Please be advised that the business has closed. Unfortunately, as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak and Governor Ige's proclamations we will not be providing further services.
Home > Whales often 'Spyhop' to see above the water.
Whales often 'Spyhop' to see above the water.
Hawaii's Largest Selection of ActivitiesSo many of the things we observe about whales and their behavior are a mystery to us. Explanations about many topics regarding whales are simply conjecture or best case likelihoods but in reality are only good guesses. Not so about the 'Spyhop'. We do know what the whale is doing; he is looking to see what he can above the water! Seems pretty simple doesn't it?
Keep in mind that whales are mammals that at some point in time decided to leave land and take permanently to the sea. When they did they obviously had to evolve some changes to its vision to adapt to see clearly underwater. This they did, and they have great vision underwater. Because they originally lived on land they also, however, still maintain the capacity to see from that perspective and to this day their vision above the water is in many cases just as good as our own.
This notion of spyhopping then is the whales attempt to to maintain an upright or vertical position in the water in somewhat of a treading water movement so it's head and its eye is lifted above the surface. From this position it acts like a periscope of sorts and takes in the full field of vision from that perspective. Many types of whales and dolphins can and do make this maneuver and humpback whales that visit Hawaii have been known to maintain this position for minutes on end getting a good peer at the horizon.
Though 99% of what is important to the whale is located underwater this spyhopping capability nonetheless gives it the capability to have a unique perspective on the above water world that most other ocean going creatures cannot experience. Whales can be intrigued by vessels coming out to view them with tourists on board and will often using this technique to take a good look back at the humans looking at it. This technique also comes in handy for Orcas and such that feed on seals that may be on the surface of an ice flow or cropping of land. They may be able to snatch them from the surface if they are too near the edge..
Find local food in Hawaii
On January 18th 2020, the Lanaʿi Culture & Heritage Center, in Lana’i City, celebrated its 13th anniversary. Visitors to Lanai should visit this museum to share and experience its stories about Lana’i’s heritage and natural history and also Hawaiian traditions, cultures, ranching and plantation era histories.
When the voyagers of Polynesia came to Hawaii, they brought with them traditions and legends that would be passed on to generations to come. Since there was no written language, these traditions and their stories were artfully expressed in combination with movements that later became known as the ‘hula’.
One thing is certain; if you live long enough you're going to get old! There is no question that your world slows up a bit and some lifestyle changes are essential.
Quick and accurate diagnosis of an infectious disease like 2019-nCoV is critical to manage current and future outbreaks. As the number of people in China and elsewhere that are infected with the novel coronavirus (which is now called 2019-nCoV) grows, a great many labs and commercial entities in China, S.
The following are the 9 worthwhile things to do in Hawaii in no specific order of importance:
The home of the Paniolo or Hawaiian cowboy, Parker Ranch in Waimea is the birthplace of ranching and the cowboy lifestyle in the Aloha State.
Things to know about the Maui Zipline Tours before you make a booking:Do you have any health or medical problems?Generally speaking if you are in good health taking a zipline tour will not be an issue.
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A few decades ago a small group of activists in Hawaii decided that it was time to revive the Hawaiian language, for Hawaiians to relearn their native language and Hawaiian to be included in traditional schools.
So you're trying to decide where to have your wedding. Keep this in mind. Of the top twenty locations in the United States to have your wedding, only Austin Texas provides a better price value than Hawaii.
In past times there were two ways for visitors to discover one of Hawaii’s most unique experiences, Kalaupapa National Historical Park, the former leprosy colony, intentionally hidden from the outside world on Kalaupapa Peninsula on the small island of Molokai.
The Hawaiians were masters of a self-sustaining and self-replicating ecosystem in ways that could only be envied by modern-day environmentalists. No where can this be seen and demonstrated better than in their use of the Hawaiian fishponds that were built throughout the islands of Hawaii between 1000 and 800 years ago.
Mauna Loa, the world's largest mountain and volcano, is about 600,000-1,000,000 years old. Although not erupting as frequently as its younger neighbor Kilauea, it is also one of the most active volcanoes in the world.
The Battleship Missouri Memorial is located just a ship’s length from the USS Arizona Memorial. Visitors have a unique and immersive historical experience that spans the sinking of USS Arizona in Pearl Harbor and Imperial Japan’s formal surrender aboard the USS Missouriin Tokyo Bay.
Although it is obviously impossible to predict the weather for any particular Big Island beach on any given day in the future, it is possible to provide you with a generalization for usual weather patterns as they exist on the Big Island at different parts of the year.
The Big Island offers a marvelous array of options for visitors just looking for scenic strolls or for hiking excursions for a full-day or part of one.
