by Dean Christener

Who would of known how great a Jet Ski tour is especially going with Xtreme Jet Ski Hawaii, an awesome experience filled with adrenaline and excitement. It was cool to see how well organized this activity was, as my friend and I had just done an activity with Jet Ski Rental Honolulu Hawaii, which was a really fun xtreme parasailing activity connected with the same company that we would participate now in a Oahu Jet Ski tour.

It was great, because as soon as we end parasailing, we were shortly afterward picked up by a van that would take us too our destination where the jet ski fun would begin. The driver was great, he gave us a preview of what to expect out on the skis.

We had to drive through a bit of Honolulu to get to the Waikiki Jet Ski Hawaii, only taking about 10 minutes, so it was good seeing some island-style city life, which probably differs to your average city life.

Arriving where we would drive our Jet Skis, it was a beautiful area, sheltered from the wind, in a large lagoon you could say. The water was a deep blue surrounded by sand banks with lush tropical undergrowth on them.

Shortly after being dropped off, a boat took us at the dock where the Jet Skis were tetheredin the middle of the lagoon. Here we were first escorted and introduced to the Jet Ski guide who would explain the activity.

It was quite a thrill being taken out to this “floating dock” in the middle of the lagoon where all the machines were kept. Our guide on our arrival showed us the course where we would be skiing.

It was nice how much freedom you had, as though there was a course, but it was large enough to allow for much personal enjoyment.

When we were finally on the skis, I never wanted to get off! Being able to accerlerate across the water at full speed, we then judged the how the ski handled on the turns. It  was more fun then I ever had expected!

Whether racing others who were also participating on the Xtreme Jet Ski tour, or just riding and seeing how fast you could go into a turn, while trying to make as much spray as possible off carves, it was all an absolute thrill.

The Jet Ski facilitator was more than nice as well as he allowed us to ride much longer than we were supposed to, and this was greatly appreciated because you don’t know how fast time flies when your having that much fun out there on the water.

Concluding from this experience, I could not have asked for a better initiation to riding a jet ski, especially in this isolated lagoon, that really gives you the sense of being in paradise with freedom in the grip of your hands, as you go almost where you want. Definitely an activity that is a must-do, especially so you can say you did a Honolulu Jet Ski ride!

–> Book this Activity

By Sara Schell

Hawaii’s Big Island is aptly named, so if you’re intending sightseeing Big Island, then Grand Circle Island is not to be missed!

The 260-mile Grand Circle Island tour makes experiencing all that Big Island has to offer comfortable and convenient. You’ll be able to kick back and relax in an air-conditioned, deluxe coach while someone else does the driving, in the care of a knowledgeable tour guide who’ll make sure you don’t miss a thing!

And there certainly is plenty to see: Kailua Town, coffee plantations, Black Sand Beach, and more! The steam bluffs and crater drive are among the highlights of the tour – imagine getting up close to Hawaiian volcano Kilauea! The majesty of nature is never more forcefully apparent than when we witness the clash of two of the world’s most powerful forces!

Can you picture watching molten lava flows entering the ocean at sunset? The hiss of steam, the boom of the waves, and the angry red of the superheated rock against a darkening sky – simply unforgettable! Hawaii volcano tour ‘Twilight Discovery’ gives you the opportunity to do just that.

Winding through Kilauea National Park and culminating at Kalapana at sunset, the Twilight Discovery tour showcases some of the world’s rarest plants and animal life, and is simply a must for anyone traveling on Big Island.

If you enjoyed the trip through the park, why not head to Hilo car rental during your stay and take a more leisurely look at the Hamakua Heritage Corridor?

Or you could try a Mauna Kea summit tour with star gazing. You’ll sit atop the summit of Mauna Kea (the world’s tallest mountain at 31,000 feet from the ocean floor) and watch the sun set over the pacific. Enjoy the view of Haleakala on Maui, and then at 9,000-foot elevation, break out the telescopes. Rug up and enjoy the hot drinks and cookies as you gaze at the night sky.

