Discover Hawaii Tours Blog

The 2009 Fire Knife Championships were recently held at the Polynesian Cultural Center. The winner of the this years World Samoan Fire Knife Championships is Mikaele Oloa from Oahu. Congrats to Mikaele, check out his winning performance:

History of Fire Knife dancing

Knife dancing in Samoan culture goes back several generations. Traditionally, knife dancing was performed by warriors to showcase their knife skills prior to battle to intimidate the enemy and amp up the warrior, and then after the battle to celebrate victory. Fire was added to the performance in 1946 by a Samoan knife dancer named Freddie Letuli.

The modern Fire Knife Championships began at the Polynesian Cultural Center in 1992 and is held during the third week of May. Here is a list of previous champs: 2009 Mikaele Oloa – Waialua, Oahu 2008 Viavia Tiumalu, Jr. – Orlando, Florida 2007 Andrew “Umi” Sexton – Orlando, Florida 2006 Mikaele Oloa – Orlando, Florida 2005 Mikaele Oloa – Orlando, Florida 2004 Alex Galeai – Laie, Hawaii 2003 David Galeai – Cook Islands 2002 Pati Levasa – Samoa 2001 Pati Levasa – Samoa 2000 David Galeai – Cook Islands 1999 David Galeai – Cook Islands 1998 Pati Levasa – Samoa 1997 Pati Levasa – Samoa 1996 Ifi Soo – Maui, Hawaii 1995 Ifi Soo – Maui, Hawaii 1994 Ifi Soo – Maui, Hawaii 1993 Tauasa Sielu Avea – Laie, Hawaii How are Fire Knife performances judged? According to the Polynesian Cultural Center blog, here are the guidelines for judging Fire Knife performances: 1. Knives length – Points are deducted if they do not meet regulation size 2. Speed – The faster contestants spin the knife, while maintaining control, the better 3. Height of throws – Judges like throws at least twice the competitors height 4. Degree of difficulty – The more complex the more points competitors score 5. Presentation – Dancers are also judged on their costume and “warrior-like” demeanor Here are some more Fire Knife performances: Mikaele Oloa Final Performance Joseph Final Performance Visit the Polynesian Cutlural Center with Discover Hawaii Tours to learn more about Polynesian culture.

Big Island Tour – Top 10 Places on the Big Island of Hawaii

Big Island lava flow at night

The Big Island of Hawaii is actually the largest island because it is the youngest island, and has not been eroded by the Pacific Ocean as much as other islands like Maui or Oahu. Legend says that the Island of Hawaii was named after the legendary land or realm of Hawaiki, which is a place from where the Polynesians originated, where they go in the afterlife, and the place where Gods live. Here is a short video showing all there is to see on a tour of the Big Island

The most recognizable feature about the Big Island of Hawaii is the active volcanoes that still erupt today. The island is actually formed by 5 overlapping volcanoes: Kohala (extinct), Mauna Kea (dormant), Hualalai (dormant), Mauna Loa (active and part of our Big Island Grand Volcano Tour) and Kilauea (the most active and part of our Kilauea volcano tour). It is truly an amazing experience to witness the power of the earth growing right before your eyes! The Kilauea Volcano is by far the most active – it has been erupting almost continuously for over two decades. At the edge of the ever-expanding coast, where the lava meets the ocean, you can sometimes see billows of white steam rising into the sky. At night, on a Hawaii Volcano Nigth Eco Tour, the lava lights up the sky to give an orange glow and some incredible photo opportunities. Eventually the ocean grinds the dark volcanic rock into black sand beaches. Below are our top 10 activities and things to see when traveling to the Big Island of Hawaii: 1. Liliuokalani Gardens

The Liliuokalani Gardens on the Big Island overlook Hilo Bay. The land for the gardens were given to Hawaii by Queen Liliuokalani, who was the last monarch and only Queen Regnant of the Kingdom of Hawaii, is the largest Japanese style garden outside of Japan. The gardens consist of Waihonu Pond as well as bridges, carp ponds, pagodas, statues, torii, and a Japanese teahouse.

liliokalani gardens big island hawaii

2. Banyan Drive Banyan Drive is named after the graceful and stately banyan trees that line the road. Each tree is named after the person who planted it. Familiar names who have planted trees include Emilia Earhart, King George V, Babe Ruth, FDR, and Richard Nixon.