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Birders in the U.S. and around the world should know that Hawaii’s birds consist of the greatest variety and examples of adaptation anywhere in the world.
Every island in Hawaii is blessed with beautiful beaches which are found on all the shorelines. Every beach, much like a fingerprint, is entirely different.
There has been much discussion in recent years regarding pollution of the planet and particularly the pollution that is caused directly by humans. There is much evidence for this claim and it is undeniably true that with the excessive burning of fossil fuels found within our earths crust that we are, at least to some degree, effecting the global weather.
Tom Barefoot’s Tours has been really happy to help young adults, their parents and grandparents to vacation together in Hawaii. We all know that multigenerational travel is a growing trend, but our staff experiences special gratification by bringing several generations together and helping them to select just the right activities and tours.
Hawaii has its own unique cannabis history. The Hawaiian language term for cannabis is pakalolo (crazy or numbing tobacco). This term first appeared in a Hawaiian newspaper as early as 1842.
Charles Lindbergh traveled the world in his lifetime. He could have chosen any place on the planet as his final resting place. The place he chose was Hana -- a remote settlement on the eastern coast of Maui.
The health of coral reefs is more important than most people realize. Not only are coral reefs essential to healthy coastlines but also to healthy coastal economies, literally supporting thousands of businesses.
The health of coral reefs is more important than most people realize. Not only are coral reefs essential to healthy coastlines but also to healthy coastal economies, literally supporting thousands of businesses.
In recent years there has been considerable news in Hawaii, the mainland and also internationally regarding the lava flows that are covering the Puna and adjacent districts of the Big Island.
Sustainable Tourism is defined by the United Nations World Tourism Organization as tourism that takes into account its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts.
Award-winning journalist and editor, Susan Casey, is a lover of oceans and marine life. She is the author of three bestsellers including one about America’s great white sharks.
Just about everyone that knows anything about Maui has heard the name Haleakala. The “House of the Sun” has the highest peak on Maui (10,000+ ft.
The location of Father Damien's Leper Colony was chosen because of its remoteness. Leprosy, or Hansen's Disease, was communicable and it was important that those infected by it would be separate from others in society.
A few decades ago a small group of activists in Hawaii decided that it was time to revive the Hawaiian language, for Hawaiians to relearn their native language and Hawaiian to be included in traditional schools.
Maui and Lanai have more snorkeling sites within easy reach than any other Hawaiian island. There is snorkeling for every snorkeler, no matter experience, age, fitness or any other factor.
Full-Face snorkel masks are in the news in Hawaii. This is a new innovation in snorkel masks that has become increasingly popular since its inception and availability to the public in 2014.
There are few things that visitors to Hawaii enjoy more than putting on their fins and heading for the warm ocean waters surrounding Hawaii’s islands.
Having the envious mission of customizing experiences in Hawaii for clients and guests, wedding and special event planners know that each beach on each Hawaiian island is very different, visually and in the feelings and spirit that they communicate.
Of the eight major islands in Hawaii, six of them have airports: Big Island, Oahu, Kauai, Maui, Molokai and Lanai. You are likely aware of the major airports on each island such as Honolulu International Airport, Lihue Airport, Kahului Airport and Kona International Airport but there are a number of much small commuter type airports that are interspersed among the islands.
This is a story of failure. This is also a story of success. Whether the balance tips in favor of success or failure is a subjective decision and you can decide.
Adventure travel is one of the most popular segments of the travel industry. In recent years there has been tremendous global growth in adventure travel.
Nothing will bring shivers down your spine faster than the site of an 8 inch centipede (in Hawaii, they can actually reach a foot in length). When you see one it is always startling as they are seemingly there for a moment and then they are gone.
Of the various types of volcanoes found on the Earth, the least destructive of them are the Shield Volcanoes such as the ones found in Hawaii. These volcanoes are primarily made of basalt, which in its fluid state is less viscous or sticky and as an analogy it flows more like water than like honey.
Not that you would want to, but if you did want to enter into a world of confusion, just bring up the concept of climatic zones in Hawaii. As you are well aware, the planet has a multitude of different climates.
While Hawaii is a crossroads for international and especially Asia Pacific travel, the number of visitors from China annually is small, less than 1% of arrivals in Hawaii.
More than just helping visitors to enjoy Hawaii’s attractions on land, on water and under water, and in the air, Tom Barefoot’s Tours is committed to preserving and protecting nature’s bounty in the state.
Hawaii is a hot place, not just the temperature at the beach but even moreso the real estate market. Sellers usually receive multiple bids on their property.
