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Hawaiian Agriculture

admin — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 21:13:39 +0000

Hawaii is most known for its beautiful weather, perfect beaches, big wave surfing, and its all around beauty. One often overlooked element of Hawaii and its culture is the diverse cuisine and unique delicacies. Many different foods are grown, produced, and prepared throughout the islands, and are all important to the customs and way of life here in Hawaii.

Locally grown crops have played an important part in Hawaii’s growth and economy for decades. Fields of pineapple, macadamia nuts, and coffee are seen on many of our North Shore and Circle Island Tours, and our Big Island Volcano Tour.

A closer look at local food production:

Pineapple – It is unknown when the pineapple was introduced into Hawaiian culture; however, large scale planting of the fruit began around 1850. James Dole established a plantation near Wahiawa on Oahu around 1900 and production escalated and eventually spread to other islands. Today, the remaining pineapple producers in Hawaii are Dole and Maui Land and Pineapple Company.

North Shore Pineapple Field

Coffee – First introduced to the islands through King Kamehameha’s Spanish Advisor in 1813, coffee remains a very big part of Hawaii’s exports. Unique soil and weather patterns combine to make Kona Coffee some of the most sought after coffee in the world. Hawaii is the sole U.S. provider of coffee in the world and most of the coffee comes from a 20 mile stretch of over 700 small coffee farms along the Kona coast of the Big Island on the slopes of Hualalai and Mauna Loa, though there are small quantities produced on the islands of Kauai and Maui.

Taro – No other form of food may represent Hawaii more than the taro plant. Though it is grown in many tropical climates worldwide it is most widely used in Hawaii and early Hawaiians were known to consume large quantities of taro that had been ground into a paste known as Poi. When raw, the plant is inedible and considered toxic, but when cooked or steeped in water, the root is harmless after it has been cooked.

Coffee Tree in Kona

Macadamia Nuts – Introduced to Hawaii from Australia in 1882, the macadamia nut tree was originally raised because of its beauty. A very versatile nut in cooking, there are over 700 farms and 8 processing plants, mostly on Hawaii’s Big Island, that is responsible for 90% of the world’s supply. Used in many foods including candies, breads, coffee, spreads, and cooking oil, macadamia nuts contain a high level of good fats and have been found to reduce cholesterol.

Sugarcane – Though it is not as big in Hawaiian agriculture as it once was, sugar continues to grow in Hawaii. As early as 1802, people on the island of Lanai were using stone rollers to crush the sweet juice from the sugarcane in 1834, the first sugar plantation went up on Kauai after King Kamehameha granted the use of 980 acres to Ladd & Company for growing and harvesting. The booming industry once employed 1 in 12 people and brought in about $150 million each year, but has since seen its prevalence fall as Hawaii has since concentrated its economic ventures elsewhere.

Summer in Hawaii Brings Perfect Weather

admin — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 00:17:05 +0000

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.

18th Annual Hawaii Fireknife Championships

admin — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 11:40:47 +0000

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.

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!!