Maybe all of these options are too laid back for your tastes? Then you’ll love downhill mountain biking on a guided bicycle tour of Kilauea National Park. Winding through microclimates, passing huge craters and steam vents you’ll be right in the thick of Big Island’s natural beauty. And don’t worry – you don’t have to bike all the way! The support bus, loaded with drinks and lunch, will be with you for the entire four to five hour trip.

Once you’re done with your day of cycling and back at your accommodation, a simple solution like a Big Island car rental might be the perfect way to do the rest of your sightseeing. Big Island has plenty offer and you won’t want to miss any of it!

By Sara Schell

If you’re after an Oahu parasailing experience, why just fly high when you can fly with the highest? Xtreme Parasail Tours Oahu not only has the latest in equipment and safety, and 20 years of parasail touring experience – at 1,200 feet they also have Oahu’s most epic parasailing views!

The rock of the boat, the roar of the engine, the snap as the chute unfurls, a dizzying rush as your feet leave the deck and then… Waikiki in all its glory crowned by a bird’s eye view of Diamond Head. It’s a view that we guarantee you’ll never forget!

Flying at 700-1,200 feet in the air, tethered to the latest and greatest in parasailing equipment, you’ll have 15 minutes of soaring over beautiful Oahu.

Maybe you’re someone who loves action but prefers to keep their feet a little closer to the ground? Well, as long as you don’t mind if the ground moves around a bit, why not try an Xtreme Jet Ski Oahu Tour? Xtreme uses the latest in Honda jet skis and two custom jet ski boats with the latest in safety equipment.

Whether you’re a beginner or a jet ski action junkie from way back, Xtreme has a jet ski course for you! If you aren’t too keen on piloting a jet ski in Hawaii you can go on a tandem ride or tag along as a non- participating observer – no one needs to miss out.

After you’ve seen Waikiki from the air and sea, jump into a Waikiki car rental and check out the many excellent shops and restaurants before heading off on your next adventure.

If you’re after the extreme vacation experience, then Oahu has another very special option for you – Hawaii volcano tours! What could be thrilling than standing at the edge of a 2000 degree F lava flow? Feel the heat radiating from superheated molten rock as you witness one of nature’s most awe-inspiring forces at work!

Inter-Island Tours, from Oahu to Big Island, invite you to experience this incredible Hawaiian volcano activity during the course of a 16-hour tour encompassing the volcano observatory, steam bluffs and crater drive, the Thurston lava tube, Volcano House and Kilauea Iki Crater. You’ll travel in a modern air-conditioned bus with an experienced tour guide and take in some of the most fantastic scenery that Hawaii has to offer!

When you’re all done and back on Oahu for some R & R, take advantage of an Oahu rental car to drop back to a more leisurely pace for a perfect finish to the perfect getaway!

By Sara Schell

Kauai, also known as the Garden Isle, is blessed with some of the most beautiful and unique scenery of all the Hawaiian Islands. One of the most outstanding examples of this would have to be the Kauai Fern Grotto on the Wailua River.The Kauai Fern Grotto River Boat Tour lets you take in the sights in authentic Hawaiian style, showcasing Hawaiian history, flora and music along the way.

The Fern Grotto, a lava rock grotto covered with ferns, is an amazing sight not to be seen on any of the other Hawaiian Islands. And it’s not just a treat for the eyes – the Grotto also has incredible natural acoustics and you’ll be serenaded by Hawaiian musicians while you take in the scenery.

After your trip along the river you’ll no doubt have built up an appetite, so what better way to spend an evening than at Smith’s Luau Kauai? Quite possibly the best Kauai luau, Smith’s Tropical Paradise Luau and Hawaiian Show features an excellent menu with a wide range of selections in a true Island atmosphere.

Relax with a drink and a wide variety of dishes while you watch a spectacular Hawaiian ceremony at torch-lit Lagoon Amphitheatre. You’ll see traditional native dances and witness an appearance by Pele, the Hawaiian Goddess of Fire and Volcano herself!

