Are you are counting down the days to your Hawaii Vacation and want to set the mood? Are you missing Hawaii and need some music to listen to while you reminiscence about your Hawaii Activities? Either way this is the playlist for you! This Ultimate Hawaiian Music Playlist includes 10 of the best Hawaii Songs.

1. Tiny Bubbles – Don Ho

Don Ho is a Hawaii legend so it seems right to start off the list with his most famous song.

2. Over the Rainbow – Israel “IZ” Kamakawiwo’ole

Just a few notes of this song can take you back to Hawaii if only for a few moments.

3. Aloha Friday No Work Till Monday!  – Kimo Kahoano & Paul Natto

Wear your Hawaiian shirt and celebrate! If you are in Waikiki you can celebrate Aloha Friday with Friday Night Fireworks.

4. Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride –  Mark Keali’i Ho’omalu and the Kamehameha School Children’s Chorus

Many Television Shows and Movies have been filmed in Hawaii. You can even go on Kauai Movie Tours or see film locations at Oahu’s Kualoa Ranch. Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride from the Disney movie Lilo and Stitch captures the beauty and spirit of Hawaii and will make you want to reserve Hawaii Surf Lessons!

5. Fish and Poi – Sean Na’auao

After hearing this song you will be ready for a Hawaii Luau! Be sure to try the poi!

6. Shave Ice – Loyal Garner

“Try it every way! It hits the spot!” I am ready to go to Ululani’s Shave Ice after I listen to this song!

7. Hawaiian Wedding Song – Elvis Presley

This love song was written in 1926 by Charles E. King. It was a Billboard hit for Andy Williams. My favorite version is the one Elvis Presley sang for his 1961 film Blue Hawaii. If you are on Oahu be sure to attend Chief’s Luau for an evening of fun, laughter and a version of the Hawaiian Wedding Song you won’t forget!

8. Hi’ilawe – Gabby Pahinui

Hi’ilawe is another Hawaii classic. If it sounds familiar you may recognize it from the George Clooney film, The Descendants.

9. Can’t Keep – Eddie Vedder

Eddie Vedder performs a ukulele version of the Pearl Jam hit in this beautiful video. The video makes me want to return to Kauai’s Na Pali Coast.

10 . I Got You – Jack Johnson

This is a beautiful song and gorgeous video featuring the sights of Oahu!

Bonus I could not narrow it down to 10 best Hawaii Songs so here are two bonus songs!

White Sandy Beach – Israel “IZ” Kamakawiwo’ole

I already have one IZ song on the list but all of his music is amazing. White Sandy Beach is one of my personal favorites. On a Hawaii Helicopter Tour with Sunshine Helicopters I remember hearing this song as we flew over the stunning beaches.  It was a magical moment that has stuck with me for years.

Little Grass Shack – Don Ho’s version

A list of best Hawaii Songs would not be complete without Little Grass Shack! This popular song was written for the July 4th canoe races in Kona in 1933. 

Which Best Hawaii Songs would you add to the Ultimate Hawaiian Music Playlist?

Hawaii Discount offers the best Hawaii Tours and Hawaii Activities with a low price guarantee! Check out or website or call us at 866-482-9775!

Most people stay in Waikiki on their Hawaii Vacation. Waikiki offers many fun Hawaii Activities but be sure to go beyond Waikiki and see the rest of Oahu! Check out our list of the best scenic Oahu Locations and let us know what you would add to the list!

1. Diamond Head

Diamond Head is often admired as the backdrop of Waikiki Beach. Hike to the top for views from the 763 ft summit! The 0.75 mile hike takes about 1.5 hours round-trip. Check out our list of the Best Oahu Hikes.

2. Hanauma Bay

Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve offers spectacular views and some of the best snorkeling in the world. If you are going to visit Hanauma Bay be sure to get there early. Hanauma Bay is closed on Tuesdays.

3. From Here to Eternity Beach and Halona Blowhole

Halona Beach Cove, also known as From Here to Eternity Beach is small beach cove with a sandy beach. This beach is famous from the movie From Here to Eternity. On the other side of the parking lot from Halona Beach Cove is Halona Blowhole.  Halona Blowhole is a fun place to watch the ocean shoot up through a natural blowhole. You will see these scenic Oahu Locations on the way to Chief’s Luau.

