BOOK A DOLPHIN ENCOUNTER AT DOLPHIN QUEST ON THE BIG ISLAND OF HAWAII
Dolphin Quest Hawaii provides a variety of dolphin encounters which allow guests the opportunity to meet, touch, and play with dolphins in a safe and comfortable environment for both guests and dolphins. Our tidal, natural ocean lagoon setting enables diverse interactive experiences with dolphins from the sandy shallows to the deeper water swimming areas. Each encounter is unique based upon the guests, marine mammal specialists, and dolphins, with a variety of opportunities to select from based upon age, dolphin time, and whether you prefer to join a small, shared group, or book an exclusive experience.
BOOK A ROOM AT THE HILTON WAIKOLOA VILLAGE
We highly recommend staying at the Hilton Waikoloa Village where Dolphin Quest Hawaii is located so you can enjoy viewing the dolphins at any time.
The Hilton Waikoloa Village is 62 acres of Hawaiian paradise located on the sunny, scenic Kohala Coast. This oceanfront resort includes multiple restaurants, pools and waterslides, canal boats and trams to escort you through the property, Legends of Hawaii luau, world-class Kohala Spa, and beautiful unobstructed views of the ocean and sunsets.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Dolphin Quest Hawaii is located at the Hilton Waikoloa Village on the Kohala Coast of the Big Island of Hawaii, about 30 miles north of Kailua-Kona.
- The address for Dolphin Quest Hawaii and the Hilton Waikoloa Village is 69-425 Waikoloa Beach Dr., Waikoloa, HI 96738
- From Kailua-Kona, please allow 45-60 minutes to travel to Dolphin Quest.
- From the airport, please allow 30 minutes to travel to Dolphin Quest.
- Please allow yourself about 30 minutes walking time from the hotel’s parking area to Dolphin Quest.
- Dolphin Quest is located on the ocean side of the Makai Tower.
- It is wheelchair and stroller accessible, but please feel free to ask for directions upon arrival to avoid staircases.
- Click here to view a map of the Hilton Waikoloa Village.
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We are open from 8:30am-4:30pm HST every day.
- This includes the check-in desk, Discovery Center, gift shop, Encounter Club, and Learning Center in the DQ Village area.
- Guests are welcome to visit the dolphin lagoon at any time to view the dolphins.
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You do not have to pay for self-parking if you have a Dolphin Quest reservation.
- The Hilton Waikoloa Village charges for self-parking and valet for non-Dolphin Quest guests.
- You can call (808) 886-1234 for current parking rates.
- Guests who participate in Dolphin Quest programs may request parking validation from Dolphin Quest during check in.
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No. Dolphin Quest Hawaii is a separate company from the Hilton Waikoloa Village.
- The Hilton is our hotel partner.
- Dolphin Quest is not owned or operated by the Hilton Waikoloa Village.
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No. Anyone visiting Hawaii, including local residents, can experience a Dolphin Quest program.
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Yes. All guests are welcome to watch our dolphin encounters and view the dolphins throughout the day from our lanai, grassy hillside, or any areas around the dolphin lagoon.
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The pools at the Hilton Waikoloa Village are reserved for hotel guests and pool day pass holders only.
- The Hilton pools, jacuzzis, beaches, lagoons, and water slides are reserved for Hilton guests only.
- The Hilton occasionally offers Pool Day Passes for purchase by calling the hotel at (808) 886-1234.
- Everyone is welcome to visit the stores and restaurants while visiting the Hilton property.
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Reservations can be made up to one year in advance.
- Book now with our online reservation system, or call or text us at (808) 746-7065 during hours of operation.
- For more information, please fill out our Contact Us Form.
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There are a variety of ways to make a reservation with Dolphin Quest while at the Hilton.
- Call Dolphin Quest at extension 1216 from your room phone or any hotel house phone.
- Visit the Dolphin Quest check-in desk at DQ Village.
- Book now with our online reservation system.
- Call or text to make a reservation: (808) 746-7065 during hours of operation.
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Our programs fill up quickly during the busy summer and holiday seasons.
- We have a limited number of spaces for the various programs offered daily.
- We occasionally have cancellations, so if you are unable to reserve a spot, contact the Dolphin Quest check-in desk and ask about our wait list.
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Our goal is to make all encounters safe and exciting for the dolphins and guests, so we have some basic requirements for all participants:
- Participants must be able to follow directions and instructions provided by the program trainer and other Dolphin Quest Crew Members.
- Participants must be able to move about freely within the water environment.
- Guests must be comfortable in the water and be able to manage their movements as instructed in and around the animals while wearing required water safety gear.
- Participants must be able to physically move from one location to another by walking in sand, climbing stairs, walking across floating platforms, crossing slippery and uneven surfaces both in and out of the water, and be able to transition between standing and sitting positions.
- Local weather conditions vary, so individuals should be able to handle heat, humidity, direct sun exposure, wind, and torrential rains.
- Participants can expect to be around large marine mammals as well as other marine animals within the natural environment. Dolphin Quest has an exemplary safety record. There is still inherent risk in and around the dolphin habitat as a natural ocean environment.
- Guests under the age of 5 are restricted from participating in our standard encounter programs. However, we do offer the Wee Tots program and our Family and Friends program for children ages 2-4 years old. Please call (808) 987-3434 for details.
- Participants may be denied the opportunity to participate or to continue participation in a dolphin interaction or education program should their actions be of a safety concern or are a disruption to others.
- For assistance in making a reservation, call (808) 987-3434 during hours of operation.
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Our goal is to make sure your visit is safe and enjoyable for both you and the dolphin.
- We welcome guests who may require additional assistance in our programs due to a disability or special need.