After such an exciting first day, no doubt you’ll be ready and raring to go again next morning! If you fancy a leisurely drive you can take advantage of a Kauai car rental and take the magnificent Waimea Canyon Drive or, if you’d prefer an autopilot for the day, forget the car and jump in a helicopter for a bird’s eye view of one of Hawaii’s most astounding sights!

The Blue Hawaiian Helicopters Kauai ECO Adventure is a 50-55 minute tour of Kauai. Traveling in a new American Europter ECO-Star with individual Business Class style seating and lots of glass to take in the views, Blue Hawaiian Helicopter tours show off the Garden Isle’s best views!

Starting at Hanapepe Valley, Kauai ECO tours cover Mana Waipuna Caka, Waimea Canyon, Bali Hai Cliffs, the Princeville Resort area and more. Weather permitting, you may be treated to a visit to Mt Wai’ale’ale. You’ll be flown into the crater for an unforgettable view of its 5000-foot walls and 3000-foot waterfall – a view that’s guaranteed to have your nose glued to the window!

At the end of your flight you’ll be returned to Lihue Airport. From there, with a Lihue car rental, it’s just a short hop, skip and jump to some good food and retail therapy before you continue your Hawaiian adventure!

By Sara Schell

Sparkling blue waters, the smell of the sea, the exhilaration of the wind streaming by and the limitless horizon – Maui sailing charters give you the chance to experience the incredible feeling of freedom that sailing brings. Nothing between you and the horizon, and a world of possibilities beyond!

High adventure, romance, a private charter or a sunset sail, a Maui sailing charter on the America II has it all. Leaving from Lahaina harbor, the boat dock is an easy drive from Lahaina Airport, so with a Lahaina car rental you’ll have just a few minutes’ drive to the adventure of a lifetime.

If open ocean sailing isn’t for you, there’s no need to miss out on the fun! Maui kayak tours also make a great way to spend some time on the water and see the sights on the island from a comfortable vantage. Kayaking in Maui is an excellent way to get up close and personal with the scenery and the wildlife.

Paddling gently along the coast in your Maui kayak rental, watching the world float past at a leisurely pace, you can enjoy a 3 hour Makena Turtle Town Eco Adventure and watch these magnificent creatures in their own environment. Dolphins, manta rays, octopi: If you want to see the sea life, then a kayak adventure tour is a great way to do so!

Sailing – in all its forms – has been a part of Maui culture for a very long time. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced sailor, a Maui sailing canoe gives the most authentic experience of island sailing. Why not join a Maui sailing canoe tour at picturesque Polo Beach, Wailea? You’ll learn about ancient Hawaiian sailing canoe tradition, construction, and navigation without the mod-cons. You can choose to sail the canoe along side the crew or just kick back and enjoy the ride!

Now that you’ve planned your Maui sailing vacation, the only thing left to do is to see to it that your adventure gets off to a good start. A traditional Hawaiian lei greeting at Kahului International Airport welcomes you to Hawaii in the spirit of Aloha, and sets the scene for the island adventure to come. You’ll receive a warm personal greeting and lei, as well as assistance with baggage claims and connecting flights, and directions to Kahului car rental to make traveling around Maui easy and convenient.

Whether you want to be in the thick of the action, or just sit back and relax, Maui sailing charters are an enjoyable, unforgettable way to see Maui!

By A.R. Royo

Kauai Sailing and Snorkel Adventures along the world-famous Na Pali Coast, is the only means of truly enjoying this majestic, wonderland along 17 miles the island’s northwest shore.

Called “The Jewel of Kauai,” the breathtaking beauty of its 3,000-foot cliffs, secluded waterfalls tumbling into emerald green valleys, and hidden sea caves and beaches, can only be properly appreciated from sea.

With nearly a 100 inches of rain each year and the Kalalau Trail providing the only land access to this enchanted region, Kauai’s famous coastline remains much the same as it did in centuries past when native Hawaiian settlements grew taro in its hidden valleys.

Although the scenery is spectacular from the deck of any vessel sailing the Na Pali Coast, this is only half the experience. Don a mask, snorkel and fins, and get ready to be blown away by the rich panorama of marine life just below the ocean’s surface.