4. Chinaman’s Hat

Chinaman’s Hat is an island that resembles the hat worn in rural China. The real name, Mokolii means little lizard in Hawaiian. It is a fun place to stop, admire, and take photos. Kualoa Ranch is nearby with many Hawaii Activities such as ATV Tours, Horseback Riding, Movie Tours and Hawaii Ziplines.

5. Laie Point

If you are on the North Shore be sure to stop at Laie Point. The small strip of land is Laie State Wayside Park. It is a beautiful location with stunning views. You may recognize it from the cliff jumping scene in the movie Forgetting Sarah Marshall. Laie Point is near the Polynesian Cultural Center and is often a stop on Hawaii Turtle Tours.

6. North Shore Surfing Beaches

Oahu is home to famous surfing beaches such as Sunset Beach, Waimea Bay and Banzai Pipeline. The best time to watch big wave surfing on the North Shore of Oahu is between November and February.

7. Nu’uanu Pali Lookout

Located about 15 minutes from Waikiki, the Pali Lookout is a vista viewing point rich in Hawaiian cultural history, legend and folklore. The lookout, known for very high wind gusts up to 80 miles an hour, is atop a 985-foot cliff on the Koolau Mountain Range. The Nuuanu Pali Lookout was the battlefield of one of the fiercest conflicts in Hawaiian history. This is the location where Kamehameha the first fought to unite the islands in 1795. In this battle Kamehameha and his army actually drove the opponents over the sheer cliff and into the densely wooded area below. Nu’uanu Pali Lookout is often a stop on the popular Zen Tour.

Hawaii Discount offers Hawaii Cars Rentals so you can experience the beauty of Oahu at your own pace! If you would rather leave the driving to us check out our Oahu Sightseeing Tours.

What are your favorite scenic Oahu Locations?

You have purchased plane tickets and reserved your Hawaii hotel but you may be forgetting the most crucial part of planning a Hawaii Vacation – reserving Hawaii Activities and Hawaii Tours! Many first time visitors to Hawaii do not realize that Hawaii Activities can sell out and should be reserved in advance! The best Hawaii Travel Tip is to reserve Hawaii Activities as soon as possible so you do not miss out on the Hawaii Adventures you are looking forward to!

Perhaps the most popular Hawaii Tour is Kauai Backcountry Tubing. This Kauai Activity often sells out a month in advance! If you want to float down the gently flowing waters of this historic, scenic irrigation ditch be sure to make your reservation as soon as you can.

Another popular thing to do in Hawaii is to go to a luau! The Old Lahaina Luau on Maui often sells out weeks in advance. Seats for this luau are reserved and prioritized by the date the reservation is confirmed.

During peak season most luaus sell out 1-3 days in advance. Hawaii Luaus we recommend reserving as soon possible are Chief’s Luau on Oahu, Island Breeze Luau on the Big Island, Auli’i on Kauai, Smith’s Luau on Kauai, Royal Lahaina Luau on Maui and Hyatt Drums of the Pacific on Maui.

If you want to cruise along Waikiki be sure to reserve the popular Star of Honolulu and Maitai Catamaran. These cruises often sell out!

Star of Honolulu Sunset Cruise

We do not want you to miss any Hawaii Activities you are looking forward to! We make it easy to reserve in advance at HawaiiDiscount.com. If you have any questions about availability please feel free to call us at 866-482-9775.

On your Hawaii Vacation you will have many opportunities to experience amazing marine life. Don’t miss your chance to get up close and personal with sea animals in Hawaii! These are the 7 underwater animals you can’t miss on your Hawaii Vacation!

1. Green Sea Turtles

Snorkeling with green sea turtles is an experience you will never forget. There is a level of serenity that surrounds you as you watch graceful honu swim in their natural habitat.

On the island of Oahu you can experience a Hawaii Turtle Tour. You will see scenic island locations such as Halona Blowhole, Makapu’u Beach and Dole Plantation. This Oahu Circle Island Tour has a twist – you will also stop at a secret location for a chance to snorkel with Sea Turtles! Click here to learn more about the Oahu Hawaii Turtle Tour.

2. Humuhumunukunukuapua’a

The State Fish of Hawaii is the Humuhumunukunukuapua’a. The meaning of Humuhumunukunukuapua’a is triggerfish with a snout like a pig. It is pronounced who-moo-who-moo-noo-koo-noo-koo-ah-pooah-ah. If that is a mouthful you can also call it the rectangular triggerfish or Hawaiian triggerfish.

