Spotlight

Alex Wilson, Owner/Manager Oahu Photography Tours

There's nothing more exciting than capturing Oahu's scenic beauty on your camera. What if your tour guide could also help you get the best shots as you explore the island? That's the idea behind Oahu Photography Tours. As a photographer and former tour guide, Alex Wilson is passionate about helping visitors create lasting memories through photography. He and his team offer a range of guided photography tours, each limited to just seven guests.

"Because we keep out tours small and intimate, we can offer our guests individual attention," explains Alex. "We tend to each person, determine their proficiency, and help them advance in their photography. And with a small group, people don't have to worry about someone stepping in front of them to get a shot."

Alex stresses that Oahu Photography Tours is not just for serious photographers. "We welcome everyone. Our guests come with both cameras and smart phone cameras. In fact, people are blown away by what they learn their smart phone cameras can do."

Oahu Photography Tours showcases the island's splendid sights and light at different times of the day. You can opt for the Circle Sunrise Island Tour which provides a comprehensive view of the island or the North Shore Tour and experience the famous beaches. There are also sunset and full moon tours. "Going to the North Shore very early or Byodo In Temple before the crowds are real off the beaten path experiences," enthuses Alex. "We go where other tours don't go to ensure that our guests get the best photos of Oahu."

With Oahu Photography Tours, you'll learn valuable photography techniques. "We focus on how to shoot surfers on the North Shore, capture flowers in a botanical garden, or photograph a turtle on the beach. Our guests learn about framing a photo for maximum impact and using filters to make rainbows pop even more." reports Alex.

The Oahu Photography Tours team not only provides photo instruction, they share fascinating insights about Hawaiian history and nature providing you with a rich tour experience. And because you're experiencing Oahu with knowledgeable locals, you'll feel like you spent a day exploring Oahu with a friend who knows everyone.

Comfort and convenience are paramount. Every guest has a tripod and lens cloth for their personal use. And while there are only seven guests per tour, Oahu Photography Tours uses comfortable, spacious 12-passenger vans which come with free wifi so guests can check in on Facebook at every location.

Alex wants his guests to come away with great shots and a true appreciation for Oahu. "We show you how truly beautiful Oahu is," says Alex.

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Off the Beaten Path Adventures

Oahu's Secrets Revealed

Go beyond the expected and experience the culture and history of this extraordinary island on remote shorelines, mountains, valleys, and urban resort streets.

Liljestrand House
Experience one of Oahu's most striking architectural masterpieces at Liljestrand House, located on the slopes of Mount Tantalus overlooking Honolulu with panoramic views of the South Shore stretching all the way to the Leeward Coast. Liljestrand House was designed by the Russian-born architect Vladimir Ossipoff — "the master of Hawaiian modern architecture" — in close partnership with his clients Dr. Howard Liljestrand and his wife Betty. The Liljestrand House is recognized as a stellar example of Ossipoff's mid-20th century modern architecture. In addition to the home, Ossipoff custom designed all the furnishings which were built locally by Robert Ansteth. Design work started in 1948, construction began in 1951, and the young family with four children moved into the house in 1952 while building was still underway. The Liljestrands and Ossipoff developed a life long friendship and the architect was continually consulted for any changes to the home. Liljestand House blends seamlessly into its forested mountain location, dramatically revealing its extraordinary views at you move through the spaces – a hallmark of Ossipoff's style. The original Ossipoff-designed furnishings are seen throughout the house. Today the home is maintained and open for tours under the stewardship of The Liljestrand Foundation which also welcomes and sponsors conferences, readings, meetings, and other special events. To schedule a tour, visit this page.

Queen Emma Summer Palace/Hanaiakamalama
Take a short drive up scenic Pali Highway from Honolulu into beautiful Nuuanu Valley to Queen Emma Summer Palace. This was the secluded mountain home and summer retreat of Queen Emma of Hawaii from 1857 to 1885, her husband King Kamehameha IV, and their son Prince Albert Edward. Also known as Hanaiakamalama ("foster child of the moon"), this private residence is a dramatic departure from opulent Iolani Palace in downtown Honolulu. The charming seven-room Greek Revival home is filled with Queen Emma's belongings, furnishings, artifacts, portraits, and memorabilia. Whether you take a guided or self-guided tour, you'll immediately feel a connection to Queen Emma and her family. On view are the Queen's baby grand piano, magnificent family portraits, a silver christening vessel sent by Queen Victoria of England who was Prince Albert's godmother, plus the Prince's crib, bathtub, toys, and books. Kahili (royal feather standards), a historic royal feathered cloak, and feather capes once worn by royal women and lesser chiefs are also on display. Along with house tours, visitors are welcome to attend cultural classes and events such as yoga on Mondays; Serenaders (traditional Hawaiian and contemporary songs) on Tuesdays; and quilting and ukulele on Wednesdays. The Gift Shop Showcase features vendor demos and meet the artist events such as feather lei making, quilting, and hanafuda (a Japanese card game).

Hawaiian Quilt Making Classes at Iolani Palace
Immerse yourself in local culture and learn the art of Hawaiian quilt making at classes held every Saturday in a place of great historical significance. Master quilter John Serrao along with his daughters Cissy and Rae teach their Saturday morning class from 9:30 am to 12 pm in the lecture room at the Kanaina Building (Old Archives) on the grounds of Iolani Palace. You'll be warmly welcomed to this class with local women who have been coming to the Saturday morning session for 25 years. The Serraos will teach you basic quilting skills and help you start your own Hawaiian wall hanging. Simply come to class with two pieces of contrasting fabrics and matching threads which can be purchased at Kaimuki Dry Goods. For more information about Hawaiian quilts, the classes, and the Serraos, visit this page.

