At the end of our last episode, you left me standing on Robin Baird’s marine-mammal-spotting vessel in the early morning light, cruising off the coast of Kona as a brand-new, short-term research assistant.  I’d been fooled by waves and spray, thinking I had seen signs of whales or dolphins, but then . . . [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2CVZKkusBGs?rel=0] Something real was spotted, …

Researching Whales and Dolphins Aloha, fellow ocean travelers! Those of us who spend time in the Islands have heard about the famous “Hawaiian” spinner dolphins and migratory humpback whales, but did you know there are 23 other types of whales and dolphins that live here or pass through? I learned about them recently, on an adventure in the middle of …

Planning a trip to the Big Island? We’ve covered the top five Kona beaches for you, including amenities, historical sites, snorkeling, sun, and fun! Read on to choose your favorite.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWAYb3Lqr9s?rel=0] They say if you want to become an expert in something, you have to do it for at least 10,000 hours. I haven’t actually logged all the time I’ve spent underwater, but if there were anything besides breathing, sleeping, and eating ice cream at which I might be considered an expert, it would be snorkeling in Hawaii. This …