What to do in Hawaii
Discover the very best things to do on your 2013 Hawaii holiday, Hawaii honeymoon or Hawaii wedding with these local Hawaiian tourism businesses.
What to do in Hawaii A-Z
Ancient Hawaiian Weddings
BikeVolcano.com
Captain Zodiac
Create Your Own Private Tour
Destination Hawaii Wedding
Hawaii Airport Lei Greetings
Hawaiian Sailing Canoe Adventures
Hawaiian Wedding Leis and Flowers
Makani Kai Helicopters
Maui Classic Charters
SunLight On Water
Un-Cruise Adventures
"There is no place in the world that can compare to this magnificent island setting, perfect for your beach wedding in paradise. Destination Hawaii Wedding, LLC. specialises in unique island weddings and receptions from simple to lavish.
At Destination Hawaii, we have hand selected only the most unique island settings to celebrate your very special day.
Imagine your destination wedding in Hawaii with a backdrop of our exquisite resorts, pristine white sand beaches, remote waterfalls, private estates, beach houses and charming chapels. Whether it be a formal reception, rehearsal dinner, lu'au, beach wedding ceremony or clambake we will light the torches and celebrate in style!
We do all the paperwork as required by the state of Hawaii for the Beach Permit for your ceremony on your special day! Our experienced staff of co-ordinators, floral designers and culinary experts will guide you in creating a day you will always cherish on one of our Tropical Islands Paradise: Kauai, Oahu, Maui and the Big Island. E Komo Mai, come and gather in our home which we share with you in the spirit of Aloha.”
www.destinationweddinghawaii.com - catherine@dwhawaii.com
A $50 discount is applicable if you mention www.hawaiiholidays.co.uk in your enquiry with Destination Wedding Hawaii (available for the Plumeria Package and up)
The 36-guest Safari Explorer sails Luxury Adventures among the Hawaiian Islands from November-April. Seven-night inclusive Hawaiian Seascapes adventures between Hawaii, the Big Island and Lana’i include explorations of Lana’i, Maui, the Big Island and two days of activities on Moloka’i. Flexible yacht itineraries focus on the leeward side of the eastern-most Hawaiian Islands.
In the Hawaiian Islands, guests can be as active as they like and activities include hiking, kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkeling and skiff excursions. Expert naturalists provide interpretation on guided excursions ashore and at sea. The unstructured itinerary allows time for viewing wildlife such as whales and dolphins. A highlight for many people is a night snorkel with gentle Giant Pacific Manta rays.
Exclusive cultural tours on Moloka’i are included during a two day visit. Guests may join a hike to a waterfall in the pristine Halawa Valley, tour a plumeria and macadamia nut farm and walk through ancient taro terraces. An evening Pa’ina (feast) serves traditional Hawaiian cuisine and features local music and dancing.
Cruise fares start at $4,995 per person based on double occupancy. The inclusive cruise includes all from-the-yacht activities and equipment; transfers; exquisite meals; fine wine, premium spirits and microbrews; and all port charges, taxes and fees. An all-American crew has a guest-crew ratio of about 2 to 1. Yachts can be booked as a private charter or by individual stateroom.
NEW in 2013:
Hawaii-bound vacationers looking to explore the islands next winter have a new, innovative option at hand with Un-Cruise Adventures launch of AdventureBound Hawaii—a weeklong Active Adventure by expedition vessel. The multi-island Un-Cruise aboard the 76-guest Wilderness Explorer includes adventure activities by sea and ashore for up-close explorations of sea life and four islands—Oahu, Maui, Lana’i and Hawaii, the Big Island.
From November 2013 through April 2014, the Wilderness Explorer will sail seven-night AdventureBound Hawaii cruises between Oahu and the Big Island and reverse. The itinerary visits Ka’ena Point State Park, Wai’anae Harbor, Maui, Molokini, Lana’i, Honomalino Bay, Opihihali and Kailua-Kona. Guests will also enjoy scenic cruising and searching for whales and dolphins in the wildlife-rich Humpback National Marine Sanctuary.
Cruise fares on the Wilderness Explorer start at US$2,495 per person based on double occupancy.
“This Active Adventure Un-Cruise among the islands is packed with value and provides vacationers with an active, up-close choice as an alternative to more traditional mass market options,” said Tim Jacox, executive vice president of sales and marketing. “Unpack once and explore four islands with included tours and water sports activities awaiting you at your leisure.”
