This tropical Tour de Force incorporates 23 images shot on the Hawaiian Islands of Maui, Lanai and the Big Island (Hawai'i), often quite literally on the run. We had little time and almost no control. Nevertheless, the results are stunning and this has become the top ranked virtual tour or visit of Hawaii. The collection provides an opportunity to demonstrate several virtual tour capabilities:
- Google Maps Integration. Click on an island name in the pull down menu to see a map of the entire island with Tour de Force locations pinpointed. A "radar" field of view indicator shows exactly where you are looking. Switch locations by clicking them on the map. Resize the map to your preferences.
- Background Sound and Music. Environmental sound adds to the sense of "being there". Music adds emotional content. Notice the emptiness in locations on this tour that don't incorporate sound.
- Day/Night View Toggle. On the Manele Bay terrace tour (opening view), click the sun or moon icon in the upper right-hand corner to switch between day and night views. This feature can be used to show the same space in multiple states, such as a meeting room in various configurations or before and after a remodeling job.
- Sunrise Animation. On the Haleakala Sunrise tour, watch how the scene changes even as you pan around. Then click the appropriate sun symbol in the upper right-hand corner to see a single moment during the sunrise. This works on the same principle as the Manele Bay Terrace example.
- Slide-Out Information Panel. Click the INFO button on the right.
- Gyro / Virtual Window. On most mobile devices press the gyro button and the view changes as you move the device. It becomes a virtual window on the scene.
- Intro Motion Most views open already in motion. The Omni Resort study found that the "richer" the media experience, the more effective it will be. By introducing motion immediately, we can make the 360VR experience even more persuasive.
Note: The resort views are from before Oracle’s Larry Ellison bought 98% of Lanai and remodeled the two Four Seasons resorts from the ground up in 2016 and 2019.
For more 360 interactive images and virtual tours visit the main Tour de Force 360 website.