Aloha! 

My name is Fred, and I have been living in Hawaii since 1980. I grew up in New York City, but first came to Hawaii in 1980, when I was stationed here as an officer in the U.S. Air Force.  I returned to live in Hawaii a few years later, as a school principal at two charter schools, and as a university professor, at the University of Hawaii, College of Education. 

I started Teacher Vacations Hawaii in 2016, with the goal of providing k-12 teachers visiting Hawaii, with a vacation that is both relaxing and educational.  Our tours enable teachers to learn aspects of Hawaii and the Hawaiian culture that they can take back to their classrooms on the mainland U.S., to talk to students about what they learned, during their educational vacation to Hawaii. In addition, each teacher will be provided with a Go-Pro Camera, that will provide them with a video tour that they can show their students. 

The 0.7-mile hike up Diamond Head is considered a moderate climb.

It’ll take about an hour to reach the summit, and half that time for the return. The trail climbs the inside slope of Diamond Head for about 0.6 miles. It’s a switchback trail with the mountain on one side and a railing on the other. After a lookout point that doubles as a rest stop, the trail takes a steep upward ascent through a series of stairs and tunnels. The last set of stairs is a 99-step climb—just take it slow and steady—that eventually leads to a World War II bunker. From there, the stairs reach an end and you step up to some of the finest panoramic views on Oahu. Take a short walk around and savor the feeling the trade winds and hearing waves crashing far below, one can’t help but feel humbled to be on this glorious island.

Waikiki, Oahu

It’s exciting.Its very name—Waikiki—is enough to transport you to another world…a lively place of pristine white sand beaches, tropical sunsets, upscale hotels, fine dining, shopping and night life. Waikiki is truly the playground of thePacific. And to think that it was once just swampland.

The History of Waikiki

In earlyHawaii, Waikiki was a much larger area than the 1.5 square miles it encompasses today. Old Waikiki included the neighboring valleys of Manoa and Palolo. Translated, Waikiki means “spouting water,” a reference to the rivers and springs that richly flowed into the area. It’s said that in the 1400s, Chief Kalakaua designed an irrigation system to take advantage of Waikiki’s abundant resources. Fishponds were built and taro patches were planted. In the 1450s, Waikiki was established as the governmental center of Oahu.

Waikiki was the setting for one of Hawaii’s historic battles. In 1794, Kamehameha I arrived from the Big Island with a fleet of canoes. His army stormed Waikiki Beach and then set out for Nuuanu to take on Oahu chief Kalanikupule and his men. Kamehameha’s forces proved superior, and the Oahu warriors were forced to retreat up the valley, where they were pursued and driven off the steep Pali cliffs to their deaths.

Honolulu‘s population and its importance as a harbor and business center grew. In 1812, King Kamehameha moved his court from Kailua-Kona on the Big Island to Honolulu.

In the mid to late 1800s, Waikiki served as a vacation retreat for the kingdom’s royalty. Kamehameha IV, Kamehameha V, Lunalilo, Kalakaua,Liliuokalani and Princess Kaiulani were among the dignitaries who maintained residences in the area, enjoying moonlight horseback rides, thrilling canoe races and carefree romps in the ocean.

Waikiki Vacation – Hawaii’s #1 Visitor Destination

The first half of the 20th century saw Waikiki become a visitor destination. The Ala- Wai Canal was build in the 1920s to drain the area of its swamps and rivers, clearing the way for expansive hotel construction. The construction boom was stifled only temporarily, during World War II, when hotels were closed to visitors to accommodate servicemen.

Today, Waikiki is in full bloom. There are world-class hotels with familiar names like Hilton, Sheraton and Hyatt, and there are smaller operations that still provide plenty of aloha. Waikiki also boasts Waikiki Beach and the iconic slopes of Diamond Head Crater. There’s 500-acre Kapiolani Park, the Waikiki Aquarium, Honolulu Zoo and the International Marketplace (a shopper’s bonanza located in the heart of Waikiki). Waikiki is also home to some of Hawaii’s finest restaurants and hottest nightspots. Best of all, everything is within walking distance. Waikiki is yours to discover, block by block, beach by beach. Welcome to the playground.