Guests may find themselves snorkeling with colourful fish, sea turtles, whale sharks and dolphins. Skiff tours explore the shoreline and seek out marine life. Kayaks and paddle boards await launch from the boat. A human-powered water craft quietly explores Hawaiian waters with up to eight paddlers.
Search for marine life, go hiking on Oahu and Lana’i to see less visited areas of the islands, night snorkel with Giant Pacific Manta rays and explore the historic town of Kailua on the Big Island. Off Maui, guests enjoy a snorkel at Molokini, a crescent shaped, partially submerged volcanic crater rich in sea life and then explore the historic town of Lahaina.
On board, expedition guides provide interpretation on excursions ashore and at sea. Innovative meals are served buffet style to accommodate a flexible schedule of adventure activities. A wellness program includes a sauna, fitness equipment, complimentary yoga on deck and massages for a fee. Cabins feature a flat-screen TV/DVD player, iPod dock and Eco-friendly bath amenities. In the lounge, guests will find a selection of games and a library of books and DVDs.
Captain Zodiac is the 'Original' ocean rafting company. For almost 40 years we have given people the experience of a lifetime.
Join us on an exciting Zodiac ride along the Kona coast. Encounter pods of dolphins and whales, see sea caves, lava tubes, blowholes and archways carved from the rugged coastline. Snorkel at Kealakekua Bay, site of the Captain Cook monument. A remote marine preserve with crystal clear water and a huge variety of marine life.
All snorkel equipment is included as well as soft drinks and snacks, the captain will even prepare a fresh local pineapple!
www.captainzodiac.com - info@captainzodiac.com
In a traditional Hawaiian wedding ceremony, a Kahuna (wise man or shaman) would seal the couple’s sacred union with a simple binding of their hands using a maile lei. Today, the maile lei is still the most important lei in a Hawaiian wedding, typically worn by either the officiate, the groom, the bride, or all three.
Leis and flowers are an integral part of a Hawaiian wedding ceremony. The bride often wears a haku lei, traditionally worn on the head like a crown. Bridal leis are chosen based on personal choice, usually a white lei – a pikake lei is traditional, however brides often choose the micro ginger lei, the white Christina, or a white orchid lei. On top of all this adornment, the bride will still carry a Hawaiian wedding bouquet as well. The groom traditionally wears a maile lei or a maile-style ti leaf lei wrapped with flowers to match his bride.
Wedding party leis are usually single strand orchid leis for the women, simple ti leaf leis for the men and petite leis for children. The flower girl will throw whole orchids in the air as she walks ahead of the bride.
Hawaiians now live all over the country, so to keep the Hawaiian wedding lei tradition alive, many people will have leis and flowers shipped fresh from Hawaii. A Hawaiian wedding ceremony may be created in any location with a little help from Hawaii Flower Lei, a company that specialises in shipping beautiful Hawaiian leis fresh from the islands. © 2013 Hawaii Flower Lei
The image of Hawaiian lei greeters welcoming visitors with outstretched arms, holding beautiful flower leis, has become an iconic symbol of the Islands. In fact, since the dawn of tourism in Hawaii, lei greeters have been an integral part of the Hawaiian experience. Hawaii greeters are responsible for giving malihini (visitors) their first taste of the aloha spirit as they arrive in the Islands.
During the early 1900s, arriving vacationers were showered with leis by friendly Hawaii greeters as they disembarked from large luxury liners, delighted to smell the beautiful fragrance and receive such a pleasant "aloha" greeting from the locals. Then, upon departing Hawaii, nostalgic visitors would often throw their lei into the sea as the ship passed Diamond Head, in the hopes that, like the lei, they too would return to the islands again someday.
As tourism increased during the latter part of the century, visitors began coming by plane. For a while, airlines kept up the Hawaiian tradition of welcoming malihini and arranged for lei greeters to greet each passenger with leis as they arrived. But when hundreds of visitors quickly turned into millions, this became a thing of the past.
