Discover Hawaii Tours Blog » Polynesian cultural center

Nu’uanu Pali Lookout

admin — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 23:05:40 +0000

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.

Experience Hawaii with Sunshine and the Aloha Spirit

admin — Tue, 04 May 2010 03:54:48 +0000

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.

Waimea Valley – North Shore Oahu

admin — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 19:08:10 +0000

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.

New Year’s Eve in Hawaii

admin — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 00:31:20 +0000

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!!

Fire Knife Championships – May 2009

admin — Fri, 29 May 2009 21:05:51 +0000

The 2009 Fire Knife Championships were recently held at the Polynesian Cultural Center. The winner of the this years World Samoan Fire Knife Championships is Mikaele Oloa from Oahu. Congrats to Mikaele, check out his winning performance:

History of Fire Knife dancing

Knife dancing in Samoan culture goes back several generations. Traditionally, knife dancing was performed by warriors to showcase their knife skills prior to battle to intimidate the enemy and amp up the warrior, and then after the battle to celebrate victory. Fire was added to the performance in 1946 by a Samoan knife dancer named Freddie Letuli.

The modern Fire Knife Championships began at the Polynesian Cultural Center in 1992 and is held during the third week of May. Here is a list of previous champs: 2009 Mikaele Oloa – Waialua, Oahu 2008 Viavia Tiumalu, Jr. – Orlando, Florida 2007 Andrew “Umi” Sexton – Orlando, Florida 2006 Mikaele Oloa – Orlando, Florida 2005 Mikaele Oloa – Orlando, Florida 2004 Alex Galeai – Laie, Hawaii 2003 David Galeai – Cook Islands 2002 Pati Levasa – Samoa 2001 Pati Levasa – Samoa 2000 David Galeai – Cook Islands 1999 David Galeai – Cook Islands 1998 Pati Levasa – Samoa 1997 Pati Levasa – Samoa 1996 Ifi Soo – Maui, Hawaii 1995 Ifi Soo – Maui, Hawaii 1994 Ifi Soo – Maui, Hawaii 1993 Tauasa Sielu Avea – Laie, Hawaii How are Fire Knife performances judged? According to the Polynesian Cultural Center blog, here are the guidelines for judging Fire Knife performances: 1. Knives length – Points are deducted if they do not meet regulation size 2. Speed – The faster contestants spin the knife, while maintaining control, the better 3. Height of throws – Judges like throws at least twice the competitors height 4. Degree of difficulty – The more complex the more points competitors score 5. Presentation – Dancers are also judged on their costume and “warrior-like” demeanor Here are some more Fire Knife performances: Mikaele Oloa Final Performance Joseph Final Performance Visit the Polynesian Cutlural Center with Discover Hawaii Tours to learn more about Polynesian culture.