Alii Kai Dinner Cruise

January 10, 2009 by Eric Tracy  
Filed under Alii Kai Dinner Cruise, Featured

Alii Kai Dinner Cruise 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

Germaine's LuauThe 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

Polynesian Cultural Center

January 9, 2009 by Eric Tracy  
Filed under Featured, Polynesian Cultural Center

horizons showHawaii’s Polynesian Cultural Center, located about one hour’s scenic drive from Waikiki, is the top paid Hawaii attraction for a reason. Our seven native villages give visitors the rare chance to participate in the daily adventures of Hawaiian and other South Pacific cultures. Add Hawaii’s most authentic luau and the world’s largest Polynesian night show and you’ll see why every trip to Hawaii should include a visit to the Polynesian Cultural Center.

Experience all of Polynesia

luau pig

Meet, learn about and interact with the people of Hawaii, Samoa, Maori New Zealand (Aotearoa), Fiji, Tahiti, the Marquesas and Tonga
Watch Hawaii’s only canoe pageant
Experience an authentic Hawaiian luau, a dinner-show feast fit for an alii (royal chief).
Enjoy our world-famous evening show, Horizons: Where the Sea Meets the Sky.
Enjoy family activities from all of Polynesia.
See our Oahu luau and Hawaii‘i dinner show packages.

One-Day Outer Island Tours

January 3, 2009 by Eric Tracy  
Filed under Featured, One-Day Tours

One-Day Hawaii “Grand Circle Island” Tour $309.00  /  Our Price = $279.00

This is the perfect all-day tour if you’re on Oahu and you want to visit a neighbor island that is entirely different from where you’re staying. The Big Island is like a planet unto itself, with its lava landscapes bursting with colorful flowers. On this circle island tour you will get to know this island well in a short amount of time. You’ll visit Volcanoes National Park near the earth’s largest volcano, Mauna Loa, where you’ll fill your brain with, and feast your eyes on, anything and everything volcano. You’ll learn about Kilauea, the world’s most active volcano, Hawaiian culture, and how the Hawaiian Islands were formed. A break at historic Volcano House for lunch will allow you to get up-close and personal with steam rising up through lava vents. There are also stops at Kilauea Iki Crater, a renowned Big Island lava tube, and waterfalls. Stunning views pop up throughout your drive, including a very dramatic one at Kealakekua Bay Overlook, where many historians believe Captain Cook died. You’ll also visit beaches made of black sand, kona coffee plantations, famous ranch lands, and sugar fields. Kailua-Kona, formerly a tiny fishing village, is also on the tour. This charming town is a combination of restaurants, shops and historical sites with beautiful views of the ocean. You’ll be amazed at the variety of Big Island sights and attractions you’ll see. And by the end of the tour, you’ll have a real understanding of this diverse, powerful, and very spiritual island.

hawaii_volcanoOne Day Tour – Evening Volcano Special $309.00  /  Our Price = $279.00

One Day Tours are the ideal way to explore more of Hawaii, beyond Waikiki. The Evening Volcano Special is a true adventure. This tour gives you a rich cultural experience and an exciting view of nature at work. A picturesque ride gives way to the vistas of dormant volcanoes, lava beds, steam vents and craters. Hear legends of Pele, ancient Hawaiian goddess of the volcano, who settled in the crater of Halemaumau at the summit of Kilauea. And, visit the many wonders of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Later, walk out over rough terrain and experience the power of mother nature first hand. While mother nature is unpredictable, you might witness the glow of firery lava during the evening viewing at active lava fields.

One-Day Maui “Hana Adventure” Tour $309.00  /  Our Price = $279.00

No doubt you’ve heard about the famous “Road to Hana” leading to the land where Puff the Magic Dragon frolicked. This one-day tour shows you this enchanting side of Maui, taking you along the gorgeous, winding coastal road while your guide adds more color to the scenery with interesting stories and lively narration. You’ll visit the famed Hana Bay itself, along with Maui’s famous windsurfing beach, Hookipa. There’s also a stop at 122-acre Wainapanapa State Park, home to a beautiful black-sand beach and Hawaiian sea turtles. At 2,000 feet above sea level, you’ll also get to cleanse your palate with sweeping views of the Central Valley and West Maui Mountains. Keanae Lookout will also take your breath away, with exquisite views of the peninsula and taro fields. And it wouldn’t be a complete Maui tour without seeing historical landmarks, waterfalls, and a quaint little town, now would it? This tour is indeed an adventure — one you remember from your imagination as a child, and have the chance to relive as an adult.