Fortunately for a small fee, this wonderful custom still lives on today. Hawaii greeters are available at all major Hawaiian airports. Visitors may simply make a reservation and request that a lei greeter meet them at the airport upon arrival. Guests are welcomed to the Hawaiian Islands with a warm "aloha" and a fresh flower lei, and often given helpful tips about Hawaii - a comforting way to begin a Hawaiian vacation. Arranging an airport lei greeting is easily done at LeiGreeting.com or by calling toll-free 1-800-665-7959. © 2013 Honolulu Lei Greetings
Welcome aboard Maui Classic Charters! We are proud to be amongst the top companies for snorkel charters in Hawaii. We provide trips to some of the best snorkeling destinations in Maui so you get the very best experience with memories to last a lifetime. We have been taking passengers to the most popular snorkel destinations for many years and have become a preferred charter company amongst visitors and residents alike.
Maui Classic Charters will take you to some of the premier sites around the island such as the Molokini Crater and Coral Gardens. We truly believe we operate in the best island destination in the world and we pledge to provide you with plenty of fun on your Hawaii snorkel trip.
Our two unique boats are The Four Winds II, a sail-assisted power catamaran, and a super-fast power catamaran called the Maui Magic.
Our dedicated crew is second to none and they will guide you on a variety of cruises ensuring you have a fantastic and safe time. You will discover why so many people book and return again and again to Maui Classic Charters and whether you choose a classic morning Molokini snorkel trip on the Four Winds II or a Dolphin Discovery tour with the Maui Magic you won't be disappointed.
Four Winds II was designed especially for Molokini snorkeling and built with family fun in mind. She offers something for all ages and the Four Winds II can be enjoyed both by swimmers and non-swimmers alike. For those that don't feel like snorkeling, you can slide down our waterside or soak up the sun on our two spacious-decks.
But, when it comes to snorkeling, the Four Winds II has everything you could ever wish for! She offers multiple ways to enter and exit the water and her fresh-water showers will rinse off the salt-water and provide you with a refreshed feeling when you are back onboard.
But it is the Four Winds' crew, and their true "spirit of aloha", that really make her come to life and shine! We pride ourselves having the best crew on Maui! They love what they do, are well-trained in water safety, and are very knowledgeable with marine life, facts about the island and sailing in Hawaiian waters as well. Because Four Winds II is a boat for families, our crew is extremely skilled with accommodating a variety of ages. From the very young to the "young at heart", our crew is there to serve everyone's needs.
Additionally, the Four Winds II is the only vessel with a Glass Bottom Viewing Room that you can actually sit in. This unique feature provides you with a 180 degree view (both in front and below you) of the undersea world. This is a great way for non-swimmers and young children to enjoy the feeling of being in the water even if they cannot swim or do not want to snorkel. There is nothing else like it on Maui!
If you are an adventurer that likes the wind in your hair, getting a chance to see dolphins in the wild, and the thrill of discovering a side of Maui that only a few will see... the Maui Magic is for you! The custom-built 54ft., state-of-the-art, super-fast, comfortable, power catamaran is totally unique in every way.
We like to refer to her as the Ferrari of the Pacific! She was designed for speed and comfort and is loaded with amenities. One of the nicest features is the smaller groups that we limit the vessel to. Although we are licensed for 71 passengers, we will take only a small group for maximum comfort with no more than 45 passengers per excursion. This is a true Hawaiian experience, complete with Hawaiian Historical and Cultural Narration plus Hawaiian Music too!
Best of all, you get a chance to see Spinner Dolphins and even Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins when nature permits. We usually have great success at finding these magnificent creatures. The weather dictates our snorkel sites and destinations. Possibilities include the Kanaio Coast, La Perouse, Molokini, Turtle Arches, and the beautiful Coral Gardens.
Aloha and welcome to SunLight On Water, the premier Dolphin Swim Eco-tour charter company on the Big Island of Hawaii.
Come experience a morning swim with the Dolphins and us on the beautiful Kona Coast on the Big Island of Hawaii...
SunLight On Water, with Melainah, Michael and their staff, offer you the opportunity to have an experience that you will easily remember for the rest of your life – swimming with dolphins that are wild and free in their natural habitat. The Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins are year round residents so you can expect to see them whenever you are in Hawaii. We’ve been conducting Dolphin Swims longer and more successfully than any other Hawaiian Dolphin Swim Eco-tour operator - over 15 years! We have a 99% success rate in finding the Dolphins each day.