Honolulu has the dubious distinction of being the third-most expensive city in the US to buy a home, behind San Francisco and Boston. Buyers have been paying a median of $684 per square foot to buy a 1,000-square-foot home in Honolulu.
II.jpg "Hawaii Real Estate Trends Part ll")
Who can we believe when it comes to real estate projections? Is the real estate market poised to explode or is the bubble about to burst? Let’s try to put some of the most important drivers of Hawaii’s real estate market in perspective, starting with population projections and forecasts of non-resident real estate buyers.
Well, it's not necessarily the most sought-after or desirable list to find yourself on, but Hawaii finds itself at the very top of the list of states in the union with the most endangered species.
In 2018, an eruption of the Kilauea volcano changed the island of Hawaii forever. From May through August, large lava flows covered land southeast of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park destroying over 700 homes and devastating residential areas in the Puna District.
Extremely rich soil from heavy rainfall and a mild year-round climate has made Hawaii a prime agriculture state. The state is home to approximately 3,600 crop farms and 1,100 livestock farms.
At Tom Barefoot’s Tours, we consider ourselves stewards of corals in Hawaii as well as the state’s tropical fish. The reasons are deeper and well-beyond simply business self-interest since Tom Barefoot’s Tours offers so many snorkeling, scuba, snuba and other tours in Hawaii’s waters that depend on the health of coral.
January 15, 2016 was a date that people will remember. Surfing history was in the making. The place was the surf break of Jaws on the North Shore of Maui.
Recently Gov. David Ige presented Hawaii’s annual State of the State address. He discussed commitments to boosting preschool education, housing and tax relief for families.
Our Hawaii video articles previously covered Gov. Ige’s recent state-of-the-state in which he affirmed that easing Hawaii’s high cost of living would be a central objective of the 2020 legislative session.
Hawaii deservedly is viewed by the rest of the world as “paradise”. Even so people living in the islands, and their business and community leadership, are well aware of the fact that Hawaii faces some significant economic and human problems.
One of the main reasons that people love to visit Hawaii is its geographic and topographic diversity. This diversity helps to explain the unpredictability of the weather from place to place.
Oahu will have the strictest single-use plastics ban in the state based on a controversial bill passed recently by the Honolulu City Council. Faced with the daunting prospect of getting rid of huge stocks of plastics containers, many food industry leaders opposed the measure.
Honolulu airport is one of 20 airports in the nation where the US government has instituted passenger screening for the Corona virus. Keep in mind however that this screening procedure was set up in 2005, and not specifically in response to this virus.
Shortly after returning to Japan from Hawaii, in early February, a Japanese man was hospitalized with a high fever. He was then diagnosed with pneumonia and ultimately tested positive for COVID-19 – the latest name for Coronavirus.
The islands of Hawaii have a large number of Federal and state historic sites, many of which are worth visiting. The state is home to 33 sites that are part of the US National Historic Landmark program.
The water temperatures on beaches in Maui, Oahu, Kauai and the Big Island attract visitors any time of year.
Private property was unknown to ancient Hawaiians. They created a very complex system of land division. Central to this system was that all land was controlled by the highest chief or king.
One of the most amazing experiences a visitor could have on a visit to Hawaii would be to go on an ocean swim with wild Manta Rays. Actually, the only Hawaiian island that operates this type of tour on a daily basis is the Big Island and these tours are offered off the Kona Coastline.
Sea turtles ('honu' in Hawaiian) are one of the most interesting forms of sea life to be found in the waters of Hawaii These sea turtles, which are primarily the 'Pacific Green Turtles' are found on all the Hawaiian Islands and in fact are directly related to species of turtles that are found throughout the entire planet.
Questions about sharks and shark attacks are some of the most frequently asked questions people ask regarding their upcoming trips to Hawaii. Although the minds image of such horrific attacks are prominent in ones imagination the reality is that these happen very infrequently and in fact they actually happen less frequently over the course of a year worldwide than do deaths associated with taking 'Selfies'.
According to statistics compiled by the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA), Hawaii’s hotels finished 2019 with the nation’s top hotel rate and revenue per available room (RevPar).
Have you ever seen a beach with green sand? Well you have a chance to do so if you are going to bevisiting the Big Island. Actually you are going to have to really want to see it because it is located off the main road and down a very bumpy dirt road which leads to 'South Point' which is the very furthest point south on the Big Island as well as being the very furthest point south in Hawaii and for that matter the very furthest point south in the United States.
Just as reliable as Old Faithful at Yellowstone Park, the mysterious Box Jellyfish of Hawaii will arrive on its shores between 8 and 12 days after each full moon.