- Each encounter is customized to the comfort level of our guests while also ensuring safety for our guests and animals.
- To discuss making dolphin encounter reservations for a guest with special needs, please call or text us directly at (808) 746-7065 during hours of operation.
- For more information, please fill out our Contact Us Form.
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All program fees are charged in full to the credit card used when making a reservation.
- If you have already checked in to the Hilton, you may also charge the program fees to your room on the day of your encounter.
- If using a Dolphin Quest Gift Card for payment, this can be processed online or through a reservation’s agent.
- For any other payment questions, please call or text us at (808) 746-7065 during hours of operation.
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Guests who do not show up on time or are a “no show” to check in for their reserved program will be charged full price.
- Any cancellations made prior to 72 hours of the scheduled Encounter Program time will receive a full refund.
- Guests can cancel their reservation online prior to 72 hours of the scheduled Encounter Program time.
- Guests can reschedule their reservation by contacting the site directly prior to 72 hours of the scheduled Encounter Program time.
- No rescheduling or cancellations allowed within 72 hours of the scheduled Encounter Program time unless Trip Protection was purchased at the time of booking.
- Trip Protection allows guests to cancel or reschedule their original reservation up to 24 hours from scheduled Encounter Program time by contacting the site directly.
- Any cancellations within 72 hours of scheduled Encounter Program time, without Trip Protection, will not be refunded.
- To cancel or change a reservation, please call or text Dolphin Quest Hawaii directly at (808) 746-7065 during hours of operation.
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Check-in time for all programs is 30 minutes prior to the scheduled program start time.
- Please check in at the Dolphin Quest check-in desk at Dolphin Quest Village, located on the ocean side of the Makai Tower, for all programs.
- It is wheelchair and stroller accessible, but please feel free to ask for directions upon arrival to avoid staircases.
- Click here to view map of hotel grounds.
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Yes, changing areas and lockers are available for use.
- We offer changing areas along with complimentary and secure lockers in Dolphin Quest Village for Dolphin Quest participants.
- It is suggested, if possible, to come to Dolphin Quest with your swimsuit on and ready to go into the water.
- You may wear sunscreen while in the water, and we encourage you to use ocean-safe products.
- An outdoor, freshwater shower is available for program guests to use.
- Dolphin Quest is not liable for lost or stolen items.
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No. Dolphin Quest does not provide towels, so we ask our guests to bring their own.
Towels are also available for purchase in our retail area.
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Yes. Please contact Dolphin Quest Hawaii directly at the Dolphin Quest check-in desk at Dolphin Quest Village or call or text us at (808) 746-7065.
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Personal cameras and GoPros are not permitted in our program areas.
- However, someone with you who is not doing the program may take pictures or video your interaction from the spectator side of the ropes and railings.
- You may also take pictures of our animals before or after your program from the spectator side of the ropes and railings.
- Dolphin Quest’s photographers will be taking posed and candid photos throughout your program.
- Your program photos are available for pre-order or as a post-program purchase.
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Your program photos are available for pre-order or as a post-program purchase.
- Pre-order pick-up, viewing, and post-program photo orders will be at the DQ Gift Shop at Dolphin Quest Village.
- Your program photos are available for purchase onsite at Dolphin Quest Hawaii up to 14 days after your program in the DQ Gift Shop at Dolphin Quest Village.
- If you are unable to purchase your photos directly from Dolphin Quest Hawaii, on-line photo ordering will be available for 14 days from your program date.
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No, Dolphin Quest Hawaii does not offer videos of your programs.
Non-participating guests and family members are welcome to film you during your program from the spectator side of the ropes and railings.
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- All guests are welcome to film programming from the designated viewing areas around the lagoon. No personal cameras are allowed in the interactive programming areas.
- Any marketing collaborations must be reviewed and approved prior to the program participation date. To contact us about a potential marketing collaboration, please fill out the MEDIA CONTACT form.
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Yes, Dolphin Quest Hawaii has a gift shop located within Dolphin Quest Village.
- The gift shop is filled with Dolphin Quest and marine-themed items.
- Items available include plush animals, t-shirts, rash guards, towels, jewelry, ornaments, toys, books, local Hawaiian-made gifts, and much more.
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Yes, Dolphin Quest Hawaii will sometimes offer free dolphin demonstrations throughout the year for
special events and holidays.- We are currently offering a free Sunrise Splash in the Hilton Main Lagoon in front of the waterfall on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 8am HST which is a 10-minute presentation with the dolphins and Marine Mammal Specialists.
- Contact the site for exact show times or visit Current Events for more information.
- The general public is welcome to watch all programs from the lawn area overlooking the lagoon.
- We also conduct various educational talks and activities when visiting our Encounter Club area in DQ Village.
- During regular business hours, our crew members are available to answer questions.
- If you would like to host a group function, or schedule your own demonstration, with Dolphin Quest, please contact us at (808) 987-3434 during operating hours.
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- It is legal to swim with dolphins at Dolphin Quest Hawaii, but It is illegal to swim with wild dolphins.
- Actively seeking out and attempting to interact with local Hawaiian spinner dolphins disrupts their natural behaviors and essential periods of rest, negatively impacting their welfare.
- In September of 2021, NOAA Fisheries announced the protection of Hawaiian spinner dolphins and prevent their disturbance. This rule prohibits swimming with, approaching, or remaining within 50 yards of a Hawaiian spinner dolphin (for persons, vessels, and objects).
- For more on this topic, visit Protect Dolphins.
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Dolphin Quest has three beautiful locations worldwide on the islands of Hawaii, Oahu, and Bermuda.
To learn more about each location, please click on the following location links: Big Island – Hawaii, Oahu – Hawaii, Bermuda