Banyan Drive Big Island Hawaii

3. Historic Hilo Town Hilo is the largest town on the Big Island of Hawaii, it overlooks the Hilo Bay and is situated between the Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea Volcanoes. Hilo is also know for its great farmer’s market and the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corporation.

hilo bay

4. Wailuku River State Park and Rainbow Falls Rainbow Falls, at the Wailuku River State Park, is one of the largest waterfalls in Hawaii at 80 feet. The stream and pool are surrounded by lush, dense tropical foliage. To reach Rainbow falls you must hike down a slippery path made of stone which ends at the lookout.

Rainbow Falls

5. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Hawaii Volcanoes National Park was established in 1916, it includes over 500 square miles of land. The area climate ranges from lush tropical rain forests to arid and barren Desert. Active eruptive sites include the main caldera of Kīlauea, which last erupted on March 19, 2008. The small explosion, the first since 1924, sent debris from the over an area of 74 acres. Over half of the park is designated wilderness and provides amazing hiking and picture taking opportunities. The park encompasses diverse environments – ranging from sea level to the summit of the earth’s most massive volcano, Mauna Loa at 13,677 feet. The below photo was actually taken by one of our guests on the Hawaii Volcano Night Eco Tour

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Hawaii lava at night

6. Thurston Lava Tube The entrance to the Thurston Lava Tube, pictured below, is the largest Lava Tube in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. You will be able to walk into long caves that lava has carved out of the rock. Be sure to bring a flashlight and some sturdy sneakers.

Thurston Lava Tube Hawaii

7. Halemaumau Crater The Halemaumau Crater is actually located on the larger Kilauea Crater, check out the amazing video of lava and smoke flowing during the March 2008 eruption:

8. Kilauea Crater Kilauea crater is the most stunning volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii

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Kilauea Crater Big Island Hawaii

9. Punalu’u Black Sand Beaches As the volcanoes erupt down to the Ocean, the rocks (pictured below) actually get pounded into sand over time:

Hawaii black volcanic rock

10. Tropical Rain Forests The Big Island of Hawaii has such a diverse amount of climates and environments. In addition to the volcanoes you will be able to experience lush tropical rain forests – where Kona coffee grows wild:

Big Island tropical rain forest

That is the end of our Big Island Tour! Mahalo, Alex

Maui is one of the most lush and picturesque islands in Hawaii, thus it is know as either the “Magic Isle” or the “Valley Isle”

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Maui Road to Hana Tour

The famous Road to Hana, also known as “The World’s Most Beautiful Drive” is the main road that winds along the northern/windward coasts of Maui. Along the Road to Hana you can see stunning waterfalls, black sand beaches, volcano formations, and towns. Here is a list of the top 10 places to see on Maui when traveling the Road to Hana: 1. Paia Town Paia is a small town on Maui’s north shore. There are no big resorts and a number of great beaches known for huge waves and wind, especially in the Winter. Paia was originally a etablished as place for sugarcane field workers to live, but is now mostly inhabitated by surfers. Overall, Paia has a very different look and feel than the resort towns in other parts of Maui or Oahu. 2. Hookipa Beach Windsurfers A little further along the Road to Hana you will see Hookipa Beach, which is a World famous destination for windsurfers.

North shore Maui Hookipa Beach Windsurfing

3. Puahokamoa Falls The Puahokamoa Falls are just off Hana Highway, but will put you in a different world once you step away from the roadside. Puahokamoa Falls is actually a series of different falls, the further upstream you travel the less crowded and the higher the falls will get. If you walk about 10 minutes upstream you will see the Lower Puahokamoa Falls, which cascades over 200 feet.

