Those who travel to Hawaii know the best sites to visit. There is Pearl Harbor, known for the tragic attacks of December 7, 1941 and its many Memorials; Oahu’s North Shore, home to many of the most well-known big wave surf spots and host to a number of surf competitions; Maui’s Hana Highway, recognized as one of the best drives in the entire country where the scenery is never ending; and Mount Kilauea, the world’s most active volcano, which has been erupting continuously since January 3, 1983 and continuously adds to the size of Hawaii’s youngest island.
There are also many sites to see that are off the beaten path and hidden gems that play a significant role in Hawaii’s robust culture and diverse landscape.

Byodo-in Temple, a must see while on Oahu.

Take, for instance, the Byodo-In Temple. Located at the base of the Ko’olau Mountains in the Valley of the Temples Memorial Park, the non-denominational Buddhist temple was constructed to commemorate the 100 year anniversary of the first Japanese immigrants to Hawaii. A scale replica of a 950-year old temple located in Uji, Japan, Hawaii’s version is built entirely without nails and welcomes all to worship, meditate, and admire its beauty. There is a nine-foot tall Lotus Buddha known as Amida that welcomes visitors, as well as a three-ton brass peace bell located at the outside entrance. The statue is thought to be the largest hand carved Buddha outside of Japan.
The original Byodo-In Temple is located in the Japanese city of Uji and is used jointly by the Jodo Shi and Tendai sects. Built in 998 as a rural villa for use by the most powerful members of the Fujiwara clan, a family of Japanese regents who found power during the Heian period, the villa underwent conversion to a Buddhist temple in 1052. The Japanese version of the Byodo-In’s most famous building is the Phoenix Hall, constructed in 1053 and the only remaining original building, as additional building were burnt down during the civil war in 1336.
The Hawaiian Temple’s grounds are a lush landscape, tucked in the mountains and home to Japanese Koi fish that swim through the rivers and ponds and wild peacocks that roam the grounds. Many weddings, meetings and worships take place at the temple, which sees a great number of visitors from around the world from all faiths participating in its traditions.
The Byodo-In Temple is a Hawaii State Landmark that has been used in a number of television shows including Hawaii 5-0, Lost, and Magnum P.I., in which it was featured as a recurring part of the plot.

Read more: Byodo- In Temple: A Hidden Oahu Gem

Surf fans again have reason to head north. The big waves are here for 2010. Though they aren’t expected to stay long, the first round of waves have hit the north facing shores of Maui, Molokai, and Oahu. With faces expected to reach between 25 and 35 feet from Tuesday November 2^nd through Thursday November 4^th, surfers in paradise will no doubt be out in full force.

Catching Waves at Waimea Bay

It is best advised to leave the surfing and swimming to the seasoned and expert surfers during high surf advisories, though we do recommend visiting Oahu’s Sunset Beach and Waimea Bay along the  North Shore to witness these massive waves.  In December, The Quicksilver Big Wave Invitational in Memory of Eddie Aikau will hit Waimea Bay. 28 surfers are invited each December with the hope of competing in this classic event. The event requires face heights of 30 feet in order

With the big waves, comes the high surf warning and deadly currents. The advisory is in effect for the western shores of Oahu as well as Ni’ihau and Molokai, and the Big Island’s north shores. The National Weather Service in Honolulu will continue to closely monitor the surf conditions and make changes accordingly and as they deem appropriate for the waters.

Sunset Beach Shore Break

Be sure to join us on one of our Circle Island Tours exploring the island of Oahu, for your chance to see the North Shore and these impressive waves.

Read more: Surf’s Up Hawaii

One of the most scenic views on the entire island of Oahu, the Nu’uanu Pali Lookout is an absolute must on any Hawaiian Vacation. Tucked in the cliffs of the Ko’olau Mountain Range, pali is the Hawaiian word for cliffs. From the lookout, a panoramic view of Windward Oahu overlooks the towns of Kailua and Kaneohe. The Pali Highway (State Highway 61) connects Honolulu to windward Oahu.