Goats, just like pigs, were not endemic to Hawaii, and were brought in by humans presumably to provide a source of food. Each in tern rapidly turned wild when allowed or encouraged to roam and the consequence today is that the land of Hawaii is rapidly being ravaged and destroyed by both animals.
Honolua Bay is roughly half of the Honolua-Mokule’ia Bay Marine life Conservation District. (See article on MLCDs) Most of the Bay is usually quite well protected unless winter swells roll straight in and conditions can change rapidly.
This is a question that comes up quite regularly with regard to helicopter tours on Maui. Obviously weather can be very different on alternate days but in what ways will it really affect your flight.
Anyone who wants to enjoy Big Island Activities and Big Island Tours certainly prefers to be blessed with a day of perfect Hawaiian weather. On most days in Hawaii, the weather cooperates beautifully, but sometimes can be unpredictable.
When you come to Hawaii you almost certainly will attend the famous Hawaiian feast called a luau. This is a celebratory feast of epic proportions in which hundreds of people gather together to essentially eat, drink and be merry.
How does the unique geography of Maui provide a special platform for Maui Activities and Maui Tours?
Maui County (which includes the islands of Maui, Lanai and Molokai) has a unique geography that allows the activity industry to offer a unique set of Maui activities and Maui tours.
Generally speaking, you could not be on a better island to enjoy great weather than Kauai. Consequently, enjoying Kauai activities and Kauai tours is as good as it gets as well.
Everybody knows that biking down the slopes of Haleakala is a big industry on Maui, but do you know how it began. I do, and it has been a curiosity to see how it has adjusted, morphed and grown over the course of years.
Visitors to the Big Island are always concerned about how the volcanic activity will effect their Big Island Activities and Big Island Tours. Although it is impossible to predict nature, we are providing you here with a chronicle of past volcanic events in hopes that this will give you an over view of one of the most continuous dramatic geologic events in recent years.
Shore divers on any island should have at least some knowledge of Hawaiian weather. The more the better. In fact, for the purpose of choosing the proper dive site for the day, shore divers need to know a lot about how to interpret not only winds but currents, waves and tides.
One of the reasons you are undoubtedly coming to Maui is because of the great weather here. Another reason you are probably coming to Maui is to enjoy some of the great Maui activities and Maui tours we have here.
One of the biggest concerns visitors to Oahu have is how the weather might effect the Oahu activities and Oahu tours they reserve. Some people think they should wait until the day before an event (or even the day of the event) to make reservations to assure themselves of having the best weather possible.
Hawaii has weathered major landfalls from only two tropical storms and two hurricanes since 1959. Even though hurricanes don’t often directly hit land, however, they can and do cause damage.
Coral reefs in Hawaii comprise over 80% of U.S. coral reefs. Hawaiian reefs possess some of the most abundant levels of marine species in the world. These reefs shelter over 700 species of fish, 400 species of algae and over 2000 species of invertebrates.
We all know that Hawaii is a very unique place. In addition to its volcanic origin and diversity of beauty and attractions, the islands attract visitors because of their geographic isolation.
This is an extremely personal call since each type of boat is very different. Keep in mind that you will be going to see the very same areas but the issue being discussed is simply regarding the type of vessel you will be taking.
Plant life in Hawaii works hand in hand with the geology of these islands to not only keep expanding the Hawaii footprint with new land being made by the volcanoes but nature also does its best to regenerate this barren rock into beautiful forests.
Like Dorothy would say in the Wizard of Oz,'we're not in Kansas anymore'. That is the way that all visitors should view their relationship with the beautiful oceans that surround Hawaii.
West of Princeville, on Kauai’s North shore, Hanalei and its surroundings offer one of the most unforgettable places to visit in Hawaii. Hanalei has fully recovered from the torrential rainfall and flooding it experienced in April 2018 and stores and restaurants are open for business.
Most people heading for Waimea Canyon pass through Waimea rather quickly to get to Kauai's version of the Grand Canyon. Seeing the canyon, 10 miles wide and 3000 feet deep, is one of Hawaii’s greatest experiences.
More than 10 million visitors came to the Islands in 2019, setting a new all-time high according to year-end data from the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA).
The Pacific Ocean waters just offshore from Kona on the Big Island are the habitat of an amazing variety of big game fish. In Kona’s waters you can catch everything from mahimahi to wahoo to skipjack and yellowfin tuna.
Some folks on the mainland may suddenly discover that they may have a lace bug problem in their flower garden. At first, it’s not easy to figure out because these garden pests are only about 1/8 of an inch long.
Billionaire Larry Ellison, the tech industry titan, already owns 98% of the former Pineapple Isle. Now he wants to buy Lanai’s power plant and grid from Hawaiian Electric.
