Karryon caught up with representatives from three of Hawaiʻi’s most popular islands – Oʻahu, Maui and Kauaʻi. And we got the low down on what you need to know about travelling to Hawaiʻi now. Responsibly.
Why bother straying from Hawai’i’s beaten path when it leads to Haleakalā’s lofty peaks, Waikīkī Beach’s sparkling sands, and the untamed majesty of the Nāpali Coast?
The beaten path is still so unexplored and so underrated. Take a deep dive and uncover the gems hidden in plain sight. Meet the locals, sample the mouth-watering cuisine, and indulge in all the treasures that make Hawaiʻi a true paradise on earth.
Oʻahu Visitors Bureau Director of Sales Karishma Chowfin often gets asked about secret beaches and hidden gems.
“There are so many gems to discover that are on the beaten path, like `Iolani Palace or Bishop Museum or those hikes that are accessible,” she tells Karryon.
“Get off the beaten path by staying on the beaten path.”
According to Chowfin, visitors to Oʻahu now, post lockdowns and border closures, are going deeper.
“They want to give back,” she says.
Joining the mālama movement
Sustainable, community, responsible tourism … there are so many ways to describe travel that puts the focus on giving back. But in Hawai’i they have one word for it: mālama.
Meaning ‘to care for’, mālama is more than just an abstract notion Hawai’i tourism authorities want visitors to understand. It’s a call for travellers to actively participate in its mission.
Visitors can engage in volunteer opportunities through the Mālama Hawai’i Program and can even qualify for a special discount or a free night from a participating hotel.
“It really is about leaving the place better than we arrived,” says Chowfin.
“It’s enriching the place you’re visiting, but also enriching yourself.”
Lei-ing the groundwork for a perfect Oʻahu getaway
“We’re the only island in the entire state of Hawai’i that has this very unique blend of urban resort and beautiful countryside,” Chowfin tells Karryon.
“But we’re very multi-dimensional. Oʻahu is really great for family travellers, romance seekers, culinary enthusiasts, history buffs, your outdoor adventure seekers. There really is something for everybody on the island of Oʻahu.”
For visitors to Pearl Harbour, Chowfin says that those wanting to get out to the USS Arizona Memorial will need a reservation.
“The National Park Services, during COVID, changed the framework on how to get out there,” she says.
“You have to book tickets ahead of time at www.recreation.gov. They do sell out pretty fast.”
Pearl Harbour Aviation Museum sits on historic Ford Island, an active military base that is accessed by shuttle bus from the Pearl Harbour Visitor Center. After almost 10 years, the Ford Island Control Center is now open to visitors after a major $7 million renovation, Chowfin said.
“Visitors can now go and do a tour from the very top – it’s called the Top of the Tower and it’s a small intimate tour. So again, advanced reservations are strongly recommended or required.”
In general, Chowfin reminds visitors that operation hours may have changed in certain venues. Capacities too may have changed because of staff shortages.
“All of our venues and attractions are open, some are operating with limited capacity or limited operating hours.”
Maui must-dos
Get your cameras ready for Maui’s world-renowned beaches, awe-inspiring ʻĪao Valley, migrating humpback whales, and a farm-to-table dining experience that’ll make your taste buds tingle. Oh, and let’s not forget the killer views of the sunrise and sunset from the majestic Haleakalā.
Then, of course, nestled along Maui’s wild and rugged eastern coast, lies the serene little town of Hāna, hailed as one of the last unspoiled Hawaiʻian frontiers.
Maui Visitors & Convention Bureau Director of Sales June Pagdilao says there are 620 curves on the road and 59 bridges. And the bridges are narrow.
“My suggestion for the travel advisor is to book this type of itinerary with their tour operator.”
If their clients aren’t driving, they’ll be able to take pictures of the waterfalls and will allow them to relax and enjoy the view scenery, he said.
“There’s so much to see when you’re going to Hāna. And if you have a driver, they can tell you the history of Hāna, the history of Maui, and the history Hawaiʻi. Plus, that will eliminate some of the cars that are going through the community.”
He also recommends Lāna’i with its few paved roads and lack of crowds.
“The only way you can get to Lāna’i is by boat or plane. Always tell people to go for a day or two to take check out some of the five-star resorts on Lāna’i.”
He recommends that if people are travelling in the winter months, to hop on an Expeditions Ferry.
“You’ll be able to see whales on your way to Lāna’i … you’ll have a free whale-watching trip,” he says.
“There are so many things to do on that island, you’ve got e-bikes, ziplining, a beautiful golf course…
And when you are in Lānaʻi, you must visit the Lānaʻi Cultural and Heritage Center, located in Lānaʻi City. Celebrating the land, resources, people and history of Lāna’i, the Center features exhibits that showcase artefacts from the different facets of Lānaʻi including Hawaiʻian culture and the pineapple plantation era.”
Kauaʻi: The Garden Island that blooms with adventure
Mother Nature has been working hard on Kauaʻi, forming tropical rainforests, forking rivers, and cascading waterfalls that will take your breath away.
Some parts of Kauaʻi are only accessible by sea or air, but the journey is well worth the destination. And it’s not just about the stunning beauty either – Kauaʻi is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. You can kayak the Wailua River, snorkel on Poʻipū Beach, hike the trails of Kōkeʻe State Park, or zipline above Kauaʻi’s lush valleys.
But wait, there’s more! It’s the island’s laid-back atmosphere and rich culture found in its small towns that make it truly timeless. So take your time exploring the regions of Kauaʻi and prepare to be mesmerised by its undeniable allure.
Kauaʻi Visitors Bureau Director of Marketing Maile Brown says that “travel advisors really need to visit the Kauaʻi’ Museum“.
“It’s located right there in Lihue – it’s not a giant museum, but it houses Kauaʻi’s entire history,” she says.
“It talks specifically about our Kauaʻi chiefs and chiefesses, kings and queens. And the people of Kauaʻi are very, very proud of that particular history. And they want to share that with their visitors.
“Additionally, the great thing about being at the Kauaʻi Museum and learning the stories, is that when visitors travel around Kauaʻi, they’ll see road names and buildings and parks named after specific people and they understand why, so it allows them to really connect with the island.”
Brown’s number one tip actually applies to all the islands: make reservations.
“It’s the know-before-you-go thing. And I mean making reservations not only with regards to some of our parks but also for dining and activities as well,” she says.
“We are still struggling a little bit with staffing issues. And so a lot of companies have had to downsize the number of slots that are opening or the number of hours or the number of days that they’re open. So it’s very important that people plan ahead, which I know kind of goes against the grain of people on vacation.”
Travel advisors: the ultimate torch bearers for Hawaiʻi’s tourism
“Getting our travel trade community to help be our megaphone, our amplifier, is absolutely essential,” says Brown.
“This is especially true for our mālama messaging, as well as understanding that there have been some changes with regard to needing reservations when they’re coming to the islands.”
Brown says there’s much value in educating agents who can then advise their clients. The end result is that “their clients have a more fulfilling and wonderful experience when they come to our islands”.
Chowfin agrees.
“It’s enriching the advisor so they can enrich their clients by directing the itineraries in that respectful travel map, so to speak,” she said.
“If our advisors don’t know, they’re going to stick to the same old things. And so, it’s really educating the travel advisor on how to curate those itineraries to help create that mindful traveller.”
For more information, visit www.gohawaii.com/au.
Hawai’i Tourism Oceania’s Month of Lei took place recently with trade events in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Auckland.
