Hawaii’s extreme natural beauty and warm tropical weather creates idealistic conditions to hike and explore the islands. Many people often over look a few basic safety precautions which can ultimately save lives. During the month of January, Oahu saw two separate fatalities involving inexperienced hikers. Safety for our guests is one of the top priorities here at Discover Hawaii Tours; all of our hiking and eco guides are CPR and First Aid certified. Hiking with a certified guide is one of the best ways to ensure a safe adventure, however if you find yourself hiking in

Hawaii you should remember the following hiking tips:

Hiking trails are not paved sidewalks. Pay special attention to where your feet go.

Often forest floors can be muddy and uneven, proper shoes or boots should be worn

Trails do not often have clearly marked street signs. Stay with your guide or learn to carry and use a map

Don’t hike alone, be sure to hike with a buddy or group for safety

Don’t take unnecessary risks. Be safe

Hiking is one of the best ways to explore the Hawaiian Islands, and it’s also a great way to stay in shape too. Discover Hawaii Tours offers guided hikes to hidden waterfalls and to the tops of volcanic craters. While on tour, many guests get the chance to observe many native plants and birds. On your next Hawaiian vacation be sure to join Discover Hawaii Tours on our either our 16B Hidden Waterfall Eco-Adventure Tour or our 15A Diamond Head Guided Eco-Hike. Remember, safety first!

Over 12,000 dedicated “Lost” fans packed Waikiki’s famous white sandy beach Saturday night to be among the lucky few who got a chance to watch the first episode of Lost’s sixth and final season. Waikiki felt more like Hollywood complete with a red carpet, screaming fans, and stars (not including the ones above our heads). A thirty foot screen at the end of Waikiki Beach set the back drop for one of ABCs most watched television series. The rest of the world will have to wait until Tuesday, February 2, 2010, three days later to watch this action packed episode.

Like most “Lost” fans, many people are anxiously awaiting the new season in hopes that many of their unanswered questions will finally have closure. You could feel the anticipation in the air moments before the episode illuminated the screen. Even after the episode concluded screaming fans still wanted more. Not to worry for those who were unable to attend the premiere, you still have more chances to experience “Lost.” Being that almost every episode was filmed on the island of Oahu; Discover Hawaii Tours can take you to many of the different film locations. If you want to see the lush tropical rainforests join our new 16B Hidden Waterfall Eco-Adventure Tour to get the full jungle experience where our guides can point out real film locations from the series. For those who prefer to sit back and relax our 10A Discover the North Shore Tour will take you by some of the most beautiful beaches around, including the beach where “Lost’s” infamous plane wreck washed up. Not to be missed is the fascinating Japanese Byodo-In Temple which we stop at on our North Shore/Cultural Center Tour and on our Pearl Harbor/Cultural Center Tour.

Make the most out of Lost’s final season by touring some of the film locations on your next Hawaiian vacation.

Aloha and welcome to our new series of 4 blogs showcasing the many free activities on the Hawaiian islands of Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii the Big Island.  During a time when everyone is feeling the economic crunch in their pockets, relax and make the most out of your stay by checking out the following activities.  Oahu will be first island that will be showcased.

Oahu – “The Gathering Isle”

Chances are that if you visit Hawaii your stay will include a visit to the island of Oahu where the state capital Honolulu is located. Besides enjoying the free sunshine and beaches you may also like a list of our Top 10 Free Things to do on Oahu:

10. LEARN ABOUT THE DIFFERENT VARIETIES OF PINEAPPLE at the Pineapple Variety Garden in Dole Plantation located outside of Wahiawa.  Don’t forget to wet your taste buds with the world famous Dole Whip!

9. ASCEND TO THE TOP OF ALOHA TOWER, Honolulu Harbor’s famous clock tower, which at one time was the tallest building in Honolulu

8. TAKE ‘UKULELE OR HULA LESSONS at the Royal Hawaiian Center.

7. TAKE A STROLL THROUGH INTERNATIONAL MARKETPLACE, a bazaar of clothes, jewelry and souvenirs from the island’s colorful merchants set under the shade of a large banyan tree.

