All posts in Activities

A Mauna Kea Sunset and Stargazing Adventure with Hawaii Forest & Trail

by Coty on January 22, 2013 in Activities, Hikes with 3 Comments

For our recent 4-day adventure to the Big Island, we decided that wanted to visit the summit of Mauna Kea. To get to the summit, one must drive up the infamous Saddle Road. Many locals will tell you that Saddle Road is a very dangerous road to drive on. In fact, a portion of the 16 mile road, just past the visitor center, is unpaved and very rugged. To aid in our excursion through Saddle Road and to maintain the limited warranty on our rental vehicle, we decided on going with a tour group led by Hawaii Forest & Trail. The last thing that we needed was a flat tire on our Mustang at 13,000 feet with no cellular signal available [1].

Our journey to Mauna Kea began at the lobby of the Waikoloa Beach Marriot & Spa, where we were picked up by Robert, our guide from Hawaii Forest & Trail. We were the last to be picked up and so we muscled our way to the back of the tour van, which, in retrospect was quite luxurious. Hawaii Forest & Trail limits each tour to 14 guests and uses a Mercedes Benz Sprinter MiniBus to “comfortably” get guests to the rough and cold summit of Mauna Kea and back to their 5 star resort hotels in Kona. I put “comfortably” in quotation marks if only because of the aforementioned portion of Saddle Road that could not be travelled comfortably no matter what vehicle you are in, unless, of course, you travel by Hoverboard.

The Long Drive

The drive up to Mauna Kea is a long and winding one. It helped that our tour guide, Robert, was very knowledgeable about the area. I asked him how often he travels up there, and whether he has to endure the long drive up and back down on a daily basis. He laughed and then said “no, I just do this 3-4x a week” he said. Robert, a tall burly man, probably in his mid 50′s, talked about some of the legends associated with Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa as well as the cultural significance of the area during the long ride up. This made the minutes go by a bit faster. It also helped that we brought along some fish and chips from Island Fish & Chips to munch on.

As we meandered through the winding road that is Saddle Road, we noticed various changes in climate and geology. We also noticed a variety of different animals from cows, goats, and horses. We even passed through a family of nene, which is a species of goose that is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. The nene is also the official state bird of Hawaii.

Dinner

At around 10,000 feet (I think), we made our first stop. If I remember correctly, the stop was made at a historic sheep ranch outpost. Here, we spent about an hour or so exploring the ranch buildings and the view. We also had dinner here under a tent. While we explored the premisses, Robert quickly set up our dining area. For dinner, we had hot barbecue chicken with veggies and homemade cornbread. Robert also passed out hot tea, which was a very welcome surprise.

After dinner, Robert had us gather around the van, he then passed out our hooded parkas. Though I did bring my own jacket, I used the provided parka as a second layer. It was freakin’ cold. To accompany the parkas, Robert later handed out warm gloves, that were geniously designed so that you could easily pop your fingers out so that you can easily use your digital devices.

Following dinner, we continued our drive up to the summit. Eventually, the paved road ended at the Onizuka Center for International Astronomy Visitor Information Station. Here, Robert made a quick stop to drop off some paperwork at the visitor center. When he returned, we made our final push to the summit along an unbelievably unpaved and bumpy road. This is the point at which a 4-wheel-drive becomes very important. And this portion of Saddle Road was the main reason that we decided to go with a tour group, rather than drive it up there on our own.

Just past the right of the visitor center you will notice the only snow removal equipment in Hawaii. It does snow on Mauna Kea. And when it does, Robert mentioned, locals love to drive up here with their trucks to snowboard, ski, and even collect some snow into the back of their pick up trucks and then transport it down to the beach to have some fun with.

One of the old buildings that was part of the sheep ranch. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

One of the old buildings that was part of the sheep ranch. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

Hawaii Forest & Trail transportation. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

Hawaii Forest & Trail transportation. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

Inside our tent. Super cold, but manageable. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

Inside our tent. Super cold, but manageable. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

The Summit

I believe that it took us about 50 minutes or so from the visitor center to the summit of Mauna Kea. At the top, you are greeted by a collection of some of the world’s most technologically advanced telescopes. It really does feel as if you are visiting some other worldly place. The view from the summit of Mauna Kea is breathtaking, both literally and figuratively. At the top, I did notice that I had a difficult time with my breathing. I also noticed a bit of dizziness. That, however, did not stop me from exploring as much of the grounds as possible. Eventually, I found a spot with Michelle and we both enjoyed the sunset from the top of Mauna Kea. This sunset was a special one, as we learned from Robert, since it indicated the start of the winter solstice. It was special to Michelle and I because on this day, December, 21, 2012, we were able to celebrate our 13th anniversary together, on the summit of Mauna Kea at 13,803 feet above sea level. More importantly, it meant that we had pretty much survived that Mayan apocalypse.

