so, I humbly suggest you not waste the time flying across the Pacific.
We used the breakfast coupons most of the days. Twice at the joint right by the Ocean Tower (buffet) and twice at the Orchid Cafe. Skip the buffet. Both times at the Orchid they asked if I knew how the coupon worked. Nope I said. Well, you can get the continental breakfast, but these coupons have a value of 17.50 so just order off the menu. That's two different employees on two different days.
Parking stinks but we did the self park most days.
We were in room 4088 and those birds are everywhere. With respect to Kohala spa stuff, leave a note for the maid and the turndown person asking for more specifically and they'll take care of you. Trust me...I'll not even hint at how many bottles we brought back but it was quite a bit.
Ahh...having trouble getting back on eastern time. More later.
We used the breakfast coupons most of the days. Twice at the joint right by the Ocean Tower (buffet) and twice at the Orchid Cafe. Skip the buffet. Both times at the Orchid they asked if I knew how the coupon worked. Nope I said. Well, you can get the continental breakfast, but these coupons have a value of 17.50 so just order off the menu. That's two different employees on two different days.
Parking stinks but we did the self park most days.
We were in room 4088 and those birds are everywhere. With respect to Kohala spa stuff, leave a note for the maid and the turndown person asking for more specifically and they'll take care of you. Trust me...I'll not even hint at how many bottles we brought back but it was quite a bit.
Ahh...having trouble getting back on eastern time. More later.
Mar 12, 2003, 6:22 pm
#944
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: Charlotte, NC USA
Programs: AA EXP; Marriott Lifetime / Annual Titanium; Massively Missing Starwood
Posts: 5,337
Just checking more emails and got a nice surprise. Lulu's in Kailua Kona is an iDine participant.
Mar 12, 2003, 6:44 pm
#945
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Sanford, ME
Posts: 70
Has anyone tried the dolphin encounter at the Sea Life Center in Honolulu? Any thoughts on how this program compares with Dolphin Quest? Thanks, Boggie