Before the convention’s Closing Reception on June 24th, experience Hawaii through tours hosted by a local private company, Destination Hawaii, Inc. Tours are arranged exclusively for AAJA convention attendees and their families. Advanced registration is required for all tours.

Click here to register online.

PACIFIC SPLASH CATAMARAN CRUISE

What could be more spectacular than to cruise along the scenic Waikiki coastline, view Diamond Head and breathtakingly clear aquamarine water? We moor at Turtle Canyon where an afternoon of sun and fun in the water awaits our guests. We have masks, fins, snorkels (which are sanitized of course), and an ocean full of fascinating tropical fish just waiting to be explored.

Green Sea Turtles and Spinner Dolphins are often seen. While at anchor, we prepare a delicious lunch. A “snorkel brief” provides instructions for use of mask, fins, and snorkels. The price includes the cruise, lunch, use of water toys and snorkel gear, tax, gratuity, and soft drinks.

HIKE DIAMOND HEAD

Learn the fascinating history of this extinct volcanic crater on a professionally guided walk to Point Leahi at the summit. Part of the “Honolulu Volcanic Series”, this geologically young volcanic tuff cone was formed within the past 500,000 years. Learn about the ancient Hawaiian myths and legends surrounding this unique natural feature, and what the crater was meant to the Hawaiians in ancient times.

The professional guides will point out unique plant and bird species that inhabit the crater, and provide an informative narration during the walk to the summit. Along the way, you will visit and learn the history of the military bunkers and facilities that were constructed near the summit during WWII, and how the crater is currently used by military and government agencies.

From the summit, you will enjoy a panoramic view over the famous Waikiki coastline, the world-class windsurfing beaches at the foot of the crater, and the neighboring islands of Molokai and Lanai. The price includes transportation, guide, use of flashlight, backpack, hiking pole, binoculars, admission fee into Diamond Head Park, bottled water, tax and a personalized “I Climbed Diamond Head” certificate with a photo of the crater.

LEARN TO SURF

Aloha beginners and advanced surfers! Welcome to the beautiful island of Oahu. Our dream is to help you to have the most fun and safe Hawaiian surfing lesson experience. Surfing is the sport of the Hawaiian kings. Our beaches are ideal for beginning, intermediate and advanced surfers.

Instructors are friendly, patient and they bring a wide variety of experiences in the ocean, wave and surfing knowledge. Feeling stress free, safe and comfortable in the ocean is part of the Hawaiian surf experience. Having an instructor in the water at all times guiding you to success will bring you that feeling that only a surfer can describe as you glide down your first wave. We specialize in surfing local surf breaks close to Diamond Head and away from the crowds in Waikiki. Our surf lessons emphasize safety and explain conditions, the art of catching waves, how to stand and ride waves. You are guaranteed to ride waves. Price includes complimentary shuttle services, certified instructor, surfboard and tax.

Private lessons – (2) hours
Private lessons are available for beginners interested in personalized instruction, or for experienced surfers who would like to fine tune their skills, and strongly recommended for children 12 years old and younger and/or weighting 75 pounds or less.

Group lessons - (2) hours
We specialize in beginners! Our group surfing lessons are limited to a maximum of 4 people per instructor. Surfboards and rash guards are included.