Discover Hawaii Tours Blog

Hawaii has seen an increase in the number of Tourists looking to avoid swine flu at other popular destinations such as Mexico.

With no reported swine flu cases in Hawaii, the Islands are looking better and better as a tourist destination – especially when compared to Mexico. Hotels, airlines, and travel agents have seen cancellations in trips to Mexico, and increased bookings to Hawaii.

The state of Hawaii has taken a proactive approach to dealing with swine flu, with experience from the SARS outbreak a few years ago. Honolulu International Airport is actually way ahead of other international airports in terms of surveillance; Hawaii is the only state that has surveillance and diagnostic capacity at all airports.

Hawaii Senator Mike Gabbard, is encouraging state officials to take swine flu prevention a step further and put on “a full-court press” at its airports to make sure swine flu does not enter the Islands.

He wants state officials to:

· Take the temperatures of incoming passengers

· Screen passengers from Mexico

· Ask passengers to fill out a questionnaire in flight, detailing whether they have any flu symptoms and where they recently traveled

· Distribute information to hotel guests, including a hot line number to call if they develop flu symptoms

In addition to Senator Gabbards requests, Governor Linda Lingle has urged residents to “remain calm but vigilant” when it comes to swine flu.

State transportation director Brennon Morioka said, “We are doing everything that we have planned for. … We believe that we are ready to address any form of condition or situation that might arise.”

Overall, the State of Hawaii is doing everything in its power to prevent any cases of swine flu from arriving on the islands. Thus far, we believe the state’s plan is working, as there have been no reported cases.

The state Health Department unveiled a new swine flu information line for callers to get up-to-date information, if you would like call (866)767-5044.

The TV show “Lost”, which is often filmed in the Koolau Mountains on Oahu, will air their 100th episode on April 29th. This is a big milestone for the show that sucks its followers in with complex plot lines involving time travel. The last nationwide TV show (not counting reality series “Dog the Bounty Hunter”) that was primarily filmed in Hawaii to reach the 100 episode platue was Hawaii Five-O, which aired 268 episodes over 12 seasons from 1968 to 1980.

Koolau Mountains on Oahu - film location for "Lost"

Nowadays it is easy to visit the famous film locations of “Lost”, and other films such as Jurassic Park, Godzilla, and Pearl Harbor on one of Discover Hawaii Tours many Oahu Tours.

The former Obama residence, on the 10th floor of a 12 story apartment building in Makiki on Oahu, may soon be added to the National Register of Historic Places.  The apartment building, where President Obama grew up from 1971 to 1979, can be viewed from our Hawaii Obama Tour. 

“By placing this on the register, we get to talk about how Hawai’i and its places shaped the character and the philosophy of this unique resident,” said Kiersten Faulkner, executive director of the Historic Hawaii Foundation.

President Obama’s grandmother, Madelyn Dunham, also rented a unit in the building for 41 years until she died just before Obama was elected president.

Tourists are not allowed to enter the home, but it can be viewed from the street and is a favorite stop on our popular Obama Tours.  Here is how the apartment looks today:

President Obama's childhood home

For more information about our Hawaii Obama Tour please visit our website:

http://www.hawaiiobamatour.com/

Oahu, which means “The Gathering Place”, is often the first stop for vacationers in Hawaii, below is a list of the top 10 places to see on a tour of Oahu:

1.  Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head

Waikiki is probably the best known beach in the world, and definitely the most popular beach in Hawaii. Waikiki was the favorite playground of Hawaiian royalty in the 19th century. At the time, Waikiki, which literally means “spouting waters”, was once an area of wetlands fed by streams from the valleys above Honolulu. This changed in the 1920s when the government built what would become the Ala Wai Canal, which drained the wetlands and paved the way for later development. This is how Waikiki looks today:

2.  Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial

Pearl Harbor was a naval base that was attacked by the Japanese navy on December 7, 1941, which became known as a “Date which will live in infamy” when then US President Franklin D. Roosevelt addressed the nation with the news. The attack sank 4 US Naval battleships, most notably the USS Arizona which is where the Pearl Harbor memorial now resides. Today there are many ways to remember one of the most historic days in US and World history by taking Pearl Harbor Tours.

3.  Dole Plantation

Originally operated as a fruit stand in the 1950’s the Dole Plantation is now one of the most visited attractions during Hawaii Tours. The Pineapple maze at Dole Plantation is home to the World’s largest maze, which winds through the Pineapple fields. Can you solve the maze?

