WHILE Hongkongers risk arrest or attack by outraged animal rights activists for their recently revealed late night swims with Ocean Park's dolphins, swimming with these mammals is very much the done thing in Hawaii.
When Hyatt International built its US$360 million Waikoloa resort three years ago on 60 ocean-front acres on the island of Hawaii, they designed it as an adult fantasy wonderland complete with thundering water slides and a huge health spa.
But for many guests the resort's favourite is the simple school-boy joy of having the opportunity to meet and swim with six frisky, fun-loving dolphins.
The hotel's Dolphin Quest Programme is managed by veterinary specialists in the field of marine mammal science, and the educational aspect of the experience is stressed throughout the all-too-short 30-minute encounter.
Groups of four slightly nervous swimmers, together with a dolphin handler, slowly wade into the Waikoloa's specially designed salt water lagoon. At 25,000 square feet, with a white sand bottom six metres deep and sandy shore line, it's the largest and most natural man-made dolphin habitat in the world.
Ground rules are simple and easy to understand: don't pull on the dolphin's fins and, especially, do not touch the blow-holes on the top of their bodies, through which they breathe.