A little rusty on what’s incredible about Hawai’i? In the dark on Hawai’i Tourism’s new Malama initiative (erm, read this, please)? Want to know how to get 15% commission and a chance to win a trip to the Aloha State (read this)? Get excited about Hawai’i, because The Travel Junction sure are. So excited that they asked three team members to spill the tea on their favourite experiences across Hawai’i’.
In partnership with Hawai’i Tourism, The Travel Junction (TTJ) is working hard on encouraging Australians to return to Hawai’i. While not a tough mission – Hawai’i’s incredible landscape, enticing activities, and warm, inviting people make it an easy sell – it doesn’t hurt to get a little teaser on why it’s time to get back to the Aloha State!
The Hawai’i low-down with Teena Hollwey, Business Development and Account Manager, TTJ
Teena’s last trip to Hawai’i was in mid-2018 (the golden days!), travelling with her equally as excited husband. With 22 years in the travel industry, Teena knows a thing or two about cool places to experience, so we got into the nitty gritty of her Hawai’i vacay.
“Whereabouts did you stay in Hawai’i?
“We wanted to be in the heart of Waikiki, so we chose the Hilton Waikiki Beach. It’s in the heart of it all with easy access to beaches, restaurants and shopping – everything you want out of Hawai’i. When I heard that TTJ had teamed up with the Hilton with an amazing package, I was pretty excited.”
Did you manage to get out and explore the rest of O’ahu?
“We did. Being big movie fans, we had to check out Kualoa Ranch for its amazing Jurassic Adventure Tour. I felt there was a T-Rex lurking over every hill.”
What was your favourite experience of your Hawai’i trip?
“One of my favourite activities was learning to surf on Waikiki Beach. Even though I live in Australia, I never had surf lessons before. It was one of the highlights of my Hawai’i trip. Not only did it feel like I was in a movie, catching waves back onto Waikiki Beach, but I genuinely learned how to surf – or stand up at least!”
What would be your best tip for travel agents booking their clients on a Hawai’i getaway?
“I would encourage people to taste their way around Hawai’i. I know it’s famous for the landscape and fun, but the food and drink are equally amazing! My husband insisted we book the Ko Hana Rum Distillery tour. Despite not being a rum drinker (at the time), it was honestly fantastic – and guess who drinks rum now?”
Meet ‘Hawai’i tragic’, Karli Donaldson, Business Development and Account Manager, TTJ
With 13 years in the industry, Karli has experienced many enticing places around the world. But it’s Hawai’i that won her heart, earning her the TTJ nickname of ‘Hawai’i tragic’.
Karli, how many times have you been to the archipelago now?
“I’ve been 3 times! The first was in 2010, and it won my heart.”
What keeps bringing you back to the island?
“There is so much going on there, from amazing bars and clubs to nature walks to spas, cultural events, and everything in-between.”
Tell us about your most recent trip.
“After staying on O’ahu, we wanted to get out and see what the other islands had on offer, so we island hopped.”
What did you get up to?
“It was a jam-packed itinerary! We stayed on Maui at the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa – amazing – and I can’t recommend the upcountry farmers market enough. The only thing better than sampling some of the amazing local produce was meeting the local growers themselves.
Our Maui highlight, however, was the Haleakala Sunrise tour. It wasn’t easy getting up there, but I’ll never forget that view.”
You mentioned you island hopped, where else did you go?
“We went to the island of Hawai’i and explored the Volcanoes National Park, a once-in-a-lifetime experience and easily accessed from Outrigger’s Kona Resort & Spa. We hiked over it, going via the Kilauea Visitor Center. If I was to do it again, I would take one of the helicopter tours that run out of Hilo airport.”
Meet starry-eyed Kelly LaChker, Business Development and Account Manager, TTJ
With 23 years in the holiday business, Kelly knows a thing or two about cool destinations.
Kelly! Tell us about your Hawai’i experiences and your top recommendations.
“We enjoyed a bit of a mixed bag when we went. It was a balance of nature, adventure and pure pampering; something I think only Hawai’i can offer.”
Any highlights from your trip?
“A highlight for us was definitely stargazing at Manua Kea. We had experienced Australia’s night sky, but something about being high atop a mountain on the island made it more magical.”
“With a few days spare, we decided to hop from Oahu to Kauai, had a few nights at the Sheraton Kaui Resort at Poipu Beach and went on an awesome trip, mountain tubing through Kauai Backcountry. For adventure-seekers, the ATV tour through Kipu Ranch is a must-do.”
That sounds so fun! Where did you stay?
“We wanted to stay central, so thought where better than Waikiki? We also wanted an in-house spa to get the full luxe experience, so stayed at the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort. TTJ has a superb deal there right now, too – with all resort fees waived. I’d highly recommend it as there’s nothing like returning to a new refurbed hotel room after a long day of adventuring and unwinding with spa treatments.”
Help your clients find their paradise through The Travel Junction
If you don’t have your own Teena, Karli, or Kelly to get fabulous Hawai’i intel from, allow The Travel Junction to step up! As the ultimate one-stop shop, TTJ offers up to 15% commission* for all Hawai’i travel and accommodation booked through HELiO. With $0 deposit and zero amendment or cancellation fees, there’s never been a better time to book a trip to the Aloha State.
Plus, the travel advisor with the highest sales at the end of the promotional period 31 October will snag return flights for two with Hawaiian Airlines to Honolulu and an epic seven nights at the recently renovated Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach. Aloha, indeed!
Is Hawai’i calling? Sign up to The Travel Junction and start booking today!
To learn more about The Travel Junction’s Hawaii Campaign click here.
To register for HELiO click here.
To book click here.
* Includes all accommodation and travel booked by 31 October 2022 for travel up to 31 March 2023.
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