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!!!

As we welcome 2010 it is a time of celebration and new beginnings. While most people make plans to lose that extra holiday weight or to stop bad habits, here at Discover Hawaii Tours we too are committed to resolutions for the upcoming year. As a growing company we are committed to providing excellent customer service that surpasses the industry’s standards. Enjoy our list of our Top 5 New Year’s Resolution for 2010.

1. Go Green! – Reducing the amount of resources used is our top priority. Our office staff is committed to reducing the amount of paper used by sending our guests emails instead of printed vouchers. We are also committed to recycling everything including our used oil for the busses, plastics, and papers.

2. Provide Superior Customer Service – We are constantly finding new and fun ways to offer our guests the best experiences on their vacations. Our “Mystery Shopper” program allows our guests to receive $20 off their tour. Mystery Shoppers just have to fill out a quick online survey after their tour to receive the discount. This is just one of the many ways Discover Hawaii Tours is committed to providing excellent customer service.

3. Expand to Eco and Cultural Tours – New for 2010 our Eco & Cultural Tours will share with you the “Real Hawaii.” Escape the crowds and explore the tranquility of the rainforest as our naturalist guides walk you through some of the most scenic terrain where a hidden waterfall awaits you. We also offer guided hikes to the top of an extinct volcanic crater, Diamond Head, where you can tower 765ft above the white sandy beaches of Waikiki.

4. Ongoing Tour Guide Training – All of our guides go through an extensive training program and are constantly being evaluated to ensure a professional tour every time. Greg, our newest tour guide supervisor, is committed to keeping his staff well trained and prepared for the upcoming year. We are committed to our tour guide training program and look forward to serving our guests needs.

5. Provide State-of-the-art Multimedia Experience – One of our newest and most anticipated departments of Discover Hawaii Tours is our Video/Media production team. Creating the most visually compelling and engaging videos are just some of the ways our Web Department interacts with our guests. Filming has already begun for our upcoming TV commercial and online testimonials. Who knows, while on tour you might get your big break and end up on camera!

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.

Hau’oli Makahiki Hou! Or Happy New Year! Trade in your cold weather clothes for your beach gear because Honolulu’s New Year’s Eve celebration is the largest celebration of the islands. Whether you are on a budget or even if no expense is too grand, you will be sure to find something to meet your needs this New Year’s Eve. This is a time where both visitors and locals alike can take part in the many different activities offered throughout the city.

Before you start your celebrations, be sure to take advantage of the short drive to the North Shore where you can visit world class surf destinations such as, Haleiwa historical town, Waimea Bay, Pipeline Beach, and Sunset Beach. Let us do the driving for you on any of our North Shore tours including; Tour 4A: Lost and Famous Films Experience, Tour 5A: Pearl Harbor/North Shore Combo, Tour 7A: Pearl Harbor/Circle Island Tour, Tour 9A: Full Day Scenic Island Oahu Tour, Tour 10A: Discover the North Shore Tour, Tour 11A: Pearl Harbor/Dole Pineapple Plantation/Polynesian Cultural Center Tour, Tour 13A: Polynesian Cultural Center & Deluxe Circle Island Tour, and Tour 14B: North Shore and Twilight Ali’i Luau Package.

North Shore's Haleiwa Surf Town

The main attraction during New Year’s Eve is the fireworks. Every year the city of Honolulu produces the largest New Year’s Eve display in the state of Hawaii. Be swept away by the lights and explosions above your head as you feel the sand between your toes on the beaches of Waikiki. Or if the beach isn’t your scene you can also enjoy free live entertainment on multiple stages at the Aloha Tower Marketplace where you can view a separate firework display over the Honolulu Harbor.

Fireworks from the Aloha Tower Marketplace

For a truly memorable New Year’s Eve experience, ring in the New Year with a glass of Champaign off-shore while onboard one of the many different dinner cruises available. Experience Hawaii’s largest firework display from the water while enjoying live music, food, and one of the best vantage points on the island.

For those of you who are looking to rock into the New Year, the Sheraton Waikiki is the place to be. RumFire will be hosting a “Studio 54 meets Waikiki Beach” bash. Located directly on the beach RumFire will be sure to offer you both amazing views of the fireworks as well as a chance to dance in the New Year. This year, RumFire will be hosting one of the most iconic groups of the 70’s music scene, The Village People. Also rocking the place will be the R&B group The Stylistics.

Wherever the night may take you, I’m sure that you will find many ways to ring in the New Year truly “Island Style.” Hau’oli Makahiki Hou 2010!!

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.

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.

Tora Tora Tora

Our new world war II tour will allow passengers to experience Pearl Harbor from both the ground and air. The tour is named Tora Tora Tour 41 because the air portion will trace the actual path take by the Japanes Zero aircrafts on their way to the bombing of Pearl Harbor. The tour will be a fabulous way to experience to experience Pearl Harbor and nothing like it has ever been offered before.