Romantic Dinner Cruise
April 13, 2009 by Eric Tracy
Filed under Blog
Take a Dinner Cruise to Suit Your Tastes
A never-to-be-forgotten experience during any visit to the Hawaiian Islands is one of the many Hawaii dinner cruises with romantic sunset sailing offered by local tour operators. Specializing in spectacular sunset vistas over the open ocean, the dinner cruise provides true island “Aloha” to the day. No matter which Hawaiian island you have chosen to visit, there is sure to be a dinner cruise designed especially for your tastes.
Hawaiian dinner cruises are offered on a wide variety of sailing vessels, from state-of-the-art, multi-deck cruisers and large, engine-powered catamarans, to more intimate sailboats and sail-powered catamarans. Some offer a view of the ocean floor, coral reefs, colorful tropical fish and other underwater creatures through glass bottom viewing areas—equally spectacular during the day and when lighted during nighttime hours. Each vessel offers its own unique perspective to cater to every type of sea-going sightseer.
A Hawaii dinner cruise normally ranges from 2 to 4 hours, with check-in at the harbor scheduled slightly before sail time; however, all-day cruises including opportunities to snorkel, swim and explore island beaches, culminating in an evening meal and glorious sunset finale are also a possibility. Flexible timetables and convenient length of tour times allow many dinner cruises to be offered as part of a package, with other activities scheduled before or after departure. Be sure to check out this option with your travel reservationist. Some dinner cruises may have minimum age restrictions, while others are designed with keiki (children) in mind, including special rates per child.
Enjoy Food, Drink and Romance at Sea
If a unique wedding experience is on your agenda, a Hawaiian dinner cruise can be the perfect setting for an intimate and romantic wedding at sea and a perfect lead-in for the Hawaiian honeymoon of a lifetime. An on-board ceremony, dinner, sensational sunset and complete maritime experience will be remembered forever by all involved—whether you choose to limit the participants to the bride and groom or include a complete wedding party, family and guests. Be sure to contact your cruise operator for this option–most will make every effort to accommodate you.
Special anniversary celebrations are also encouraged and provide an unparalleled romantic backdrop for sentimental memories of the past and the opportunity to create new ones for the future. Of course, the sunset dinner cruise sets the offers romance to all—no special event required.
What to Wear on a Hawaii Dinner Cruise
Most Hawaiian dinner cruises call for informal attire, although if you have booked a cruise on a large liner with fine dining and dancing offered, you will want to dress accordingly. No matter which type of cruise is chosen, remember that evening hours can become quite cool quickly, so a light wrap or jacket is always a good idea. Smaller craft may also be subject to sea spray from waves or mist in the air if weather conditions are right. You may also be required to remove your shoes when boarding, and it is a good idea to wear shoes that have a good grip on the pier and deck when boarding and leaving the area.
What to Expect on a Hawaii Dinner Cruise
The spectacular Hawaiian shoreline scenery is always enjoyed as dinner cruises set sail from the harbor and enter the peaceful ocean, away from all land-based hustle and bustle. You are entering another world. Relax with your dinner companion to enjoy a varied offering of menus, depending upon the type of Hawaiian dinner cruise you select. Menus range from a lavish experience with gourmet food and fine wine to a complete Polynesian spread or a very casual Mai Tai Cruise with pupus (appetizers) served buffet style, accompanied by delicious tropical Mai Tai drinks prepared by the crew. Dancing and entertainment may also be offered on board during the cruise, although the ocean, the sky and the coastline scenery are always the prime attractions for any Hawaiian dinner cruise.
Spinner dolphins, flying fish, sea turtles and humpback whales (in season) may be visible in the water as you sail along–silent companions for the complete Hawaiian dinner cruise experience. The sight of a whale breaching out of the water or a mother and calf swimming alongside the boat may add the crowning touch to an unforgettable sunset. The always sociable dolphins are frequent companions to the cruises, performing water acrobatics alongside the boats for all to see and enjoy.
As the afternoon slips away, enjoy the spectacular sunset over the water–nothing can compare with the brilliant colors nature has to offer over the ocean as the sun plays her curtain call over the clouds in the sky. Sunsets over the ocean always have a special glow never seen over land. Then, as daylight fades into darkness, the stars emerge and the glittering lights of shoreline cities and towns sparkle their welcome back into the harbor at the end of another perfect Hawaiian dinner cruise.
