Discover Hawaii Tours Blog

Each June, Hawaii gears up for a fantastic celebration of their greatest ruler, King Kamehameha. The great monarch led the unification of the Hawaiian Islands under one rule, creating the Kingdom of Hawaii. Long remembered for the “Law of the Splintered Paddle”, which protects human rights of non-combatants in times of battle, Kamehameha was a very ambitious ruler who has been honored and celebrated in many ways since his death in 1819.
The first Kamehameha day occurred in 1872 after the King’s great grandson, Kamehameha V, established the order in the previous year. June 11 brings a parade and a block party through Downtown Honolulu and Waikiki, complete with food, games, and music, with a ceremonial lei ceremony draping his statues on not only Oahu and Big Island, but a statue located in Washington DC in the company of federal officials. A 2-day hula competition also takes place in Honolulu at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center.
Many of our tours visit King Kamehameha’s statue located in downtown Honolulu near the Iolani Palace. To see this and many more Hawaii landmarks, join us on one of our fantastic island tours.

Those unfamiliar with the life of Princess Ka’iulani may be misled by the movie that opened on May 14, 2010.
The original title of the film, “Barbarian Princess”, provoked controversy in Hawaii from the beginning. Though the producers of the film have stated that the term is meant to be ironic, and is meant to draw in audiences who may not be familiar with the history of Hawaii, individuals in Hawaii have declared that it brought up painful memories of past discrimination of those from the islands, and the term ‘Barbarian Princess’ was one of many racist labels that were used to describe the highly educated Hawaiian Princess by pro-annexation groups before and during the time of the illegal overthrow of the Hawaiian Monarchy.
Hawaiian royalty has a long and storied tradition on the islands, and many of the Kings, Queens, and Princesses are still widely celebrated today. They are also recognized worldwide, with exception of the United States. Through many trials and tribulations, the Royal Kingdom of Hawaii was established between the years 1795 and 1810. Throughout its rule, the Kingdom saw many rulers, and with each new constitution, power was reduced in favor of an elected legislature that was increasingly dominated by the interests of American and European descent.
Princess Ka’iulani was the heir to the throne at the time that the Kingdom of Hawaii was overthrown and led a campaign to restore the Kingdom. Because of this she was portrayed as a “heathen-princess” in pro-Annexation skits and cartoons. Despite attempts to portray her as barbaric or savage, her popularity proved to be quite surprising as she traveled across the United States following her education in Victorian England.
Princess Ka’iulani was a very exquisite Royal Princess, who spoke eloquently in many different languages. Only 23 at the time of her death from illness, the “Peacock Princess”, known as this for her love of peacocks, continued to make public appearances until the time of her death at the urging of her father. Today, as with many former rulers, Princess Ka’iulani is celebrated in many books, videos, and musical tributes that take place in Hawaii. Princess Ka’iulani’s royal residence, the Iolani Palace, can be seen from many of our Oahu tours.

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.

With the recent activity of the Eyjafjallajökull Volcano in Iceland, it brings about the possibilities for us here in Hawaii. Though the volcanoes on most of the islands are dormant, there is activity from Kilauea, and recently, there has been an increased flow. The recent activity has set off small fires and small methane explosions as it makes its way through the brush and closer to the viewing area. There has been no structural damage but the Civil Defense has had to relocate some of their facilities.The U.S. Geological Survey has been monitoring the slow moving flow, and will continue to do so as it keeps advancing. For safety reasons, there is no close-up viewing of the flow, but there is a path over lava that is only a few months old that offers a great view. Members of the U.S. Geological Survey have said that the distant views of surface activity are available, especially at night. This activity for our Big Island Volcano Tour 33 means that we have had great views of the lava flow and the increased activity means that seats for our tours are filling fast, as this is a once in a lifetime opportunity.
As much as we are enjoying the views and flow from our Big Island Volcano and it is a thrill to see, we do understand the magnitude of what is happening in Iceland. We here at Discover Hawaii Tours hope that everyone that has been affected by this event makes it out safe and further damage is avoided.

For a part of the morning on April 14, 2010, the USS Missouri Battleship was back in action. A portion of the once great battleship acted as a foreign merchant vessel that the Navy searched for illegal activity. Sailors from two Navy destroyers and a frigate came from the sea, climbing the side of the ship in body armor and helmets, wielding fake training guns.

The training, used to better prepare for missions, will assist search and seizure teams from three ships and offered an unfamiliar ship for the teams to search. The Battleship Missouri Memorial volunteered the space and many that were visiting the ship were able to witness the training activity. In locations such as the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Aden, ships are searched for contraband such as drugs and weapons that take place everyday and cost international shipping more than $100 million a year.

The Missouri hosts many ceremonies such as re-enlistments and retirements, and on this day, was able to provide a training venue as it further supports our military.

Check out Tour 2 and Tour 8, as they offer the opportunity to board the USS Missouri Battleship and see many historic locations, both on the deck and below. We’re look forward to seeing you on tour and visiting a truly great piece of American History