When snorkeling in Hawaii you will see beautiful fish including a variety of butterflyfish, tang, surgeonfish, wrasse, parrotfish, trumpetfish and of course Humuhumunukunukuapua’a. There are many great snorkeling locations in Hawaii. Hawaii Discount offers Oahu Snorkel Tours, Maui Snorkel Tours, Big Island Snorkel Tours and Kauai Snorkel Tours. Two of my favorite Hawaii Snorkel Locations are Hanauma Bay on Oahu and Kahaluu Beach Park on the Big Island. Check out my complete list of the Best Places to Snorkel in Hawaii.

Photo from http://www.waikikiaquarium.org

3. Dolphins

Humans can learn about community, love and communication from dolphins. There are many opportunities to see dolphins in Hawaii. If you take a catamaran cruise or a snorkel cruise there is a good chance you will see them swimming alongside the boat. If you want to get in the water with these amazing creatures you can swim with wild dolphins on Oahu or swim with wild dolphins on the Big Island. Swimming with wild dolphins can be an unforgettable spiritual experience. Another way to experience dolphins in Hawaii is at Sea Life Park on Oahu. Sea Life Park offers a variety of dolphin encounters. (Sea Life Park is also the location of Chief’s Luau, the #1 Rated Luau in Hawaii)

Click here to read about my family’s adventure swimming with wild dolphins on Oahu.

4. Manta Rays

When people ask me about the things they can’t miss on the Big Island of Hawaii I always tell them to reserve Manta Ray Night Snorkeling! The Kona Coast is the only place in the world with this type of Manta Ray experience! Manta Rays are some of the largest animals in the ocean and can range from 3-20 feet wide. Check out the video below to see my up close encounter with majestic manta rays.

5. Humpback Whales

From December through May as many as 10,000 humpback whales visit Hawaii from their summer home in Alaska. These whales weigh 25 to 40 tons. These large animals can be seen from shore but a great way to see Humpback Whales up close is a Hawaii Whale Watch Cruise. You may see humpback whales “breach” which is when a whale propels itself out of the water. You may also witness whales “tail slap” which is forceful slapping of the flukes against the water. You even have the opportunity to hear the song of the whales via a hydrophone. If your Hawaii Vacation is during Whale Watch Season I highly recommend a Whale Watch Cruise!

6. Sharks

Most people want to avoid sharks on their Hawaii Vacation but for a true adrenaline rush be sure to reserve a Shark Encounter! Travel via boat about 3 miles from Haleiwa to the shark grounds. There you will descend a ladder into the shark cage. The clear plexiglass windows of the shark cage make it appear like the Galapagos Sharks and Sandbar Sharks are swimming right on in! Click here to read about my morning on the Oahu Shark Encounter. It gave me insight into a world that is usually filled with fear.  

7. Hawaiian Monk Seals

The Hawaiian Monk Seal is the state mammal of Hawaii. Hawaiian monk seals are also known as ‘Ilio holo I ka uaua which means “dog that runs in rough water.” Hawaiian monk seals are endemic to Hawaii. Hawaiian monk seals are one of the most endangered animal species in the world. They can be seen sleeping on the beaches of Hawaii – sometimes for days at a time. I have had the most luck seeing them on the beaches of Poipu, Kauai. It is fun to see these beautiful creatures but please do not disturb these precious pups. Only about 1,100 are left and the population continues to decline. 

When planning your Hawaii Vacation be sure to include Hawaii Activities that will bring you up close and personal to some of these 7 amazing sea animals in Hawaii!

What are your favorite sea animals in Hawaii?

For many people a trip to Hawaii is on their bucket list but they just haven’t checked it off yet. If you are deciding whether or not to go ahead and book a Hawaii Vacation we have 10 Reasons to go to Hawaii!

1.  Best Beaches in the World 

The beaches in Hawaii are often ranked as the best beaches in the world.  Some of the most beautiful beaches in Hawaii include Hanalei Bay (Kauai), Lanikai Beach (Oahu), Kaanapali Beach (Maui), and and Hapuna Beach (Big Island).

2. The Beautiful Aroma 

The beautiful flowers in Hawaii are a gift to the senses. Experience the beauty and fragrance of the gorgeous Hawaiian flowers. You can even order Lei Greetings and wear the exquisite, fragrant flowers.

3. Shave Ice

A trip to Hawaii is not complete without this soft, sweet treat! My personal favorite is Ululani’s Shave Ice on Maui.

