Friday, August 9, 2013

Kualoa Ranch

"Truly Hawaii"



Kualoa Ranch is a family owned enterprise with a mission to be stewards of this special land. They aim to preserve, protect, and enhance the natural beauty of Hawai'i's land and culture. 

Established in 1850, Kualoa Ranch is a 4,000-acre working cattle ranch ranging from the high mountains, down to the crystal clear blue sea. Located on the Winward side of Oahu, approximately 45 minutes from Honolulu and Waikiki. Here you will experience a vast array of landscapes from dense tropical rainforests, to huge open valleys and breath-taking white sand beaches. It is described as "a true paradise for outdoor recreation" with most locations reachable only by horseback, all-terrain vehicles, or hiking.

"Famous Site for major Hollywood Films!"
Kualoa Ranch has been the ideal site for many television shows and movies such as:
  • Jurassic Park (1993) Starring: Sam Neil, Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum, Richard Attenborough, Ariana Richards and Joseph Mazzelo
  • Windtalkers (2002) Starring: Nicolas Cage and Christian Slater
  • Pearl Harbor (2001) Starring: Ben Affleck, Josh Hartnett, Kate Beckinsale, Cuba Gooding, Jr., Alec Baldwin
  • Tears of the Sun (2003) Starring: Bruce Willis and Monica Bellucci
  • 50 First Dates (2004) Starring: Adam Sandler, Drew Barrymore, Rob Schneider, Dan Aykryod


Kualoa Ranch
49-560 Kamehameha Highway
Kaneohe, HI 96744

Reservations Toll Free: (800) 231-7321
Reservations Desk: (808) 237-7321

Directions (From Waikiki): Take H-1 Freeway west to the Likelike Highway Route #63. Proceed up Likelike Highway and through Wilson Tunnel. Descend towards Kane'ohe town and exit onto Kahekili Highway Route #83 heading North. Continue along Kahekili Highway (*the road becomes Kamehameha Highway when you pass the historic "Hygenic Store" in Kahalu'u). Signs will point you in the direction of the entrance.

Tours and Activities


Kualoa Experience Tours

Movie Sites & Ranch Tour


Movie Tour including film locations for Jurassic Park, 50 First Dates, Hawai'i 5-0, Windtalkers, and more!
Adult: $26
Child: $15


Jungle Expedition Tour


Ride on this 6-wheel drive Swiss Pinzgauer that takes you through Oahu's beautiful Hakipu'u Valley
Adult: $26
Child: $15
*Special Remarks*
This ride is extremely rough and bouncy. If you have back problems, or small children, this tour might not be for you.


Ancient Fishing Grounds & Tropical Gardens Tour


Journey across one of Hawai'i's most well-preserved ancient Hawaiian fishpond and tour a tropical garden filled with fruit trees and flowers.
Adult: $26
Child: $15


Legends & Legacy Tour


Storytelling and a walking tour that reveals Kualoa's treasured history and cultural signficance.
Adult: $9
Child: $6


Hakipu'u Hike


1.5 mile narrated hiking tour through Hakipu'u Valley.
**Offered only the second Saturday of every month from 9-11am**
Adult: $15 (Includes one child)
Child: $5 (under 18 years old)


Kahiko Hula Lessons


Learn the ancient Hawaiian dance in an authentic and historical setting. The class involves learning a brief history of hula as well as dance.
Adult: $26
Child: $15


Secret Island Beach


One of Hawai'i's secluded beaches, and an ideal place to spend the day
Times: 9am-noon & noon-3pm daily
Adult: $26
Child: $15 (ages 3-12)


Ocean Voyage Tour


A catamaran tour that features views of Mokili'i Island and Hokule'a Beach
Adult: $59
Child: $29


Dinner and Entertainment


Legends of Kualoa Dinner & Show 
Traditional Hawaiian entertainment and a Hawaiian Luau buffet
Adult: $59
Child: $29



Kualoa Adventure Tours



ATV Tours


Explore famous movie locations in Kualoa's Ka'a'awa Valley with tons of scenic viests

1 Hour Tour
Adult: $69

2 Hour Tour
Adult: $99

**Must be at least 16 years old to participate


Horseback Tours


Ride the Southern half of Kualoa and see amazing scenic views!

