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.

The world’s most active volcano just keeps going, and for the foreseeable future, it is showing no signs of letting up. May 21, 2010 is another event and milestone in the eruption of Kilauea. Since January 3, 1983, and for the 10,000th consecutive day, the summit of Kilauea has kept scientists busy collecting information and data about the volcano’s internal workings.

The ongoing eruption and gas emissions have produced a predominant mix of sulfur dioxide mixed with volcanic ash at about 200 tons to 2,000 tons a day. In the 27 plus years of activity, scientists have witnessed and investigated many events, including the opening of a new vent in March 2008. Possibly more important than the activity and information that has been gathered, and due to a road closure at Crater Rim Drive, there has been an increase in forest birds near the Chain of Craters Road intersection. The road closure is part of 4 miles out of 62 total miles of paved road through the park. Hawaiian traditions are also seeing benefits from the road closure as specific laws protecting Pele’s home are respected. Lava that steams is land that is still forming and not to be touched, according to cultural anthropologist Keola Awong. Scientists have also noticed signs showing just how connected the summit is to vents in other parts of the island. Tiltmeters, tubes a few feet high that are secured in the ground, contain liquid with an air bubble inside. These tiltmeters record how the air bubble shifts as the ground beneath the machine shifts.

The closest views of the lava can be seen from Tour 33 our tour gets as close to the lava viewing as allowed by the Hawaii Civil Defense. Tours are available from Big Island, Oahu, Maui, and Kauai. This is the best lava viewing we have had for some time, take advantage of this once in a lifetime spectacle and join Discover Hawaii Tours on a magnificent tour that you will most certainly enjoy.

Those unfamiliar with the life of Princess Ka’iulani may be misled by the movie that opened on May 14, 2010.
The original title of the film, “Barbarian Princess”, provoked controversy in Hawaii from the beginning. Though the producers of the film have stated that the term is meant to be ironic, and is meant to draw in audiences who may not be familiar with the history of Hawaii, individuals in Hawaii have declared that it brought up painful memories of past discrimination of those from the islands, and the term ‘Barbarian Princess’ was one of many racist labels that were used to describe the highly educated Hawaiian Princess by pro-annexation groups before and during the time of the illegal overthrow of the Hawaiian Monarchy.
Hawaiian royalty has a long and storied tradition on the islands, and many of the Kings, Queens, and Princesses are still widely celebrated today. They are also recognized worldwide, with exception of the United States. Through many trials and tribulations, the Royal Kingdom of Hawaii was established between the years 1795 and 1810. Throughout its rule, the Kingdom saw many rulers, and with each new constitution, power was reduced in favor of an elected legislature that was increasingly dominated by the interests of American and European descent.
Princess Ka’iulani was the heir to the throne at the time that the Kingdom of Hawaii was overthrown and led a campaign to restore the Kingdom. Because of this she was portrayed as a “heathen-princess” in pro-Annexation skits and cartoons. Despite attempts to portray her as barbaric or savage, her popularity proved to be quite surprising as she traveled across the United States following her education in Victorian England.
Princess Ka’iulani was a very exquisite Royal Princess, who spoke eloquently in many different languages. Only 23 at the time of her death from illness, the “Peacock Princess”, known as this for her love of peacocks, continued to make public appearances until the time of her death at the urging of her father. Today, as with many former rulers, Princess Ka’iulani is celebrated in many books, videos, and musical tributes that take place in Hawaii. Princess Ka’iulani’s royal residence, the Iolani Palace, can be seen from many of our Oahu tours.

With summer approaching, it means the time of year that everyone loves. School is out, baseball season is in full swing, backyard (or beach) bar-b-ques are frequent, and it’s time to plan the annual family vacation.
This year, why not plan a trip to paradise, and take in the history and beauty of the Hawaiian Islands? The weather is perfect, the ocean is pristine and crystal clear, you can never really run out of new things to experience, and hotels and flights are as affordable as they have been in recent years. With attractive hotel rates in Hawaii being lower than those of major mainland cities such as Los Angeles, Chicago, New York City, and San Francisco, vacationing in Hawaii is becoming more and more wallet friendly.
The island of Oahu is home to many terrific places that are waiting for you to visit. Destinations such as Pearl Harbor, the North Shore, and the Polynesian Cultural Center are must see locations that offer plenty to do and see. You may also board a plane for a short flight to one of the outer islands. The Kilauea Volcano of Big Island and the Road to Hana on Maui are two of the possible choices that will allow you to get away from Honolulu for the day, and enjoy once in a lifetime experiences.
In visiting Hawaii, you will be greeted by friendly faces and a welcoming attitude that has been passed down through many generations. Everyone in Hawaii lives by the aloha spirit and we look forward to sharing our aloha spirit with you, so before booking a flight to Miami, New York, or San Francisco, consider a trip to Hawaii and the many wonderful features that paradise has.

