Oahu may be casual, but it’s also charismatic. Over the past few months, the island’s attractions and tour operators have been particularly busy upgrading their offerings, resulting in a dynamic destination that’s calling previous visitors back for more.
Check out these five recent additions to Hawaii’s activity scene.
Blue Hawaiian Helicopters: Half-Hour Tours
Blue Hawaiian’s newest itineraries run just 30 minutes each, but they provide long-lasting memories. Better yet, they cater to clients who are staying on two different parts of the island. Honolulu-based visitors can book the Pali Makani tour, while west Oahu guests have easy access to the Waikiki Spectacular tour.
On both trips, the chopper flies over iconic landmarks such as Aloha Tower, Iolani Palace, Punchbowl Crater, Ala Moana Beach Park, Diamond Head State Monument and Pearl Harbor.
Flights take place on Eco-Star helicopters, which feature noise-canceling headsets, two-way communication between passengers and the pilot and DVD in-flight recording.
www.bluehawaiian.com
Kualoa: Adventures by E-Bike or Kayak
When filming the movies in the “Jurassic Park” franchise, Hollywood producers chose the ultra-photogenic Kualoa, a nature reserve that’s home to eco adventures and cultural excursions. Now, energetic clients can enjoy firsthand explorations of the windward Oahu attraction during two new outings.
On the immersive e-Mountain Bike Tour, participants glide around the private nature reserve on engine-assisted two-wheelers, whose silent power makes pedaling a piece of cake.
Meanwhile, on Sept. 1, Kualoa introduced a kayak experience where guests paddle to Mokolii Island — nicknamed Chinaman’s Hat — for splashy fun, with a scenic backdrop worthy of a first-run blockbuster.
www.kualoa.com
Clients see more and pedal less during Kualoa’s new e-bike tour.
Credit: 2018 KualoaNorth Shore EcoTours: Waikiki-Haleiwa Shuttle
Called Holo Haleiwa, this new shuttle service created by the owners of North Shore EcoTours presents a comfy and convenient way to get from the city to the country without renting a car.
Stopping at nine Waikiki pickup points, the air-conditioned vans are operated by islanders who share their insider knowledge of Hawaiian lifestyle during the trip.
The destination is Haleiwa, a laid-back town with a surfer vibe. Once there, clients can browse boutiques, relax at local eateries, hit the beach, visit nearby sights or try North Shore activities such as hiking, horseback riding and shark diving.
www.holohaleiwa.com
Polynesian Cultural Center: Huki, a Floating Show
Despite its decades-long history, Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) updates its offerings frequently and thoughtfully. The latest example is a new lagoon show that honors the rich legacy of ocean voyaging.
Dubbed Huki, the Hawaiian word for “pull,” the half-hour spectacle underscores the sense of community and family that defines Polynesian hospitality. Floating on double-hulled canoes, drummers, dancers, singers and storytellers in authentic Pacific island garb regale visitors with engaging music and movement.
Revamped seating and surround-sound systems encourage guests to join the celebration, which is included in PCC’s general admission.
www.polynesia.com
Port Waikiki Cruises: New Sailing Catamaran
Snorkel and sunset boat rides from Hilton Hawaiian Village pier aren’t novel. Recently, however, they went through a significant upgrade with the launch of a multimillion-dollar catamaran.
Run by Port Waikiki Cruises, the custom-built, 80-passenger Spirit of Aloha features loads of amenities, from a freshwater shower and two restrooms to a pair of stairways into the sea.
The upgraded Spirit of Aloha regales guests with splashy, classy catamaran sails.
Credit: 2018 Port Waikiki CruisesDaytime tours include a snorkel sail with lunch and an adventure sail to Diamond Head. Its Friday evening cruises come with snacks, drinks and thrilling views of Hilton’s fireworks extravaganza.
www.portwaikikicruises.com