1 Hour Tour
Adult: $69

2 Hour Tour
Adult: $99
**Must be at least 10 years old to participate

Keiki Horseback Rides


Introduction to horses for children.
Each ride is 5 minutes
Keiki: $5
**Ages 5-9 years old


Keiki Experience

An entertaining experience for children while their parents are on tours

1 Hour: $25
Petting zoo, exotic animals, Hawaiian legends and storytelling
2 Hours: $40
In addition to 1 Hour activities:
Games and activity using Hawaiian canoe plants and visits to the sculpture garden 



Click on our podcast to here more details about Kualoa Ranch!












Thursday, August 8, 2013

Polynesian Cultural Center

Click to listen to our podcast, where we will give you an in-depth description of the center.

Polynesian Cultural Center


Established in 1963 by the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints to preserve and perpetuate the more ideal aspects of Polynesian Culture, as well as to provide work opportunities for students at the adjoining Bringham Young University.

Directions from Waikiki

Transportation to the Polynesian Cultural Center can be purchased as part of a ticket package.
Visit Here to make a Reservation

For those who wish to drive ($8 parking fee for each vehicle)Several ways to get here

Hours of Operation

11:45 am
Parking lot, gift shops, snack bar, and Barbecue Luncheon Buffet opens

12:05 pm
Island Tours and Hawaii Village Presentations begin
Activities and shows of each village will be spread throughout the afternoon

2:30 pm
"Rainbows of Paradise" canoe pageant near Samoa and Hawaii

5:00-7:00 pm
Ambassador Restaurant and Island Buffet open
5:15-6:30 pm
Ali'i Lu'au with traditional Hawaiian entertainement
Be there before 5:00 pm to receive your lei greeting

7:30-9:15 pm
World Famous Evening Show
Ha: Breath of Life
All seats are reserved. Ticket sales are based on a first come first serve basis


Village Show times and Activities


Islands of Hawai'i


"Aloha"

Village Showtimes
12:05, 1:30. 3:05, 4:30

Activities
Hula performances and demonstrations
Presentation on Hawaiian Kapu system
Food demonstration: Harvesting taro to make poi
Observer how to craft leaves and flowers into leis, baskets, and other useful items


Islands of Samoa

"Talofa!"

Village Showtimes
12:30, 1:30, 3:05, 4:00, 4:30, 5:30
One of the centers most popular demonstrations

Activities
Learn how to make a fire by rubbing two sticks together
How to crack open a coconut
Hot to create coconut milk
Learn how Samoans prepare their food
Watch young natives climb 40 ft. coconut trees bare foot!
Attempts can be made after presentation is over. Good luck!
View real life living quarters, cooking huts, and a chief's home
Food tasting: Samoan food prepared throughout the day



Aotearoa (New Zealand)

"Kia Ora!"


Village Showtimes
1:00, 3:30, 4:430
One of our favorites!!

Activities
Learn how to do their ancient war dance the "Haka"
Learn the Maori stick game called titiorea, and how to twirl poi balls. You can also get a Maori temporary tattoo



Islands of Fiji

(photo: http://acelebrationofwomen.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/fiji_people.jpg)

Village Showtimes
12:30, 1:30, 3:30, 4:00

Activities
Demonstaration of the lali or long drum and its meaning
See many tools and weapons crafted for war


Tonga




Village Showtimes
12:30, 1:30, 4:00, 5:30

Activities
Learn how "ta nafa" or drumming. One lucky volunteer can try the oversized drum!
Tongan shuffleboard
"Tolo" the game of underhand spear throwing