Newcomers to Hawaii are often completely perplexed by Hawaiian words and are simply just stumped to the point that they can't even possibly make a guess as to how to pronounce a word.
There are many fish that can be caught in the waters off Hawaii but one of the favorites for sport fisherman and gourmet chefs alike is the Mahi Mahi. These fish are fun to catch and fun to eat.
Few visitors think about visiting wineries when planning vacations in Hawaii. They don’t know what they’re missing. One of the most special destinations in the islands happens to be MauiWine on Maui’s Ulupalakua Ranch.
Located in Central Maui, just west of Wailuku, towering peaks guard the lush valley floor of Iao Valley State Park. This 4,000-acre, 10-mile long park is home to one of Hawaii’s and Maui's great landmarks -- the 1,200-foot high Iao Needle.
A leisurely two-hour walking tour will take you through Lahaina’s historic highlights. But there is much to see, and even more to learn to appreciate Lahaina’s rich history.
So why is Maui considered the world's Mecca for windsurfing? It's true that there are many places on the planet that windsurfing is possible and many places where it is continuously enjoyed.
If you'd like to see what one of the original Hawaiian inhabitants looks like, take a look at the photo of the Monk Seal below! The original human Hawaiians arrived in Hawaii from the South Pacific Islands about 1600 years ago, the Monk Seal arrived in Hawaii about 4 million years ago.
Waves of Polynesians from remote Pacific islands settled on Molokai eons ago. Europeans arrived at least 700 years later. The island began to be developed in the late 1880s.
Each of Hawaii's 400-plus species of fish has its own unique role in the nearshore environment and seeks out a different habitat. Some fish are at home in sandy bottom areas, others in boulder-strewn waters off rocky shorelines.
Located near the summit of Kīlauea Volcano off Crater Rim Drive, Nahuku and its lush rainforest trail have been popular features in the park. An eruption from Kīlauea 550 years ago produced vigorous streams of lava, and the long, hollow tunnel was left behind when the molten rock drained away.
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Easy to find, just south of Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport, Kaloko Honokohau National Historical Park is one of the best places in Hawaii to learn about the survival of early Hawaiian settlement on the Kona coast.
Everyone’s favorite things to see and do on Oahu probably include snorkeling and mingling with sealife in the turquoise waters of Hanauma Bay and strolling down the long beautiful arc of sand at Kailua Beach.
The glider rides are fantastic! They are fun and they are very different. As far as seeing large portions of Oahu from the air...........this won't be in the cards.
Over the next year Honolulu’s Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) will try to root out illegal vacation rentals (VRs). Everyone knows, of course including the city, that over the years illegal VRs have proliferated on Oahu, in spite of a three-decades-old ban.
The first people to come to Hawaii were the Polynesians from the Marquesas Islands, arriving on the islands sometime between 300 A.D. and 600 A.D. A second wave of Polynesian settlers came circa 1000.
Almost every day there’s another announcement from community leaders in Hawaii about initiatives to protect the state’s environment. Just recently, the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum in Honolulu announced its elimination of the sale of all single-use plastics on its campus.
The Hawaiian islands have a fascinating history of polo that goes back to the reign of King David Kalākaua, the kingdom’s Merrie Monarch. The first polo match in Hawaii was held in 1880 in Palama, a neighborhood of Honolulu.
Hawaii has a $100 million tuna industry. Hawaii’s fishing industry is governed and managed by federal law and members of Congress are trying to figure out how to improve federal law governing the management of U.
There is a long history in Hawaii of English being taught in Hawaii’s schools. In 1862 Kamehameha IV addressing the Kingdom’s legislature said: “… it is important to change all Hawaii’s schools to English speaking schools, and I once again put this forth to all.
Previous video articles by Tom Barefoot’s Tours have discussed the importance of residents and visitors using reef-safe sunscreens to protect coral reefs around Hawaii.
.jpg "Reforestation in Hawaii")
It’s always good to share news about successful efforts in Hawaii to preserve, restore and enhance the environment. The latest news is about an initiative that has returned about a half-million native trees to deforested Hawaii ranch lands over the last decade.
No one should be surprised that Paradise has a housing shortage, especially on Oahu which has about 40% of future housing needs. According to recent projections, Hawaii will need an additional 65,000 housing units statewide by 2025.
On Hawaii's Big Island protests by Native Hawaiians have flared for years against the construction of an 18-story telescope atop the volcano Mauna Kea.
Oahu has more than 100 miles of coastline and 100 beaches. Visitors to many of these beaches generally find excellent possibilities for swimming, diving, snorkeling, bodyboarding, surfing, and fishing.