6. Make your friends and family envious as they watch you on a live streaming webcam from the Duke statue on the beach of Waikiki http://www.honolulu.gov/multimed/waikiki.asp

5. VIEW THE WORK OF LOCAL ARTISANS at the Art Mart along the fence of the Honolulu Zoo

4. CHEER AS THE HILTON HAWAIIAN VILLAGE BEACH RESORT & SPA’S HOSTED FIREWORKS EXPLODE into beautiful colors on Friday evenings in remembrance and celebration of King Kalākaua’s Jubilee

3. KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN FOR HUMPBACK WHALES off Makapu‘u on O‘ahu’s South Shore or Ka‘ena Point on the northwest side of the island. 10,000 whales migrate to Hawai‘i between November and May.

2. WALK THROUGH CHINATOWN for a fascinating look at noodle factories, herbal shops, markets and gift shops

1. VIEW WORLD-CLASS SURFING COMPETITIONS during the winter months from November to March where waves can reach heights as high as 50 feet!!!

As we welcome 2010 it is a time of celebration and new beginnings. While most people make plans to lose that extra holiday weight or to stop bad habits, here at Discover Hawaii Tours we too are committed to resolutions for the upcoming year. As a growing company we are committed to providing excellent customer service that surpasses the industry’s standards. Enjoy our list of our Top 5 New Year’s Resolution for 2010.

1. Go Green! – Reducing the amount of resources used is our top priority. Our office staff is committed to reducing the amount of paper used by sending our guests emails instead of printed vouchers. We are also committed to recycling everything including our used oil for the busses, plastics, and papers.

2. Provide Superior Customer Service – We are constantly finding new and fun ways to offer our guests the best experiences on their vacations. Our “Mystery Shopper” program allows our guests to receive $20 off their tour. Mystery Shoppers just have to fill out a quick online survey after their tour to receive the discount. This is just one of the many ways Discover Hawaii Tours is committed to providing excellent customer service.

3. Expand to Eco and Cultural Tours – New for 2010 our Eco & Cultural Tours will share with you the “Real Hawaii.” Escape the crowds and explore the tranquility of the rainforest as our naturalist guides walk you through some of the most scenic terrain where a hidden waterfall awaits you. We also offer guided hikes to the top of an extinct volcanic crater, Diamond Head, where you can tower 765ft above the white sandy beaches of Waikiki.

4. Ongoing Tour Guide Training – All of our guides go through an extensive training program and are constantly being evaluated to ensure a professional tour every time. Greg, our newest tour guide supervisor, is committed to keeping his staff well trained and prepared for the upcoming year. We are committed to our tour guide training program and look forward to serving our guests needs.

5. Provide State-of-the-art Multimedia Experience – One of our newest and most anticipated departments of Discover Hawaii Tours is our Video/Media production team. Creating the most visually compelling and engaging videos are just some of the ways our Web Department interacts with our guests. Filming has already begun for our upcoming TV commercial and online testimonials. Who knows, while on tour you might get your big break and end up on camera!

ABC TV’s hit show “Lost”, which has filmed in Hawaii for the last 5 years, has begun shooting the 6^th and final season. Since the popular show aired its first episode in September 2004 it has become some what of a cult classic with audiences eagerly awaiting each week’s installment. With popularity increasing each year, the effect on Hawaii tourism has been palpable as visitors flock to the Island of Oahu to see their favorite locations. During the first year alone “Lost” acquired 16 million viewers each episode and that equates to a lot of people viewing the beautiful scenery of Hawaii.

Byodo-In Temple

Believe it or not, filming locations in and around Honolulu have been used as stand-ins for spots around the world. With a wee bit of set dressing, Honolulu has been portrayed as New York, California, South Korea, Iraq, Nigeria, United Kingdom, Paris, Thailand, and Australia. The Honolulu Convention Center was recently used as the Sydney International Airport. Another prominent location on Oahu utilized for filming was the Byodo-In Temple. The famous beach where the plane crash took place is actually Mokule’ia Beach, situated along the North Shore of Oahu.

Sunset Beach - North Shore beaches

Locals not only spot the film crews regularly but LOST actors are a common sight on the island as well. Don’t be too surprised if you find yourself walking down the street and run into some familiar “LOST” faces.

After the final segment airs in May 2010 both fans and locals will nurse the wounds of loss as the weekly viewing population bids farewell to a friend and the State gets use to a lot less worldwide exposure.

