Hawaiian 'Info Bites'

Everyone is born with a natural curiosity and we know that people coming to visit Hawaii enjoy learning things about Hawaii before they visit. This whets the appetite for their upcoming trip and it fosters the anticipation and excitement of their 'soon to be' adventure.

We have provided you with a series of extremely short 'mini' articles about Hawaii that you can savor like chocolates from a gift box. You will find 101 brief articles here with titles like 'Father Damien's Leper Colony -- now here is a tour not everyone has an opportunity to take', 'Meet Hawaii's oldest mammal, the Hawaiian Monk Seal', 'Why you should consider a 'doors-off' helicopter flight', and 'So, what is the truth about shark attacks in Hawaii?

We call these information morsels, 'Info Bites'. Learn about so many things 'Hawaiian' and enjoy the snacks we have on your Hawaiian 'Info Bite' buffet!

Where was the first mosquito ever seen in Hawaii?

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. Could you imagine the sheer joy it must have been to be in such a beautiful place as..

How do you make an Imu (Hawaiian oven)?

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. Music, chanting, dancing, playing games and enjoying the company of one another are the staples of any luau feast.

Should you be afraid of the Hawaiian Gecko Lizard?

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. Sometimes petrified and cringing in the furthest corner of the unit away from the tiny lizard they could not get..

Hawaii Tops the List of States with Endangered Species!

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. Actually the land surface of the Hawaiian Islands accounts for less than .2% of the total land area within the United States but yet it accounts..

So...What's the Best Time of Year to Catch Fish in Hawaii?

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'. These all play into the mix of how things turn out at the end of the day. But fishing is a science..

There Is No Need To Be Concerned About Ocean Temperature Here In Hawaii!

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. Luckily we are fortunate here in Hawaii to have great water temperature the entire year long. Yes as you may have surmised the water temperature does go down in the winter..

Walking on the Sand may be better for you than you realize!

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?

Is it better to tour the NaPali Coast by large boat or by raft?

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.

Hanauma Bay (possibly too much of a good thing)

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. One of the most incredible coastal bays in all the Hawaiian Islands is located on the southern coastline of the island of Oahu facing seaward toward the island of Molokai. ..

How Can the Weather Affect Your Maui Helicopter Flight?

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.

Yes, 'Shipwreck Beach' on Lanai Comes Complete with its own Shipwreck

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. What's the name of this beach? You guessed it, 'Shipwreck Beach'.

Both Los Angles and Hawaii have palm trees, movie stars and unfortunately, pollution!

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..

Mahi Mahi, this fish puts up a Good Fight!

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.In Hawaii Mahi Mahi means 'very strong' and that fits the Mahi Mahi to a tee. When you get them on the fishing line they will fight and..

The Pacific Blue Marlin. The 'gold medal' catch of Hawaiian Fishing!

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. They can be found from the U.S..

So, is getting up that early to see the sunrise at Haleakala really worth it?

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. And the fact is, if you don't go, you will have!

The Newest Hawaiian Island is Being Created Right Now. It's Called Lo'ihi.

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. It is located about 20 miles to the southeast of Kilauea volcano on the Big Island. At this point in time it has risen about 10,000' above the ocean..

This cute little guy has caused trouble in Hawaii since 1883.

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. Although a small percentage of the mongoose diet in India consists of rats the fact that one is nocturnal and the other is awake in the daytime limits the time that the species..

Father Damien's Leper Colony. Now This Is a Tour Not Everyone Has an Opportunity to See!

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. It is located on the Kalaupapa Peninsula on the northern shore of Molokai protected on one side by an often rough ocean..

The Spectacular Weather Conditions in Hawaii are in Large Part Due to Our Consistent Trade Winds.

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. Conditions here are quite temperate, generally very comfortable and are very consistent. The weather does change in Hawaii just like..

Amazing Hawaiian Fish Ponds

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. As seen in the adjoining..

Oahu Glider Flights are One Smooth Ride!

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. If you are truly looking for a flight that gives you an overview of the island you should be taking one of the fixed wing or helicopter flights that specialize in doing that.

9 Worthwhile Things To Do in Hawaii, and 1 thing not to waste your time on!

The following are the 9 worthwhile things to do in Hawaii in no specific order of importance:

Welcome to the Most Beautiful Coastline You Will Ever See!

