Celebrate Aloha Week with a LUAU SPECTACULAR! Our authentic cultural showcase for Hawaiian music and dance is headl ...
Read More
Expedia Local Expert
We want to introduce you to the best things to do while on Oahu. Adventures and activities abound here and we can r ...
Read More
Polynesian Cultural Center
The lifestyles, history and hospitality of seven Pacific cultures come alive at Polynesian Cultural Center, Hawaii' ...
Read More
Dolphin Quest
We bring people and dolphins together with fun activities and amazing interaction. Enjoy the experience of a lif ...
Read More
• Hawaii is the most geographically isolated population center on earth. The Hawaiian Islands are 2,000 miles from the Marshall Islands; 2,390 miles from California; 2,500 miles from Tahiti; 3,850 miles from Japan; 4,900 miles from China; and 5,280 miles from the Philippines.
• Hawaii has two official languages — English and Hawaiian. More >>
• Hawaii is home to the tallest mountain on the planet: Mauna Kea on the Big Island — measured from the seafloor — tops out at 33,476 feet. From sea level it measures 13,796 feet high. More >>
• Hawaiian monarch King David Kalakaua (reign 1874 to 1891), was the first reigning monarch to circumnavigate the globe and the first foreign head of state to speak before a joint session of the U.S. Congress.
• Hawaii is home to the longest continuously erupting volcano in recorded history: Kilauea Caldera on the Big Island of Hawaii has been producing a lava flow since January 1983. More >>
• Hawaii has no snakes in the wild.
• 'Iolani Palace in Honolulu's Capitol District featured electricity before even the White House in Washington, D.C. More about the Palace >>
Nightlife in Honolulu Island nightlife isn't much different from the after-dark scene in any other city — unless you factor in Waikiki, big hula moons, the balmy evening air, and the rhythm of ukuleles strumming to the beat of the pounding surf. There are quiet cocktail bars, jazz clubs, rock and roll dance clubs, places that specialize in Hawaiian music, salsa and reggae clubs, karaoke bars, country dance halls, English and Irish pubs, stage extravaganzas and down and dirty pubs that stay open until 4 a.m.
Most Waikiki stage shows are family-style entertainment, filled with music, dancing, magic and high-wire acrobatics.
"Stars In Concert Hawaii," playing at the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani in the Ainahau Showroom, is another relatively new production. Vocalist Danny Couch, a veteran of Waikiki's club scene, is appearing in a show at the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani Hotel. And Cirque Hawaii Theatre's Cirque du Soleil-inspired circus continues its run at the Imax Theater on Seaside Avenue in Waikiki. This is a show without words performed mostly on a 70-foot-high aerial apparatus and showcasing the strength, balance, skill and grace of the performers.
At the Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel, Merlin-award-winning magician John Hirokawa stars in the "Magic of Polynesia," a showy stage spectacular that transforms Hawaiian legends with mystifying illusions and special effects. Dinner and cocktail shows are staged nightly.
At the Outrigger Waikiki hotel, the Society of Seven, an all-male lineup of musicians with an outrageous sense of humor, has been drawing crowds for more than 30 years. This Las Vegas-style show is just a tad risqué, high energy, nostalgic, funny and totally entertaining.
A new show, produced by the creative team behind 'Ulalena, Maui's long-running hit, is in the works. It will be staged in an under-construction showroom on the fourth floor of the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center.
Waikiki clubbing presents a host of opportunities.
There are dozens of jazz spots. A Hotel Street top-of-the stairs club called thirtynine hotel is getting good reviews. Two step your way over to Nashville Waikiki in Ohana Waikiki West Hotel and enjoy a night of line-dancing. The Waikiki Beach Marriott continues to offer great Hawaiian music, as does Hank's Café on Nu'uanu Avenue. Rumours, a disco alternative well situated in Ala Moana Hotel near Ala Moana Center, features salsa Thursday, and oldies on Saturday night.
Zanzabar Nightclub, in the Waikiki Trade Center at the corner of Seaside and Kuhio avenues, is anything but mellow. The $6 million nightspot, with room for nearly 1,000 people, is all dance floor and amped up music. It's cutting edge, open every night, definitely the place to go when you gotta dance.
As long as you're in the Islands, try drinking awa, or kava. It looks like dirty dish water and doesn't taste much better, but if you're looking for mellow, try this ancient Polynesian brew. At the Diamond Head Cove Health Bar, it's served in coconut shells.
For the latest scoop on shows, clubs, and music, ask your favorite bartender or concierge. Here are the rules: Don't drink and drive, and if you're called on stage to sing or dance the hula, just do it.
Throughout 2008
Polynesian Cultural Center, Oahu
This dramatic film on a giant screen measuring 65 feet high by 93 feet wide
highlights the beauty, diversity and the importance of maintaining healthy
coral reefs throughout the Pacific. Shown five times daily (one show in
Japanese), the film follows the real-life expedition of underwater
filmmakers Howard and Michele Hall as they explore unique locations in
Fiji,
Australia's Great Barrier Reef, Lizard Island National Park, Tahiti, and
the
coral atoll lagoon of Rangiroa, French Polynesia. Admission fee.
