Hawaii Tourism Blog

Hawaiian cuisine represents a fusion of the many cooking styles that immigrants brought to the islands. When you eat at a local restaurant, you will detect culinary influences from the United States, China, the Philippines, Japan, Korea, Polynesia and Portugal. While fish and pork dishes receive most of the publicity, visitors with the proverbial sweet tooth will feel like kids in a candy factory.

Chocolate
Hawaii is the only U.S. State where cacao can grow. In fact, it has been growing on the Big Island since the 1850s, but only gained popularity in the late 20^th century. Still, the state has less than 200 acres of cacao growing land, which makes Hawaiian chocolate a rare commodity.

At the Original Hawaiian Chocolate Factory in Kona, the owners grow, harvest, ferment, dry and roast their own beans and process it into chocolate. All of the work takes place on their own farm. Waialua Estate on the North Shore of Oahu boasts the largest cacao farm in Hawaii, with 25 productive acres. The workers carefully harvest the cacao pods, ferment the nibs and allow them to dry in the warm Hawaiian sun. Talented chocolate artisans transform the nibs into enticing chocolate.

Liliha Bakery Honolulu
Chocolate is one of the key ingredients in the Coco Puff, made famous at the Liliha Bakery in Honolulu. Chocolate pudding fills this cream puff pastry. A buttery macadamia nut and Chantilly frosting tops it off.

The bakery, which opened in 1950, was located in a tiny retail outlet at 1703 Liliha Street. When their baked goods gained popularity, they moved to a bigger store, but kept the same name. Liliha Bakery became a local tradition. Children would stop on their way home from school and enjoy a glazed doughnut. Friends would chat over coffee, and aunties would pick up cakes for the family potluck dinner. Some of the staff members have served the company for as long as 40 years. Open 24 hours, Liliha Bakery also serves meals.

Coconuts
Although coconuts are not indigenous to Hawaii, they are deeply integrated into Hawaiian traditions and culture. When the Polynesian introduced Hawaii to the coconut tree,  the created a match made in heaven.Since the coconut thrives in tropical climates, the trees were at right at home in Hawaii.

While relishing its nutritional benefits, the Ancient Hawaiians also used coconut fibers to cover their canoes and coconut shells to help create the drums used in spiritual rituals. Coconut also served as construction material, and as a beauty product.

If you love coconuts, plan to visit in July for the Niu Festival at Grand Wailea Maui. If you can’t make the festival, be sure to try Haupia, a traditional coconut milk-based Hawaiian dessert, which often graces the tables at luaus and other Hawaiian celebrations. Although technically a pudding, its consistency resembles a gelatin dessert. Haupia is served at the luau at the Polynesian Cultural Center. If you happen to be at Sunset Beach on the North Shore in Haleiwa, drop into Ted’s Bakery and try the Original Chocolate Haupia Pie.

Ted’s Bakery
In 1906,  after obtaining a five-year contract to work on a sugar plantation, Torojiro Nakamura immigrated to Maui from Japan. He was eventually transferred to a plantation on Oahu. When his contract ended, he decided to lease the land.

In 1950, he bought land in Sunset Beach, on the North Shore of Oahu, and opened a small grocery store. His grandson, Ted, eventually joined the business, and added a bakery. The bakery also serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Malasada
During the late 19^th century, Portuguese laborers from came to Hawaii to work in the plantations. With them came their traditional foods with them, which included a fried dough pastry called the “malasada.”  These confections are comprised of egg-sized balls of yeast dough that are deep-fried in oil, then coated with granulated sugar.

Tex Drive In
Tex Drive-In is a landmark on the Honokaa-Hamakua coastline. Their bakers elevate the malasada to an art form. Perhaps that’s why they sell almost 70,000 a month. In addition to their regular malasadas, they offer varieties filled with a fruits, Bavarian cream or chocolate.

Guri Guri
Guri-guri is a Hawaiian frozen dessert which is a cross between sherbet and ice cream. Supposedly, its ingredients include fruit juices, soda and condensed milk, but nobody knows for sure. The Tasaka family of Maui has been selling this beloved desert for 90 years, but the recipe is a family secret. Their shop at the Maui Mall in Kahului opened in 1973. Before that, they sold their product at their candy store.

These are just a few of the tasty sweets you will find in Hawaii. They add a whole new meaning to the words “sweet vacation.”