Thanks for snapping this photo, Robert. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

Thanks for snapping this photo, Robert. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

Brrrrrr, it's cold in here. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

Brrrrrr, it’s cold in here. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

That red hill there, to the left, is the true summit of Mauna Kea. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

That red hill there, to the left, is the true summit of Mauna Kea. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

The sun sets. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

The sun sets. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

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The Makani Catamaran Sunset Sail and Fireworks Cruise

by Coty on January 10, 2013 in Activities with No comments

I recently was invited to go on a sunset cruise with Chad Kahunahana, founder of Experience Hawaii, an online booking app specializing in Hawaii’s best tours & activities. The mission of Experience Hawaii is to make it easier for visitors and locals to discover and book Hawaii’s best tours & activities. Experience Hawaii hand-selects and highlight only the very best tours. Also joining us for the cruise were a few of Chad’s friends, including Rechung Fujihira, co-founder of The Box Jelly.

One of the activities that will soon be featured on Experience Hawaii is the Makani Catamaran. The Makani is unlike the other catamarans that we’ve reviewed here (see Welakahao Waikiki Rigger and the Ho`Onanea Catamaran of the North Shore Catamaran Charters), instead, it’s more like a mini yacht. It’s 64 feet long, 32 feet wide, and hold up to 79 passengers with a crew of 5. It’s considerably larger than the Waikiki Rigger or the North Shore Catamaran. More importantly, the large size of the Makani allows for a smooth and comfortable sail.

“Makani’s history traces back to the 8,000 mile journey through the Panama Canal, up the coast of Central America, past Mexico, and finally to the Hawaiian Islands that was pioneered by Captain Jon Jepsen and his 3-man crew. The Makani began as a vision, transitioned into a conceptual plan, and emerged as a sophisticated sea vessel… Captain Jon Jepson joined architect Dave Wallworth and Gold Coast Yachts where they built and designed Makani from start to finish. With top of the line equipment, luxurious amenities, and a passionate team behind the construction, it is easy to see why this is a $1.8 million yacht.”

The Makani Catamaran, docked at Kewalo Basin Harbor. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

The Makani Catamaran, docked at Kewalo Basin Harbor. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

Backside of the Makani. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

Backside of the Makani. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

As seen on Hawaii Five-0, yo. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

As seen on Hawaii Five-0, yo. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

We checked in at Kewalo Basin at 5:00pm and departed at around 5:30pm. After a quick briefing with Makani Captain, Jon Jepsen, we were free to walk around the Makani at our leisure. As part of the Friday Night Fireworks Cruise, we were given two drink tickets and served a some appetizers. On the menu was chicken wraps, noodles, potatoes, and cookies. From experience, I learned that it’s not always the smartest move to eat heavy and drink a lot while on a boat. I tried to limit myself as best I could.

Most of the time was spent checking out the amazing views of Honolulu, Waikiki, and Diamond Head. Seeing Oahu from the ocean always offers a fresh perspective of the island. There was just one major rule that I remember from the briefing with the crew that I found a bit odd. No more than 3 (I believe that was the number) people were allowed on the net portion of the boat. I was a bit perplexed by this, considering that the smaller Waikiki Rigger has a similar net with no limitations. One of my favorite things about the Waikiki Rigger is being able to sit on the net and feel the cool ocean water splash against my skin. Another thing that I found to be not so desirable was the soundtrack for the evening. Whoever has control over the Makani’s sound system should reconsider their musical choices. At no time should disco music be allowed to be played during a relaxing and chill sunset cruise. Not even if John Travolta himself is present on the boat. Also, I waited the entire night to hear one Jimmy Buffett song, but alas, nada.