Provided: snorkel gear, flotation as needed, swim guide(s) in Ocean with you, fresh fruit, muffins, water/juice/soda, and a variety of dry snacks.
In addition to providing you an opportunity to go swimming with free Hawaiian Dolphins in their natural environment, we also offer night swims with Manta Rays, as well as Whale Watching Tours in the winter season to see the magnificent Humpback Whales.
Over 190 Manta Rays have been identified and named along the Kona Coast. Sometimes referred to as the “Butterflies of the Sea”, these graceful animals are a sight that must been seen in person. Their side fins have evolved into wide triangular wings with which they use to “fly” through the water. These wings range from 4-20 ft, making them amongst the largest sea creatures anywhere. The Manta ray is one of Hawaii’s most fascinating and stunningly beautiful sights. Unlike most of their relatives, Manta Rays have NO teeth, stinger or barbs and are completely safe to be around. We invite you to have yet another experience of a lifetime…a night snorkel with these angels of the Ocean.
Provided: wetsuits, all snorkel gear, flotation as needed, lights, swim guide(s) in Ocean with you, water/sodas/juice, variety of dry snacks. Once out of the water enjoy our warm shower, hot chocolate/coffee or tea.
Going on one of our Whale Watches, you’ll see the most majestic creatures on earth from the safety of our boat. The Hawaiian Island chain constitutes one of the world’s most important habitats for the endangered North Pacific Humpback Whale and offers some of the best Whale watching in the world. Hawaii is the only place in the U.S. where Humpbacks breed, calve, and nurse their young. Scientists estimate that two-thirds of the entire North Pacific population (approximately 4,000-5,000 Whales) migrate to Hawaiian waters each winter, where boats like ours carefully navigate amongst them providing unrivalled Whale watching opportunities. Our marine naturalist will provide information about the Whales and we will listen to their amazing songs with our underwater hydrophone.
Provided: water/sodas/juice, light snacks
We whole-heartedly believe in the sanctity and safety of these amazing mammals, the Dolphins, Manta Rays, and Whales. Our respect for them flows into every aspect of what we do. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions at all.
Aloha e komo mai Maui: Aloha and Welcome to Maui.
For many couples from all over the world, a morning or sunset Hawaiian style wedding on a romantic Maui beach is the ultimate dream come true. Feeling the ocean breeze, having your skin kissed by the sun, burying your feet in the warm sand with the blue Pacific and swaying palm trees as your back ground while simultaneously exchanging your Sacred Wedding Vows, is an experience that will forever stay in your heart.
Whether you prefer to walk out of your hotel or condo right onto the beach or drive to a more secluded beach location, the choice, as everything else in the wedding planning, is yours. Beside pristine beaches, Maui offers a variety of tropical gardens, private estates, resort or natural waterfalls as well as the option of a maritime wedding on a sailboat. You can also experience a literary heavenly marriage ceremony in over 10,000 feet elevation on top of the world’s largest dormant volcano” Haleakala” meaning “House of the rising sun”.
At Ancient Hawaiian Weddings, we strive to share some of our beautiful Hawaiian Wedding customs with you. There are so many unique aspects of a Hawaiian Wedding Ceremony that we would like for you to share and enjoy. Only in Hawaii can you experience the tradition of a conch shell blower who will bring the Bride to her Groom. He will await her arrival, standing in a tropical circle of flowers. After the welcoming chant of the minister, a Hawaiian or classical musician serenades you with several Hawaiian love songs. All of our ceremonies are performed by licensed, Hawaiian, Christian, non-denominational ministers.
The giving and receiving of leis is an important part of every Hawaiian ceremony. In the olden days, Hawaiians did not exchange wedding rings, as those were introduced to theses islands by the missionaries in the 1820’s. The wedding couple of those times gave each other a beautiful, fragrant flower lei or garland as a sign of their love and devotion, signifying unity and a new beginning. Nowadays, we will first exchange leis followed by the ring exchange at a later part during the ceremony.
Our expertise as a Maui Wedding Planner since 1995 has allowed us to select only the finest wedding locations and vendors for you. It simultaneously enables you to focus on your special day without the worry or the stress. All you have to do is to show up looking radiant on your wedding day: whether it's barefoot on the beach or formal in a traditional wedding gown: We promise to make your Hawaii Wedding one of your most memorable and personal experiences.
