Whale of a Time

By Richard Mineards   |   August 23, 2018
Birthday surprise for Coco Brown Brollier on this Hawaiian-themed cruise with Rose Fernandez, Tory Fernandez, Tia Fernandez, and Troy Fernandez with ukulele (photo by Priscilla)

It was certainly cheaper than flying to Honolulu, when Hiroko Benko, the ubiquitous owner of the popular whale-watching vessel, the Condor Express, hosted a sold-out, two-hour Hawaiian themed cruise for 127 guests for the fifth year.

For a mere $40, the guests – many in colorful Polynesian shirts and leis – enjoyed the hula dancing of twin sisters Tia and Tory Fernandez, while their father, Troy, showed his expertise on the ukulele.

‘It all makes for an entertaining tropical evening,” says Hiroko, whose guests included Sigrid Toye, and Peggy Wiley, and Wilson Quarre.

A mai-tai good time was had by all.

Alicia Lee and Doug Washington, Maritime volunteers, and J’amie Brown looking toward the sun (photo by Priscilla)
Condor’s Jill Martin with Mollie Russo-Parrish at the appetizer station (photo by Priscilla)
Maritime president Wilson Quarre and his wife, Peggy Wiley, enjoy the cruise with entertainer Troy Fernandez and hostess Hiroko Benko (photo by Priscilla)
Parents Julia and Richard West gave a listening introduction of live Hawaiian music and dance for their daughter, Kate, on the Condor’s Cruise (photo by Priscilla)
 

You might also be interested in...

Advertisement
  • Woman holding phone

    Support the
    Santa Barbara non-profit transforming global healthcare through telehealth technology