When I first came to Hawaii in the early 70's and worked in a major hotel I was surprised at the number of tourists who would call housekeeping to come and remove a gecko they may have found on their wall or on their window screen.
The simple answer is......there are certain things you have to do at least once! You're coming all the way to Hawaii, would you not go to a luau? Would you not jump in the ocean? So yes, you'll have to go see the sunrise or you'll feel you missed out.
If you are concerned about sharks in Hawaii, you have good precedent to be concerned. Over the past couple of centuries of history regarding shark attacks there has been plenty of evidence confirming attacks have taken place and people have lost their lives.
Well this is the question every angler wants to know. As usual, as every fisherman will tell you, your fishing 'juju' always depends on the 'day' and yes, 'luck', 'karma' and 'having your good deeds rewarded'.
Stand Up Paddling (SUP) is perhaps the single best exercise available to you in Hawaii to provide you with optimal physical conditioning. You may want to give this a try while you are here to see what all the rage is about as SUP has gone 'off the charts' in its popularity.
The Mauna Kea Access Road, which leads to Mauna Kea’s summit on the Island of Hawaii, was closed indefinitely by the state on July 15, 2019. The purpose of the closure was so equipment could be moved into place for the start of the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) construction project.
On every Hawaiian island visitors can enjoy an amazing variety of private, semi-private and group surfing lessons and venues. Surfing locations and experiences on each island and even parts of each island all differ.
Most people will overlook the value of taking a helicopter flight of Maui, Oahu, Kauai and the Big Island when they first arrive on the island.
Sandalwood has always been one of the most enjoyable fragrances to be used in spa treatments the world over. Its likability is almost universal.
Hawaiians believe that a person’s spiritual essence (mana) resides within their bones (iwi). Following death, a persons's bones or iwi were considered sacred because within the bones resided a person's mana.
We all know that Hawaii is a very unique place. In addition to its volcanic origin and diversity of beauty and attractions, the islands attract visitors because of their geographic isolation.
The legendary surfing nirvana on the north shore of Maui, 3 miles east of Paia, received its suitably scary nickname from three surfers in 1975. The nickname came from the film “Jaws” and the unpredictability of a shark attack.
Parasailing wasn't introduced as an activity in Hawaii until the early 1980's. It was popular from the start but it was operated in a completely different manner in those days.
Located 18 miles from Kauai, across the Kaulakahi Channel, Niihau is the oldest of the inhabited Hawaiian islands. It is also the least changed. The people of Niihau speak Hawaiian as their primary language and Niihauans still fish and hunt for their main staples of food.
An important part of the job of the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) is to overcome preconceived notions about Hawaii that discourage tourism. Tourism is too important (21% of the state’s economy) for Hawaii’s image as a vacation destination to be mainly a place where mom and dad or grandma go, although their importance for Hawaii's tourism cannot be overstated.
An important part of the job of the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) is to overcome preconceived notions about Hawaii that discourage tourism. Tourism is too important (21% of the state’s economy) for Hawaii’s image as a vacation destination to be mainly a place where mom and dad or grandma go, although their importance for Hawaii's tourism cannot be overstated.
As is true of most life forms who find themselves introduced to the Hawaiian Islands, wild or feral pigs like it here, they thrive here and they are multiplying in great numbers here.
.jpg "The Hawaiian Lei")
Introduced into the Hawaiian Islands by Polynesians,leis were constructed of flowers,leaves,shells,seeds,nuts,feathers and even the teeth of animals. According to the history of the Hawaiian lei, ancient Hawaiians wore leis for adornment and, in some instances, beautification.
Perhaps the ultimate symbol of Hawaiian culture known throughout the world is the Hawaiian flower lei. For decades Hawaiian visitors have been greeted at the airport with the gift of a flower lei placed ceremoniously around their neck and shoulders accompanied by a kiss.
Ukuleles suddenly appearing or arriving in Hawaii is a small but really interesting part of the history of the state.A British clipper ship named the SS Ravenscrag arrived in Honolulu on Aug 23, 1879, from the island of Madeira, Portugal.
Of all the aspects of Hawaiian culture that are known in mainland America and other countries perhaps the one most notable icon is the Hula Skirt. Everyone has seen the cheesy or 'camp' car dashboard attachment of a hula girl with skirt that moves side by side as the car moves and turns with the traffic.
The Garden Island is full of beauty, hiking adventures and challenges. The oldest island in Hawaii, its incredible landscape includes Mt. Waialeale, the wettest spot on earth and, as legend says, the home of Menehune, pygmies that were highly skilled stone workers.