4.  North shore beaches (Waimea Bay, Pipeline, Sunset Beach)

The North Shore of Oahu is one of the most famous surfing destinations in the World, particularly in the winter which is when you will see some of the largest waves in the World. A short drive from Honolulu (Town), the North Shore is considered “The Country” by Oahu locals. The North Shore of Oahu is also where the Triple Crown of Surfing is held, where 3 Professional Surfing events take place during a six week stretch in the winter.

Waimea Bay on the North Shore of Oahu

5.  Laie Point

Located in the Northeast corner of Oahu, Laie Point offers spectacular views of rock formations, mountains, and beaches. Only the most comprehensive Oahu Tours will stop at this location, it is a little off the beaten path and a difficult road to navigate, but well worth the effort. The coolest rock formation at Laie Point is an arch that was created by a tsunami wave that struck the island in 1960.

6. Chinaman’s Hat Island (Mokoli’i)

Chinaman’s Hat (Mokoli’i Island) is a famous island on the Windward side of Oahu in Kane’ohe Bay, due to its distinct shape similar to that of the chapeau straw hat worn by farmers throughout China. You can walk out to Chinaman’s Hat Island on the reef during low tide, but it is best to take a kayak or paddle board. Once on the island you can explore the little beach carved out of the lava, check out a cave, or climb to the peak – about a 20 minute climb.

Chinaman's Hat and Koolau Mountains

7.  Koolau Mountains and Valley – Film locations of Jurassic Park, Godzilla, Pearl Harbor and Lost

The Koolau Mountains and Valley might be familiar to you if you have seen the movies Jurassic Park, Pearl Harbor, Godzilla or the TV show Lost. This is a great filming location because of the stunning views of lush green mountains, open plain areas, and the beach and ocean below. The Koolau Mountain range is actually the eastern side of the shield volcano that helped form the island of Oahu. If you have the time you can take a tour of the ranch on ATVs.

8.  Byodo-In Buddhist Temple

This Buddhist Temple located on the Windward side of Oahu is a tranquil stop and a must see during a Hawaii Tour. The temple is actually a replica of the Byodo-in Temple in Uji, Japan. There are koi ponds, gardens, a 3 ton brass bell, and a 9 foot lotus Buddha statue inside.

9.  Polynesian Cultural Center

If you want to learn about some of the most influential cultures in the Polynesian Islands then the Polynesian Cultural Center is a great place to stop. The cultural center has separate villages dedicated to teaching visitors about each unique culture. The villages represent the different islands of Polynesia: Hawaii, Aotearoa (New Zealand), Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, and Tahiti. While you are at the Polynesian Cultural Center you can enjoy a buffet lunch with foods from the various islands.

10.  Sunset

All tours of Hawaii must end with a good sunset at the end of the day. Some of the best places to see a great Hawaii sunset are Waikiki beach, Diamond Head, and Sunset Beach.

Salute to the fallen

The USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor is “ground zero” where World War II began for the United States. The event where Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto stated: “I fear all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant…”
The USS Arizona serves as the final resting place for many of the battleship’s 1,177 crew members who lost their lives on December 7, 1941. 

Strict security measures prohibit purses, handbags, fanny packs, backpacks, camera bags, diaper bags, luggage and/or other items that offer concealment. Visitors may bring a camera and cam-recorder. A storage facility is available for visitors coming to the USS Arizona Memorial, USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park, the Battleship Missouri and the Pacific Aviation Museum. The facility can be found at the entrance to the USS Bowfin Sumarine Park. There is a nominal storage fee. 

Young and Still Growing

The Big Island of Hawaii lives up to its name; at 95 miles long and 80 miles wide, it is much larger than the other three major islands combined. Indeed, it comprises over 63% of the land area of all the Hawaiian Islands. At a mere 450,000 to 800,000 years of age, it is also the youngest island and is still forming today because of Kilauea, the world’s most active volcano.

Unparalleled Majesty
Big Island has some of the world’s tallest mountains, deep valleys, plunging waterfalls, 266 miles of coastline, black sand beaches, astounding agricultural plantations, picture-perfect tropical waters - the list could just go on. It truly is a place of matchless beauty.

Walk on Lava
Volcanoes National Park is the most active volcanic region on the planet. Only on the Big Island can you witness the breathtaking natural phenomenon of lava flowing into the ocean. Our specialized volcano tours take you right into the middle of the action in both these places. You can choose a volcano sightseeing tour that will provide you with a day-long overview of all the best sights and scenes on the island. We offer departures from Oahu, Kauai, Maui and of course Hilo.