You are here: Home / Archives for Activities / Tours

5 Adventures for Your Maui Hawaii Honeymoon

September 12, 2011 By

Black Sand beach, Maui

Welcome to paradise honeymooners! You can pretty much do, see, eat, drink whatever you want on your island adventure in Maui… but here are some activities that you should definitely seek out during your Hawaii honeymoon.

1. Take a Ride on a Catamaran

The ocean looks like a big blue crystal from the beach, so while you’re honeymooning, try to plan a boat trip of some kind so that you’re only view isn’t from the shore. There are many boat charters that explore the Pacific, and aren’t too costly if you’re on a budget. Check out SailMaui.com or HulaGirls.com for some great themed excursions, like “Afternoon Sail & Snorkel Coral Gardens” or “Lahaina Champagne Sunset Sail”.  Depending on the time of year, you can opt for a peaceful afternoon of whale watching or HulaGirl’s “Pacific Rim Dinner Cruise”.  Just make sure that if it’s a day trip, you bring sunscreen, sunglasses or a hat—the glare can be harsh!

2. Visit Waterfalls

There is nothing quite like the sound of rushing water in a tropical environment; it’s amazing how the earth seems to come alive. You don’t need to ride a helicopter or take an expensive tour to experience this closeness with nature. Just put on a pair of boots, rent a car, and take a romantic honeymoon adventure together. Check out some of hot spots, right off the highway like Wailua Falls or Upper Waikani Falls. If you are up for a paid tour, and a full day of sightseeing, then check out the Road to Hana Tour, where you can swim in the Ohe`o Stream and Pools. Either way you do it, you’re going to love what you see and never forget the experience.

3. Enjoy a Sunset Honeymoon Dinner

Sounds pretty simple, doesn’t it? Well, we’re not talking about an ocean view while you eat. We recommend getting much closer than that! While it’s one thing to take a snorkeling adventure on board a catamaran, it’s much different and more romantic to enjoy a Hawaii honeymoon dinner cruise. Instead of donning your flippers, try a nice pair of dancing shoes since most Hawaii dinner cruise provide music and a dance floor.  Tom’s Barefoot Tours in particular, includes a full bar, dinner and entertainment. We also agree that this should be the last activity on your Hawaii honeymoon. What better way to remember your experience than burning a permanent image of you and your new spouse aboard a ship, floating between the Hawaiian Islands; a memory suffused with sunset colors!

4. Watch the Sunrise on a Volcano

Haleakala is the world’s largest dormant volcano, so you must take this opportunity to see for yourself the “house of the rising sun.” We encourage you to take a bike tour on the road leading between Haleakala’s base and summit; especially since it’s one of the fastest gains of elevation in the shortest distance in the world. But don’t start feeling crazy and pull a “no hands” move. It’s a truly exhilarating experience that we recommend seeking out. Most Maui hotels and resorts will have more information on the tours available and most likely, the shuttle will pick you up and drop you off in the front.

If you’re up for a challenge, you could bike from the coast to the summit, but most people just enjoy the downhill ride.

5. Tour the Road to Hana

Hana Highway is where the true beauty of Maui’s landscape comes alive with 600 winding turns, 57 one-lane bridges, streams, waterfalls, pools and jungles. You could opt for a guided tour, an unplanned adventure and a map, or one of the many popular guided CDs. Either way, you’re looking at 52 miles of Maui’s northern coastline. The road to Hana will take you off the beaten path of tourist resort areas so that you and your spouse can explore some of Maui’s more remote areas, such as bamboo forests, magnificent waterfalls, and black sand beaches. It’s practically a must-do when you visit Maui!

Tip: If you’re driving, get gas before you leave. There is only one gas station in Hana and it’s very pricey. It takes approximately three hours to drive from one end to the other, but with a few stops along the way, it usually takes more than 5 hours– so plan ahead!

Filed Under: Activities, Explore Hawaii, Nature Preserves, Tours Tagged With: , ,

Getting Scholastic with Your Oahu Honeymoon

March 16, 2011 By

The USS Missouri was built in three years and required over 3 million man-days to complete the job.

Oahu is by far the most popular Hawaiian island to visit, and not just because of its namesake The Gathering Place. The history itself is a major attraction to this Hawaiian destination. Oahu’s local history is that of monarchy, beginning with the Ali’i and followed by powerful Kings like Mailikukahi and Kaumualii.

