Hawaiian Culture

Getting Scholastic with Your Oahu Honeymoon

March 16, 2011 By Kalika

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: Hawaiian Tours, History

Drink Only the Best During Your Honeymoon – Kona Coffee!

March 12, 2011 By Lakaeli

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: Activities, Hawaiian Tours

Experience a Luau

August 26, 2010 By Kalika

Eat. Drink. Watch native Hawaiian dance. Join in if you dare. Throw back some Mai Tais. Get lei’d…

This is just a piece of what has come to encompass the Hawaiian event known as the Luau. Originally, it meant the young tops of the taro plants. Today, it’s a party in the traditional Hawaiian sense. And there is nothing that can beat it. No matter where you are going for your Hawaiian honeymoon, you can be sure that there is a scheduled luau nearby. It’s the heart of Hawaii’s tourism.

When you first show up, expect there to be large groups clustered around beautiful men and women holding traditional leis (created with Hawaii’s lush, natural botanic environment). You can also expect that the luau will begin nearing twilight, and torches will make up the majority of lighting. There is usually an open bar, depending on the luau you’ve chosen, serving colorful Mai Tai (complete with pineapple wedge) and other Hawaiian cocktails. Everyone is relaxing as they feast on an open buffet line which contains Hawaii’s most traditional dishes; Kalua pig, poi, mahi-mahi and Haupia coupled with macaroni salad, fruit and rice.

courtesy Wiki Media Commons

The world gets darker, and just as you begin to feel this intoxicating mix of the warm environment, ocean breeze and alcohol…

…that’s when the music starts up, and the drums being as performers dance to their rhythmic beats. While wielding fiery torches, they move their bodies in ways you never imagined possible. The whole performance is really quite stunning and beautiful.

Most likely, the hotel you’re staying at will host the luau, especially if you are on the beach. You might want to reserve your seats ahead of time; which varies depending on whether or not it’s Hawaii’s on or off tourist season and the type of luau (they are not all the same!). But if you’re hotel isn’t hosting, then check out The Hawaiian Luau and choose your island.

If you’re going to Hawaii for your honeymoon, go to a luau. It’s fun, cost friendly (again, depending on type), romantic, and one of those things you just have to experience.

Filed Under: Activities, Hawaiian Culture, Romantic Attractions Tagged With: Luau