Scenic View from above Pali Lookout

The Pali is famous for the strong trade winds that blow through the pass, seemingly at all times. Coupled with the tunnels of the highway, it forms a natural wind tunnel of sorts.

There are many legends and beliefs surrounding this fabled overpass and its surrounding mountains. Two large stones near the back of Nu’uanu valley are said to represent a pair of goddesses who were guardians of the passage. Travelers have been know to leave offerings of flowers or bark cloth to ensure a safe trip. Many parents have been known to bury the umbilical cords of newborns under the stones, as a protection against evil. It is also widely believed that pork should never be carried over Nu’uanu Pali. Many motorists have reported their cars mysteriously stopping and not starting again until the pork was removed from the car. This is the responsibility of Pele and her contest with Kamapua’a, a half man, half hog God that is forbidden from passing to her side of the island in his hog form.

The Nu’uanu Pali was also the site of the Battle of Nu’uanu, one of the bloodiest battles in Hawaiian History. During this battle, King Kamehameha I conquered the island of Oahu, bringing it under his rule. The battle took place in 1795 after Kamehameha conquered the islands of Maui and Molokai. Along with an army of 10,000 soldiers, Kamehameha forced the defenders of Nu’uanu Valley up the mountain and trapped more than 400 soldiers. The defenders were driven off the cliff to their deaths 1,000 feet below. When the first road was built over the mountain range, workers came across more than 800 skulls, believed to be the remains of the warriors that fell to their deaths during the battle.

For the best chance to see the Pali Lookout and many of the other scenic and historic landmarks on Oahu, join us on a Circle Island Tour today.

Read more: Nu’uanu Pali Lookout

One of the most exciting and entertaining competitions is back! From May 12^th through May 15^th, the Polynesian Cultural Center will once again play host to the Annual World Fireknife Championships. This will mark the 18^th year that PCC has hosted the 4-day event culminating in an intense 2 day showdown between 3 finalists, which will take place during the intermission of the “Ha: Breath of Life” show on Friday and Saturday.

The tradition of Fireknife Dancing stems from Samoan Ailao- a warriors knife dance performed with the Nifo Oti (deadly tooth).The
dance was originally performed both before battles to frighten their enemies and afterwards to celebrate victory.In more contemporary times, after village, tribal and inter island combat faded into history, the nifo oti has become an important aspect in the Samoan ta’alolo, or gift-giving procession, that honors special visitors.

On your upcoming trip to Oahu, be sure to book with Discover Hawaii Tours and ask about our North Shore Twilight Luau Tour 14B, for your chance to witness this magnificent display of acrobatics, death-defying stunts, rhythmic dancing, and fire-lit knives. This is a must see event that you will surely not want to miss.

Read more: 18th Annual Hawaii Fireknife Championships

Polynesian Cultural Center andDiscover Hawaii Tours have begun offering a “Summer Special” Tour, that includes a Free Dinner Buffet with a purchase of the Polynesian Cultural Center Show Package.

The Free Dinner Buffet is valid from April 22, 2009 through August 31, 2009.

Polynesian Cultural Center Horizons Show Cast

Additionally, during this time the Polynesian Cultural Center children’s rates, which are normally applied to ages 5 through 11 years of age, have been extended to include those aged 5 through 15.

The Admission/Show experience remains the Polynesian Cultural Center’s most affordable package. You can walk through seven different Pacific villages, representing the major Polynesian subcultures, and well as enjoy the canoe pageant, an IMAX™ movie, the tram tour of Laie, and even canoe rides! For dinner you will enjoy a free buffet at the famous Gatweay Restaurant and you’ll receive reserved seating at the Horizons Night Show, the most spectacular show on Oahu.

Additional Information:

·The Polynesian Cultural Center is a non-profit organization

·Alcoholic beverages are not permitted or sold on the grounds

·Caffeine-free Coca-Cola, coffee and tea are available

·There are designated smoking areas available

·No flash pictures are allowed during the night show performance

·Passport to Polynesia lets kids take home a stamp and a great memory – from each island culture they visit.

·Special bonus offer from Discover Hawaii Tours – Free buffet dinner at the Gateway restaurant.

Read more: Polynesian Cultural Center Summer Special Tour