Waikiki Beach
March 18, 2009 by Eric Tracy
Filed under Videos
Hula Girl at Sheraton
March 18, 2009 by Eric Tracy
Filed under Videos
Paradise Cove Luau Dancers
March 18, 2009 by Eric Tracy
Filed under Videos
Honolulu Screamer
February 17, 2009 by Eric Tracy
Filed under Honolulu Screamer
The Honolulu Screamer is a colorful, twin jet, water propelled jet boat that flies through the water at speeds up to 40 miles per hour and you’ll enjoy high speed twisting and turning as you boogie down surrounded by an awesome 20-speaker audio system! With her 1420 horse power, twin diesel Caterpillar engines there is not much that this boat can’t do!
Once aboard The Screamer, you will rocket up the coast of Waikiki all the way to Diamond Head Crater for 45 minutes of thrilling fun and excitement! Enjoy views of Waikiki and the Ko’olau Mountain Range and even possibly catch sight of some Hawaiian green sea turtles, spinner dolphins, and our seasonal winter guests, the Humpback whales!
Creation – A Polynesian Journey
January 27, 2009 by Eric Tracy
Filed under Creation - A Polynesian Journey
Creation – A Polynesian Journey is Sheraton’s newest Polynesian dinner and cocktail show in Waikiki.

This unique and exciting new production takes you on a spectacular journey like no other. With the use of the latest laser tech lighting, pyrotechnics, and a new digital sound system, the Ainahau Showroom takes guests to a magical place in Polynesia’s past. From the mystery of their creation, through their voyages of the Pacific, Tihati Productions incorporates Hawaii’s premier entertainers, lavishcostumes, spellbinding drama and illusions that leave one awe struck and wanting for more.
Magic fills the air as the journey continues through the Marquesas Islands and the delicate princess Titikua vanishes into thin air. In Samoa, the hearty laughter of celebration is topped with a spectacular fire knife dance.
Available five nights per week, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Children under 5 years of age are complimentary when accompanied by an adult paying the full dinner price.
Ali’i Dinner includes preferred seating, flower lei greeting, two beverages of your choice, filet mignon, lobster and much more. A special show souvenir is also included.
Standard Dinner includes a lavish buffet selection featuring carved prime rib, baked chicken, sauteed Mahimahi and other hot entrees, an assortment of Maki sushi, pasta salad, tossed greens, fresh fruits and a dessert bar. A tropical Mai tai cocktail or choice of soda, draft beer, coffee or tea is included in the dinner price.
The cocktail show offers a choice of two standard drinks or one exotic cocktail.
Island Seaplane
January 10, 2009 by Eric Tracy
Filed under Island Seaplane
The operators of Island Seaplane Service have a background of over forty-seven years of seaplane activity in northern Minnesota, Canada, Alaska, the Caribbean, Florida, SE Asian and Hawaii. The founder of the company, Pat Magie, has flown 39,000 accident free hours with about 32,000 hours in seaplanes–which now is probably the world’s record. He was also named as the National Seaplane Pilot of the year in 2000. He flew as a bush pilot in Northern Minnesota, Canada and Alaska for many years flying fishermen, hunters, forest fire suppression and freight of all descriptions. He did also fly many med-a-vac flights and saved several lives–sometimes at great risk at night and adverse weather conditions landing in strange lakes with no lighting.
Aloha Flight – 1/2 Hour Flight
On arrival at our floating office you will be welcomed and briefed on a map of the flight and the sights you will see. After you take-off from the water we will climb out alongside Honolulu Harbor and Aloha tower, then pass offshore of Waikiki Beach followed by a look down into Diamond Head Crater, the prestigious Kahala area, Koko Head Crater, Hanauma Bay, Sealife Park, Kaneohe Bay and return through Pali Pass and a circuit over the Arizona Memorial before returning to Keehi Lagoon for a water landing.
Islander Flight – 1 Hour Flight
This flight will take in all of the spectacular sights of the 1/2 hour flight and continue over sparkling Kaneohe Bay and along the Windward Coast of O’ahu and show you Chinaman’s Hat the movie site of “Jurassic Park” and Godzilla, “Kahana Bay, the Polynesian Cultural Center, the Mormon Temple, BYU Hawaii Campus, the old Kahuku Sugar Mill, the Windmill Farm and the Turtle Bay Hilton Hotel.
Air Tour & your choice: Catered Dinner or PuPu Party
We can arrange a sumptuous catered meal or a pupu party served on our dock with one of the best views in Honolulu. Tables and chairs will be set up on the dock with Hawaiian music piped over the site. As everyone relaxes, visits and eats our seaplanes will whisk each person in the group around the southern part of Oahu. Everyone will really enjoy watching the seaplanes taking-off and landing right in front of them.
Oahu Nature Tours
January 10, 2009 by Eric Tracy
Filed under Oahu Nature Tours

We specialize in small group size, guided eco-tours to see Hawaii’s unique native bird and plant species. Spectacular scenery, excellent photographic opportunities, and information about the Geology, Archaeology, Mythology and History of Hawaii await you on our fun and educational tours.
