Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
come residents of the
Three Ring Ranch Exotic Animal Sanctuary
(
331-8778;
www.threeringranch.org
; suggested donation $35; tours 11am)
on five lovely acres in upland
Kona. Visiting the ranch is one of the most fascinating animal encounters you can
experience well…anywhere.
Licensed by the US Department of Agriculture and accredited by the American
Association of Sanctuaries, Three Ring currently hosts South African crowned
cranes, lesser flamingos, David and Goliath (a pair of gigantic African spur-thigh
tortoises) and much more, including native endangered species such as the
Hawaiian owl. Amid all this wonderful wildlife, zebra Zoe is something special: res-
cued from the failed Molokaʻi Ranch Safari Park, Zoe has amelanosis, meaning her
stripes are the color of Hapuna Beach sand and her eyes the color of the sea.
Dr Goody - who incredibly has been struck by lightning, tossed by a shark and is
a breast cancer survivor - is as good with people as she is with animals. This has
led to enormously successful educational initiatives, including an after-school pro-
gram, a resident-intern program and a residency placement program for pre-veter-
inarian students. Since the sanctuary's primary commitment is to the animals and
their welfare, it leads two-hour tours by prior arrangement only; booking via email
preferred. See the website for details.
Whale Watching
The season for humpback whales starts around January and runs to March or April.
Dan McSweeney's Whale Watch
WHALE WATCHING
MAP
maritime tour operators add whale-watching trips in season, we recommend marine
mammal biologist Dan McSweeney. An active researcher, he leads educational excur-
sions where observing whales is always the main focus. Several other types of whales,
and five species of dolphin, can also be seen in Kona waters year-round. Hydrophones
allow passengers to hear whale songs. Book via the website or phone.
Yoga
Yoga Hale
YOGA
from hot yoga to Bikram to vinyasa. Also does dance classes like hip-hop, ecstatic and
(why not?) hula hoop.