My friend and I had the opportunity to pre-screen the Polynesian Cultural Center’s latest movie shown in their IMAX theatre. The theatre itself underwent a major makeover and was closed for several months. The exterior of the theater now appears to be a large volcano that appears to spew out volcanic smoke. The entrances to the theater are replicas of volcanic lava tubes.

The film ‘Polynesian Journey’ was locally produced and filmed exclusively in Hawaii. The movie depicts stunning aerial views of almost all of the major Hawaiian islands that are difficult to access. Watching the movie in comfortable seats in a modern air-conditioned theater is a great way to orient yourself to the islands. From what I understand, the screen of the IMAX theater is the largest in the world. I don’t believe IMAX film was used in this movie but the images and sound were very clear. I don’t want to spoil the special effects unique to this movie, but prepare yourself for some cool technical features of the theater.

The duration of the movie is about 15 minutes, it is definitely a highlight of the Polynesian Cultural Center’s unique visitor experience. The Polynesian Cultural Center is currently celebrating its 50th anniversary.

Tropical Farms is a country home that was transformed into a lovely store. Hundreds of visitors stop each day either by car or motor coach on their way to the Polynesian Cultural Center or on a circle island tour around Oahu. It is an ideal place to stretch and use the restroom since it is almost the half-way point around the island. As visitors approach the entrance, they are warmly greeted by Tropical Farm’s friendly staff and invited to try free samples of their coffee and macadamia nuts. The unsalted macadamia nuts are my favorite.

Original art such as watercolor paintings by local artists is featured. The decor inside the store reminds visitors of Hawaii’s old plantation days. The mementos from the ’40′s and ’50′s posted on the walls of the store give the atmosphere a personal touch.

The owner of Tropical Farms, Mr. Paty, has been able to fulfill what visitors read about in Hawaiian travel brochures. He and his helpful staff and authentic offerings truly deliver and radiate the spirit of aloha which makes everyone feel comfortable and secure. He takes visitors out of their hurried pace and lets the natural surroundings of Hawaii making shopping fun and memorable.

Tropical Farms is a refreshing stop that gives visitors a glimpse of Hawaii is supposed to look and feel like. Even as a small store, Tropical Farms weave scenes together into an unfolding story of Hawaii — a story that make each item in the store seem especially valuable. All other shopping on the island just offer a boring, ‘big-box’ experience.

Address: 49-227 Kamehameha Hwy Kaneohe, HI 96744

Map: https://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&cid=11079200092898020051&q=Tropical+Farms&iwloc=A&gl=US&hl=en

Phone: 808-237-1960

Website: macnutfarm.com

Hours: Open Daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Nothing says “Hawaii” like the melodious rhythms of the ukelele. If you visit between March and October, you will enjoy free annual ukulele festivals on Oahu, the Big Island of Hawaii, Kauai and Maui. Past guest artists have included Grammy Award pop singer, James Ingram, jazz saxophonist Gabe Baltazar, Santana’s bass player Benny Rietveld, and drummer Noel Okimoto.  Amidst the spectacular Technicolor of the Hawaiian islands, local food, dance and craftsmanship blends with the music and creates an unparalleled experience. Some festivals even feature ukulele lessons and valuable door prizes, while others sell authentic, handcrafted instruments.

 

A Brief History of Ukelele in Hawaii

Historians speculate that the first ukeleles were made by Portuguese cabinet makers and sugar cane workers from the Madeira Islands, who arrived in the Kingdom of Hawaii in 1879. The music of these immigrants made a lasting impression on the people of Honolulu. In August of 1879, the Hawaiian Gazette reported that Madeira islanders have been entertaining people with nightly street concerts, played on instruments that were a cross between the guitar and the banjo.  The instrument was the small, four-string Madeira guitar. Once called the machete, it eventually evolved into the Hawaiian ukulele.

After they fulfilled their obligations to the sugar cane industry, many of the Madeira immigrants relocated from the plantations to Honolulu, where they could practice their former professions in a cosmopolitan setting. While most were cabinet makers by trade, they also used their woodworking skills to craft stringed instruments.

Several stories explain how the ukulele got it’s name. Some say that  Queen Lili’uokalani thought it came from the Hawaiian words for “the gift that came here”, or “uku, ” meaning gift or reward, and “lele,” which means “to come.”  Other historians suggest that the instrument was originally called “ukeke lele” or “dancing ukeke,” with “uke” being the name of a Hawaiian three stringed musical bow.

