Oahu’s activities and attractions are anything but static. Eager to please, they are constantly tweaking and upgrading so they can stay as original as possible for first-time and repeat guests. Here’s a look at just a few of the many new ways to keep active on the island.
Battleship Missouri Memorial
During the new Heart of the Missouri tour, clients can explore areas of this floating museum that have never before been available to visitors. Guides provide access to the boiler, plotting and engine rooms, and they give hands-on training with lessons in lighting the ship’s three-story boilers and adjusting throttles that control the massive propellers.
www.ussmissouri.org
E Noa Tours
This firm has launched From Paradise To War, a living history tour that whisks back guests to the eve of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Led by a guide who plays a character from the era, the excursion helps clients imagine what life was like in Hawaii on Dec. 6, 1941. After passing some of Honolulu’s hot spots from 70 years ago, the group visits the USS Oklahoma and Arizona Memorials.
www.enoa.com
Polynesian Cultural Center
The longstanding north shore attraction has unveiled its rebuilt Hawaii Village, featuring new activities, architecture and exhibits. Its redesign reflects an ancient Hawaiian ahupuaa, a land division that extended from the uplands to the sea. Visitors can also see and learn about two vital elements of Hawaiian life: a fishpond and an irrigated terrace for growing taro.
www.polynesia.com
Segway of Hawaii
All of these rolling tours now begin at the company’s impressive new Segway of Hawaii headquarters, which is located at the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort and Spa. From there, visitors can take part in two recently-introduced guided adventures on wheels: the three-hour Magic Island and Waikiki Glide Ride, and the two-hour Sunset to Diamond Head Tour.
www.segwayofhawaii.com
Wild Side Specialty Tours
Now offering Waikiki departures, the aquatic adventure company is promoting two tours timed with the annual migration of the humpback whales. The half-day Tails of Hawaii stays relatively close to shore, while the seven-hour Whale-opolis sails to an area boasting the highest concentration of humpbacks in Hawaii. Both are available through April.
www.sailhawaii.com
