British Columbia's Gulf Islands lie between the edge of North America and Vancouver Island — a favorite retreat for artists and wildlife lovers.

And there is a Hawaiian connection. Many crew on British explorer vessels came to the Gulf Islands from Hawai'i and stayed. Descendants of these first non-native settlers are known as kanaka. Maple Leaf Adventures operates cruises on the Maple Leaf, a classic 92-foot schooner, to Cabbage, Wallace, D'Arcy, Isle de Lis and Belle Chains, as well as remote parts of Saturna and Salt Spring. Shore walks, workshops, kayaking and gourmet meals are tour highlights.

• Gulf Islands Eco Sail: Cruise the islands with an onboard naturalist to see Dall's porpoises, Steller sea lions and thousands of migrating seabirds. April 8-13, Oct. 15-20, $1,625.

• Paint and Sail: Watercolor and drawing workshops, shore walks, wildlife viewing, with local artist. April 15-20, $1,625.

• Tall Sails and Ales: Learn about B.C. beers and the

islands' brewing history, food and beer pairings; guests may take the helm if they choose. Oct. 22-27, $1,750.

888-599-5323, or www.MapleLeafAdventures.com.

— Chris Oliver

BIG ISLAND

HAWAI'I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK OFFERS TALKS ON LAVA TUBES, BUGS

Each Tuesday, Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, with the Hawai'i Natural History Association, hosts a special event at the Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium. This Tuesday: "Crystals From Volcanic Gas: The Amazing Alchemy of Lava Tubes," in which University of Hawai'i-Hilo professor Ken Hon reveals the mineral crystals of lava tubes; and on Feb 24, "What's Stinging in Hawai'i's National Parks," by David Foote of the U.S. Geological Survey, who will focus on the unwelcome arrival of centipedes, spiders and wasps to the Islands. 7 p.m. 808-985-6011. Park entrance fees apply, and a $1 donation helps support park programs. www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/events_adip.htm.

— Advertiser staff

HOLLYWOOD

LOCATION TOURS OFFER LOOK AT NEW UNIVERSAL STUDIOS MOVIE SETS

Visitors to Universal Studios Hollywood will soon see the new movie sets being built to replace those damaged by fire last summer. The new sets will be seen from the tram on the Studio Tour and on the "V.I.P. Experience" tour, which offers an in-depth look at locations.

High-definition monitors on the Studio Tour trams will show scenes from "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" and "Ghost Whisperer," which are shot on the Universal backlot. The trams regularly stop at locations used to film everything from "Psycho" to "Desperate Housewives."

Most of Universal's sets were untouched by the fire. Sets opening midsummer include Universal's Courthouse Square and Brownstone Street, used in numerous movies and television shows. Tickets: $67 adults, $57 under 48 inches high. www.universalstudioshollywood.com/tickets.html.

— Los Angeles Times