Kauai – Raiders Of The Lost Ark, Jurassic Park

Kauai is so exotic the Steven Spielberg decided to come here twice. You’d never even realize that you’re not actually watching Indy run through the Peruvian Rain Forest. Jurassic Park was filmed almost exclusively in Kauai as well, and it’s rumored the the fourth JP movie will return to Kuai.

USS Missouri’ – Battleship

Mighty Mo comes alive! The action packed sci-fi adventure Battleship takes the USS Missouri from a retired museum to live firing, alien-blasting battleship. It’s really an amazing sight to see the Missouri on the high seas again. Thankfully Universal was able to return her in one piece and we can still go see the Missouri on Ford Island anytime.

Pearl harbor – Tora!Tora!Tora!, Pearl Harbor

Remember the control tower from the movie Pearl Harbor? You can still see this historical structure standing on Ford Island at Pearl Harbor.

“December, 7 1941 a date which will live in infamy…” and a date which has been recreated numerous times since on the silver screen. Tora! Tora! Tora! is a classic that display’s the events of that day in true epic form. The more recent Pearl Harbor was filmed, props and all, right in Pearl Harbor and Ford Island. These movies offer a look at Pearl Harbor that is second only to taking a guided tour. While on Oahu, you have to visit Pearl Harbor. Join a tour for added historical value.

The footprints from Godzilla still sit in the Ka’a'awa Valley in Kualoa Ranch!

Kualoa Ranch – 50 First Dates, Godzilla

Known as “Hawaii’s backlot” Hollywood loves Kualoa Ranch! Look for the locations from 50 First Dates and Godzilla. You might even see shooting in progress! The majestic cliffs and spires of the Kualoa Mountains, the lush greenery of the Ka’a'awa Valley, the best view of Chinaman’s Hat (Mokolo’i Island). All these features and more have attracted production companies for years.

Movies Filmed In Hawaii: North Shore – Soul Surfer

Soul Surfer is a movie based on the life of Bethany Hamilton; a teenager whose arm was lost in a shark attack. The North Shore’s famous Sunset Beach is on full display throughout this movie. Locals and surf vacationers alike treasure Sunset and the rest of The North Shore for its world class Waves and clean white sand. Put your toes in the sand and relax on Sunset beach for yourself on a tour that includes the North Shore.

‘Oldies But Goodies’

All of the greats from a generation ago seemed to have an affinity towards filming in Hawaii. Starting with Bing Crosby in 1937′s Waikiki Wedding, Hollywood’s love affair with Hawaii only grew.  Elvis’s Blue Hawaii, Humphrey Bogart in The Cain Mutiny, John Wayne in Donovan’s Reef are some of the most loved movies filmed in Hawaii. Possibly the most famous of the movies filmed in Hawaii is From Here To Eternity with Burt Lancaster. You can go right to the spot of the famous love scene from that movie in a cirlce island tour!

The Women In Hawaiian History Have Diverse Accomplishments

The list of influential women in history is large, so let’s take a moment to acknowledge some of the standout women in Hawaiian History. Through art, education, science and politics, these women have contributed to the story of our wonderful 50th state.

• Queen Liliuokalani is one of the most recognizable women in Hawaiian History. Liliuokalani actually lived in the only Royal Palace in United States; ‘lolani Palace.  She was the only queen and the last monarch to rule the Kingdom of Hawaii. Her reign was focused on creating a new constitution that would bring back the rights of common Native Hawaiians. However, many powerful American businessmen did not want things to change so they overthrew and stripped her power in 1893.

• In the mid 1800’s Queen Emma of Hawaii founded multiple schools for children. At the side of King Kamehameha IV, she expanded the palace library and established Queen’s Hospital to help the Native Hawaiians who were suffering from foreign diseases like influenza. Today you can see the Queens Medical Center in historic Honolulu.

• In 1914, Alice Ball became the first African American to graduate with a masters in chemistry and teach at the University of Hawaii. She developed a successful treatment for Hansen’s Disease (Leprosy). The procedure was at the time referred to as the “Ball Method” Unfortunately, Alice passed away at 24 years old due to extreme exhaustion. Alice Ball is one of many important African American men and women in Hawaiian history.

• Doris Duke, one of the philanthropic women in Hawaiian history, made Oahu her home. She inherited millions at a young age and used it for a lifetime of helping others. She and her good friend Duke Kahanamoku made holoholo (going for a leisurely drive or excursion) a Hawaiian pastime. Today her home, known as Shangri La, is open to the public as a museum for the Islamic art that she collected. Doris Duke’s spirit lives on through the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation which funds performing arts, environmental conservation, medical research and the prevention of child abuse.

Visit The Places These Women Lived

A lot of the popular guided tours in Hawaii will start or end with a tour of Honolulu. See where these women in Hawaiian history made their homes and worked to make Hawaii so great!

World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument is where you will find all of the sites memorializing the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor December 7, 1941.

Pearl Harbor Visitor Center

The Pearl Harbor Visitor Center is where any Pearl Harbor experience should start. What to see at Pearl Harbor Visitor Center are two free museums dedicated to the tragic events of December 7, 1941. The grounds offer panoramic views of pearl harbor and Ford Island. The Pearl Harbor Visitor center is also where you will watch a documentary featuring real footage of the attack before being transported to the Arizona Memorial. From here you will access the Arizona Memorial and the USS Bowfin Submarine.

• USS Arizona Memorial hosts over one million people every year. Witness the “Black Tears of the Arizona”, oil that seeps from the sunken battleship below. Accessible only by boat, the USS Arizona Memorial crosses over the sunken hull of the battleship without ever touching it. Every US President since Franklin D. Roosevelt has gone to the site, so don’t think twice about seeing this famous memorial. It tops the list of what to see at Pearl Harbor.

• The USS Bowfin Submarine played a key role in Japan’s defeat during World War II. Now it is a waterfront memorial that pays tribute to the 52 American submarines and more than 3,500 submariners lost during the war. The Bowfin sank 44 enemy ships during her nine war patrols.

Ford Island

In the mid-20th century over 40,000 military personnel lived and worked here. The island holds the other half of what to see at Pearl Harbor. Today it is home to the USS Missouri Battleship, the USS Utah Memorial, and the USS Oklahoma Memorial, and the Pacific Aviation Museum.

• The USS Oklahoma Memorial features black granite walls to symbolize the Oklahoma’s hulls, and white marble pillars represent individuals standing at attention. 429 brave men lost their lives aboard the USS Oklahoma on December 7, 1941.

• Also known as The Mighty Mo., The Missouri holds a special place in US military history as the place where the Japanese officially surrendered. The Missouri was also the final US battleship to ever be constructed.

• Pacific Aviation Museum features aircraft that actually flew during the war. With a focus on the Pearl Harbor attacks, the museum also offers exhibits of international aviation history aimed for people of all ages. You will see bullet holes still there from the Japanese attack!

Get The Most For Your $$$ On A Guided Tour

Some of the attractions are free, but some cost money. No need to pull out your wallet at every stop! An all-inclusive guided tour offers you the most; especially with the in-depth knowledge added by your guide. Ford Island is still an active military base that requires special permission, but Discover Hawaii Tours offers no hassle instant access to everything on Ford Island!

Get In The Water For Fun Things To Do In Hawaii!

Hawaii has some of the clearest water on Earth. Dive in and discover the hidden marvels that lie beneath the waves!

Hawaii’s waters are some of the most beautiful in the world. Go a head, jump in and experience all of the fun things to do in Hawaii.

Snorkeling is one of the most fun things to do in Hawaii! The beautiful reefs and colorful fish are unforgettable.

Don’t want to hold your breath? If snorkeling just isn’t enough underwater time for you then go scuba diving with a professional guide. No experience is necessary!

If you’re looking for a hands on experience that the kids will love, jump in and get a kiss from a dolphin! Dolphin encounters can be enjoyed whether you’re on Oahu, Maui, or the Big Island.

For the ultimate thrill, see if you can hold your nerve in an underwater shark encounter. Of course you’ll be inside a protective cage, but to see those big white teeth that close up takes some guts!

Climb Aboard!

If getting wet is not high on your list of fun things to do in Hawaii that’s fine. You can still get close to the water by boat. Board a catamaran and sail the waters off Oahu. You have to see the wonderful Hawaiian sunset! Or, dine aboard a five-star dinner cruise while enjoying live entertainment.

Bike or Hike For Fun Things To Do In Hawaii

Get out on two feet or two wheels for a more personal interaction with Hawaii’s natural wonders. And don’t worry about getting lost, there are many local guides that will get you to those best kept secrets that roads could never reach. Just be sure to drink plenty of water!

Helicopter Tours Are Unforgettable!

Hawaii and helicopter tours go together like peanut-butter and jelly. Even more than a hike, a helicopter tour offers exclusive views of paradise. Be sure to bring your camera along to capture these memories forever. A helicopter tour just might be THE most fun thing to do in Hawaii.

Hit The Road To Visit The Must See Stops

The most popular fun thing to do in Hawaii is a guided tour. And it’s the most popular for a reason! Travel around the island in a comfortable air-conditioned minibus.Your guide will offer interesting commentary and stop at all the scenic locations.

A tour is one of the most fun things to do in Hawaii.

What Does Your Mother Enjoy?

Is your mother the adventurous get out and go type, or would she rather spend the day relaxing poolside at a luxury spa? From a mother daughter/son outing to the husband showing his admiration, knowing what mom likes to do is the key. Here are some fun ways to spend Mothers Day in Hawaii.

Enjoy A Meal Together For Mothers Day In Hawaii

Sitting down for a meal offers a moment to connect and converse. Handle the first order of the day by serving the classic breakfast in bed. Hawaii’s Hotels are very accommodating, and any concierge will be more than willing to send room service or arrange delivery from a local breakfast spot.

 If it’s already past the breakfast hour, late-morning is covered by the many delightful beachfront brunch cafes on all of the Islands. In Waikiki you can check out the lux atmosphere of Orchids at The Halekulani Hotel. For a more casual brunch, stop by the Seaside Bar & Grill.

 Dining later in the evening is best when combined with some sort of entertainment. Go to a luau or the famous Legends In Concert show on Oahu  For an intimate scene, set sail on a dinner cruise.

Things To Do For Mothers Day In Hawaii

Take mom on a helicopter tour. They’re offered on all of the islands. On the ground try an eco-tour. These tours are geared towards getting out on foot and learning about Hawaii’s ecology. Eco-tours offer opportunities to swim beneath gorgeous hidden waterfalls! For the thrill seeking mother, head to the north shore where you can dive in a cage surrounded by sharks. If sharks are a bit much, you can swim with dolphins instead! There are more relaxing options as well. Sooth the mind and body at a day spa, or go together to get a manicure and pedicure.

 Gift Certificate For A Full Island Experience

This is the most versatile of all the options, especially if you aren’t joining your mother in Hawaii. Whether she’s coming to Hawaii for Mothers Day or six months from now, you can present a tour gift certificate as your Mothers Day gift for whenever she is here. Guided tours are the easiest and most comfortable way to see what the Islands have to offer. A guided tour will take mom to many spots that she would have never seen without local guide knowledge. Simply call 1-808-737-3700 to find out more about gift certificates.

Quick And Simple Gifts

Sometimes simplicity can go a long way. Back in the mainland you may have bought flowers for Mothers Day. But you’re in Hawaii so get her a lei instead! Other thoughtful gift ideas are: Manoa Chocolates, Maui Soap Company, Honolulu Cookie Company.