Waikiki Historic Trail
Touring Waikiki may not seem like an off the beaten path idea, but seeing this area through the eyes of cultural historian Joe Recca reveals the resort's rich, multilayered history. Joe leads two Waikiki Historic Trail Tours for the Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association (NaHHA). Joe's love for Waikiki and its history comes through on his tours. He takes you back to when Waikiki was a very different place, the home of Hawaiian royalty, abundant fishponds, and taro fields. Joe creates a sense of place as he guides you through Waikiki which means "spouting water" in Hawaiian. In Kapiolani Park, Joe takes you to a quiet, secluded section and asks you to imagine a time when ancient Hawaiians found streams flowing from the mountains to the ocean. You'll hear about the large heaiu (temple mount) built by Kamehameha I, the king that united the Hawaiian Islands over 200 years ago. Discover where Queen Liliuokalani and King David Kalakaua had their private residences and learn about native plants and trees and their importance to Hawaiians in the past and today. At The Royal Hawaiian Hotel and Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort, Joe discusses paintings by native Hawaiian artist Herb Kawainui Kane that depict significant moments in early Hawaiian history. These are just a few of the fascinating stories you'll hear along the Waikiki Historic Trail with Joe Recca. Sign up here for Part One which goes from the Honolulu Zoo to Royal Hawaiian Center and here for Part Two which begins at Royal Hawaiian Center and ends near Hilton Hawaiian Village.

Hawaiian Railway Society
While Hawaii may not immediately bring to mind railway travel, Oahu was home to a number of rail carriers used for passengers, freight, and agricultural transport between the late 19th and mid-20th centuries. You can travel back in time and discover Oahu's rich railroading history any weekend with Hawaiian Railway Society, the island's only historic railroad. The 90-minute, round trip, narrated historic railroad journey along 6.5 miles of restored track between Ewa and Kahe Point is offered Saturdays at 3 pm and Sundays at 1 pm and 3 pm. The Hawaiian Railway Society train consists of vintage Navy and Army flat cars that have been converted into comfortable open air, covered excursion cars and restored vintage Navy diesel electric locomotives. On every second Sunday of the month, Benjamin Dillingham's elegant restored personal parlor car, built in 1900, is added to the train. Dillingham, the founder of the Oahu Railway & Land Company, had Parlor/Observation Car No. 64 designed and built for his personal use. The leisurely railway adventure is a trip across Oahu's southwestern landscape and a voyage back in time. Along the way, your guide shares stories of Hawaii's railroading history, plantation heritage, and details about former landmarks and towns as you experience the changing views and cool breezes in the open-air cars. Before heading back, guests can admire the ocean views at Kahe Point. All 3 pm rides even stop at Two Scoops at Ko Olina for ice cream.   

Leeward Side Adventure
Explore the breathtaking beaches, remarkable landmarks, and pristine scenery of Oahu's remote and dramatic Leeward (West) Coast on a five-hour adventure with Hawaii Jeep & Specialty Tours. The tour begins at Disney Aulani Resort with a visit to the taro ponds where you'll learn about the important taro crop that sustained native Hawaiians for hundreds of years. Wander among secluded coves where you may encounter honu (green sea turtles in Hawaiian). Next, you head to vast and remote Yokohama Beach, also known as Keawaula Beach, which translates to red bay due to the schools of squid found in the area. The following stop is enormous cathedral-like Makua Cave, which was formed over 150,000 years ago, and is renowned for the many legends. Your tour proceeds to Makaha Beach, one of Oahu's most legendary surfing shorelines, and finally Pokai Bay, a vast, calm and secret location beloved by locals.

Aloha Plate Food Tours with Lanai Tabura
The Hawaiian Style and Hawaiian Food Experience with Lanai Tabura of Aloha Plate Food Tours is an opportunity to enjoy a private or semi-private tour of authentic culinary treats with a local who knows the best spots. Sample beloved local foods like poke, spam musubi, and manapua. Visit a local taro chip factory, eat at one of the last four or five truly authentic Hawaiian restaurants on Oahu, and then sample a local dessert like shave ice, coco puffs, or malasadas. Lanai will customize each tour by asking you where you've eaten in order to ensure that he provides a truly unique experience. With just two people, you'll travel in comfortable jeeps. If your group has four to eight guests, Lanai uses a van. This one of a kind adventure is like eating at Oahu's best local spots with a friend. You're certain to recognize Lanai from his many TV appearances. He's the host of Cooking Hawaiian Style on Lifestyle Network, Spectrum Network, MYXTV, Roku, and Hawaiian Airlines. Lanai won an 2018 Emmy Award for Ramen Yokocho and just launched Pop Up Chef on Lifestyle Network. He has also appeared on Food Network's Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations, Man V Food, and Diners, Drive Ins and Dives.

Malama Oahu

Voluntourism Opportunity in The Heart of Hawaii

If you'd like to volunteer when visiting Oahu, local nonprofits welcome your help. AccesSurf is dedicated to enabling people with disabilities to enjoy the ocean through wonderful programs and activities. Day at the Beach is AccesSurf's monthly flagship program, held the first Saturday each month at White Plains Beach Park. The free event is open to anyone with a physical or cognitive disability, and welcomes locals and island visitors. Activities include assisted swimming, floating, and surfing. Trained volunteers and specialized equipment help those with disabilities to enjoy the joy and freedom of a Day at the Beach. You don't need to surf to volunteer. AccesSurf needs volunteers for a range of land and water activities: set up, assisted swim, water transfer, water safety, check in, equipment check out, food area, equipment maintenance, and teardown. Volunteers are on hand in the fields of therapeutic recreation, rehabilitative medicine, and ocean safety available to work with participants and volunteers. New volunteers must attend an orientation at 8 am and the program runs from 9 am to 1 pm.