Tahiti


Village Showtimes
12:30, 1:30, 3:30

Activities
Learn how to shake your hips the tahitian way!
Learn how to cook some coconut bread
Learn how to make shell and flower leis
Have a spear throwing competition 

Rainbows of Paradise




Starts at 2:30 each day.
See all the colorful costumes and dances



Ali'i Luau




Authentic Hawaiian food

Ha:

Breath of Life
  

7:00pm-9:30pm



Thursday, August 1, 2013

Oahu Hikes



MAUNAWILI FALLS

Maunawili Falls is a fantastic hike with a rewarding 25 ft waterfall and swimming hole at the end of the hike. Maunawili Falls is located on the windward side of Oahu, and draws thousands of people from all over. 


The trail itself is located in a neighborhood right by the Koolau mountains. When you arrive you must find street parking and the location of the start of the trail can be a bit confusing.



While hiking the trail, you will see AMAZING views from the Koolau mountains, as well as smaller waterfalls along the way. Be aware, this trail can be very muddy! I have actually hiked it barefoot because it was easier in all of the mud. The hike has a few stream crossings, so be careful not to get confused. Its a short/fairly easy hike which takes about 2 hours, and has an elevation of 400 ft. When you get to the end of the trail you will find the waterfall. There are two separate spots to jump from. Most people, (including myself), jump from the smaller one. However, there is a little trail you can take up along the side of the waterfall which will take you to the BIG jump. The brave men jump from here!
*note- keep in mind that many of the fresh water streams in Hawai'i contain Leptospirosis and it is advised you that you do not go in if you
have any open cuts or wounds.
If you have any questions, just ask Lyndsay!
























Below is a map as well as the easiest directions found from To-hawaii.com


Location: Kelewina Street, Maunawili, HI 96734

Directions: From Honolulu, take the Pali Highway toward Kailua. Turn right at the second Auloa Road, then veer left onto Maunawili Road. At the end of Maunawili Road, make a right turn onto Kelewina Street. Park on the street and walk left to the trail access.
For more information on Maunawili Falls as well as user reviews check out:
Maunawili Falls



MANOA FALLS/AIHUALAMA TRAIL

Entrance to the Trail
Manoa Falls Trail located in the Manoa Valley is a fairly easy hike through a scenic rain forest and bamboo forest to the base of a 100 ft. waterfall and small pool. This trail is a premier example of the beauty Hawaii has to offer. It has been a popular filming spot for television and movies with scenes from the hit TV show LOST being filmed here, as well as parts of Jurassic Park.

Difficulty: Easy

Trail Length: 0.8 mi
Duration: Approx. 30-45 minutes

Because this trail is not so strenuous compared to other hikes around the island, it makes it one of the most popular hikes. This site can get fairly crowded on the weekends. The scenic rain forest atmosphere provides ample shade and protection from the sun which helps makes this hike cool and breezy. The trail gradually ascends to the waterfalls base where a viewing area has been constructed to restrict access to the pool due to a landslide that occurred in 2002. The pool itself is a shallow wading pool, and many visitors do venture around the barricade to enter the pool. WARNING! Most fresh water pools in Hawaii may contain a bacteria that can cause Leptospirosis. Signs and warnings are posted to warn against entering the pool if you have any open cuts or wounds.



For more experienced hikers: If the 0.8 hike to the Manoa Falls is too short for you, there is a trail marked to the left of the viewing area. This is Aihualama Trail NOT suitable for novice hikers. This trail is about 1.3 mi and takes from 2-3 hours to reach the summit where you get a fantastic view of Manoa Valley. The terrain switchbacks up the mountain through many different landscapes and also gives access to other trails in the Honolulu Mauka Trail System.

