Discover Hawaii Tours Blog

On June 4, 2010, the USS Missouri Battleship celebrated another achievement in its long and illustrious history. Though this did not take place in battle and there was nothing fired from the deck, it is still quite an accomplishment.
As Rachel Chmiel boarded the great battleship, she was met with gifts and celebration as the 4-millionth guest to visit the deck of the retired war vessel. With ties to Oahu and the daughter of a Navy man, she certainly understood the magnitude of the battleship and all of the glory that she carries. Various attractions from Pearl Harbor and around Oahu provided gifts to help Rachel celebrate her achievement that she will forever share with the Mighty Mo.

The Mighty Mo and all Her Glory

On the heels of a major preservation effort, the proud Missouri is still going strong and attracting an average of about 1400 visitors each day. The memorial recently announced that, in order to keep up with the demands of visitors, they will be extending its hours by 90 minutes each day. New opening time will be 7:30am and closing at 5:00pm, with the operating hours remaining in effect until Labor Day at the least.
With the busy summer season, we have seen a great increase in visitors to the islands and Pearl Harbor remains as a top attraction. Book your tour today for your chance to see the USS Missouri, the USS Arizona Memorial, or any other attractions that Pearl Harbor or Oahu has to offer. See you on tour!

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.

North Shore's Waimea Beach

When you hear the word “Waimea” the first things that come to mind might be, world class big wave surfing, cliff jumping, or maybe just scenes of an endless white sandy beach.  From this north shore beach you might not even notice the lush rainforest that fills the valley behind the beach.  Take the time to learn about and explore the valley on your own, or let us share the beauty of this valley with you on any of our following  north shore tours: 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.

Waimea Valley - "Valley of the Priests"

Oahu’s north shore is full of hidden gems rich in Hawaiian culture, history, legends, flora, and fauna, but none seem to compare to Waimea Valley.  Historically, Waimea was known as the “Valley of the Priests.”  With a history dating back more than 700 years ago, archeologists have uncovered over 78 sites of interest including religious areas and shrines on the valley floor.  Although few sites still remain, the Hale o Lono Heiau, (Hawaiian temple), can still be seen today.  Dedicated to the god Lono, or god of harvest, this temple dates between 1470 A.D. and 1700 A.D.

Waimea's jumping rock

Waimea valley is also home to a 150-acre arboretum and botanical garden area which is filled with over 5,000 species of tropical plants.  Of these plants there are 437 species of the known 1,200 Hawaiian plants, making it one of the most extensive collections of native plants anywhere.  Take the time to explore the back of the valley where you will find a 45 foot high waterfall.  Modern day conservation efforts are aimed at reclaiming the valley and transforming it into a more native environment filled with Hawaiian cultural activities, games, and agriculture.

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.

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!!