For those of you who want to see some of the filming locations in person, reserve seats on our 4A – Lost & Famous Films Experience Tour. Filming Locations for Jurassic Park, Pearl Harbor, Mighty Joe Young, Tears of the Sun, Baywatch, and Gilligan’s Island will also be included in the tour.

TV show LOST film location

Although Hawaii might not be home to Santa’s elves, it is home to our very own mischievous, elfish like characters also known as Menehunes. Europe isn’t the only place with legends and stories of elves and dwarfs, such as the Leprechauns of Ireland. Hawaii’s rich culture is full of legends and myths, but none are as widespread as the myths surrounding the Menehunes.

Menehune

Menehunes, similar to pixies or trolls, are characterized as short dwarfish type people who are both mischievous and master builders. Legends say that they are responsible for building fish ponds, temples, roads and walls. However, they only work at night so as not to be seen. If spotted, the Menehunes would abandon their work and disappear into the mountains. Even today the work of the Menehunes can be spotted from our Tour 16B: Hidden Waterfall Guided Eco Hike. While on the trail you will actually walk on top of a handmade, lava rock, cobblestone road that was once used as the original route from one side of the island to the other. Legends are still told of how the Menehunes built part of this road as well as other walls and temples within the area.

Hidden Hawaiian Waterfall

However, many scholars believe that the Menehunes are not mythical but are in fact the first settlers to Hawaii from the Marquesas Islands. In Tahitian, a similar word Manahune, or commoner, refers to a race of people who were small in social rather than physical stature. Historically, the Tahitians were the second wave of explorers to Hawaii and invaded the islands. This invasion may have caused the original inhabitants to flee into the mountains only to re-appear at night when they secretly searched for food and supplies. Although Menehunes are considered to be mythical creatures, an 1820s census officially counted 65 Menehunes living in Wainiha Valley on the island of Kauai.

While Santa’s elves are busy finishing up toys for the upcoming Christmas holiday, our Hawaiian “elves” or Menehunes stay busy on the islands mischievously running around. So next time you can’t find your missing belongings be warned, a Menehune may be hiding right around the corner.

Explore Hawaii's rainforest and legends

One of the most photographed and acknowledged icons in Hawaii, Diamond Head stands proud on the south shore of Oahu. With a summit of 762 feet above sea level, Diamond Head offers a 365 degree view of the south shore that is truly breath taking. If the view at the summit doesn’t take your breath away, the trail to the top might.

Surprisingly, Diamond Head is not a volcano at all. It is a 200,000 year old volcanic tuff cone formed during a series of eruptions referred to as the “Honolulu Volcanic Series.”

Punchbowl Crater

This series of eruptions also created the famous Punchbowl Crater (seen on: Tour 42 – Pearl Harbor War Memorials, Tour 3 – Pearl Harbor & Historic Honolulu, Tour 8 – WWII Start to End, and Tour 2 – A day at Pearl Harbor) and

Hanauma Bay Crater

Hanauma Bay Crater (seen on: Tour 9 – Full Day Scenic Oahu Tour, Tour 7 – Oahu Circle Island Tour with Pearl Harbor, Tour 12 – Pali/Makapuu Costal Tour, and Tour 19 – Dolphin Swim, Pearl Harbor, and Scenic Oahu).

Prior to Diamond Head, the area wascovered by shallow costal water extending to the base of the much older Ko’olau Mountains. A fissure, or crack in the earth’s surface, allowed magma to mix with the shallow water causing a brief, but highly explosive, hyrdomagmatic explosion. The pulverized ash, rock, steam, and debris shot into the sky and settled into the symmetrical crater now known as Diamond Head.

Many people question where Diamond Head got its name. Well, well in ancient times there lived a farmer who sold heads of lettuce for 10 cents on the hillsides of Diamond Head. He would call out, “A Dime a Head! A Dime a Head!” to customers passing by. The name stuck and even today we still call the monumental icon, Diamond Head.