Rechung checking out the bar. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

Rechung checking out the bar. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

The "High Tide" is the name of their speciality drink. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

The “High Tide” is the name of their speciality drink. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

Cheers. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

Cheers. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

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Christmas Tree Hunting in Hawaii at Helemano Farms

by Coty on December 11, 2012 in Activities with 1 Comment

On the mainland, it’s not uncommon for families to go to a Christmas tree farm to choose a Christmas tree to bring home and then decorate. In Hawaii, not so much. Here, we are usually stuck with whatever local stores have sitting inside Matson shipping containers. These are Christmas trees that are shipped to us from the mainland. SPAM is not the only thing thats coming to us from Minnesotta, our Christmas trees do too. So I was taken by surprise and became very enthused when I learned of a local Christmas tree farm that was just a thirty minute drive away. A tropical island in the middle of the Pacific … with a Christmas tree farm? Yep.

Helemano Farms started in 2002 as an agriculture project by Mike O’Brien. Shortly after, Mike had planted more than 15,000 Norfolk Pines with the idea of offering locally grown Christmas trees to Hawaii residents. Unfortunately, O’Brien passed away before seeing his dream come true. In 2005, Helemano Farms kept O’Brien’s dream alive by offering fresh Norfolk Pines to Hawaii residents.

“Originally from Australia’s Norfolk Island, the Norfolk pine came to Hawaii in the 19th Century. Norfolks can grow more than 150 feet tall! At Helemano Farms, we have thousands of Christmas trees from 5 to 20 feet tall. When cut down, Norfolks stay green, healthy and gorgeous for more than a month and do not turn brown like Christmas trees shipped to Hawaii. We carefully cut our Norfolks so a new tree grows from each stump! Real Christmas trees are better for our environment than artificial trees.”

Intent with supporting a local business, my wife and I decided to forego a K-Mart tree for one that was born from Hawaiian soil. The drive out to Wahiawa was only spoiled by the, now recurrent, Sunday traffic on the H1. Once we hit the H2, it was smooth sailing. Helemano Farms is located in Whitmore Village, just before a military checkpoint gate.

Once at the farm, you’ll have the opportunity to choose from Norfolk Pines or Leyland Cypress trees. Just behind the main building will be a field of Leylands, however, you’ll notice that many of them have already been cut down. We scoured this section and didn’t find one that we liked. We were a bit bummed and were now contemplating a trip to K-Mart. Resistant, we decided to take a walk through the Norfolk Pines on the right of the building. At the end we found a second batch of Leylands, many of which were still intact. Not too long after, we found our tree. It was the most symmetrical, to our eyes at least, and had the best potential for attaching a tre topper. It had character, namely an extremely long branch that sort of grew upwards like an awkwardly extended arm. That didn’t matter because this was our tree and it was a great tree. It was our first Christmas tree as husband and wife.

Directions to Helemano Farms: From the H1 Freeway: Take H2 Freeway north, then take Wahiawa Exit 8, which leads to Kamehameha Highway. Take Kam through Wahiawa Town, go over the bridge, then turn right on Whitmore Avenue. Follow Whitmore Avenue for 1.8 miles through Whitmore Village. Turn right just before the military checkpoint.

You choose your tree and they’ll cut and bag it for you. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

You pay based on tag color. The tag color represents the tree height. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

Norfolk Pines. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

Interesting tree top. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

Up close. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

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X-Treme Parasail: 700 Feet of Line and A Bird’s Eye View of Diamond Head

by Coty on November 18, 2012 in Activities, Beaches with No comments

The thought of being attached to a rope midair while simultaneously being pulled by a boat in the middle of the Pacific Ocean never really appealed to me. That is, of course, until I tried it. Enter X-Treme Parasail, Oahu’s “largest watersports company.”

I’ve had a few offers to go parasailing over the couple of years. I’ve always turned them down. I’ll admit, I was too scared. I wasn’t too keen on trusting my life on a single line of rope. Hey, there’s always the remote possibility that the rope will snap and there I would go, my helpless-self parachuting away into oblivion, possibly ending up in the same place as Dorothy and her ruby slippers. I didn’t want to go through that.

The Hi-Flyer was our ride for the day. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

One of our fellow parasailers. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

One of the two crew members. He was the guy that snapped you into the parachute. He also served as our photographer. And he had a neat shirt that read, “In most states getting this high is a felony.” Photo by Coty Gonzales.

The couple from Kailua gets strapped in. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

Of course, Groupon, coupled with the insistence of my wife, changed all of that. In one fell swoop, she purchased a Groupon (retail is $138, Groupon price was $69, you should totally sign-up for Groupon) for tandem parasailing and quickly booked a date with X-Treme Parasail. There was no turning back. That single piece of rope would be my only lifeline. Would there be a Yellow Brick Road if I were to land on a remote, forgotten, and deserted Hawaiian island?