**As of February 2013, the Aihualama Trail has been closed temporarily due to a major landslide that has covered parts of the trail. However, the Department of Land and Natural Resources is currently working on a project to restore the trail and make it available to the public again.**



Manoa Falls Trail is located at:

Manoa Rd, Honolulu, HI 96822

How to get to Manoa Falls from Waikiki

Drive:
Driving directions to Manoa Falls from Waikiki: Take Kalakuau Ave (the main road through Waikiki) to Philips St. Turn right on Philips St. Take the first left onto Punahou St. Punahou St. turns slightly right and becomes Manoa Road. Follow Manoa Road to the end of the road. Note: East Manoa Road splits off to the right. Stay left on Manoa Road. Parking is available for $5. Drive time is about 15 minutes from Waikiki. To find Manoa falls on a GPS or an online map, use the address for Treetops Restaurant which is 3737 Manoa Road, Honolulu, Hawaii 96822. See map to Manoa Falls to the right.

Public Transportation (theBus):

Take bus #5 from Ala Moana center to the last stop. The bus takes about 25 minutes (more like an hour when you add wait time and walking time). Walk about 1/2 mile from the bus stop to the trail head. There are signs near the bus stop pointing to Manoa Falls. You can take a bus to Ala Moana if your hotel is not within walking distance. Be sure to get a transfer when you get on the first bus so you won't have to pay for the second bus. The cost is $2.50 (exact change). Discounts are available for children and seniors.

Tour buses:

A number of tour companies take bus or van tours to Manoa Falls. Inquire at your hotel. The hotel can put you in touch with these tour companies. This option will be quite a bit more expensive than theBus, but it is a lot easier since they will pick you up at your hotel, get you to the right place, and then return you to the hotel. Also, they will usually have a knowledgable guide.

Taxi Cab:

Cabs are numerous in Waikiki. They are more expensive than theBus, but will get you there and back a lot faster.



Waimea Falls Trail



Waimea Valley is a historic nature park located on the North Shore of O'ahu. It is one of the last, partially intact ahupua'a on O'ahu. An ahupua'a is a land division that extends from the uplands to the sea. Hawaiians used the rain water to feed their crops, the mountains for hunting, and the ocean for fishing. Everything you need to survive was available in an ahupua'a.
The valley has been a sacred place for more than 700 years of Native Hawaiian history. Waimea means, "The Valley of the Priests" and was given this name around 1090, when the land was awarded to a Kahuna Nui (high priest). Descendants of the high priest continued to care for the land until 1886. With the purchase of the land by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs in 2006, they seek to preserve the Hawaiian Culture through many aspects.

Operating Hours
  • Open daily from 9am-5pm, 7 days a week
  • Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Years Day


Admission Fees
  • Visiting Adults $15
  • Visiting Child $7.50 (ages 4-12)
  • Visiting Senior $7.50 (ages 60+)
  • Kama'aina/Military Adult $10 each
  • Kama'aina/Military Child $5 (ages 4-12)
  • Kama'aina/Military Senior $5 (age 60+)
  • Individual Annual Pass $50.00
  • Family Pass $100.00 (2 adults & up to 4 children under the age of 12)
Activities
  • Several activities (with paid admission) are offered throughout the day in different locations in the valley
Cultural Activities
  • Hula demonstrations
  • Hawaiian games
  • Crafts
  • Music
  • Story telling
Ancient Hawaiian Archaeological Sites
  • 78 sites of interest have been identified including religious sites and shrines, house sites, agricultural terraces and fishponds

World Class Botanical Garden Collections
  • The 150-acre Botanical Collection that contains more than 5,000 kinds of tropical and subtropical plants including native and endangered Hawaiian plants.