The best time for a Maui Beach Wedding is either early in the morning between 8:00 and 9:00 a.m. (the earlier in the day, the less crowded a beach will be) or at sunset time which varies from 5:44 p.m. in the winter and 7:11 p.m. in the summer months. In case of a sunset beach ceremony, we will start the celebration about 1 to 1.5 hours prior to sunset, depending on your guest attendance and photo package selection.
We will personally attend to your every need during your wedding preparation and will also be there for you on your wedding day. Should you decide to trust us with the planning of your Hawaiian style wedding on Maui, all you need to bring is your valid driver’s license, your love for one another as well as your wedding rings! We will take care of everything else. Me ke aloha pumehana- until we meet.
ANCIENT HAWAIIAN WEDDINGS LLC, Arabelle Bottorf, Owner
Create Your Own Tour with Royal Star Hawaii.
Imagine spending a day in paradise visiting all the places you’ve dreamed of, whether fascinating historic sites, the most beautiful beaches or top-rated restaurants. With Royal Star Hawaii Motorcoach Tours & Destination Services (PUC 1505-C)’s unique “Create Your Own” Tour, you have the ability to customize your day and enjoy the ease, flexibility and comfort of your own vehicle and driver!
Royal Star’s diverse fleet can accommodate parties of any size, from an intimate tour for two in a discreet sedan, limousine, or even a classic Rolls Royce, to group tours (for family reunions, company charters, etc.) utilizing vans, mini buses or deluxe motorcoaches. Some vehicles are also equipped with restrooms and wheelchair lifts. All vehicles are impeccably clean, meet the highest safety standards including seat belts in 100% of the fleet, and are manned by professional and personable drivers.
“Guests love the privacy,” says Royal Star’s Vice President and General Manager Marc Rubenstein. “I'd think it'd be the perfect opportunity to get engaged after a romantic tour around the island, or just quality time to bond with family, friends or colleagues.”
So start your own special tour planning today! Royal Star’s friendly and knowledgeable staff can help with suggestions, timing and everything you need to make your personalized tour a dream come true. For reservations or more information, call (808) 841-STAR (7827) or visit:
www.royalstarhawaii.com - sales@royalstarhawaii.com
For a fantastic unique Eco Tour of the Hawaiian island of Maui step abord the sailing canoe 'Hina" which will take you on a journey into the past of this magical place.
Your adventure begins in Wailea on Polo Beach where you will learn all about the traditions of Hawaiian canoes including navigation and construction. The Hawaiian sailing canoe "Hina" will then take you from the beach out into the water where the gentle breeze will transport you along the coastline where you can get a unique view of the beautiful island of Maui.
With outings being limited to only 6 persons per trip you get a true personal touch on your tour and as you enjoy your trip you get the oppotunity to spot all kinds of ocean life including turtles, whales and dolphins. You will get to see more of the Hawaii islands on your tour as well as learning all sorts of amazing facts about the area as you travel.
The tours take place twice a week and last for two hours leaving from Polo Beach at 8 and 10am. The itinerary includes an introduction to the traditional Hawaii sailing canoe, optional snorkel experience followed by a Hawaiian style sail with whale watching during the appropriate season.Private charters and group rates are also available.
www.mauisailingcanoe.com - info@mauisailingcanoe.com
Join Bikevolcano.com on an amazing guided bicycle tour of Kilauea Volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in the world.
Explore the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on a Full Day or Half Day Bike Adventure. We also offer an Active Lava Flow Bike Adventure. Lastly, you can island hop from Honolulu to the Big Island on a Fly, Bike, & Volcano Tour. We will provide you with all the equipment necessary, lunch/dinner, snacks, beverages, a Professional Guide, and van support.
See the main highlights of Kilauea Volcano all on mostly downhill and level paved roads and trails. From lush ancient Hawaiian rainforests to dynamic lava landscapes, you will experience a variety of microclimates, huge craters, stand by steaming vents, walk through a lava tube, and if Madame Pele (the Volcano Goddess) allows, you’ll see active lava flows pouring into the Pacific Ocean. Bike as much or as little of this majestic tour, our support van will always be close by. Children are welcome.
www.bikevolcano.com - info@bikevolcano.com
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