Our parasailing experience would begin at Kewalo Basin, the home to many water based tourist activities and fishing boats. My appointment with fate was set for 9am on a cool Saturday morning, and like any good person staring death in the face, I (along with my very willing wife), arrived 30 minutes early. We checked in at the Koko Head end of Kewalo Basin and, like clockwork, signed our lives away on the requisite, “if you die today we will not be responsible” forms. Of course, that made me feel at ease.

9am quickly came and we were loaded on to the yellow colored Hi-Flyer, along with 3 other pairs of people. Immediately, we were briefed and then given life jackets. Except, they didn’t have enough for everyone and so I was left without one. Emerald City here I come.

And here we are, the both of us strapped in. Photo by X-Treme Parasail.

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An Intro to Downhill Skating in Hawaii

by Keola on October 31, 2012 in Activities, Sports with No comments

A few weeks ago I was browsing Exploration: Hawaii while trying to plan and prepare for my next hike. I coincidentally enough got a message from Coty over Vimeo later that day saying how he would like to feature a video of mine on his page. I replied back to him and we sparked up a brief conversation. Now here I am writing a column for the blog to help add to the adventures around the island.

Fully geared up Photo by: Evan Higa

To start things off this is Longboarding…not longboard surfing like many people think it is but longboarding on a skateboard. To be more specific though this is downhill speed boarding, a sport to us that not only tests our physical abilities but also our mental. People may look at us as crazy out of control adrenaline junkies, and adrenaline junkies we may be but in reality we are in full control of what we are doing and every little adjustment we make while riding has a purpose.

Visor up catching the breeze Photo by: Keola Chu

Our community of riders is small but growing every day as the sport gains popularity and we do what we can to support each other anyway possible. But we are constantly faced with negativity from bystanders and law enforcers. So I write this in hopes that this article will help educate people on our sport and lift some of the bad rep we get for skating as well as encourage safe riding from others.

Close racing on a closed road Photo by: Niki Izak

Now we don’t just ride any ole board down the hills, we do have certain gear to do what we do. The boards most of us ride range from about 36in to 46in depending on how long or short the rider likes their board. We use big soft wheels so that we carry momentum and have a smoother ride that can roll over bumps and rocks easier. Also our trucks, they are reverse kingpin and generally 180mm wide allowing for a more stable ride. And of course our safety gear of helmets and slide gloves which are a must anytime we ride.

Hawaiians racing in Canada Photo by: Nick Di Vona

Onto the video, it is a simple edit of a fun run down a hill some may recognize. The video highlights some fast sections with great views as we pass the camera back and forth. The video also shows you two of the ways we slow down for turns, one major one being at about 35sec in. The car behind us is part of our group and we have them follow us to quickly get us off the road if we do fall so we do not hold up traffic, it is also safer for us to have a fellow skater follow us because they know when we are going to slow down on certain sections of the hill. Enjoy the video!

We do not take any responsibility for anyone attempting to try what we do. We have years of practice that have gone into out riding abilities and we learned on easier safer hills. Please think before you ride down any hill as we do not want kids getting hurt and causing more hate toward our community.

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Pumpkin Picking at the Aloun Farms Pumpkin Patch

by Coty on October 28, 2012 in Activities with No comments

Michelle and I made the drive out from town to Kapolei yesterday eager to visit the pumpkin patch at Aloun Farms. It’s been years since we last visited the patch. The last time that we went pumpkin picking must have been pre-2007. How do I know? Easy. I checked my iPhone camera roll and found zero pumpkin photos. And since my iPhone cameral roll contains the memory of everything that I’ve done/seen/touched/tasted since my very first iPhone in 2007 then our last pumpkin adventure must have predated the original iPhone. This post might be about pumpkins, but boy, am I an Apple fan.

Aloun Farms mission is to provide the people of Hawaii with the highest quality of fresh locally grown produce at a price that is not only competitive but comparable to mainland farmers. Our aim is to reduce Hawaii’s dependency on imported produce through increased production enabling us to distribute to wholesalers through out the state.