It was also the first Hawaiian island ever discovered by Europeans in 1778 by Captain James Cook and the crew of HMS Resolution. James Cook was later killed on Valentine’s Day at Kealakekua Bay.  As you probably know, it’s also the site of the surprise attack from The Imperial Japanese Navy during World War 2 and the final resting place of the USS Arizona.

If you and your fiancé enjoy leisurely browsing through historical museums to learn more about Hawaii’s pivotal role in American History, then you just may want to think about booking a tour. Chances are, you aren’t staying for more than a couple weeks, and the history is so expansive it would be impossible to do it all and relax.

Here’s a little break-down of some popular tours in Oahu, courtesy Discover Hawaii Tours.

Oahu’s Ultimate Eco Circle Island Tour

This popular Oahu guided tour starts at Pearl Harbor, where you can board a shuttle boat to visit the USS Arizona. Next, it’s on to the Dole’s Pineapple Plantation at the North Shore. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the view as the staff tells stories and Hawaiian folktales.  From there, you venture on over to the Polynesian Culture Center, a museum experience that includes a full BBQ lunch buffet.

A Day at Pearl Harbor

This deal is perfect for WW2 history buffs, craving to see first-hand one of the most memorable and tragic events of American history. This includes a complete Pearl Harbor tour featuring USS Arizona Memorial, USS Bowfin Submarine, USS Missouri Battleship, Pacific Aviation Museum as well as an exploration of downtown Honolulu.

Oahu Dolphin Swim and Snorkel

Okay, so we know this departs from the historical theme of the previous tours, but this activity is perfect for the honeymooners who are looking for something a little more adventurous and a little less observatory. Your boat leaves before sunrise from Waikiki, and the rest of the day will be spent with music, food, dolphins, swimming & laughter. After the crew guides you towards the local wildlife, don’t be afraid to get close. Dolphins are known for their intelligence, affectionate demeanors and playful spirits. It’s an experience you’ll never forget.

Filed Under: Activities, Hawaiian Culture, Oahu, Tours Tagged With: ,

Drink Only the Best During Your Honeymoon – Kona Coffee!

March 12, 2011 By
Kona Coffee Plantation

Kona Coffee Plantation

You’re going to Hawaii for your honeymoon, and you love coffee (who doesn’t??) so you must be looking forward to having some delicious Kona coffee!  If you’ve never had Kona coffee, you’re in for a treat; Kona coffee is smooth, a medium dark roast, with balanced flavor, and is absolutely delicious!

You don’t have to actually stay in Kona or even anywhere on the Big Island to enjoy a cup; coffee bars abound throughout the islands.  Let us guide you through the best shops and bars on each island.

Oahu

Island Vintage Coffee – Located in the heart of Honolulu, in the Ala Moana Mall, this shop serves the finest 100% Kona coffee.  You’ll probably be shopping in this mall anyway, so be sure to stop by and partake!

Happy Cake Cafe – Nope, this isn’t a coffee shop per say, but they do sell some yummy Kona coffee!  Try their iced coffee while nibbling on a Happy Cake, a delectable cake made with pineapple, coconut and macadamia nuts – all which sound very “Hawaiian” but it’s actually quite a unique cake-eating experience!

Maui

Hawaiian Village Coffee – Located in Lahaina, there are lots of different varieties of 100% Kona coffee to choose from.  Sip some Kona Peaberry while lounging in their internet cafe.  They of course also serve baked goodies to much on while you browse.

Bad Ass Coffee Company – Yes, this is a chain, but it’s a small chain that serves 100% Kona coffee and that can sometimes be a little hard to find on Maui.  This location is right by the airport, so take advantage after landing or right before heading home – or both!

Kauai

Java Kai – Serving Kona coffee, but lots of other varieties of coffee, food and baked goods as well.  They even serve some deliciosu breakfast!  This is a small chain with about a dozen locations throughout the islands and Southern California.  Located in the quiet town of Hanalei, on the northern coast of Kauai.

The Big Island – Hilo

Hilo Sharks Coffee – Located right in Hilo, this shop not only serves kona coffee, but other Hawaii-grown coffees and even homemade ice cream!

Bayfront Coffee, Kava & Tea – While this shop is more about the kava experience, it’s another option if you want to check out some delicious Kona coffee while in Hilo.