The next Hawaiian island is being formed right now and is expected to make its debut on the world stage in (perhaps) tens of thousands of years. The island already even has a name, Lo'ihi.
First of all, let’s define a zipline. A zipline consists of a suspended cable with a sliding pulley. Ziplines usually are made of a stainless-steel cable mounted between two points on an incline.
Could there be any doubt that dolphins love to have a good time. Being animals at the top tier of intelligence in the animal kingdom the dolphin often spends its spare time simply frolicking and having fun.
The very largest of the Marlins are the Blue Marlins and of all the possible trophy fish found anywhere in the world, this is the prize! Yes, they are found in large numbers throughout the islands of Hawaii but they, and related species, are found throughout the tropical and subtropical oceans of the world.
We are still learning fascinating facts about the origins, culture and spread of Polynesians. First of all Polynesians include Samoans, Tongans, Cook Islanders, Tahitians, Hawaiians and other indigenous people throughout the Pacific region.
Possibly the most colorful bark found on any tree in the world can be found in Hawaii and it is referred to as the Rainbow Eucalyptus. Originally coming from the Philippines this beautiful tree can now be seen in various places in Hawaii and is most famously found on the Hana Highway where a beautiful stand of trees can be seen just off the roadside.
Thanks to the Hawaii State Division of Forestry, the Napali Forest Reserve area is managed as a wilderness. A rich variety of native plant species thrive in the Reserve and along its trails.
The islands of Hawaii are one of the largest resort destinations in the United States and this is not because of their spectacular beauty alone but also of course because of the fabulous weather found here.
Hōkūleʻa -- Star of Gladness – has a unique and inspirational place in Hawaii’s history. Double-hulled sailing canoes brought the first Polynesians to Hawaii.
Many life forms have in various ways found their way over vast distances to the Hawaiian Islands and then have evolved and adapted to the conditions they found here.
The Big Island is located south of the Tropic of Cancer. The sun's rays, this close to the equator are much more intense than many Hawaii visitors are used to.
The Taro plant is a staple of the Native Hawaiian diet. But taro is much more, so much more that it is central to Hawaiian culture. Hawaiians believe that the taro plant is sacred.
Water temperature is a constant concern for people coming to visit Hawaii. This is one of the most asked questions we receive from Hawaii visitors prior to their arrival.
Retiring at the age of 40 in Hawaii certainly sounds wonderful – that is, for those who qualify. However, according to a recent analysis by Seattle-based Redfin Corp, candidates need to have a household income of about $185,000 per year and managed to save about $80,000 per year for their almost 20 years in the workforce.
The mongoose was deliberately brought from India to the islands of Oahu, Maui and Molokai in 1883 to assist with the rat problem that existed in the sugar plantations.
In most places chickens are in cages but in Hawaii there is a large population of feral chickens who live in the wild. This is true of all islands but to a larger extent on the island of Kauai where it is speculated that large quantities of birds were loosed from their cages during both hurricanes Iwa and Iniki and have been wandering in the wild ever since.
Since day one the islands of Hawaii have been a magnet for all sorts of life forms that could make the long journey from anywhere else on the planet to the islands.
An estimated 600,000 tons of abandoned netting gear – ‘ghost nets’ -- finds its way into the oceans every year. The United Nations estimates that some 380,000 marine mammals are killed every year by either ingesting or being caught in derelict fishing gear.
The Big Island is coffee drinkers’ paradise. The vast majority of the hundreds of coffee farms in Hawaii are on the Big Island. Other islands also have sizeable coffee operations.
Tours & activities account for about 10% of global travel spending annually. Increasingly travelers are seeking out activities and tours that exactly fit the experiences that they want, their values, physical capabilities, and other personal needs and preferences.
Tours & activities account for about 10% of global travel spending annually. Increasingly travelers around the world and in Hawaii are seeking out activities and tours that exactly fit the experiences that they want, their values, physical capabilities, and other personal needs and preferences.
Most basically a travel agency and its travel agents sell travel products and services on behalf of suppliers such as airlines, steamship companies, railways, bus companies, car rental firms, hotels and sightseeing operators.
For the professional surfer, the famous Vans Triple Crown of Surfing on the North Shore of Oahu is one of the most sought-after surfing competition titles in the world.
The ancient art of fire dancing that shows up in the history of luaus began hundreds of years ago by the people of Polynesia. Although it’s not possible to pin-point exactly where in the 4,000 square miles of Polynesia fire dancing began, it is believed that the Maori people of New Zealand actually were the first pioneers in the long evolution of the fire dance from its origins with “poi.
Every Hawaiian island is unique and very different from the others. Partly because of these differences, each island in Hawaii offers special and unusual activities and tours.