4. Watersports

Hawaii is the perfect place for Watersports! Surfing, Parasailing and Snorkeling are just a few of the activities you can experience in Hawaii!

5. Sound of the Surf

Relax to the rhythmic sound of the surf.

6. Aloha Spirit

The Aloha Spirit is a way of life in Hawaii. It is an attitude which includes a deep care and respect for others.

7. Trade winds

The weather in Hawaii is amazing and is topped off by gentle trade winds. The trade winds got their name from early traders that used the winds for navigation and speed.

8. Food

Hawaii has the most delicious food on the planet! One of my favorites is Poke. Poke is raw ahi tuna with a variety of seasonings. You will often find poke on the menu of Hawaiian Restaurants. Be sure to check out our list of 10 Hawaiian Foods to try on your Hawaii Vacation.

9. Hawaiian Time

Hawaiian Time is part of the laid back lifestyle. Hawaiian Time puts more emphasis on spending time with friends and family.

10. Luaus

Luaus are a great way to experience the food, fun and dances of Polynesia! Most luaus begin with an imu ceremony, lifting the kalua pig from the imu (underground oven). After an extravagant meal sit back and relax as you are entertained with beautiful dances from the islands. Hawaii Discount offers Oahu Luaus, Big Island Luaus, Maui Luaus and Kauai Luaus.

Chief’s Luau

Those are just 10 reasons to go to Hawaii. We could come up many more reasons but you should just go ahead and visit Hawaii and see for yourself! Be sure to check out HawaiiDiscount.com for the best prices on Hawaii Tours and Hawaii Activities.

What is your favorite thing about Hawaii?

Planning an Oahu Vacation can be overwhelming. To take the stress out of searching through all of the Oahu Activities we have come up with a list of the Best Things to do on Oahu. We tried to narrow it down to 5 but there are 6 Oahu Activities we feel like everyone should experience!

1. Pay Your Respects at Pearl Harbor On December 7, 1941 Japan attacked the United States at Pearl Harbor. This attack led to the United States’ entry into World War II. Today at Pearl Harbor visitors have the opportunity to take a short boat ride to the USS Arizona Memorial to pay their respects to the lost. Check out our tips for visiting Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial.

2. Experience a Luau Enjoy delicious Hawaiian food and a thrilling Polynesian show at an Oahu Luau! According to Tripadvisor, Chief’s Luau is the #1 rated luau in Hawaii. Chief’s Luau is home to world champion fire-knife dancers. This interactive luau will have you laughing, singing, dancing and making memories for a lifetime.

3. Explore the North Shore of Oahu On your Oahu Vacation be sure to venture to the North Shore of Oahu to see another side of Hawaii. The North Shore is home to the famous surf locations such as Waimea Bay, Pipeline and Sunset Beach. Relax on beautiful beaches, explore the town of Haleiwa, visit Waimea Falls, and enjoy delicious food such as Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck and Ted’s Bakery!

If you want to have an amazing North Shore Adventure but want to leave the driving to a professional be sure to check out the Hawaii Turtle Tour.  This is an Oahu Circle Island Tour that includes a stop of the North Shore of Oahu for snorkeling and the opportunity to swim with Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles.

Another thrilling North Shore of Oahu Adventure is Hawaii Shark Encounters! See sharks in their natural territory in the safety of a shark cage with polyglass windows.

4. Waikiki Beach A trip to Oahu is not complete without spending some time on world famous Waikiki Beach! On Waikiki Beach you can soak up the sun, swim in the beautiful water, learn to surf, enjoy a Mai Tai at Duke’s Waikiki and take in a beautiful sunset. If you are up for it I highly recommend hiking to the top of Diamond Head. Not only is it a great hike but at the top you are rewarded with breathtaking views of Waikiki!

5. Snorkel  Hawaii is home to beautiful marine life! Be sure to grab a mask and snorkel to view the colorful fish, green sea turtles and the living coral reef. The most popular place to snorkel on Oahu is Hanauma Bay. There are a variety of Oahu Snorkeling Tours to choose from. You can even snorkel with dolphins and green sea turtles!

6. Get Leid Leis are traditional flower necklaces given as a sign of welcoming and to show affection. Hawaiian Leis are given for any important event such as welcoming, birthdays, marriage, anniversaries and births. Being greeted with a fragrant Hawaiian Lei after a flight is the best way to get into the aloha spirit! The lei greeters at the Honolulu Airport on Oahu offer a variety of leis including Dendrobium Orchid Leis, Ti Leaf Leis, Tuberose Leis, Kukui Nut Leis, Cigar Leis, Candy Leis and even a Kukui Nut Bracelet! Hawaiian Lei Greetings are also available on Maui, Kauai and the Big Island.