Aloun Sou founded Aloun Farms in 1977 after immigrating to Hawaii from Laos. Aloun, and his wfe Samphone, foray into farming on Oahu began with 5 acres of land in Lualualei Valley. Since then, the Aloun Farms operation has grown to consist of over 3000 acres of farmland and has become one of the largest distributors of locally grown produce in Hawaii. Since 2000, Aloun Farms has offered Hawaii residents the opportunity to pick their own pumpkins at the annual Aloun Farms pumpkin patch event.

The Aloun Farms pumpkin patch is open until 5pm today (October 28, 2012). There are tons of pumpkins still available for the picking so hurry down if you haven’t already done so. Pro tip, it’s the last day of the annual event so that means that you’ll also be able to pick sunflowers from their sunflower patch for free.

Directions to the Aloun Farms Pumpkin Patch: To get to the Kapolei Pumpkin Patch from Honolulu you will take H1 west bound toward Ewa. Take exit 5A to merge onto HI-750 S/HI-76 S/Fort Weaver Rd toward Ewa and then take your first exit on the right onto Farrington Highway. Continue on Farrington Highway and you will pass the Aloun Farms baseyard on the right. Look for signs to guide you along Farrington Highway. The Pumpkin Patch will be on the left.

Land of the Mini Guords and Pumpkin

A sea of pumpkins. Can you see Tripler Army Medical Center in the background?

One of the few pumpkins with its stem still attached.

Cart pushin’ daddy.

Center of attention.

That pumpkin weighs 100 bazillion pounds! Strong woman.

Lots of circumcised pumpkins.

Aloun Farms. Thanks for the pumpkins.

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Bouldering In Hawaii: A Photo Exhibition at the Manifest

by Coty on October 20, 2012 in Activities, Photography with No comments

Hey Exploration: Hawaii readers, I highly suggest that you folks go and check out the Bouldering In Hawaii exhibit that is currently on display at the Manifest in Chinatown. I had the opportunity to check out the opening reception last night and it was awesome. I also got to finally meet David Chatsuthiphan, owner of Unreal Hawaii, and the person behind the Bouldering In Hawaii exhibit. Very nice guy!

The exhibit will be on display at the Manifest until November 17, 2012.

Manifest
32 North Hotel Street
Honolulu, HI 96817

Piiholo Ranch Zipline: Zipping Through The Longest Side-by-Side Zipine in Hawaii

by Coty on August 3, 2012 in Activities with No comments

Ziplining is something that I’ve always wanted to do. The thought of ziplining always seemed safer than skydiving, yet more adventurous than a controlled roller coaster ride. I recently had the chance to zipline for the very first time with my wife of just one week. It was actually Michelle’s idea to go ziplining and so if anything were to go horribly wrong, say an unforgettable wedgie at 600 feet, then I would place all blame on her.

Zipline tours aren’t the best of quality on Oahu. To seek the more adventurous lines you would have to travel to one of Oahu’s neighbor islands. Fortunately, I was on Maui to give a talk at the University of Hawaii Maui College. Michelle decided to fly in from Oahu and spend the weekend with me on the Valley Isle. The first thing on our list of things to do: ZIPLINING.

We settled on the Piiholo Ranch Zipline for one reason: the other zipline tours were sold out. Piiholo Ranch had a last minute opening for an 8:30am tour and so we snagged it. That turned out to be a good thing, considering that Piiholo Ranch offers a 5-line tour with the last line being the longest side-by-side line in Hawaii. What’s more romantic than ziplining side-by-side with the one you love? I’ll let you ponder that one.

The drive out to Piiholo Ranch was a long one. We were coming from The Ritz Cartlton in Kapalua and so the travel time to Makawao, where Piiholo Ranch is located, was about 1.5 hours. I really didn’t mind it though, the drive to Makawao was a scenic one that constantly stimulated my visual sensory receptors.

The GoPro Hero all set up and ready to go! Photo by Coty Gonzales.

Michelle chillin’ before all of the action. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

En route to our first zipline! Photo by Coty Gonzales.

Once at Piiholo Ranch, we checked in, got weighed, and signed our lives away. The staff was very friendly and helpful. I had brought along my GoPro HD HERO but didn’t have a helmet attachment. They graciously let me use a helmet with the GoPro attachment built-in. They also offered GoPro rentals, but unfortunately, the person with the GoPro’s did not show up in time for our 8:30am zipline appointment. One GoPro would have to be enough.

