NEWS
January 1, 2013 | By Rosemary McClure
The end of the holiday season sparks some great deals for travelers in Mexico 's Baja, including lodging and spa packages at Hacienda Beach Club & Residences in Cabo San Lucas . And the lodging specials at the resort include an opportunity to help with a conservation program. The 2-year-old Hacienda offers a long list of family-friendly activities, including a save-the-turtles program, which gives visitors a chance to release baby turtles to the sea. Within the last few months, guests have helped send more than 1,400 turtles on their way. "We work closely with local officials on the turtle release program," said Ricardo Ramirez, Hacienda Beach Club & Residences general manager, who described the activity as a "one-of-a-kind experience" for guests. Every year, female turtles, many of them Olive Ridley sea turtles -- also known as Golfina turtles -- lay thousands of eggs in nests on the beach.
NEWS
December 13, 2012 | By Mary Forgione, Los Angeles Times Daily Travel & Deal blogger
Explore Hawaii 's Big Island on a two-wheel tour to see the rim of Kilauea Crater, sea turtles at Walohinu and Kona's lush coffee country. The seven-day Hawaii Classic Bike Tour from Bicycle Adventures features a circumnavigation of the perimeter of the island, with rides averaging 45 miles a day. Off-bike activities include a hike into Kilauea Crater, with two nights spent at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park , and a catamaran trip to go snorkeling. The tour begins in Waikoloa.
TRAVEL
October 21, 2012 | By Michele Bigley
KEALAKEKUA, Hawaii - My husband, Eddie, was allergic to his wedding ring. I know that sounds like a bad opening to a novel, but aside from the traditional growing pains, we were solid. So instead of overanalyzing the fact that his skin became irritated whenever he slipped on the white-gold band, I decided to remedy the situation. We had been together for 12 years, and Hawaii was the place we escaped to whenever we needed to slow down and forgive each other for life's minor squabbles.
NEWS
August 16, 2012 | By Mary Forgione, Los Angeles Times Daily Travel & Deal blogger
The big heat gripping Southern California leaves me daydreaming about big ocean adventures, like this one in Honolulu. It's described as an underwater scooter and snorkeling experience in Maunalua Bay, where you can see fish and sea turtles up close. For a limited time, the excursion is on sale for $99 per person, courtesy of Travelzoo . The deal: The Travelzoo discount cuts the cost of this two-hour excursion in half. As always, you purchase a voucher that can be redeemed with the dive company Island Water Sports based in Honolulu.
CALIFORNIA | LOCAL
February 23, 2012 | By Tony Barboza, Los Angeles Times
California has a state bird, a state flower and even a state fossil — the saber-toothed cat. Joining the bunch could be an official state marine reptile. A bill introduced last week by Assemblyman Paul Fong (D-Cupertino) would name the endangered Pacific leatherback sea turtle to a growing list of symbols that includes the California quail, the gray whale, the California poppy and the garibaldi — the state marine fish. The leatherback, the world's largest sea turtle, would claim an entry in the law books right below — and not to be confused with — its relative the desert tortoise, a landlubber that has held the title of state reptile since 1972.
NEWS
December 27, 2011 | By Peter Nicholas
It's too early to say whether President Obama has the upper hand in campaign 2012, but the verdict is in on one point: Obama is having the more relaxing week. As the Republican presidential field jockeys for advantage in the final days before the Iowa caucuses, the Obamas move from one really fun sun-splashed outing to the next. Tuesday found the first family releasing four green sea turtles into Hanauma Bay. The turtles, each 18 months old, were born at Sea Life Park north of the bay. The bay is closed on Tuesdays for routine maintenance, giving the Obamas privileged access to a tourist spot famous for its spectacular snorkeling.