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. Hands down, this 11 mile stretch of coastline is by far the most exquisite piece of real estate that exists in the Hawaiin archipelago.

Stand Up Paddling (SUP) is Considered Among the Best Overall Hawaiian Activities for Your Health!

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. You can get the feel for it and then make it a regular part of your exercise regime when you go home if you are lucky enough to live near a body of water.

Which Months Have the Least Tourists Visiting Hawaii?

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. Some people however simply prefer to come to Hawaii when the least number of visitors are here. There are some good advantages to this strategy: hotel rates are usually down,..

A Wedding in Hawaii. It's a great value!

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. According to one of the most well known sources of wedding statistics available anywhere, the 'www.TheKnot.com' places the cost..

Maui, the World's Windsurfing Capital

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. After all, a little wind, a little water and you're good to go! But no place can be found that provides the 'perfect storm' of conditions that bring windsurfing enthusiasts to Maui from all over the world.

Whales often 'Spyhop' to see above the water.

So 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?

What makes volcanoes of Hawaii a perfect place for viewing the cosmos?

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. Why are these mountains so superior to other locations in the world for this purpose. Here's the rundown:

This Tiny Frog Makes a Big Racket!

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. Because we are surrounded by 2000 miles of ocean in any direction the sea has provided a formidable barrier for thousands and even millions of years. When man first came all that changed and one by one the various life forms from the outside world began to arrive in Hawaii.

Hawaiian Turtles may be slow, but they can cover great distances!

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. Though..

The Comeback of the Sandalwood Tree in Hawaii.

Sandalwood has always been one of the most enjoyable fragrances to be used in spa treatments the world over. Its likability is almost universal.

Here is an Activity that is more Dangerous than Swimming with Sharks!

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'.

It doesn't take long for molten lava from Hawaii's volcanoes to bring new life to the islands!

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. And, it does so fast!

The Hawaiian Lei. The Gift of Aloha!

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. This true Hawaiian welcoming has become a ritual in the islands and even..

Yes, Hawaii has Scorpions!

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.

The First Days of Parasailing in Hawaii.

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. It's lucky you might be thinking about doing it now instead of then because its methods of implementation had a lot to be desired.

10 Great Activities for Senior Citizens on Maui

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. This is of course true for all aspects of life but it is also true for tours and activities you may choose to take on vacation. Here is a list of 10 of the top things you might choose to do on the island of Maui if you are a senior citizen.

Hawaiian Manta Rays Seem Scary But Are as Gentle as They are Beautiful.

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.

Hawaii has 'Shield Volcanoes', What Are They?

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. Because of this property of the lava it can run..

Hana Airport is one of our many Small Airports in Hawaii

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.

The Modernization of the Traditional Art of Hula Dancing.

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. This somewhat tasteless depiction..

Hawaii Doesn't Have Snakes ........But Hawaii does have Centipedes!

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. There sting is a powerful one as can be attested to by anyone who has had the unfortunate experience of having been stung.

Hawaii Has a Ton of Climatic Zones

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. There are hot, dry arid desert like climates like in Death Valley. There are wet and humid jungle like climates like on the Amazon. ..

Learn How to Pronounce Hawaiian Names in 10 Minutes or Less!

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. What they don't know is that pronouncing Hawaiian words is fairly simple as soon as you know the rules, of which there are few. Here are the very basics..

The Strange Case of Maui's Beautiful Silversword Plant

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. One of the most curious of these life forms is the Silversword plant that is found only within a 250 square acre area at the top of Mount Haleakala on Maui and nowhere else on the planet.

It's Good to Think Twice About Going Out!

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. The oceans are probably the foremost reason that people visit Hawaii in the first place because of their extreme beauty, the excitement of seeing..

Here's a Visitor That Comes to Waikiki Once a Month!

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. Once that time has passed, they will disappear again until their return a month later.

Do you still own your land if it is covered by a lava flow?

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. Lava flows are not a recent aberration in Hawaiian history but the newest series of flows which began in 1983 are actually the longest continuous flows in..

This is not exactly the Hawaii State Bird........But!

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.

Meet Hawaii's Oldest Mammal

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. Along with the Hawaiian Hoary Bat they are the only indigenous mammals to come from Hawaii.