Wildlife
  • There are several native and endangered birds in the valley
  • Because there are so many endangered plants and animals, no domestic animals are allowed
    • Includes: birds, cats, dogs, with the exception of service dogs






Waihi Waterfall                                                                                                                     

  • 45 foot Waterfall
  • About 3/4 of a mile from the ticket booth


Retail, Food & Beverage Services
  • Retail Store
    • Showcases North Shore artists and Hawaii crafts of locally made products
    • The concession stand uses locally grown, made-in Hawaii ingredients for local dining




Diamond Head Hike




Diamond Head hike, also known as the Diamond Head Crater was built in 1908. It was part of the Oahu's coastal defense system. Diamond Head is the name of a volcanic tuff cone on the Hawaiian Island of Oahu and Leahi in Hawaiian, it was mistook calcite crystals embedded in the rock for diamonds in the 19th century.

Diamond Head is younger than the main mass of the Ko'olau Mountain Range. It is estimated to approximately 200,000 years old and was inactive for around 150,000 years compare with the Ko'olau Range of 2.6 million years old. Visitors can start their hike from the parking lot on to the crater floor, the trail to the summit is approximately 0.8 mile. It is a one way hike and have to climb around 560 feet in elevation. While visitors are hiking the trail, they should stay on the designed trail and be careful about the trail as it gets uneven and steep.


Trail Length: 1.6 miles (round trip)

Time: 2 hours
Difficulty level: Moderate
Terrain: Dry and Slopes

Operating Hours:



  • Daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. (365 days including holidays)
Admission Fees:



  • $5.00 per car (private party)
  • $1.00 per person for pedestrians
  • $10.00 per car/van (commercial vehicles)
  • $20.00 Mini-bus
  • $40.00 Buses
Public Facilities in the trail:


  • Restrooms
  • Vending Machines
  • Food truck
  • Water Fountains
  • Picnic Area
Special Tips:


  • Last entrance to hike the trail is at 4:30 p.m. (gates are locked at 6 p.m.)
  • No pets allowed, except for service animals
  • Camping and mountain bikes are not allowed on this trail
  • Wear good walking shoes
  • Bring water
  • Wear a hat and put on sunscreen


How to get to Diamond Head:



  • The trailhead is adjacent to the parking lot within Diamond Head State Monument. The entrance is off Diamond Head Road between Makapu'u Avenue and 18th Avenue, Honolulu.
  • Visitors can get to Diamond Head by car or bus.

Monday, July 29, 2013

North Shore Shrimp Trucks


Click to listen to Episode 5 of our TIM 302: Secrets of Hawaii Podcast: North Shore Shrimp Trucks

North Shore Shrimp Trucks

When you think of Oahu's North Shore, a few things come to mind-high surf, exotic and historic scenery, and beautiful stretches of beaches. But what you might not know is that the North Shore is also famous for its shrimp trucks. These individually owned and operated trucks provide some of the freshest shrimp and prawns on the island. Beginning in 1993 with the development of aquaculture farms in the town of Kahuku, shrimp and prawn farming helped the shrimp truck business gain success. These locally grown jumbo prawns are sold to local restaurants and are also offered to the general public via the humble shrimp trucks and shacks along Kamehameha Highway with Butter & Garlic Shrimp Scampi being a popular favorite among all in the business. Although there is a vast variety of trucks out there, each with their own signature styles and flavors, we will premiering our top 4 picks:
1. Giovanni's Original White Shrimp Truck (one of the first and most popular!)
2. Macky's Sweet Shrimp Truck
3. Romy's Kahuku Prawns & Shrimp
4. Shrimp Shack



1. Giovanni's Original White Shrimp Truck


Locations
56-505 Kamehameha Highway, Kahuku 96791
66-472 Kamehameha Highway, Haleiwa 96712

Hours of Operation
Kahuku: 10:30 am-6:30 pm
Haleiwa 10:30 am-5 pm

Menu Items Include
The Original Shrimp Scampi: 12 shell-on shrimp marinated in olive oil, fresh chopped garlic, and lemon butter. Served with two scoops rice drizzled with a garlic lemon butter sauce and caramelized chunks of tasty garlic.
The Hot & Spicy Shrimp: 12 deliciously cooked shell-on shrimp marinated and smothered in a fiery hot tasty red sauce served with two scoop of rice.
Lemon Butter Shrimp: 12 shell-on shrimp sauteed in a butter, lemon sauce with two scoops of rice.
Plates plates sell for $13
Jumbo Garlic Hot dog
Refreshments: Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Iced Tea, Passion Orange, or Bottled Water
Shrimp Scampi
Hot & Spicy Shrimp