Maui Puahokamoa falls road to hana

4. Keanae Peninsula A little further along the Road to Hana you will see a nice lookout over the Pacific Ocean, this is called Keanae Peninsula. Be sure to have your camera ready, as the Keanae Peninsula is a great place to snap some pictures.

Keanae Peninsula on the Road to Hana

5. Waikani Falls Waikani Falls is a one of Maui’s finest waterfalls at 70 feet, with swimming pools at the bottom if the flow is not too high.

Waikani falls Road to Hana Maui

6. Puaa Kaa State Park The Puaa Kaa State Park is a good picnic area right in the tropical rain-forest with small waterfalls and pools.

Puaa Kaa State Park

7. Waianapanapa State Park Waianapanapa State Park is carved out of a black sand beach, and also features sea caves, stone arches, hiking trails, and even some remains of the first road built on Maui. The black sand comes from the volcanic rock being smashed by the powerful waves.

Waianapanapa State Park

8. Hana Bay As you reach the end of the Road to Hana you will come to Hana Bay, a spectacular lookout.

Hana Bay Maui

9. Hana Town Hana Town is the destination of the famous road to Hana tour and is the most isolated town in all of Hawaii, which gives the town a true old Hawaii look and feel. 10. Wailua Falls and 7 Sacred Pools Wailua Falls is an 80 foot tiered waterfall, one of the best waterfalls on Maui and a must see to believe.

Wailua Falls Road to Hana Maui

After Wailua Falls you should also see the 7 Sacred Pools: If you have any special pictures or memories of the Road to Hana please feel free to add them to our comments section below. Aloha! Alex

Memorial Day weekend in Hawaii was blessed with great weather and some amazing ways to observe the Holiday. Below is a recap of what happened at Discover Hawaii Tours during our Memorial Day weekend. If you have any pictures or would like to share how you spent your Memorial Day please add them to the comments section below or to our Flickr Group Page

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Lantern Floating Hawaii Memorial Day 2009

Our tour guides reported that Pearl Harbor and Punchbowl National Cemetery were packed with people remembering those who have served in the US Armed services.

Pearl Harbor Tour

On the morning of Memorial Day I was able to get down to the Memorial Cemetary at the Byodo-In Temple, which we visit on our Pearl Harbor Tour, and found a number of people honoring U.S. men and women who died while in the military service. There were many families adding flowers, fruit, and ribbons to say thank you and remember their loved ones.

Memorial Day 2009

Monday evening I went down to Ala Moana Beach Park to watch and participate in the Lantern Floating Hawaii ceremnoy. The Lantern Floating ceremony is done to honor and remember all those who have given their lives in coflict and also prays for a peaceful and harmonious future. Thousands of people were down at Ala Moana Beach Park to watch the opening ceremonies and speaches and then float over 1,000 candle-lit lanterns out to sea.

Lantern Floating Hawaii Memorial Day 2009

Ala Moana Beach Park Lantern Floating 2009

If you have any pictures from Memorial Day please add them to our Flickr Group Page.

THE ORIGIN OF THE MAI TAI DRINK

One evening in the late 1800’s a group of distinguished visitors from England were sitting in a tavern near the Iolani Palace in Honolulu. They were enjoying a delicious rum and pineapple juice concoction when one of the gentlemen accidentally dipped the tip of his neck tie into the glass. Upon noticing his faux pas the man exclaimed to the group, “Look what I’ve done to my tie”. Not wanting their friend to be alone in his embarrassment, the other men at the table all dipped their ties into the drinks. It was decided by the group that from now on, at least to them, the tropical libation would be know as the “My Tie”. The name caught on and evermore would be recognized as the most popular drink in Hawaii, the Mai Tai.

