The Hawaiian Monk Seal is a tropical seal only found in the Hawaiian waters.  This species has been placed on the endangered species list, and as far as scientists know, there are only 1,400 left in the wild.  The biggest threat to the Monk Seal is man made ocean debris (i.e. plastics, fish hooks, etc).  Most Hawaiian Monk Seals live in the Northern Hawaiian Islands, where we have seen a slight increase in their numbers in recent years.  Only about 40 are know to live around Oahu!  These creatures feed for days on end before beaching themselves and sleeping for 1-2 days.  If you are lucky, you will be able to spot one of these amazing animals taking a nap while touring Oahu!  Please do not disturb.  It is considered a felony to harass and is punishable with an up to $50,000 fine and up to 5 years in prison!  

Pow Wow Street Art Festival 2019 is coming up February 8th!  Explore this very cool part of Honolulu and see some of the best street artists in the world do their thing.  

http://powwowhawaii.com/schedule/

https://www.hawaiimagazine.com/content/your-guide-amazing-kakaako-street-art-pow-wow-hawaii-2017
​

I really enjoyed this tour and I really enjoyed meeting this super enthusiastic crew!  Sunrise hike, North Shore Grinds, bodysurf... that's what I'm talkin' bout!  Aloha guys and gals.  Have fun in Asia!  I hope to see you next time I'm in Italy!

Take time to stand up paddle or kayak the Anahulu River in Haleiwa, Oahu.  This is a great place to get your feet wet if you have never tried SUP before.  Prefer a kayak?  No problem.  This is one of the most accessible rivers on Oahu.  Often times, paddlers will have close encounters with the Hawaiian Sea Turtles that go upstream to get a little break from the heavy water!

http://on-walkabout.net/2018/05/27/paddling-routes-on-oahu-the-anahulu-river-waialua-bay/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tuZ2JwnPFAc

Every year on December 7, we remember those that were there that day of the Pearl Harbor attack.    There are currently only 3 survivors of the USS Arizona still living.  Approximately 2000 Pearl Harbor survivors are still alive.  These heroes are in the twilight of their lives.  Soon, we will only be able to honor their memories.  Take time to visit the memorials and honor those who have served!

https://www.hawaii.com/event/national-pearl-harbor-remembrance-day/

If you are interested in Hawaiian archaeology, this is one of the most interesting sites on the island!  Considered the umbilical to the sprit world, the Kukaniloko Birthing Stones is where Oahu Ali'i (hereditary nobles) would go to deliver their babies.  The mana (power, energy) of this place is immediately apparent.  On the way to the North Shore, the birthing stones are easily accessible and a must do for culture lovers and archaeology buffs.  This place demands respect!  Please respect this place if you do visit.  Do not enter the inner circle of stones and, most importantly, do not remove or sit on any of the stones!  That being said, if you are humble in your visit, all are welcome to learn about this sacred site.

https://www.ancient-origins.net/ancient-places-americas/where-royals-were-born-1000-year-old-kukaniloko-birthing-site-hawaii-007026

https://www.hawaiimagazine.com/content/kukaniloko-birthstones-where-hawaiian-royalty-was-born

The Vans Triple Crown of Surfing is the most exciting time of the year for the international surfing community.  The last three events of the year happen here on Oahu's famous North Shore.  The Hawaii contest season begins in November and runs thru the end of December, where the winners of year are typically crowned at Pipeline, the last event on tour.  Did you know that the World Surf League just recently decided that Men and Women will receive equal pay/contest money?  Rad!  Thousands of people show up each year to enjoy the festivities, to be in awe of the raw power of nature, and be blown away by the skill of the best surfers on the planet.  This is one of the best times to visit Oahu!  

Traffic can be quite tough at this time of year on the North Shore.  Get an early start and let HI Private Tours navigate the crowds for you.  We can take you where you need to be, when you need to be there!

​https://whatupintown.com/collections/vans-triple-crown-2018/

​https://radseason.com/event/vans-world-cup-of-surfing-sunset-beach-north-shore-oahu-hawaii/

Oahu's coffee is mostly grown on the North Shore.  Green World Coffee Farm is a great place to start your day with a cup of joe.  They have some of the best barista's on the island.  Why not get it straight from the source?

https://greenworldcoffeefarm.com/

The Kaneohe Bay Sand Bar is a spectacular and breathtakingly beautiful place to visit.  Located on the Windward Coast of Oahu, the sand bar is located in Kaneohe Bay, approximately 1/2 mile offshore.  The are numerous reefs to snorkel on the way out... and once on the sand bar, there is a very high chance that visitors will spot sea turtles, sea cucumbers, and more.  Kayaking out to the sandbar offers the most variety and the best experience.  If the trade winds are strong, this can be a challenging paddle on the way out.  However, it makes the paddle back that much easier.  The best days are when we experience light to moderate winds.  

Book a kayaking tour with HI Private Tours and experience a truly surreal location!

​http://www.unrealhawaii.com/2011/02/kaneohe-sandbar/

https://www.hawaiimagazine.com/content/day-oahus-kaneohe-sandbar

Comic Con Honolulu 2018 is coming up the weekend of August 3-5!  Want to get some truly amazing pics of you and your crew in your super gear?  I know I do!  The Hawaii Convention Center is located just across the Ala Wai Canal from Waikiki, Honolulu.  This is going to be a fun weekend!


https://comicconhonolulu.com/

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/comic-con-honolulu-2018-tickets-36976215857