IaoOne-Day Maui “Valley Isle” Tour $309.00  /  Our Price = $279.00

For those interested in Maui’s lush jungles and impressive volcano, this is the one-day tour for you. You’ll witness Maui’s Mt. Haleakala, “House of The Rising Sun,” and hear the Hawaiian legend behind the massive volcanic crater. You’ll see stunning views of Maui, the Pacific Ocean, and West Maui Mountains along the way, and come to understand why this spot is regarded as one of the planet’s most powerful energy points. You’ll venture into Iao Valley until you reach a peaceful rainforest. This is where the bright green Iao Needle springs from the earth in all of its green glory. Tropical waterfalls and swimming holes are sprinkled throughout this tropical paradise. You’ll see rare plants and flowers at home in this dry climate, such as beautiful proteas, indigenous to South Africa. But the tour is more than mountains and valleys. You’ll also visit Wailuku Town, now a shopping oasis along a historic street, and popular Lahaina Town, an old whaling seaport lined with restaurants, shops and galleries. When it comes to Maui sightseeing, this trip is more than an eyeful.

One-Day Kauai “Garden Isle Island” Tour $309.00  /  Our Price = $279.00

Believe it or not, it’s possible to behold Kauai’s most famous sights in just one day. This tour captures all the highlights including a visit to awesome Waimea Canyon, Hawaii’s “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” Eucalyptus trees, yellow ginger, and mokihana berries rise up the 3,500 feet well-pleated cliffs. As if in a dream, a boat ride up the Wailua River will take you to the enchanting Fern Grotto, said to be the most romantic place in Hawaii. As you cruise down the river, a fern-lined lava cave comes into view. You can almost imagine a couple exchanging vows there, as Hawaiian paddlers sing their sweet song…and they do. Lush valleys, dense rainforests and hidden streams fill your day, while a 40-foot waterfall makes its cameo with Makaleha Mountains and a restored Hawaiian village as the backdrop. Watch as sea water shoots through the air with each incoming wave at the popular “Spouting Horn” blowhole. Spy on whales and dolphins along the coastline. Spectacular lookouts, sacred sites and historical landmarks are also part of the tour, including a Russian fort with an interesting tale, so be sure to bring your camera. Let the beauty and splendor of Kauai envelop you, take in the fascinating narration along way, and it’s sure to be an incredible day on Hawaii’s “Island of Discovery.”

Genesis Helicopter Flights

December 23, 2008 by Eric Tracy  
Filed under Featured, Genesis Helicopter

Lanikai Helicopter Tour Package
This aerial odyssey takes you above the turquoise coral reefs of beautiful Waikiki beach, to the extinct volcano of picturesque Diamond Head. Before arriving at Waikiki, be sure to soak up the bird’s-eye views of the Honolulu City skyline and historic Honolulu Harbor.

Waikiki by Air Next, your pilot sets his course for pristine Hanauma Bay. A lofty view of Hanauma reveals the abundant coral beneath the emerald sea. Your next stop on your journey will be the black sculptured sea cliffs of Makapu‘u. Once above Makapu‘u you are treated to breathtaking views of sea cliffs that rise from the deep blue ocean to heights of nearly 1,000 ft. Nestled on the summit of these cliffs is historic Makapu‘u Light House, reminding us just how unforgiving this coastline can be to mariners.

Sacred Falls

We then head around the rugged eastern coastline for an aerial perspective of Sea Life Park and the estate from that classic 80s TV hit Magnum P.I. As we fly over Kailua and Lanikai beaches, you’ll understand why this stretch of beach was ranked one of the top beaches in the world. We’ll then cross the breathtaking Pali Lookout and head for the rain forest of  Nu‘uanu Valley. Nestled deep in the valley is a 200 ft. waterfall that is rarely seen by kama’aina and visitors alike. Before returning to the airport you’ll have a rare opportunity to get an aerial perspective of Pearl Harbor’s Battleship Row and the hallowed waters surrounding the USS Arizona.

Sacred Helicopter Tour Package
The Sacred Falls helicopter tour includes most of the Lanikai tour and continues northward form Point Lanikai to Kaneohe Bay, Ka‘a‘awa Valley and Sacred Falls. Ka‘a‘awa Valley has been the choice of many directors for filming locations such as Jurassic Park, Godzilla, Windtalkers and most recently ABC’s Lost.

When you approach Sacred Falls, you instantly recognize why it is one of Hawaii’s natural wonders. It is truly an awe-inspiring sight to witness fresh mountain water cascading down its 1,000 ft. face. Your helicopter flight commands views of the falls like no other because Sacred Falls can only be seen by helicopter. From the falls, you’ll turn southward to see the pineapple fields of Dole and Del Monte. You’ll then return to the heliport via the historic Battleship Row of Pearl Harbor.

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