In this new universe below the waterline, you’ll likely see hundreds of brilliantly colored reef fish, Hawaiian green sea turtles, octopus, eels, and amazing coral reefs studded with sea urchins, crustaceans, mollusks and marine flora of all kinds.

But remember: to protect this pristine marine paradise, don’t touch coral with your fingers, elbows, knees or fins. Don’t stand or walk on coral. And never feed the fish!

A number of sailing, snorkel adventures depart from Kikiaola Harbor and Port Allen Harbor on Kauai’s southwest shore to sail and snorkel for more than 5 hours along the Na Pali Coast. All feature fantastic sightseeing, provide incredible snorkeling and serve a delicious buffet lunch with drinks.

HoloHolo Charter Tours offers true trade wind sailing aboard “Leila,” a beautiful 50-foot sail-fitted Na Pali catamaran departing from Port Allen. This sailing excursion, which can attain speeds up to 18 knots, provides views of lush green valleys, dramatic sea cliffs, and mysterious caves before anchoring to snorkel the pristine waters off the Na Pali Coast.

Their namesake craft, “HoloHolo,” a 65-foot power catamaran also embarks from Port Allen serving a continental breakfast while sailing northwest to the Na Pali coast. Here, passengers enjoy spectacular views of waterfalls, lush valleys and sea caves. After sightseeing and learning the history of the area from the knowledgeable crew, “Holoholo” heads west across the Kaulakahi Channel to the “Forbidden Island” of Niihau. Anchoring offshore of this mysterious island, snorkeling and a picnic lunch ensue in a location that very few people have ever visited.

Liko Snorkel’s “Napali Kai III” leaves from Kikiaola small boat harbor, the closest harbor to the Napali Coast. This incredibly fast and comfortable 49-foot powered catamaran offers unobstructed views of verdant valleys, sea caves and cascading mountain cliffs. All seating is forward facing with padded seats for comfort. On this 5-hour Napali snorkel tour, participants experience numerous sea caves, including Pirates Cave (Waiahuakua), Rainbow Falls and the famous Honopu Archway where King Kong was filmed.

Capt. Andy’s also offers incredible 5-6 hour norkeling expeditions to raft Kauai’s Na Pali Coast. Aboard fast moving sea rafts visitors leave the modern world behind, darting in and out of sea caves, plunging under cascading waterfalls and encountering the dramatic peaks and majestic valleys of the Na Pali Coast. They also learn about Kauai’s rich history, discover abundant wildlife, navigate spectacular sea caves, and snorkel at a remote reef before enjoying a picnic lunch on some remote beach.

By A.R. Royo

The oldest of Hawaii’s inhabited islands Kauai, the Garden Isle, is justly famous for its epic beauty. Kauai is actually a volcanic mountain that erupted from the floor of the Pacific Ocean six million years ago. It has been sculpted by wind and rain ever since, into a lush island paradise of raw tropical splendor and technicolor rugged canyons.

The Na Pali Coast, 14 miles of sea cliffs rising vertically 3,000 feet above a pristine wilderness shoreline, is probably Kauai’s most inspirational feature. Waimea Canyon, the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” as Mark Twain called it runs a close second.

Both features are for the most part inaccessible from the ground; they can only be seen and appreciated in their entirety from the air. Helicopter flights over Kauai allow visitors to discover these wondrous hidden places where few have ever wandered.

Two companies offer helicopter flights from Kauai, both with experienced pilots who are also licensed tour guides. Their flights provide aerial exploration of many spectacular Kauai features including: the Na Pali Coast, Bali Hai Cliffs, Hanalei Bay, Princeville, Hanapepe Valley, Mana Waiapuna (Jurassic Park Falls), Wailua Falls (Fantasy Island Waterfalls), Olokele and Waimea Canyons. Weather permitting, you can fly into the heart of an ancient volcano, Mt Waialeale, the wettest spot on earth with more than 450 inches of rain a year!