Another legend recounts a story about Gabriel Davian and Judge W. L. Wilcox, who was a member of a well-known Hawaiian family. Apparently, the two men attended a housewarming party at the Wilcox home in Kahili. Davian entertained guests with a ukulele he had made himself. When one of the guests asked the name of the instrument, Davion joked that, judging from the way one “scratched at it,” it was a “jumping flea.” The guest asked Judge Wilcox, who was fluent in the Hawaiian language, to translate, and Wilcox supposedly answered “ukulele.”

 

Ukulele in Modern Music

Perhaps you never had a particular interest in ukulele music, but one day, you turned on the radio, and heard an enticing cover of Somewhere Over the Rainbow. Or perhaps it was a haunting rendition of Wonderful World.

The singer and ukulele player was Israel Ka’ano’i Kamakawiwo’ole.  In Hawaiian his last name means “the fearless eye, the bold face.”  At age 10, he performed at Steamboats in Waikiki – where his father was a bouncer and his mother was the manager – and as a teenager, he formed a band called the Mãkaha Sons of Ni’ihau.  In 1993, he decided to go off on his own.  It was the best decision of his musical career. After signing with Mountain Apple Company, his music graced the soundtracks of films such as Meet Joe Black, Finding Forrester and 50 First Dates.

 

Save the Date for These 2013 Ukulele Festivals

In Oahu, the 43^rd Annual Ukulele Festival will take place on Sunday, July 21, 2013, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at Kapiolani Park, Waikiki, Oahu.

The 13th Annual Waikoloa Ukulele Festival will be held on Saturday, March 2, 2013, from 1:00 to 7:00 pm at the Kings’ Shops and Queens’ MarketPlace in Waikoloa Beach Resort.

The 8th Annual Maui Ukulele Festival takes place on Sunday, October 13, 2013, from 1:00 t 6:00 pm at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center in Kahului, Maui.

Kauai has not yet announced the date of its 9^th Annual Kauai Ukulele Festival, but it will take place at the Kukui Grove Center in Lihue, Kauai. The center sits in the Ha`upu mountain range, which is one of  the most  spectacular mountains on Kauai.

While the Hawaiian luau draws tourists from all parts of the globe, it is more than just a tourist trap and an excuse for gluttony. These celebrations, held under the stars, feature Polynesian music, hula performances, Polynesian fire knife dancing, and a chance to experience one of the oldest Hawaiian cultural traditions.

The Earliest Feasts
Hawaiians once referred to the luau as the ‘aha ‘aina. These feasts honored special occasions, such as launching a new canoe, or reaching a significant milestone. The celebrations were held on large woven mats, which were set on the ground and ornamented with flowers and local greenery.

Food was cooked in a traditional underground steam oven, called the imu. River rocks were heated over firewood. Once the rocks were sufficiently hot, the cooks removed the remaining firewood.  They crushed banana stumps and water over the hot rocks, in order to create steam. Then, they added the food and covered it to seal in the steam. In many ways, the ancient Hawaiians were ahead of their time, since steaming food is one of the healthiest cooking methods and does not require excessive oil.

Once the guests arrived, they sat on both sides of the spread and shared foods served in large wooden bowls and platters. Utensils were unheard of. Guests ate with their fingers, and nobody worried about germs. All of the foods were rich in symbolism. Some foods signified strength, while others took on the names of virtues and goals for which the participants aspired.

 

 

Liberating the Luau
The religious traditions of ancient Hawaii forbade women from eating with men. Furthermore, commoners and women of any rank were not permitted to drink port, or eat bananas, coconuts and several types of fish. These delicacies were reserved for royalty.

In 1819, King Kamehameha II abolished these traditions when he allowed women and common subjects to join the feast. The good king had an affinity for women. When he was six months old, his maternal grandmother took him into custody, complaining that he wasn’t being fed a proper diet by his father’s servants.  He thus grew up with a love of good food and good women, as evidenced by his five wives.

The word luau eventually replaced  ‘aha ‘aina. Luau, in the Hawaiian language, is the name of the taro leaf. Cooked like spinach, it is often served with chicken or beef.

The Most Famous Luaus
One of the most extravagant luaus held in Hawaii took place in 1847.  Over 1,500 guests were invited to celebrate of the 50th birthday of King Kamehameha III. They were fed in shifts of 500.  The cooks prepared 4,000 taro plants, 271 hogs, 482 large calabashes of poi, 3,125 salted fish, 1,820 fresh fish and 2,245 coconuts.