Founded in 1995 as the original nature adventure company on Oahu, we provide the finest eco-tours and best prices available, and have professional, knowledgeable and friendly local guides to narrate each location visited and assist you while exploring our beautiful island.
Whether you are interested in a rainforest – waterfall hike, a Diamond Head Crater adventure, Green Sea Turtles or colorful tropical birds and flowers; or simply would like to learn fun and interesting facts about the natural history of Hawaii, Oahu Nature Tours has always been the adventure travelers’ and travel agents’ choice for quality ecotours.
As a long-term partner of the “Nature Conservancy” we donate a portion of proceeds to local conservation efforts.
#1 Diamond Head Crater Adventure – $27.00
Enjoy a guided walk to the 760 foot summit of the world’s most famous crater where breathtaking 360 degree views await you. On this adventure you will learn interesting information about the crater’s geology, history, archeology, flora and fauna.
#2 Hidden Waterfall and Royal History Adventure – $45.00
Step back in time on this unforgettable adventure as we visit a picturesque waterfall in lush Nuuanu Valley, Queen Emma’s Summer Palace, the world famous Pali Lookout, Hawaii’s sacred Royal Mausoleum, the legendary King Kamehameha’s statue and other historic highlights of the Kingdom of Hawaii…
#3 Hawaiian Waterfall Hiking Adventure – $45.00
Spectacular 2000 foot jagged cliffs tower above as you walk into the lush Koolau mountains that rise above Kaneohe Bay. We visit a picturesque rainforest waterfall and enjoy Hawaii’s unique rainforest plants and birds.
#4 Natural Highlights of Oahu Adventure – $40.00
Visit Paiko Lagoon Wildlife Sanctuary, world famous Hanauma Bay, “From Here To Eternity” beach, Halona Blowhole, Makapuu Lookout, Kaupo lava flow and tide pools, Waimanalo Bay, Enchanted Lake bird refuge, ancient Hawaiian temple.
#5 Mountain Rainforest Adventure – $47.00
Journey to the scenic mountains high above the shimmering waters of Pearl Harbor to a place that time has passed by. In this beautiful setting we walk into a forest that includes Hawaiian honeycreepers, scarlet-flowered Ohia and majestic Koa trees.
#6 Valley of the Rainbows Adventure – $45.00
Travel with us to the enchanting, lush rainforest located deep within the beautiful Valley of the Rainbows. Here, nestled below towering jungle trees and surrounded by seven waterfalls one of the world’s premier Botanical Gardens, the Lyon Arboretum awaits you.
#7 Lost Coast of O’ahu Adventure – $50.00
Escape the hustle bustle of Waikiki and journey with us to the lost coast of O’ahu, a place where your fantasies of a tropical island paradise come true. Our first stop is Lanikai, the most beautiful beach in the world.
#8 North Shore Adventure – $42.00
An exciting journey of discovery to the famous North Shore of Oahu. Over the Ko’olau Mountains to the windward side, then onwards to the North shore featuring Byodo Temple, Wetlands, Banzai Pipeline, historic village of Haleiwa and much more..
#9 Manoa Waterfall Adventure – $45.00
This adventure will fulfill all your fantasies about Hawaii’s lush rainforests, giant ferns, cascading tropical waterfalls, picturesque streams and unique species that can be found nowhere else on Earth..
#10 Oahu Nature Tours Grand Adventure Combo prices! – Save $
Combine the Diamond Head Crater Adventure with any of our other tours. Experience the fascinating diversity and natural beauty of Oahu on our Grand Adventure.The tours CAN be taken on the same or separate days!
#11 Oahu Nature Tours Deluxe Adventure Combo prices! – Save $
Combine any two of our adventures.A great way to see several interesting ecological highlights of our island.
The tours CAN be taken on the same or separate days!
#12 Special Adventurers Pass Combo prices! – Save $
For those guests interested in exploring a wide variety of unique ecosystems on Oahu.
Three of our tours are included and CAN be taken on the same or separate days!
Alii Kai Dinner Cruise
January 10, 2009 by Eric Tracy
Filed under Alii Kai Dinner Cruise, Featured
The Ali`i Kai Makahiki Dinner Cruise is one dinner party you’ll never forget. Step aboard this amazing 170-by-50-foot “Ruler of the Sea” for a casual, fun-filled sunset sail and delicious island flavors. Take in panoramic views of the Pacific, world-famous Waikiki and the city of Honolulu as you cruise down the coast.
After the sun sets, dine buffet-style and watch a captivating Polynesian show with dancers, drummers and chanters. When the show ends, it’s your turn to take to the dance floor as the Ali`i crew encourages passengers to play games and shake their own hips to the live music. Party your way back to shore, and by the night’s end, you’ll be part of the Ali`i ohana (family).