Sunshine Helicopters with two decades  of experience offers flights from both Lihue and Princeville. Sunshine provides David Clark stereo aviation headsets and a choice of either FXStar or state-of-the-art WhisperStar helicopters to discover this island’s natural treasures.

Blue Hawaiian Helicopters offers tours from Lihue aboard its new American Eurocopter ECO-Star. This state-of-the-art craft gives passengers more interior room, two-way communication with pilots via Boze headsets, and expansive glass for sweeping views of Kauai’s incomparable natural beauty.

By A.R. Royo

An alternative to swimming with dolphins in captivity like Oahu’s Sea Life Park is offered on the Big Island of Hawaii. Here, you can take one of three swim-with-dolphins-in-the wild-tours from the Kona Coast of Hawaii.

Wild dolphins are not trained or fed. The ocean is their natural habitat — their home –  and humans are their welcome guests. On wild dolphin tours, participants start by watching dolphins from the boat and only join the dolphins in the water when the situation feels right.

Wild Dolphins fascinate everyobne — young and old alike with their playful, graceful and intelligent behavior. Dolphins always seem to enjoy, especially when they appear next to Hawaiian boats and dance in their bow waves. Swimming with these beautiful, sleek and graceful creatures in the open ocean is an experience no one ever forgets, or regrets.

During these programs, wild dolphins voluntarily approach the boat, and dolphins decide how close they come to the group and for how long they want to stay. Dolphin encounters can last anywhere from a few minutes to 4 hours, but they can change people forever.

Wild Dolphin Swim & Encounter – Join Phillipa or one of her team, some of Hawaii’s most experienced dolphin experts, aboard a private boat that sails to the best dolphin locations for this unique & authentic way to swim with wild dolphins!

Swimming with Wild Dolphins – Join Jon and a maximum of 6 guests for a morning of boating from Kona, ocean exploration and snorkeling with dolphins in their natural habitat.

Wild Dolphin Swim from Kona – In celebration of your join a dolphin pod as it soars out of the water and spins in the air, the signature activity of spinner dolphins. Share with the dolphins their gentle grace and sense of  absolute joy.

By A.R. Royo

Pearl Harbor, west of Honolulu on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, is a U.S. Navy deep-water naval base and headquarters of the U.S. Pacific Fleet. Perhaps unsurprisingly, it is also Hawaii’s most popular tourist destination. Commercial tour operators offer a variety of Pearl Harbor naval tours around the numerous military memorials and museums commemorating the attack by the Empire of Japan on December 7, 1941, which brought the U.S. into World War II.

Pearl Harbor began as a large, shallow bay teeming with oysters. It was named Wai Momi or Pu’uloa by the original Hawaiians, who considered it the home of the shark goddess Ka’ahupahau and her brother Kahi’uka. To allow easy access for canoes and larger vessels, the Ewa chief Keaunui widened and deepened the Pearl River estuary. After the annexation of Hawaii in the 19th century, the U.S. took ownership of Pearl Harbor in 1887, designating it “Naval Station, Hawaii”.

The Attack’s Aftermath
The American flotilla lost 9 ships, and had 21 severely damaged ships. The death toll reached 2,350, including 68 civilians. In addition, 1,178 non-casualties were injured. Out of the military personnel lost at Pearl Harbor, 1,177 were crew of the USS Arizona.

The Attack: How it Happened
The Japanese Navy used Aircraft and midget submarines on the U.S. Pacific Fleet at 6:05am on Dec 7, 1941. Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto launched the first assault at 7:51am, with a volley of 183 airplanes from 6 Japanese carriers striking the outlying ships, military installations, and airfields controlled by the military on Ford Island.

The battleship Arizona was sunk in a matter of seconds after it was gouged with an armor-piercing bomb that detonated the forward ammunition magazine. The navy anchored in Pearl Harbor was attacked at 8:30am by a second volley of 170 Japanese planes , mostly torpedo bombers.