So, What is the Truth About Sharks Attacks in Hawaii?

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. Although the statistics regarding shark attacks show that you are more likely to be..

When did horses first come to Kauai?

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. King Kamehameha was impressed with the introduction of these animals and placed a 'Kapu' (taboo) for 10 years on the slaughtering of any of them so they..

When Was the Last Time You Were on a Submarine?

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.

Here's a beach of a different color! Hawaii's famous 'Green Sand Beach'.

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..

Here's the Animal that Got Hawaii's Goat!

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. If one had to choose the worse offender however, the likely choice would be the goat.

Why do Whales Breach?

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. Now that we know what a breach is...........why do they do it? It's all conjecture from this point forward because in reality, no one really knows. Here are the best guesses:

How the Maui Bicycle Downhill Adventure Got Its Start!

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. It all began, with a single idea, from a gentleman named Bob Kiger.

Black Sand Beaches in Hawaii are So Much Fun!

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. Although they differ in many ways one of the most obvious differences is color of the sand. White sand beaches will vary in color from absolute white to golden yellow and are the most..

Why don't you climb to the top of Diamond Head Crater?

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. Rising to the height of 760 ft. above sea level the crater itself is almost perfect in its symmetry as the interior of its..

Waimea Canyon

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The Original Hawaiian Wave Surfers!

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 Hawaiian Boar is Not Exactly an Invited Guest!

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. Unfortunately for the Hawaiian environment, they do not have a positive impact.

What are the most unusual Oahu Activities and Oahu Tours?

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.Oahu is the most populated island in the Hawaiian chain and it is the most visited Hawaiian island for visitors on..

The Endless Battle Against Invaders!

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. In spite of that isolation, over a very long period of time a remarkable amount of plant and animal species arrived in the islands, mostly without human..

Hawaii’s Water Temperature

The water temperatures on beaches in Maui, Oahu, Kauai and the Big Island attract visitors any time of year. Ocean temperatures do differ by a few degrees throughout the Hawaiian Islands, but don’t vary much from month to month. The..

What Makes the Big Island Activities and Big Island Tours So Special?

The Big Island delivers primordial experiences, and these experiences translate easily into Big Island tours and Big Island activities as you will shortly see.  There are many things that make the Big Island so special and this all begins with the volcanic activity that began millenniums ago and still occurs to this..

How will Oahu's weather and climate effect your Oahu Activities and Oahu Tours?

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.  Yes, of course in a perfect..

Science and Hawaiian Culture Lock Horns on the Big Island

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. In a sense these protests have roots in the creation story told from one generation of Native Hawaiians to the next: Wakeia, the union of Sky Father,..

Take a Helicopter Flight Around the Island When You First Arrive

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. This will be of particular value to you if you are a first time visitor to the island and this..

Hawaii Marine Life Conservation Districts

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. In particular we support the mission of Marine Life Conservation Districts (MLCDs) to rebuild fish stocks and maintain..

Hawaii's Giant Waves Inspire an Industry

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. Imagine a vertical wall of water, 80' high, propelling your surfboard at massive speeds so close to your back that you can reach out and touch the wave wall with your outstretched hand.

What are the best snorkel spots on Maui?

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. There are a couple of generalities we could make regarding snorkeling on Maui. One is that you..

Whales... Like You've Never Seen Them!

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. “New England” in their name harks back to sightings by European whalers off the coast of New England.

Honolua Bay. An Amazing Snorkeling Spot!

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. When calm, however, Honolua Bay can be like a lake and offers some of the best snorkeling..

How Kauai weather patterns effect Kauai Activities and Kauai 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.  As far as temperate climates go, Kauai finds itself in the 'sweet spot'.  The average high monthly temperature will range from 78 to 85..

Full-Face snorkel masks are in the news in Hawaii

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. Proponents love the bigger window of visibility provided and also the fact that you do not need to have a snorkel in your mouth as you breath in and out...

Hawaii's Coral Reef's. So Important to the health of the islands.

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..

How do the Climatic Conditions on the Big Island effect Big Island Activities and Big Island Tours?

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. Even the weatherman gets it wrong sometimes and Google, too. But the challenge for weather predictions is..

How the volcanic activity will effect Big Island Activities and Big Island Tours?

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..

Oahu – Glorious Combinations of Weddings, Activities & Sightseeing

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..