If you want to experience this classic Hawaiian feast, Hawaii Tours has many options to offer like the Ali’i Luau Package at the Polynesian Cultural Center. Don’t miss the opportunity!

Eventually, most people would have discovered the wonders of Hawaii as a vacation destination, but the film industry certainly expedited the process. When filmmakers come here, they find tropical locations that they can use in a secure and professional production environment. Hawaii houses 11 climatic zones where skilled directors can magically transform and create cinematic simulations of Africa, Asia, Central and South America and the South Pacific.

The First Film Made in Hawaii

In 1933, Lois Weber, one of Hollywood’s few female film directors, sailed to the island of Kauai with Cecil B. DeMille to film White Heat. The controversial filmed dealt with miscegenation and racism on a sugar plantation. James Bodrero, the writer, had spent his childhood summers on his grandfather’s sugar plantation, which was one of the plantations used in the film.

White Heat Synopsis

William Hawks is the foreman for the Cheney sugar plantation in Hawaii. His attraction to Leilani, a local woman, inspires him to take her into his home as his housekeeper and native “wife.” When his boss calls him back to San Francisco, Hawks meets and falls in love with Cheney’s daughter, Lucille. They marry and return to the plantation, but Lucille soon grows weary of her crude surroundings and persistent tropical rainstorms.

The arrival of her former fiancé, Chandler Morris, puts a smile back on her face. Hawks notices this attraction and picks a fight with Morris. To rescue Morris from Hawk’s brutal beating, Lucille starts a fire in the plantation. While battling the flames, Hawks falls from his horse and rolls into the inferno. Fortunately, the still-devoted Leilani is there to rescue him.

Sadly, during the 1930s, US citizens were not yet ready to hear the messages expressed in White Heat. The film was a box office failure. The New York Times panned the film, but praised the beauty of the Hawaiian setting. This put Hawaii on the map as a major film location.

Bali Hai Will Call You

History has a way of repeating itself and 25 years later, when Joshua Logan brought his cast and crew to Kaui to film Rogers and Hammerstein’s South Pacific, it did, on a grand scale. The theme of miscegenation was back – this time with a vengeance. The story was based on a musical from James Michener’s collection of short stories, Tales of the South Pacific, which had nothing whatsoever to do with Hawaii. The Kauai setting, however, was easily believable as Polynesia.

Synopsis

A blond-haired blue-eyed sweetheart awaits Lieutenant Joe Cable back home, but under the enchantment of Bali Hai, he has fallen in love with a Tonkinese girl. While she makes “joy invade his arms and fill his heart,” he refuses marry her, because he knows that his family will never accept her.

Nellie Forbush, of Arkansas, is as corny as Kansas in August and in love with a wonderful guy, who she will not marry, because he has two mixed-race children with a Polynesian woman who has died. The song, Carefully Taught, describes how these prejudices develop. It latter became a theme song of the civil rights movement.

A Controversial Success

The splendid score combined with the enchanted scenery of Kauai seduced audiences, but just like White Heat, South Pacific stirred controversy in certain parts of the country.

Four years prior to the making of South Pacific, the United States Supreme Court had declared school segregation unconstitutional. For the next four years, racial tensions ran high – so high, that some government officials tried to convince Josh Logan to remove the song Carefully Taught, claiming that it advocated a communist philosophy. The director and producers refused to give in. In fact, Internet Movie Data Base points out an interesting blooper. Two of the sailors in South Pacific were black. The United States Armed Forces were not desegregated until 1948, three years after the end of World War II. Whether this was a legitimate mistake, or whether Logan was trying to make a subtle statement, we will never know.

The Technicolor Beauty of Kauai

When Logan and his crew arrived in Kauai, they found a colorful, lush, tropical setting that was almost surreal. Surrealism, however, was not what the director was after. Concerned that the bright colors of Kauai would appear unnatural in Technicolor, he tried to soften the effect by filming several scenes through the newly available colored filters. Logan would latter consider this as his biggest mistake. While he wanted a subtler effect, the film-processing lab apparently created too much subtlety for Logan´s liking.

Exploring South Pacific Filming Locations

Most of South Pacific’s outdoor scenes were filmed on Kauai’s north shore. Many of the places remain unchanged to this day, and fans take delight in visiting the landmark film locations. These include:

Lumahai Beach, where Nellie Forbush went and washed that man right out of her hair. This beach is also famous for its native hala trees, which line the water’s edge.
The green twin peaks of Mount Makanaís in Ha’ena, inspired the mystical island called Bali Hai.
The garden where Emille de Bercue romanced Nellie Forbush while singing Some Enchanted Evening is now home to the Princeville at Hanalei resort.
On Hanalei Bay, the sailors bemoaned the fact that there is nothing like a dame.
Body Mary sat near the Kilauea River and talked some happy talk.

