Dolphin Artists at Dolphin Quest

It goes without saying, dolphins are one of the most beloved marine life animals around the world. They symbolize intelligence, guidance, family, friendliness and kindness. Naturally, you can find a swimming with dolphins experience at any warm water destination around the world.

Swimming with dolphins is such a positive and educational experience. Despite the small fortune it’ll cost you for a 30 - 45 minute encounter, dolphins work hard to bring smiles to dozens of tourists every day. I recommend checking this off your bucket list.

My family added the experience to our itinerary on our trip to Hawaii in summer 2021. We visited Dolphin Quest at the Hilton Waikoloa Village, on the Big Island of Hawaii.

The animal lover in me always has concerns about wild animals in captivity. I always take note of their enclosures, how much space they’re given to roam, how their trainers treat them, and how often they’re required to perform. It was nice to know that their dolphins only work when they want to. If they’re not feeling it, they get time off. Overall, they enjoy it for the rewarding fish snacks they get after each trick.

As we were checking out of the souvenir shop, they had a gallery of dolphin paintings behind the register. Not paintings of dolphins, but paintings made by dolphins in a rainbow of colors. Of course I got one as an unusual souvenir. The only thing that would make it better is if they could tell me which dolphin made it and if it included a picture of my dolphin artist.

And voila! Here’s my abstract acrylic painting in blue, gray, and gold. It’s hanging beside a gallery of my own paintings. Every time I look at it, I’m reminded of that beautiful day, and I wonder if anyone else has a dolphin painting hanging in their home.

Acrylic painting by a bottle nose dolphin from Dolphin Quest, Waikoloa Village, Hawaii.