Hawaii Memorial Day Activities

USS Missouri Battleship at Pearl Harbor

Are you visiting Hawaii during the upcoming Memorial Day holiday weekend? Hawaii has a very unique and important place in US military history and is an amazing place to observe Memorial Day. Below is a list of the many things to see while observing Memorial Day in Hawaii:
Pearl Harbor Tour
Pearl Harbor and the Arizona Memorial offer an amazing historical experience of both US and World History. Pearl Harbor is a naval base famously attacked by the Japanese navy on December 7, 1941. This became known as a “Date which will live in infamy” when US President Franklin D. Roosevelt addressed the nation with news of the attacks. The attack sank 4 US Naval battleships, most notably the USS Arizona, which is where the Pearl Harbor memorial now resides.

Pearl Harbor Visitors Center and Memorial

To best see all the sights at Pearl Harbor and the Arizona Memorial, and to ensure you will have tickets, you can take a guided tour with Discover Hawaii Tours.

Visit the USS Missouri
The USS Missouri, also known as the ‘Mighty Mo’, is a U.S. Navy battleship, and was the fourth ship of the United States Navy to be named in honor of Missouri. The USS Missouri was the last battleship built by the United States, and was the site of the surrender of the Empire of Japan which ended World War II. The USS Missouri is full of US military history and can be combined with our Pearl Harbor Tour.

USS Missouri Battleship

Pacific Aviation Museum
The Pacific Aniation Museum, which is also located in our Pearl Harbor Tour, is an airplane hangar full of airplanes used to attack and defend Pearl Harbor.

National Memorial Cemetary at Punchbowl
Visiting the National Memorial Cemetery at Punchbowl is another great way to remember Memorial Day while in Hawaii. Inside the Punchbowl cemetary there is a memorial for those who have served in the United States Armed Forces.

On Memorial Day over 50,000 fresh flower lei are put on the graves of veterans, if you would like to donate a lei you can do so by contacting the City and County of Honolulu Parks and Recreation Department at 808-768-3002.

From the Punchbowl Cemetary you will also have a spectacular view of Honolulu down below. On Memorial Day, at 8:30 a.m. you can witness the 60th annual Mayor’s Memorial Day Ceremony.

Memorial at Punchbowl National Cemetary

Also, you can take one of our Hawaii Tours that visits the National Memorial Cemetary at Punchbowl.

Lantern Floating Ceremony at Ala Moana Beach Park
During this ceremony 1,000 candle-lit lanterns are floated out to sea. This ceremony is done to remember those who gave their lives in conflict and allows for reflection on the memories of loved ones and dedicates prayers for a peaceful and harmonious future.

This event will be held Monday, May 25, 2009 at 6.30 p.m. on Magic Island at Ala Moana Beach Park, for more information please visit the Lantern Floating Hawaii website http://www.lanternfloatinghawaii.com/index.html

If you have any further questions about observing Memorial Day in Hawaii please feel free to contact us:

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Polynesian Cultural Center Horizons Show Cast

Polynesian Cultural Center and Discover Hawaii Tours have begun offering a “Summer Special” Tour, that includes a Free Dinner Buffet with a purchase of the Polynesian Cultural Center Show Package.

The Free Dinner Buffet is valid from April 22, 2009 through August 31, 2009.

Additionally, during this time the Polynesian Cultural Center children’s rates, which are normally applied to ages 5 through 11 years of age, have been extended to include those aged 5 through 15.

The Admission/Show experience remains the Polynesian Cultural Center’s most affordable package. You can walk through seven different Pacific villages, representing the major Polynesian subcultures, and well as enjoy the canoe pageant, an IMAX™ movie, the tram tour of Laie, and even canoe rides! For dinner you will enjoy a free buffet at the famous Gatweay Restaurant and you’ll receive reserved seating at the Horizons Night Show, the most spectacular show on Oahu.

Additional Information:

· The Polynesian Cultural Center is a non-profit organization

· Alcoholic beverages are not permitted or sold on the grounds

· Caffeine-free Coca-Cola, coffee and tea are available

· There are designated smoking areas available

· No flash pictures are allowed during the night show performance

· Passport to Polynesia lets kids take home a stamp and a great memory – from each island culture they visit.

· Special bonus offer from Discover Hawaii Tours – Free buffet dinner at the Gateway restaurant.