If you are curious about filmmaking in Hawaii, take our Ali’i Movie Excursion and Scenic Hanalei Tour to learn more.

Aloha!

What better romantic place to be for VALENTINES DAY than the beautiful islands of Hawaii!!!

 Whether your there during that holiday or just a vacation, the island is full of romance and beauty to partake of.

A Few Ideas for romance on the island:

ALOHA  FRIDAY DINNER CRUISE & FIREWORKS CRUISE

http://hawaiitours.com/aloha-friday-dinner-and-fireworks-cruise.oprc-04.tour

NAVATEK SUNSET DINNER CRUISE – ROYAL DINNER

http://hawaiitours.com/navatek-sunset-dinner-cruise-royal-dinner.oatl-oatl04.tour

Stay tuned for more Romantic Ideas while visiting the islands of Hawaii

 

The PCC will deck not just the halls but its nearly entire 42-acre grounds and picturesque lagoon to present “Christmas in Polynesia,” a 25-minute canoe ride that winds through a live holiday production. Elaborate Christmas lights, decorations and musical performances — and even actors, animals and props — are sure to get even the biggest scrooge in the holiday spirit.
Over a million lights and an amazing story line. Traditional story line of Christmas down one side of lagoon and contemporary down the other with dancing, large candy canes and ginger bread houses and an amazing North Pole. It is called “The Littlest Star” so it has a whole story line. It brings the true meaning of Christmas to your heart. The Polynesian people help portray this holiday soooo beautifully.  What a way to celebrate the Christmas holiday.

http://hawaiitours.com/aloha-friday-dinner-and-fireworks-cruise.oprc-04.tour

Relax and celebrate Aloha Fridays with the sunset and fireworks! Join us on a casual catamaran cruise where you can sip on a welcome Mai Tai and soak in a stellar sunset and citylight views while a strolling musician serenades with island favorites. Then enjoy light pupus before exciting fireworks, the highlight of a fun “Hawaiian-style” evening with family and friends.

 

 

Tours that we are thankful for in Hawaii

The Polynesian Cultural Center:  http://hawaiitours.com/search.php?Island=Oahu&Medium=Polynesian+Cultural+Center&Price=&x=55&y=13

To truly experience the Polynesian culture and learn about the different islands of Polynesia, this is the one stop experience that you will be glad that you took the time to see.

The Shark Adventure http://hawaiitours.com/north-shore-shark-adventure.onss-01.tour

If you want adventure, this is an amazing tour to come face to face with sharks. The tour guides are knowledgeable, and very safe. Everyone loves the rush that they get from such an exciting adventure.

Lots of beautiful hiking: http://hawaiitours.com/manoa-waterfall-hiking-adventure.oont-06.tour, http://hawaiitours.com/explore-diamond-head-crater.oont-37.tour,

If you love the outdoors and love to see nature and like to take advantage of hiking, there are lots of beautiful hikes and gorgeous views to take advantage of. Not only on Oahu, But on the other islands as well.

Luau’s and Polynesian Entetrtainment:  Paradise Cove http://hawaiitours.com/paradise-cove-deluxe-luau.opcl-03.tour  is one of the incredible luau’s that we offer on Oahu. There is also Germaine’s Luau: http://hawaiitours.com/germaines-luau.ogrm-ogrm01.tour and Chief’s Luau: http://hawaiitours.com/chief’s-luau-at-makapu’u-standard-package.hse-01.tour.  There are different price ranges for each individual’s financial situation. They all have amazing food and entertainment. When you come to Hawaii, you have to make sure to experience a Hawaiian Luau.

Pearl Harbor Tours: http://hawaiitours.com/pearl-harbor-arizona-memorial-and-honolulu-city-tour.gac-01.tour  The USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor is “ground zero” where World War II began for the United States. We recommend this tour for the entire family. You will learn much and appreciate the sacrifice made that early Sunday morning, December 7, 1941.

These are just a few tours in Hawaii that we are thankful for during this month of Thanksgiving. We are also thankful for the natural beauty of the island, and the ALOHA SPIRIT of the people.  No matter which tours you chose, you will always feel that ALOHA SPIRIT from the wonderful people on the islands.

Mahalo