Specializing in community-based cultural eco tours of Oahu, Hawaii - hiking, star gazing, storytelling and more...

He Ali‘i ka ‘Āina, he kauā ke kanaka-The land is a chief, the people, its servant

Home • About Us • Hawaii Culture Tours • Interesting Stuff • Our Family • Contact Us

Ancient Waikīkī  &  Sacred Valley Exploration

Explore the legendary lands of Waikīkī on this unique tour of an ancient Hawaiian ahupua‘a, a traditional land division stretching from the lush mountain summits to the coral fishing grounds of the sea.

From the uplands to the coastal plains, the ancient Hawaiians lived in harmony with their resources and created a thriving community extending from the wetlands of Waikīkī to the rich, verdant valley of Mānoa.   Learn the marvelous history and many colorful legends of this ancient ahupua‘a as we explore archaeological & sacred sites, royal grounds, native gardens, and a cascading rainforest stream.

This tour is offered as a two-part series which may be taken as separate tours or combined together as a full-day experience.

PART I:  Waikīkī:  From Ancient Capital to Modern Mecca

Stroll along the sands of time on this morning tour of ancient and modern Waikīkī.  Once the capital of the high chiefs of O‘ahu, Waikīkī was a land of flowing abundance, of healing sites & heiau (temples), royal playgrounds & legendary palm trees, and the famous surf of Ka-lehua-wehe.

Listen to the colorful legends of the ancient days and learn why this land was so beloved of Hawaii’s chiefs and chiefesses.  Then learn how Waikīkī has transformed through the ages to a retreat of royal monarchs and 19^th century writers, the stomping grounds of the legendary "beach boys" and a modern tour mecca.

Tour Days:  Wednesdays

Cost:  $20

Time:  7 a.m. – 9 a.m.

Walking Distance:  1/2 – 3/4 mile

Start:  Meet @ (Royal Hawaiian Shopping Ctr. Gardens on Lewers & Kalākaua)

End:  Kapahulu Pier (Kalākaua & Kapahulu St.)

PART II:  Sacred Valley Exploration

Sweeping upward from Waikīkī lies the beautiful valley of Mānoa, a lush and fertile land of flowing water and rainforests.  Here the ancient Hawaiians created a vast, terraced network of taro fields and built finely-crafted temples.

Explore the rich history, cultural feats and archaeological treasures of Mānoa Valley while listening to legends of owl gods and rain children on this unique, one-of-a-kind tour.

This tour  includes:

• Kūka‘ō‘ō Heiau:  Recently restored, this ancient temple occupies a commanding view of the valley and was an important site for prayer and legends.  Situated on a lovely historical estate surrounded by a garden of endangered native plants.  This tour offers exclusive access to this site.

• Archaeological Stream Stroll:  Stroll along a lovely rainforest path to a cascading stream and ancient rock wall terracing systems.   

• Plant an Endangered Species:  Help us nurture a native Hawaiian plant in a restoration garden.  Then watch it grow on the internet!

• Pu‘u ‘Ualaka‘a Lookout:  A spectacular view of Mānoa Valley, Waikīkī and the island of O‘ahu.  This was also the site of an ancient lava flow into the valley below.

*Lunch stop:  Tour also includes a brief lunch stop at a favorite local deli.

Tour Days:  Wednesdays

Cost:  $78

Time:  10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Walking Distance: 1 mile

Where:  Pick-ups from individual hotels in Waikīkī

A minimum of 4 guests is required to run these tours.  Please see our Cancellation Policy for more details.

Hina Adventures believes in and does its best to abide by the principles of Ecotourism.  Click here to learn more

This page was last updated on Thursday, July 03, 2008.  Hina Adventures, Inc.  All Rights Reserved.