It was tough to limit our list of the the Best Things to do on Oahu to 6. Which Oahu Tours and Oahu Activities do you think are the Best Things to do on Oahu?

It is a historic day for surfing. The 31st annual Quicksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau will go Thursday February 25, 2016. This surf contest only runs if the waves at Waimea Bay, Oahu reach a minimum height of 20 feet (40 foot faces). The Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau was founded in 1984 and has only been held 8 times since then. The last time it ran was in 2009.

The best surfers in the world will be competing in this event. Watch Kelly Slater, Shane Dorian, and reigning champion Greg Long. I will be cheering for 66 year old Clyde Aikau, Eddie’s brother, who won the event in 1986.

Watch Live at Quiksilver.com or WorldSurfLeague.com beginning at 7:30am HST.

Eddie Aikau was born on Maui and moved with his family to Honolulu in 1959. Eddie began surfing in Waikiki with boards he made from marine ply. In 1968 he become the first lifeguard to work on the North Shore of Oahu. He saved hundreds of lives. Eddie Aikau became famous for surfing the big surf and was known for surfing for 8 hours at a time without a break. Eddie won several awards including the 1977 Duke Kahanamoku Invitational Surfing Championship.

Eddie Aikau taken by Dan Merkel

In 1978 Eddie Aikau volunteered as a crew member for a 30 day, 2,500-mile journey to retrace the ancient route of the Polynesian migration between Hawaii and the Tahitian islands. The double-hulled voyaging canoe developed a leak in the starboard hull and later capsized about 12 miles south of the island of Molokai. Aikau insisted on getting help. He made a leash of nylon rope for his big rescue board and paddled toward Lanai saying “Don’t worry, I can do it. I can get to land.” The Hokule’a and the crew was rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard but Aikau was never seen again.

Eddie Would Go

Eddie would go, when no else would or could. Only Eddie dared. Eddie’s brother Clyde says  “Eddie Would Go to me doesn’t necessarily mean involvement with only the ocean. I believe Eddie Would Go if nobody else would go. Eddie Would Go where people wouldn’t go. Eddie Would Go and help people in the water when he didn’t even know them. Eddie Would Go on the biggest waves that would pull through Waimea Bay when most people wouldn’t go. I think the phrase Eddie Would Go is really a phrase that would ultimately say that one would put themselves out there for the betterment of others. That could relate to anybody – a person from Waikiki, a tourist, or some extreme surfer. Just helping out somebody else is what Eddie Would Go is about.”

25th Eddie Aikau Big Wave InvitationalDec. 2009. (OutsideOnline.com) Photo: Elyse Butler/Aurora Photos

Eddie Aikau 31st annual Quicksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau Participating Surfers:

Heat 1: Shane Dorian (HAW), Kohl Christensen (HAW), Greg Long (CA), Ramon Navarro (CHI), Sunny Garcia (HAW), Ross Clarke-Jones (AUS), Jamie Mitchell (AUS)
 

Heat 2: Kelly Slater (FL), David Wassell (HAW), Grant Baker (ZAF), Reef McIntosh(HAW), Jamie O’Brien (HAW), Aaron Gold (HAW), Tom Carroll (AUS)
 

Heat 3: John John Florence (HAW), Mark Healey (HAW), Clyde Aikau (HAW), Nathan Fletcher (CA), Noah Johnson (HAW), Peter Mel (CA), Takayuki Wakita (JPN)
 

Heat 4: Bruce Irons (HAW), Makuakai Rothman (HAW), Ian Walsh (HAW), Albee Layer (HAW), Kala Alexander (HAW), Garrett McNamara (HAW), Jeremy Flores (FRA)
 

Top 5 Alternates: Mason Ho (HAW), Danilo Couto (BRA), Mark Mathews (AUS), Koa Rothman (HAW), Ben Wilkinson (AUS)

Only the best get invited to participate in the Quicksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau but Hawaii Discount makes it easy to find Surf Lessons in Hawaii! Check out our low prices on Hawaii Surf Lessons! Choose from Oahu Surf Lessons, Maui Surf Lessons, Kauai Surf Lessons and Big Island Surf Lessons. 

Who are you cheering for in the 31st Annual Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau?