Each June, Hawaii gears up for a fantastic celebration of their greatest ruler, King Kamehameha. The great monarch led the unification of the Hawaiian Islands under one rule, creating the Kingdom of Hawaii. Long remembered for the “Law of the Splintered Paddle”, which protects human rights of non-combatants in times of battle, Kamehameha was a very ambitious ruler who has been honored and celebrated in many ways since his death in 1819.
The first Kamehameha day occurred in 1872 after the King’s great grandson, Kamehameha V, established the order in the previous year. June 11 brings a parade and a block party through Downtown Honolulu and Waikiki, complete with food, games, and music, with a ceremonial lei ceremony draping his statues on not only Oahu and Big Island, but a statue located in Washington DC in the company of federal officials. A 2-day hula competition also takes place in Honolulu at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center.
Many of our tours visit King Kamehameha’s statue located in downtown Honolulu near the Iolani Palace. To see this and many more Hawaii landmarks, join us on one of our fantastic island tours.

Returning to television this fall will be a new take on a long-time favorite. CBS has recently announced that they have given the green light for ‘Hawaii 5-0’ as part of their fall lineup. Though the characters remain the same, the story will have a different premise and promises to be edgier and more action packed than the original that ran from 1968 to 1980.

The show will star Alex O’Loughlin as Steve McGarrett and “Lost” cast member Daniel Dae Kim as Chin Ho Kelly. The pilot was shot in early March at many locations around the island including Punchbowl Cemetery and at many locations in Downtown Honolulu. Filming has since resumed and many of our tours have witnessed the sets and glimpses of the actors.
The original show was filmed in a studio built in Diamond Head, with on-location filming taking place at sights such as Iolani Palace and Waikiki Beach. Starring Jack Lord and James MacArthur, the showed used many locals as extras due to the lack of a film industry in Hawaii at the time. Though Jack Lord’s character Steve McGarrett was the protagonist and his character was the lead of the show, his catch phrase “Book ‘em Dan-O” is what has long been remembered as time has gone on.

This new version of the cop-drama will be filming throughout the summer on Oahu and there will be opportunities to see many of the locations used in this, and many other shows and movies, by joining us on one of our circle island tours. These tours also feature many famous locations for surfing, historical sights, and beautiful views.

With Memorial Day weekend upon us, what better way to celebrate than with family, friends, baseball, and barbecues. It is also important to remember what the meaning of the holiday is and salute the brave soldiers that have served our country both presently and over the many years through our countries history.
History lives on at Pearl Harbor everyday with remembrance and tradition; and perhaps the most storied and touching tradition that lives on with the USS Arizona is the burial of the surviving crew members. Crew members who were assigned to the Arizona on December 7, 1941 have the right to have their remains cremated and interred inside the remains of the battleship. Those who were crew members before the fateful date, have the right to have their ashes scattered over the ship, also in a private ceremony. Accordingly, any survivor of the Pearl Harbor attacks can have their ashes scattered over the location in the harbor where their ship was located during the attack.
This tradition began on April 12, 1982 when retired Navy Chief Petty Officer Stanley M. Teslow was returned to his ship, becoming the first survivor to return. This tradition has since continued, and as of 2006, 28 surviving crew members have chosen to return to the ship on which they once served.
The process to return the survivor’s remains to the ship is a private ceremony for the families, consisting of a two-bell ceremony from the Fleet Reserve Association, a rifle salute from the U.S. Navy or Marine Corps, and a benediction with the echo of Taps being played across the harbor. These services are conducted inside the memorial and consist of an invocation, a funeral ceremony, and a flag presentation to the family. As the ceremony concludes, the urn with the remains of the sailor are presented to divers, who swim the urn into the open barbette of gun turret number four and proceed to a large opening where the urn is placed and slides into the ship.
Though these ceremonies are entirely private and restricted to family, you can discover Pearl Harbor on one of our tours. We offer many tour options and give you the best chance to see Pearl Harbor and tours are available from Big Island, Maui, and Kauai, as well as Oahu. We look forward to sharing Pearl Harbor with you and showing you our beautiful island.

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!!!

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.

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.