Americans take less vacation time than they did in decades past and want to make the most of their vacation days. They are doing a great deal of online travel research.
.jpg "Waimea Canyon on Kauai - the 'Grand Canyon' of the Pacific")
Waimea Canyon, often referred to as “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” is a mile wide, more than 3,600-feet deep and 14 miles long. Quite small by comparison to the Grand Canyon in Arizona (277 miles long and 6,000 feet deep), Waimea Canyon provides panoramic vistas, deep valley gorges and, in combination with Kokee State Park, great hiking options.
Walking on the soft white sand of a beautiful beach in Hawaii is what we all dream about. Are we aware how truly amazing this exercise is for us however?
The accolades are endless regarding the beauty of the Na Pali Coastline on the North Shore of Kauai. Why do so many people think this is the most beautiful piece of coast line they have ever seen? It is because this is the most beautiful piece of coastline they have ever seen.
Travel publications these days all have articles on the topic of wellness travel. Basically wellness travel to any destination is for the purpose of rejuvenation.
Humpback whales are found in every ocean in the world. Their Latin name, Megaptera novaeangliae ("big wing of New England") refers to giant pectoral fins which can grow up to 16 feet long.
Every Hawaiian island is different and they all have special activities that are unusual and well suited for that particular island. There are special Maui activities and Maui tours that fit the bill for this island as well.
In the following list provided by Tom Barefoot's Tours, you will see the most popular categories of Kauai activities and Kauai tours based upon popularity.
Maui has snorkel spots all around the island. There are plenty of places where you will find both fish and coral formations. What you may not find so easily is good access to your snorkel location, and a safe place to snorkel.
Yes there are literally hundreds of Oahu activities and Oahu tours that are available on the island. What many people don't realize is that Oahu has some really unique tours that you simply wouldn't expect.
As we do on each of the islands, we will give you a ranking here of the 10 most popular Maui activities and Maui tours. This is important information for you, particularly on Maui, because, the activities that are most popular are also the ones that book up first.
Kauai Tours and Kauai Activities are very different than those found on the other Hawaiian islands. The primary reason for this has to do with the geography of the island of Kauai.
The Big Island delivers primordial experiences, and these experiences translate easily into Big Island tours and Big Island activities as you will shortly see.
Since the mid nineteen hundreds the highest mountains on the Big Island and Maui have been the homes of some of the most expensive and sophisticated observatories on the planet.
Horses became important in Hawaii, and in Kauai, as a result of the introduction of cattle to the islands. In 1793, Captain George Vancouver brought the first cattle to the Big Island.
Hawaii is lucky enough to have three islands where you can take a submarine ride. Atlantis Submarines operates from Waikiki Beach on Oahu, from Kailua-Kona on the Big Island and from Lahaina on Maui! If you haven't taken one of these adventures you are missing out and here is why.
Where ever you come from you are most certainly familiar with the mosquito. Perhaps unpleasantly familiar. Not only do they cause bites and itchy welts on the skin but they can occasionally be a carrier of various diseases such as Malaria, Dengue Fever or Zika.
So, most people will determine which month they will visit Hawaii based upon vacations and time off work, time off from school or weather conditions in their local regions.
First of all, let's define a breach. A breach is often considered to have occurred when a whale launches above the ocean's surface with over 40% of its body completely out of the water.
Diamond Head Crater is perhaps the most recognized geologic formation in the Hawaiian Islands. With the most recognized beach in Hawaii at its base (Waikiki Beach) it is no wonder that Diamond head is such an iconic feature.
Each of the Hawaiian Islands of Maui, Oahu, Kauai and the Big Island, will generally have a couple of companies that will offer a 'doors off' flight.
There is no question that of all the helicopters flown in Hawaii, the A-Star helicopter and its newer cousin, the ECO-Star, are the aircraft of choice used by most helicopter touring companies on Maui, Oahu, Kauai and the Big Island.
The chances of swimming with dolphins while you're on Maui are less then they are on the islands of Oahu or Hawaii. The big reason why it is not likely that you will actually be able to get into the water and swim with dolphins on Maui is that in order to do so on a regular basis, you need to be able to predict exactly where they will be.
There is something exciting about seeing a shipwreck. It's intriguing and somehow mysterious. The huge tanker that is wrecked on the eastern coast of Lanai makes a visit there all that more exciting.
People are always curious to know about the dangerous creatures we have here in Hawaii like poisonous snakes and poisonous insects. There are of course no poisonous snakes in Hawaii but the fact is that considering the quantities of species that live in Hawaii we actually have relatively few animals or insects that can do you significant harm.
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