Seven Must See Landmarks

Experience these 7 must see Honolulu landmarks yourself on our suggested 2.3 mile Honolulu walking route. View map and suggested walking route

1) Aloha Tower

A tour of downtown might begin at the Aloha Tower Marketplace, a harbor side complex of shops and restaurants surrounding historic Aloha Tower. When it was erected in1926 to welcome passenger ships arriving at Honolulu Harbor, this 10-story tower was the tallest building in the state.

2) Hawaii Maritime Center

Next door is the Hawaii Maritime Center, which traces Hawaii’s colorful ocean history from the ancient Polynesian voyagers and rowdy whalers to the luxury liners of the1920s and ’30s.

3) Chinatown

Walk mauka (towards the mountain) and west, and you’ll come to Chinatown bustling area filled with ethnic eateries, lei stands, fresh produce vendors, herbal shops and more. The Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii offers weekly guided walking tours of Chinatown.

Tip: Make a quick stop at the Aloha Market for fresh local produce.

4) Iolani Palace

Heading east onKing Street, walk through the main business district until you reach IolaniPalace, the only royal palace standing on American soil. The palace served asthe royal residence for Hawaii’s last two monarchs, King Kalakaua and QueenLiliuokalani. Guided tours are available here five days a week.

5) State Capitol Building

Behind the palace is the State Capitol Building, where the governor and state legislature fight their political battles. The building opened in 1969 and remains a unique work of architecture. The cone-shaped chambers symbolize Hawaii’s volcanoes, and the building columns are reminiscent of palm trees. The large pool of water surrounding the building symbolizes the fact that Hawaii is the only island state in the U.S.

6) King Kamehameha Statue

Across the street from Iolani Palace is the Kamehameha statue, which fronts Honolulu’s old judicial building. The bronze statue stands eight feet and six inches high (not including the 10-foot-high base). Every June 11 on King Kamehameha Day, the statue is adorned with beautiful floral leis, some as long as 18 feet in length.

7) Mission Houses Museum

Cross PunchbowlStreet to find the MissionHouses Museum, where the first American Protestant missionaries established their headquarters in1820. The structures you see here include the oldest surviving Western-style buildings in the state. They house a treasure trove of original artifacts,including furniture, books, quilts and other household items that once belonged to missionary families.

Visitors have ample opportunities to exploreFood and Culture in Hawaii.

Hawaii’s careful preservation of the culture, landscapes, rich heritage, and various ancient temples is an evolving tribute to the islands’ many myths and legends.The Polynesian Cultural Center in Oahu is one of many sites that shares the customs, dances, traditions, languages, and foods of Hawaii. Visitors have ample opportunities to explore the celebration of culture throughout the six islands, whether attending traditional luaus, culinary festivals, farmers’ markets, or touring local farms and plantations.

The people of Hawaii love to eat, and what better time then at a party?

Food festivals in Hawaii range from Hawaiian Regional Cuisine and wine tasting to a Kona Coffee Cultural Festival that takes place on the Big Island. Top chefs around the state aim to please which makes food festivals popular with locals and tourists alike.

Oahu

The largest festival used to happen each June on the island of Oahu. Unfortunately, after 15 years, the Taste of Honolulu has closed. This was a three-day event that showcased food samplings from more than 25 of the island’s top restaurants. In addition to the great food, there was live musical entertainment, cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, a beer garden and family exhibits. There was a nominal admission charge,and food was sold by scrip. We hope the Taste of Honolulu comes back.

While you can enjoy a Hawaii vacation without going to a luau, it wouldn’t nearly be as much fun.

A luau is the ultimate“feel good” celebration that incorporates favorite Island traditions as well as modern-day amenities. For many visitors, a luau winds up being the highlight of their entire Hawaiian experience.

Tradition

In ancient times, Hawaiians held traditional feasts to mark special occasions—the birth of a child, a successful harvest or victorious battle were all reasons to honor the gods who showed them favor. These celebrations were called Ahaaina (“gathering for a feast”). The term “luau” actually came much later and refers to the edible taro leaves that are used to wrap the food before being placed in the imu (underground oven).

In the past, men and women were not permitted to eat together. When the ancient Hawaiian kapu (taboo) system was effectively abolished in 1819, however, that custom was changed. Today,luaus are celebrations enjoyed by everyone—men, women and children—and are often held to commemorate a baby’s first birthday, a special anniversary or major event.

Overall, a luau is one of the “must” things to do in Hawaii. It’s a relaxing and colorful way to celebrate the cultures and traditions of these islands.

Today’s Luaus

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