Alii Kai Adult (21 and up) – $74.00 / Our Price = $60.00
Alii Kai Child (ages 4-11) – $44.00 / Our Price = $41.00
Germaines Luau
January 10, 2009 by Eric Tracy
Filed under Featured, Germaines Luau
The term luau describes a Hawaiian feast named for the taro tops always served at one, but goes back to at least 1856, when so used by the Pacific Commercial Advertiser; formerly a feast was referred to as a pa`ina or `aha`aina. The pa`ina describes a small dinner party as compared to the `aha`aina which refers to a large banquet type gathering.
`Aha`aina – means feast – Traditionally feasts were held for human comfort and social enjoyment or to communicate with and seek the help of or to appease the Gods. In its supernatural context – we are referring to Hawaii’s pre-Christian deities and rituals. The term `aha`aina is derived from the root words `aha which means a meeting; gathering; or assembly and `aina which refers to eating or a meal.
In pre-missionary Hawai`i, both special religious occasions and human milestones were observed with feasting. Food in early Hawai`i was very often scarce and precious. What food they had, they shared with each other and with the gods. For feasts and even ordinary meals were important ways of communicating with the gods and one’s fellow man. During the feast or meal, the ancestral gods were usually brought out and they were also given their share of the meal – beyond a ritual offering of the spiritual essence or (aka) of the food.
In old Hawai’i , the `aha`aina feast was both a religious experience and an important part of the early ohana (family) way of life. The food prepared for the feast was precious to the early Hawaiian, for it provided vital source of life’s nourishment from the gods.
Today, the observance of the religious significance of the aha aina has all but disappeared and a feast, as it is hosted and celebrated in contemporary times, has become essentially, a purely social affair.
While today’s menu is similar to the food that was served at a traditional `Aha`aina, much of the religious significance and symbolism of the foods are usually forgotten.
Come and take a musical journey with us as we bring the islands of Samoa, Tahiti, New Zealand, and Hawaii to life in our exciting Polynesian Review.
From sunny shores of Papaeete, are the graceful and dazzling Tahitian dancers with their colorful costumes and gravity defying headdresses. Tahitian dance is known for its swift and steady rhythmic hip movements. Incredible stamina and dance expertise are required to perform this high-energy rendition.
The highlight of the show is the Samoan Fire-knife dance, known as the “Tooth of Death”. In the original interpretation, this dance was performed with a dangerously sharp blade.
The story behind the dance is of a Samoan chief making a movie for Hollywood many years ago. He decided to include the flaming torch in his part to make the dance more spectacular.
The show also includes the energetic Samoan Slap Dance, a traditional display of male prowess. True to the name, the dancers slap their chests, arms and legs repeatedly throughout this segment. For Samoan men, this was an opportunity to demonstrate their bravery and courage.
No luau would be complete without the swaying hips and graceful hand motions of the Hula. The dancers tell beautiful and expressive stories of love and life in old Hawaii using elegantly simple implements such as the ipu (polished hollowed-out gourd) and uli uli (brightly colored feather topped gourds).
How we began:
The founding of our luau began in the early 1970’s at Sea Life Park, the popular aquatic family venue overlooking picturesque Makapu’u Point on East Oahu. After a time, we relocated to the sunny west side of our island to a beachfront property near the Barber’s Point lighthouse where it remains today.
The area was the former seaside residence of Rosalei and William Stephenson & their family. The Stephensons were renowned for their hospitality and enjoyed hosting Hawaiian lu’aus as a regular family tradition.
Prior to the development of the present Campbell Industrial Park, the area was lush with vegetation and surrounded with sugar cane fields waving in the gentle breeze. The waters along the shoreline of the estate teemed with fish and other treasures of the sea.
To ensure that the family would be forever united and always remain Keiki o ka ‘aina (children of the land), individual coconut trees were planted for each member of the Stephenson family throughout the property. The heights of the various coconut trees today represent the different generations of family who celebrated aloha in their Hawaiian way of life and enjoyed happy times together. The lone Norfolk pine tree on the estate served as the family Christmas tree and the family members decorated it each year as they celebrated the joys of the Christmas holiday season.
In keeping with the Stephenson family traditions, we have taken special measures to insure that the “family of coconut trees” remain in the areas they were originally planted and are properly maintained.
Our lu’au has evolved over the years but the true spirit of Aloha remains as the defining element of the Germaine’s Luau experience.
Germaines Adult (21 and up) – $72.00 / Our Price = $63.00
Germaines Junior (ages 14-20) – $62.00 / Our Price = $53.00
Germaines Child (ages 6-13) – $52.00 / Our Price = $43.00