The tour starts off with basic instructions from the friendly zip staff. Local boy Chad (a University of Hawaii at Manoa graduate that now teaches at a Hawaiian immersion school on Maui) would follow us from line-to-line, strap us in and then send us zipping, while Caleb and Ryan would be part of the receiving crew that assisted us as we landed. The zip staff also teaches you three basic moves: the default arrow position (a leaned back position that allows you to zip with speed), a slow-down position (arms and legs spread out like an X), and the landing position (legs crossed with hands gripping the zip bar in preparation for landing).

All ready to zip! Photo by Coty Gonzales.

Checking ou the first group to zip. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

Hanging in there! Photo by Coty Gonzales.

The first line of the 5-line zip adventure is really a test line. It’s short and low, but it will still test your nerves. If you’re truly afraid of heights then this will surely be a challenge for you. For us, it was easy as pie. The excitement level increases as you move from line to line. The height off the ground will vary from a few hundred feet to up to 600 feet off the ground. The lines also vary from over 400 feet in length to up to half-a-mile. The one constant was that each and every line featured a breathtakingly beautiful backdrop featuring Maui’s rainforest, located northeast of Haleakala.

I had an incredibly fun time ziplining. It’s something that I would definitely do over again. It is a rainforest, so do expect some rain. The rain started to come down on us at around the third/fourth line and was most intense during the fifth and final zipline, which was also the longest and highest line. Nonetheless, sunshine or rain, the Piiholo Ranch Zipline Adventure Tour will provide you with a unique island experience like no other.

Proud of first ziplining experience! Photo by fellow zipliner, Andres.

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14th Annual Memorial Day Lantern Floating at Ala Moana Beach Park

by Coty on May 30, 2012 in Activities, Beaches with 3 Comments

I’ve never seen Ala Moana Beach park so packed with people. News reports mentioned that more than 40,000 people converged on Ala Moana Beach Park for the 14th annual Memorial Day lantern floating. The event, which is officiated by Shinnyo-en and presented by the Nā Lei Aloha Foundation, started in 1999 as a way to remember and honor those who have died in service to their country. And the significance of the lanterns?

“Lantern floating ceremonies symbolically ferry the spirits of the deceased back to the spiritual realm to mark the completion of Obon, the Buddhist tradition of welcoming spirits of family members back to celebrate with and be honored by the living.”

While enjoying the day at Hanauma Bay, Ahnate mentioned the lantern floating event. I had never heard of it and therefore I was interested. We even passed on a night hike so that we could mingle with the 39,996 other people that would be there. I didn’t know what to expect and was surprisingly shocked when I crossed Ala Moana Boulevard, made my way to the sand, and saw rows upon rows of people.

Some of these people were holding lanterns, some were not. Most people were standing, while a few sat on their beach chairs. There was a large stage that was set up, equipped with large projector screens. This was a massive event with huge production value and I had no idea that it even existed.

Eventually, we made out way to the Ewa end of Magic Island. We tried our best to squeeze our way through the crowd and eventually we scored an awesome vantage point. Check out some photos of the event below.

Can you spot Joel? Photo by Coty Gonzales.

The view looking toward the main stage from Ala Moana Beach park. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

Ready to release lanterns. Photo by Flickr member Lantern Floating Hawaii.

The lanterns being prepared to be released. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

The people in the canoes were there to collect the lanterns at the end of the event. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

Once the sun set, the scene was amazing as the lanters began floating away. Photo by Coty Gonzales.

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Hawaii Shark Encounters

by Coty on April 25, 2012 in Activities with 2 Comments

I’ve never done the Hawaii Shark Encounters Tour. I’ve always wanted to. And I imagine that I will sometime in the future. Until then, I can live vicariously through this video.

Over the years, there has been much controversy surrounding this tour and similar shark tours. Many local surfers and bodyboarders feel that tours like these attract sharks to the nearby shores. Although it is illegal to feed sharks within three miles of shore, these tours go just beyond this range to throw chum into the water.

Some Native Hawaiians feel as if tours like this desecrate their amakua (ancestral gods).

Last year, three shark tour boats were deliberately set on fire in Haleiwa.

Despite the controversy, tours like the Hawaii Shark Encounters offer interested individuals with a very unique view of this predatory fish. Instead of being on the other side of glass tank, you instead are in the sharks natural environment. I can only imagine how thrilling that would be.

The tour is priced at $105 for adults and $75 for children. Kama’aina and Military personnel receive a special rate of $90. Book your Hawaii Shark Encounter here.

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