The Big Island – Kona

It almost seems silly listing a Kona coffee shop in Kona when there are so many farms you could visit directly.  Or you could just walk into any coffee shop in Kona and guarantee yourself some 100% Kona coffee!  But we did our research and found a couple that you may want to check out:

Hula Daddy Kona Coffee – Your trip to Kona will not be complete without taking a tour of one of their many Kona coffee farms.  It would be like visiting Napa Valley in California without taking a wine tour!  Hula Daddy is perched atop a hill along Mamalahoa Highway, with out of this world views.  The staff is super friendly and will give you a tour of their coffee growing and roasting process.  And, of course, you’ll need to try their amazing coffee and will likely even buy a pound for yourselves!

Kona Blue Sky Coffee – Yet another coffee plantation that you may want to check out.  They serve some amazing coffee from beans grown right on their plantation on the side of Mt. Hualalai.

Molokai

After lots of research, it seems that we just can’t find any Kona coffee in Molokai!  Honeymooners to Molokai, don’t despair, for this small peaceful island grows its own coffee that you’ll easily be able to sample at restaurants, the airports and of course, coffee shops.

Filed Under: Hawaiian Culture, Kauai, Maui, Molokai, Oahu, The Big Island, Tours Tagged With: ,

Whale Watching in Hawaii

November 5, 2010 By

Kilauea Lighthouse, a beautiful spot to whale watch on Kauai

If you’re planning your Hawaii Honeymoon between the months of December and April, you should know that this is the perfect season to go whale watching! Beginning their journey in Alaska, humpback whales are guided by their instincts to the warmer waters of the Hawaiian Islands—which will remain their home for the winter. During the migration, these humpback whales travel approximately 4,000 miles which is the longest distance of any animal species. In Hawaii, the whales will mate or give birth to their calves. Proving themselves very curious animals, humpback whales are known to put on show during this time.

Whale-watching tours are your best bet for seeing these creatures up close. An experienced boat captain will be able to invite these animals closer, without disrespecting their space. But don’t be surprised if you run into a mother with her calf, who shies away from the attention. The ones that aren’t afraid to approach the boat have been nicknamed ‘friendlies’, and we recommend taking a boat tour to really see these majestic animals up front. A picture just doesn’t do them justice.

However, you can also whale-watch from land. Scope the island for lighthouses or other elevated scenic sights such as Kauai’s Kilauea Lighthouse (to see more great photos from this particular spot, check out our Facebook page). From here, you’ll want to scan the ocean’s surfaces and look for the plumes of water bursting into the air, as the whales come up for air.

Fun whale watching key terms:

Breach: When a whale jumps clear out of the water and lands on its side.

*Interesting Fact: The reason for this activity is still unknown to scientists, although it’s suggested they do this for multiple reasons: for fun, to display aggression, or to dislodge barnacles.

Eye-Spy: The whale pops its head out of the water.

Fluke: A whale’s tail.

The most popular islands for whale-watching are Maui, Kauai and the Big Island. To get you started, check out some of these popular whale-watching options and compare prices.

Kauai’s Whale Watching Tours

Maui’s Whale Watching Tours

The Big Island’s Whale Watching Tours

Filed Under: Activities, Tours Tagged With:

Snorkeling in Maui

October 10, 2010 By

If you’ve never been to Hawaii before, and you’re used to the dense, dark visual of our stateside ocean coasts… then you are going to be in awe of the tropical and transparent waters of Hawaii. Don’t miss this great opportunity to explore. Snorkelers are everywhere in Hawaii and when you hit the beach, you’ll be able to rent snorkel equipment from nearby shops fairly easily.

But we recommend taking it a step further, and venturing out in the ocean on a catamaran or other boat tour. Local guides will take you to popular snorkeling areas, where you can see coral reefs, tropical fish, turtles, and even dolphins. Usually these activities are a flat fee which includes a light healthy lunch, conducive to a day spent snorkeling in the sun.

Tip: Make sure to bring the strong waterproof sunblock and reapply frequently, especially after exiting the water. Harsh Hawaiian rays will penetrate even the strongest block, especially when you’re busy with your head underwater; while you’re back is exposed to reflective rays from the ocean as well.

In Maui, you can visit Molokini or Turtle Town for $80/per person. There are plenty of tours to choose from on each island, but be wary of paying escalated prices. Pay attention to whether or not children are less and the style of travel. Yacht tours are significantly more expensive. Another spot worth checking out if you’re more interested in self-paced snorkeling, is Honolua Bay. It’s a Marine Life Conservation District, located between two cliffs providing a calm snorkeling environment. However unlike a guided tour, you will need to provide your own food and  equipment since there are no stores nearby.