Beach vs Boat Snorkeling Advantages and Disadvantages

Snorkeling in Hawaii should be a top goal for any visitor. With clean, warm waters,..

An Urgent Message from Mauna Loa

Mauna Loa, the world's largest mountain and volcano, is about..

Remedying Hawaii’s Housing Shortage

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..

Hawaii’s Beaches Face A Microplastics Crisis

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..

Coral Bleaching Threatens Hawaii’s Coastline

The health of coral reefs is more important than most people realize. Not only are coral reefs essential to..

Amazing Air Journey to Molokai’s Hidden Treasure

In past times there were two ways for visitors to discover one of Hawaii’s most unique experiences, Kalaupapa National..

The Hawaii Knowledge Deficit

An important part of the job of the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) is to overcome preconceived notions about Hawaii..

Hawaii -- A Favorite Adventure Travel Destination

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. More and more companies are getting..

Building Special Family Memories in Hawaii

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..

A New Generation of Hawaiian Language Speakers

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..

Bird Watching in Hawaii

Birders in the U.S. and around the world should know that Hawaii’s birds consist of the greatest variety and..

Tours & Activities

Tours & activities account for about 10% of global travel spending annually. Increasingly travelers are seeking out..

Experiencing the “House of the Sun”

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.), five different..

The Sun's Intensity at Big Island Beaches is Extreme!

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. It only takes a matter of 20 minutes to get a sunburn and the likelihood of getting a burn at one of the Big Island Beaches is even greater.

Try Your Luck at finding Fire Knife Dancing on the Mainland!

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..

The Hawaii Knowledge Deficit

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..

Big Island Hiking & Strolling Trails

The Big Island offers a marvelous array of options for visitors just looking for scenic strolls or for..

Filling the Hawaii Comprehension Gap

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..

Big Island Beach Weather

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.

Will You be able to Swim with the Dolphins on Maui?

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..

Guide to Kauai’s Beaches for People Planning Weddings, Events and Vacations

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,..

Tours and Activities are now as important in the 'Travel World' as accommodations and air flights!

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..

Triple Crown of Surfing

For the professional..

Kauai's Waimea Canyon

Most people heading..

Reforestation in Hawaii

It’s always good..

Keep Hawaii, Hawaii.

More than 10 million..

The Forbidden Island of Niihau

Located 18 miles from..

History of the Hawaiian Hula

When the voyagers of..

Reef-Safe Sunscreens

Previous video..

Hawaii Real Estate Trends

Hawaii is a hot place,..

Polo in Hawaii

The Hawaiian..

Maui Wine

Few visitors think..

The Polynesian Cultural Center

We are still learning..

Cannabis in Hawaii

Hawaii has its own unique..

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

In 2018, an eruption..

The Hawaiian Lei

Introduced into the..

Maui's 'Iao Valley'

Located in Central..

Hawaii's Agriculture

Extremely rich soil..

Unique Tours on the island of Maui

Every Hawaiian island is..

Why the A-Star and ECO-Star Helicopters are considered the 'Gold Standard' of touring helicopters in Hawaii.

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...

How will Maui's Weather effect your Maui Activities and Maui Tours?

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.  Certainly it is true that 'Maui's weather' will effect 'Maui's activities'.  Everyone..

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.  Many islands will offer the same types of activities but each island is of course different.  Maui really has some special circumstances that provide..

What makes Kauai Tours and Kauai Activities so Special?

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 unique geography of he island is what creates the 'playing field' for all the activities to operate upon.  Because the Kauai..

What are the 10 most popular categories of Kauai Activities and Kauai Tours on the island?

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.  This can be very helpful when you are choosing your activities on the island.  As a general rule, the most popular activities are the ones that book up first so these are..

What are some of the most unusual Maui Activities and Maui Tours?

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.  Following you will see a list of some very special tours that add to the special color and flavor of the..

Why should you consider a 'Doors Off' helicopter flight?

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. The vast majority of flights will be 'doors on' flights. But why might..

What are the Top 10 most popular Maui Categories?

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.  Many of the activities available here are absolutely remarkable in..

A Maui Zipline. What you should know before you book!

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.  There is a certain amount of walking to do between zips on each..

The Rainbow Eucalyptus Adds Color to the Hawaiian Rainforest

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.