Germaine’s Luau – Oahu Hawaii

admin — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 02:14:41 +0000

Our trip was winding down and we still hadn’t made it to a Luau. We were a bit skeptical that it would be touristy, but I must say I was pleasantly surprised with Germaine’s. At about $70/person, it was a great value. The price included transpiration to/from the Luau from Waikiki (about a 30 minute ride), 3 drink tickets, dinner AND the show.

The bus picks you up and the party starts. The guide we had cracked jokes the entire ride along with giving us a few lessons on Hawaiian culture. It made the ride go by pretty quick. They plan it out so you arrive around sunset (amazing view).

Before the show starts, you get to whiteness the “Royal” ceremony where they bring up the pig from the outdoor imu (underground oven). Shortly after, dinner is served. Don’t be shy and ask for extra Kalua Pig – it is absolutely amazing – super moist with a unique smoked flavor.

After everyone gets food from the buffet, the show starts. The cast takes you through several tribal dances/rituals from Tahiti, Samoa, New Zealand and Hawaii. My favorite was the fire thrower.

Everyone in our party was very happy with the level of quality and service provided. We would definitely go back.

Official Website:
http://www.germainesluau.com/

Contact Info:
91-119 Olai Street �
Kapolei,Hawaii 96707
(800) 367-5655

Luau:
21°17′51.51″N
158° 6′18.62″W

Diamond Head Hiking Trail – Honolulu, HI

admin — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 04:26:00 +0000

A group of friends went to Hawaii over Thanksgiving this year. While going for a casual drive, we came upon the Diamond Head Crater. Feeling adventurous, we decided to give it a shot.

If we had it to do over, we would have definitely wore tennis shoes (not flip flops) and brought along some water. It is a relatively short hike (about 40 minutes up, and 20-30 minutes down). As you ascend the side of the crater, beautiful panoramas of the entire island come into view. We had an absolutely perfect day, and snapped some amazing photos. If you are afraid of stairs, you will want to avoid this. We actually saw one person look at the larges series of stairs and head back. At the top you actually get to see some of the WWII gun turrets at the top of the mountain. One of the best views is that of Waikiki beach, where you can see a modern city with every amenity imaginable meet the crystal blue waters of the Pacific.

After you are finished and back at the parking lot in the base of the crater, don’t forget to try some shaved ice. I don’t know if it was the fact we forgot water, but the shaved iced was the best I ever had! I’d definitely like to repeat this hike the next time we go.

Official Website:
http://www.hawaiistateparks.org/hiking/oahu/Index.cfm?hike_id=2

Contact Information:
Off Diamond Head Road
Between Makapu’u Avenue and 18th Avenue, Honolulu, HI
(808) 984-8109

Trail Head:
21°15′48.19″N
157°48′18.97″W

Ryan's Blog » HI-Honolulu

Germaine’s Luau – Oahu Hawaii

Diamond Head Hiking Trail – Honolulu, HI