Lemon Butter Shrimp


For additional menu items and more information: visit Giovanni's Original White Shrimp Truck




2. Macky's Sweet Shrimp Truck


Location
66-632 Kamehameha Hwy,
Haleiwa, HI 96712



Hours of Operation
Open daily 
9:30 am-6:30 pm


Menu Items Include
Original Shrimp
Lemon Pepper Shrimp
Coconut Shrimp
Spicy Hot Shrimp
Butter Garlic Shrimp
Plates range from $10-15

For more information: (808) 780-1071




3. Romy's Kahuku Prawns & Shrimp


Location
56-781 Kamehameha Highway
Kahuku, HI 96731

Hours of Operation
Open Daily
10 am - 6 pm

Menu Items Include
*Choose between either jumbo prawns or juicy shrimp upon availability
Butter & Garlic Sauteed: prawns or shrimp smothered with a butter-garlic sauce on two scoops of steamed rice. Served with a Shoyu spicy dipping sauce
Sweet & Spicy: laced with sweet spicy sauce in either mild, spicy, or extra spicy dipping sauce with two scoops of rice
Fried Shrimp: 10 pieces of peeled and wrapped in egg-roll wrappers and deep fried to a golden brown. Served with two scoops or rice and sweet spicy sauce.
Steamed Prawns or Shrimp: either 1/2 pound or one whole pound of steamed prawns of shrimp served with any two sauces and two scoops of rice.
Sun Fish: fried crispy with two scoops of rice and sweet spicy and shoyu spicy sauce.
Plates range from $12.75-$16.75
Sauces: Shoyu spicy, Sweet spicy, Cocktail, Butter Garlic, Butter, Shoyu, Vinegar
Sides: Tossed green salad (Ranch, Italian, Thousand Island Dressing), Kahuku Sweet Corn, Chilled Pineapple, Pani popo "Buns in Coconut" (traditional Samoan Dessert)

Butter & Garlic Sauteed Prawns
Sun Fish

Steamed Jumbo Prawns
Romy's Kahuku Prawns & Shrimp Check them out for available online coupons!


4. Shrimp Shack!



Location
53-360 Kamehameha Highway
Hauula, HI 

Hours of Operation
Open Daily
10 am - 5 pm

Menu Items Include
Pan Fried Shrimp (Garlic Shrimp)
Spicy Shrimp (Mild, Medium, Hot!)
Coconut Shrimp: served with a guava honey sauce
Grilled Mahi in Molokai sauce w/Grilled Onions
Surf & Surf: 1/2 Mahi, 1/2 Shrimp
Whole Snow Crab
Shrimp & Crab: one whole Snow Crab and 10 shrimp
Mussels: poached in garlic butter and beer
Calamari: in a tomato basil sauce
Steak & Shrimp: 8oz. New York Strip Steak, 7 pieces of Shrimp. Served with rice and grilled onions
Prices range from $10.75-$23.75
Chili & Rice
Chili Dogs
Hot Dogs
Kahuku Sweet Corn

Refreshments
Tropical Floats: Guava, Strawberry, Pineapple, Orange 
Kona Iceberg: Hot Kona Coffee serve over vanilla ice cream


Steak & Shrimp

Pan Fried (Garlic Shrimp)






Coconut Shrimp

For additional information, visit Shrimp Shack!

Tips

-Most trucks are CASH ONLY!
-Bring some wet naps with you for the finger-licking good shrimp!
-Be sure to visit the beautiful beaches on the North Shore