Maui is by far the most popular island for snorkeling. Why? Because it has more miles of swim-friendly beaches than any other island. The south and west facing shores of Maui conveniently keep out of Hawaii’s trade-winds, making for optimal snorkeling weather with calm waters.

Other great Maui snorkeling spots:

Kapalua Bay
Ahihi Kinau Reserve
Kaanapali Beach – Black Rock
Olowalu
Coral Gardens
Kamaole Beaches

Filed Under: Activities, Maui, Tours Tagged With:

Helicopter Tours in Honolulu

September 19, 2010 By
View of the ocean and Molokai from a helicopter

View of the ocean and Molokai from a helicopter

As newlyweds in Hawaii, nothing says romance and adventure like a helicopter tour over Oahu.  Or any island, for that matter.  But if you’re staying in Honolulu, you will run in to many companies offering helicopter tours over Honolulu alone, along a single coast of Oahu, or perhaps around the entire island.  It can be difficult deciding upon a tour, especially since they don’t come cheap, so allow us to guide you with your search!

General Tips

Wear comfortable clothing: You’ll be strapped in and wearing a headset along with four other passengers plus the pilot.  Meaning, don’t be worried about your personal appearance for this adventure!

Wear dark clothing: If you’ll be taking pictures (and really, who wouldn’t?), wear darker clothing to diminish glare from the flash on your camera off the window you’ll be peering through.

Book in advance:  By advance we mean a week or two.  There are online specials you won’t find in person!

Cancel in advance:  If your plans change or your wallet has had a sudden change of heart, most companies require at least three days notice in order to give a full refund.

If you’re the type who gets motion sickness be sure to take motion sickness medication (such as Dramamine) before you embark.  Meaning, an hour or two before you step onto the helicopter.  Or, try picking up a patch from your doctor prior to your honeymoon.

You may not need your camera.  Most companies offer a DVD of your personalized tour, audio included (those tour guide pilots can be quite witty), for an extra cost.  Sure, you could always do both, but if you’d rather not fuss with a camera and would like to relax and enjoy the amazing sights, don’t bother with it; buy a DVD afterward!

Do Your Research:  This is an expensive endeavor, so make sure you picked the best tour for you both!  And with that, here’s some research of our own:

The Ali’i Sacred Falls Tour, Makani Kai Helicopters, 60 minute flight, $236/person or $276/person for first-class (fly alone as a couple)

Makani Kai offers many different tours in Oahu, but this one is by far the most appealing as it is a combination of the other tours and more.  You’ll get a phenomenal view of Honolulu, Pearl Harbor, the Dole Plantation, Sacred Falls, the Polynesian Cultural Center, Turtle Bay, the North Shore and more.  Makani Kai also offers combination tours, meaning that they package together a helicopter tour and either a submarine tour or dinner cruise.  Honestly, avoid these “packages” as you are likely to save money by booking activities separately.  Lastly, if you’re like us, you’re probably going to go straight to Yelp.com to do some research on your own (always a good idea!).  Don’t be swayed by their single one-star review; they have outstanding five-star reviews on reliable sites like tripadvisor.com and hawaiiactivites.com.

Blue Skies of Oahu, Blue Hawaiian Helicopters, 45 minutes, $190.95/person

This is a more economical version of the Ali’i Sacred Falls Tour, as it is considerably less expensive ($190.95 compared to $236) and is a bit shorter (45 minutes compared to 60 minutes).  The only thing you’ll miss is the southwestern tip of the island around the gorgeous Ko Olina Resort.  What’s even better…the reviews!  Check out Yelp.com, TripAdvisor and more; you won’t be disappointed.  Five-star ratings abound!

Waimea Helicopter Tour Package, Genesis Aviation, 60-65 minutes, cost varies (currently ~$185/person but also advertised as $265.  Call 1-808-840-1111 for current deals)

This is essentially the same tour as the Ali’i Sacred Falls Tour described above.  Two major bonuses here: you’ll save  about $50 and their helicopters seat four people compared to six people with Makani Kai Helicopters.  Alternatively, you can fly the 40-45 minute Sacred Tour which costs considerably less (anywhere from $75 to over $100 depending on time of year and current deals).  That tour focuses on the southeastern portion of Oahu (Honolulu, Pearl Harbor, Sacred Falls, etc.).  Everything you would see on this tour is included in the Waimea tour.

Whichever company and tour you choose, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Filed Under: Oahu, Tours Tagged With: , , ,