Unfortunately, that story is untrue; Diamond Head’s real name isn’t Diamond Head at all, but Le’Ahi. The Hawaiians named this volcanic tuff cone Le’Ahi for a few different reasons. Ahi is a tuna fish found in the Hawaiian waters, and Diamond Head’s summit mirrors the shape of an Ahi’s dorsal fin. Le’Ahi is also believed to mean “Ring” or “Wreath of Fire.” The native Hawaiians built five heiaus (or temples) out of lava rocks, each with a fire burning used to help navigate outrigger canoes for the Polynesians traveling north from Tahiti and other Pacific islands. The summit housed a special heiau (or temple) dedicated to the god of wind. Human sacrifices were often performed at this location to please the god of wind so that the fires at the heiaus would not be blown out.

With the arrival of British explorers in the early 1800s, Le’Ahi’s name was changed forever. The British found shiny white crystals embedded in the rocky slopes of the crater. The calcite deposits were mistaken as diamonds which gave the crater its modern day name, Diamond Head.

We invite you to discover this magnificent landmark on our new Diamond Head Guided Eco-Hike, Tour 15A. Relax and let one of our professional ecologist guides pick you up from your hotel and guide you along the trail to the summit. Along the trail you will learn about the flora and fauna found inside the crater. Our knowledgeable guides will teach you about the geological, natural, and cultural history of Diamond Head while making sure you have the best experience possible at this iconic location.

North Shore's Waimea Beach

When you hear the word “Waimea” the first things that come to mind might be, world class big wave surfing, cliff jumping, or maybe just scenes of an endless white sandy beach.  From this north shore beach you might not even notice the lush rainforest that fills the valley behind the beach.  Take the time to learn about and explore the valley on your own, or let us share the beauty of this valley with you on any of our following  north shore tours: Tour 4A: Lost and Famous Films Experience, Tour 5A: Pearl Harbor/North Shore Combo, Tour 7A: Pearl Harbor/Circle Island Tour, Tour 9A: Full Day Scenic Island Oahu Tour, Tour 10A: Discover the North Shore Tour, Tour 11A: Pearl Harbor/Dole Pineapple Plantation/Polynesian Cultural Center Tour, Tour 13A: Polynesian Cultural Center & Deluxe Circle Island Tour, and Tour 14B: North Shore and Twilight Ali’i Luau Package.

Waimea Valley - "Valley of the Priests"

Oahu’s north shore is full of hidden gems rich in Hawaiian culture, history, legends, flora, and fauna, but none seem to compare to Waimea Valley.  Historically, Waimea was known as the “Valley of the Priests.”  With a history dating back more than 700 years ago, archeologists have uncovered over 78 sites of interest including religious areas and shrines on the valley floor.  Although few sites still remain, the Hale o Lono Heiau, (Hawaiian temple), can still be seen today.  Dedicated to the god Lono, or god of harvest, this temple dates between 1470 A.D. and 1700 A.D.

Waimea's jumping rock

Waimea valley is also home to a 150-acre arboretum and botanical garden area which is filled with over 5,000 species of tropical plants.  Of these plants there are 437 species of the known 1,200 Hawaiian plants, making it one of the most extensive collections of native plants anywhere.  Take the time to explore the back of the valley where you will find a 45 foot high waterfall.  Modern day conservation efforts are aimed at reclaiming the valley and transforming it into a more native environment filled with Hawaiian cultural activities, games, and agriculture.

According to the most recent publications from the popular travel magazine, Recommend, Hawaii was named the “Best Selling Destination” in North America in its 13^th Annual Reader’s Choice Awards. 

For those who have ever visited the island state already know how special of a destination Hawaii truly is.  Whether you are a local or visitor alike, there is always something to do on the islands.  Not only does each of the islands have their own “personalities” but each also has their own unique adventures waiting for you.  Exploring the islands on your own can be fun, but if you want to truly relax and enjoy yourself let one of our professional guides show you only the best spots to visit. 

Here are some of the most popular “not-to-be-missed” activities in Hawaii.

Kilauea – The World’s Most Active Volcano

Located on the island of Hawaii, also known as the Big Island, Kilauea truly is one of the most “jaw-dropping” attractions in the state.  Let us take you on our Hawaii Volcano Night Eco Tour – Tour 33, (available from all islands) where you can witness nature’s fury upfront and personal.  Explore the only national park on the islands, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where you learn all about Hawaii’s fiery origin.  Get a chance to see black sand beaches, jungle waterfalls, gardens, and historic Hilo town.  Join us on a fun filled fiery day which is “not to be missed” by anyone!