USS Arizona Battleship Memorial Tours
1,500,000 visitors per year are invited to the Arizona Memorial, just off Ford Island on Pearl Harbor’s “Battleship Row”. The 184-foot-long white structure, Operated by the National Parks Service, was built to honor and remember the 2,350 people who passed away during the attack, including the 1,177 crew still entombed in the battleship.

Completed in 1961, the Memorial was dedicated a year later, and contained three main sections: the entry and assembly room; a central area designed for ceremonies and general observation; and the shrine room containing a marble wall where the names of those who passed away on the Arizona are engraved. A brief documentary film regarding the Pearl Harbor surprise attack and a boat shuttle ride to the Arizona are both included in the tour.

USS Missouri Battleship Memorial
The USS Missouri was the last of four battleships that were named after Missouri, and is the Iowa-class battleship known as “Mighty Mo”. 2,700-pound shells were fired up to 20 miles from its towering 16-inch guns. The Missouri was commissioned on June 11, 1944, and weighed 45,000 tons and was more than 885 feet in length.

When the Japanese surrendered on September 2, 1945, officially marking the end of the second World War, the signing took place aboard the Missouri. The Battleship was decommissioned for the last time on March 31, 1992, after serving in both the Korean and Gulf Wars. On Jan 29, 1999, The USS Battleship Missouri Memorial was publicly opened.

USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park
More than 3,500 submariners and 52 American submarines were lost in World War II, the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park was made as a tribute to those lost. In its nine successful war patrols, the Bowfin sank 44 Japanese ships after its launch on December 7, 1942. In 1980, the submarine was brought to Pearl Harbor and docked next to the USS Arizona Memorial Visitor Center. On April 1, 1981, guests were allowed to visit the “museum ship”. In 1986, the Bowfin was designated a National Historic Landmark.

Pacific Aviation Museum
Located within former WWII airplane hangars on Pearl Harbor’s Ford Island, the Pacific Aviation Museum is an immersive aviation museum equipped with interactive simulators and exhibits revealing the stories behind authentic WWII fighter planes and bombers. Hangar 37 is a 42,000 square foot airplane hangar that survived the Pearl Harbor attack, and it displays authentic an Japanese Zero and a B-25B Bomber, similar to the one used in the famous “Doolittle Raid” on Japan in 1942.

USS Oklahoma Memorial
Dedicated on December 7th, 2007, the USS Oklahoma Memorial honors the 429 crewmen who passed away in the Pearl Harbor attack. Approximately 9 torpedoes hit “The Okie,” capsizing this 35,000-ton battleship in only 12 minutes. Some crewmen, trapped in compartments below deck after the ship capsized, used hammers and wrenches to signal rescue crews on the surface. Only 32 men were rescued from its overturned hull, after the attack two days later.

By Marty Wentzel

Ever since the television hit series “Lost” took to the airwaves, captivated fans have been flocking to the Oahu location where scenes from the show were filmed. Now that the program has entered its final season, more people than ever are booking tours to see the sites firsthand.

Hummer Lost Adventure Tours
About 1½ years before “Lost” debuted in 2004, Kos Tours launched off-road Hummer tours on Oahu’s scenic North Shore.

“Then, ‘Lost’ started filming along the same roads and trails that we were driving,” said owner Ed Kos. “So, when people started watching the show, we added ‘Lost’ locations.”
Today, people are obsessed with “Lost,” Kos said.

“Going to where it was filmed gives them a connection,” he said. “We talk about the scenes, and they feel like they’re part of it. To sit on the same logs that Jack and Ben sat on is huge for some of our guests.”

Much of the spectacular scenery seen in “Lost” is located at Kualoa Ranch, a 4,000-acre working cattle ranch that offers its own tours to the show’s filming locations. Actually, the ranch’s one-hour narrated Movie Sites and Ranch tour debuted back in 1992, following the blockbuster film “Jurassic Park” and since then, hundreds of thousands of people have experienced it.

Among other movies filmed at the ranch are “Wind Talkers,” “You, Me and Dupree,” “Pearl Harbor” and “Mighty Joe Young.” But it seems that clients get most excited when they stop at places where “Lost” has been filmed, said Kualoa Ranch president John Morgan.