Information: www.polynesia.com
2008 has been designated as Year of the Coral Reef, with support from Outrigger Hotels & Resorts in Hawaii. Environmental education combines with fun during these special activities and events.
The Hawaii version of this "International Year of the Reef," is spawning a series of interactive and educational activities about the islands' marine eco-systems and how to care for them.
Outrigger Hotels & Resorts in Hawaii, in collaboration with the National Marine Sanctuary Program (NMSP) and a network of nonprofit organizations, is offering a series of programs and activities at its oceanfront properties
as part of the hotels' ongoing commitment to the local environment. Most are free to hotel guests.
Upcoming Year of the Coral Reef activities include:
Bishop Museum Lectures Series
April 10, May 8 and June 12, 6 p.m.
Information: www.bishopmuseum.org
8th Annual Coral Reef Awareness Day
April 19, 2008
Keauhou Beach Resort, Hawaii Island
Supported in part by the Keauhou Beach Resort. Information: Sara Peck, 808-329-2861.
7th Annual Kona Underwater Classic
May 24 - 31, 2008
Keauhou Beach Resort, Hawaii Island
Dive, shoot and learn from some of the finest underwater photographers. Registration
fee. Information: www.cenpac.com/konaclassic.htm
Outrigger Reef Builders
Wednesdays, June 25 through July 16 at Outrigger Reef on the Beach. Children of all ages are invited to join Outrigger and NOAA to build a coral exhibit and make sea stars, butterfly and tang fish to take home. Information: Luana Maitland, 808-924-6007.
Dr. Sylvia Earle
July 29, 2008
Outrigger Reef on the Beach, Oahu World-renowned marine biologist Dr. Sylvia Earle will give a special presentation. Information: Luana Maitland, Outrigger Reef on the Beach, 808-924-6007.
Papahanumokuakea Exhibit
August 2008
Keauhou Beach Resort, Hawaii Island
This special exhibit at the Keauhou Beach Resort features stunning images of Papahanumokuakea (Northwest Hawaiian Islands) by internationally noted photographer Susan Middleton.
IMAX Coral Reef Adventure
Throughout 2008 at Polynesian Cultural Center, Oahu
Admission fee.
Information: www.polynesia.com
Bottom Time Talks
Get an underwater scoop on Hawaii's marine environment at the Bottom Time
Hawaii's dive shop at Keauhou Beach Resort. Information: 808-331-1858.
Kohala Center's Kahalu'u Bay Project / Reef Teach
Learn about proper coral reef etiquette at the Kohala Center's weekly Reef Teach programs at Kahalu'u Beach Park, located adjacent to the Keauhou Beach
Resort. Evening programs at the hotel are also available.
Information: www.kohalacenter.org
The Island Explorer Kit is a free gift when you stay three or more nights at the Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach, Outrigger Reef on the Beach, Keauhou Beach Resort hotels and all Outrigger condominium resorts in Hawaii.
Enjoy the diverse musical styles of Native American flute players at thisannual concert. University of Hawaii, Center for Hawaiian Studies, 2645 Dole Street, Honolulu, Hawaii. Starting at 6:30 p.m. Free.
The Hawaii Fishing and Seafood Festival takes place in the heart of Honolulu on the waterfront at the Pier 38 Fishing Village. Held annually on the Sunday of the Discoverer's Day weekend, last years event drew over 20,000 attendance in only the 2nd year of existence and is evolving into one of the most popular events in Hawaii.
Sample or purchase fresh Hawaii seafood products from popular local fishmarkets, restuarants and diners. Learn ancient and modern fishing methods from the various Hawaiian Civic and local shoreline, spearfishing and boating clubs. Try your hand at longcasting or flycasting at the demonstration area.
Tour the local fish auction and see the various fresh fish displays such as Ahi, Mahimahi, Ono (Wahoo), Opakapaka, Munchong and more!
FREE drawings - grand prizes may include trips to Las Vegas and Ocean Kayaks. Activities for Adults and Kids of all ages!
Lots of free parking (additional parking located at Honolulu Community College 1 block up the street - FREE shuttle service provided)!
Women-only Marine Explorations - for Women with a Wild Side Join like-minded baby boomers for mornings spent exploring Oahu's rural west coast, swimming with dolphins, green sea turtles and other marine wildlife.
Snorkel encounters led by local marine biologist Tori Cullins and her all-women-crew. This is a yearly don't miss event with surprise onboard guest appearances.
Portion of proceeds donated to the Wild Dolphin Foundation.
The 26th annual Vans Triple Crown of Surfing features the world's best surfers against the world's biggest and best waves of Oahu's famous North Shore. These three events for men and women offer $750,000 in prize money and will crown the 2008 Association of Surfing Professionals World Champions. Wave face heights along the North Shore during the winter months range from six- to 60-feet!
All of the action can be experienced live via the internet at www.triplecrownofsurfing.com.