Pearl Harbor War Memorial Tour

USS Arizona Memorial and the USS Missouri

Learn about a day in history that changed the world forever as you re-live the day that started WWII for America.  Enjoy a professional guided tour that depicts the opening scenes of Pearl Harbor and witness first hand the devastating repercussions of the Japanese Naval and Air force attack on Pearl Harbor.  Join us on any of our Pearl Harbor tours including: Tour 2: A Day at Pearl Harbor Tour, Tour 3: Pearl Harbor and Historic Honolulu, Tour 5: Discover the North Shore and Pearl Harbor Combo Tour, Tour 6: Arizona Memorial/Aloha Stadium Flee Market Tour, Tour 7: Circle Island Tour with Pearl Harbor, Tour 8: WWII From Beginning to End, Tour 11: Pearl Harbor/Dole/Polynesian Cultural Center Tour, Tour 19: Dolphin Swim, Pearl Harbor, and Scenic Oahu, Tour 41: Pearl Harbor Tora Tora Tora, Tour 42: Pearl Harbor War Memorial Tour, Tour 50: Hawaii Experience Package.

Road to Hana – Maui

Wailua Falls from the road to Hana

No trip to Hawaii is complete until you’ve been on the Road to Hana.  Experience one of the most scenic drives on earth where every turn offers an even more amazing view than the last.  Complete with more than 615 curves, the road to Hana stretches all the way from Kahului Maui to Hana town and offers amazing scenery the whole way through. From this incredible roadway, see black sand beaches, great views of the Pacific Ocean, waterfalls, and beautiful green landscapes.  Join us on our Tour 21A, Discover the Road to Hana Tour From Waikiki and enjoy a free complimentary breakfast and a gourmet picnic lunch.

Hau’oli Makahiki Hou! Or Happy New Year! Trade in your cold weather clothes for your beach gear because Honolulu’s New Year’s Eve celebration is the largest celebration of the islands. Whether you are on a budget or even if no expense is too grand, you will be sure to find something to meet your needs this New Year’s Eve. This is a time where both visitors and locals alike can take part in the many different activities offered throughout the city.

Before you start your celebrations, be sure to take advantage of the short drive to the North Shore where you can visit world class surf destinations such as, Haleiwa historical town, Waimea Bay, Pipeline Beach, and Sunset Beach. Let us do the driving for you on any of our North Shore tours including; Tour 4A: Lost and Famous Films Experience, Tour 5A: Pearl Harbor/North Shore Combo, Tour 7A: Pearl Harbor/Circle Island Tour, Tour 9A: Full Day Scenic Island Oahu Tour, Tour 10A: Discover the North Shore Tour, Tour 11A: Pearl Harbor/Dole Pineapple Plantation/Polynesian Cultural Center Tour, Tour 13A: Polynesian Cultural Center & Deluxe Circle Island Tour, and Tour 14B: North Shore and Twilight Ali’i Luau Package.

North Shore's Haleiwa Surf Town

The main attraction during New Year’s Eve is the fireworks. Every year the city of Honolulu produces the largest New Year’s Eve display in the state of Hawaii. Be swept away by the lights and explosions above your head as you feel the sand between your toes on the beaches of Waikiki. Or if the beach isn’t your scene you can also enjoy free live entertainment on multiple stages at the Aloha Tower Marketplace where you can view a separate firework display over the Honolulu Harbor.

Fireworks from the Aloha Tower Marketplace

For a truly memorable New Year’s Eve experience, ring in the New Year with a glass of Champaign off-shore while onboard one of the many different dinner cruises available. Experience Hawaii’s largest firework display from the water while enjoying live music, food, and one of the best vantage points on the island.

For those of you who are looking to rock into the New Year, the Sheraton Waikiki is the place to be. RumFire will be hosting a “Studio 54 meets Waikiki Beach” bash. Located directly on the beach RumFire will be sure to offer you both amazing views of the fireworks as well as a chance to dance in the New Year. This year, RumFire will be hosting one of the most iconic groups of the 70’s music scene, The Village People. Also rocking the place will be the R&B group The Stylistics.

Wherever the night may take you, I’m sure that you will find many ways to ring in the New Year truly “Island Style.” Hau’oli Makahiki Hou 2010!!