With the recent activity of the Eyjafjallajökull Volcano in Iceland, it brings about the possibilities for us here in Hawaii. Though the volcanoes on most of the islands are dormant, there is activity from Kilauea, and recently, there has been an increased flow. The recent activity has set off small fires and small methane explosions as it makes its way through the brush and closer to the viewing area. There has been no structural damage but the Civil Defense has had to relocate some of their facilities.The U.S. Geological Survey has been monitoring the slow moving flow, and will continue to do so as it keeps advancing. For safety reasons, there is no close-up viewing of the flow, but there is a path over lava that is only a few months old that offers a great view. Members of the U.S. Geological Survey have said that the distant views of surface activity are available, especially at night. This activity for our Big Island Volcano Tour 33 means that we have had great views of the lava flow and the increased activity means that seats for our tours are filling fast, as this is a once in a lifetime opportunity.
As much as we are enjoying the views and flow from our Big Island Volcano and it is a thrill to see, we do understand the magnitude of what is happening in Iceland. We here at Discover Hawaii Tours hope that everyone that has been affected by this event makes it out safe and further damage is avoided.

Here on Oahu, as all over the country, we are preparing for the upcoming summer months. Though most are bringing out their short sleeve shirts, shorts, and board shorts for the first time in months, we have had ours out for, well pretty much forever. The summer is inviting for many reasons: though it is a bit warmer and apart from the occasional rain, the weather really doesn’t differ too much from the rest of the year; we still have that gentle breeze from the trade winds, which makes for remarkably beautiful summer days; and the beautiful scenery of the island is out in full force. With that being said, a perfect way to see everything the island has to offer is with one of our Circle Island Tours. Whether you wish to see the North Shore, the South Shore, or all of Oahu, Discover Hawaii Tours has what you are looking for.

For a part of the morning on April 14, 2010, the USS Missouri Battleship was back in action. A portion of the once great battleship acted as a foreign merchant vessel that the Navy searched for illegal activity. Sailors from two Navy destroyers and a frigate came from the sea, climbing the side of the ship in body armor and helmets, wielding fake training guns.

The training, used to better prepare for missions, will assist search and seizure teams from three ships and offered an unfamiliar ship for the teams to search. The Battleship Missouri Memorial volunteered the space and many that were visiting the ship were able to witness the training activity. In locations such as the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Aden, ships are searched for contraband such as drugs and weapons that take place everyday and cost international shipping more than $100 million a year.

The Missouri hosts many ceremonies such as re-enlistments and retirements, and on this day, was able to provide a training venue as it further supports our military.

Check out Tour 2 and Tour 8, as they offer the opportunity to board the USS Missouri Battleship and see many historic locations, both on the deck and below. We’re look forward to seeing you on tour and visiting a truly great piece of American History

When you think of March holidays St. Paddy’s Day is probably the first thing to come to mind.  However, here on the islands March is also a time when we celebrate the many different cultures that call this island paradise home.  Every year Waikiki hosts the Honolulu Festival which brings in thousands of visitors for a  three day festival from all over the world including Japan, Australia, Tahiti, Philippine, Republic of China (Taiwan), Korea, and of course Hawaii.

This year the 16^th annual Honolulu Festival will last for three days from March 12^th to the 14^th.  This year’s theme is “Pacific Harmony” which aims to promote cultural sharing and understanding.  The festival started in 1995 with a mission to share the history of our different peoples, languages, and customs to promote an ongoing relationship between Hawaii and our Pacific neighbors.

The best part about the festival is that it is FREE! Here are some of the exciting activities which you can expect to see.

-         Ethnic Performances

-         Exhibits

-         Wares for Sale

-         An Exciting Parade Through Waikiki with floats including a portable Shinto Shrine

-         Thousands of Performers

Add some excitement to your Hawaiian vacation by taking advantage of this festival and learn about the many different cultures found throughout the islands.  This fun filled three days is not to be missed by any visitor to Honolulu.  See you there!

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!!!