2 – What can Hawaii offer you and your client?

August 26, 2005, 16:13

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What can Hawaii offer you and your client?

Say Aloha to Hawaii’s island charms!

Mark Twain once called Hawaii ‘the loveliest fleet of islands that lies anchored in any ocean.’ And nature lovers are truly in for a treat, with Hawaii boasting spectacular beaches, wondrous scenery and a tropical climate that combine to make this a dream-come-true destination.

Those seeking a romantic break will fall in love with the Hawaiian archipelago, where each island offers a near infinite number of intimate hideaways. From deserted white-sand beaches and secluded waterfalls to candlelit alfresco dinners and private cruises, accompanied only by dolphins and humpback whales in the winter season, it is easy to see why this is a favoured destination for all ages.

Wherever you go and whatever your choice of holiday, the untamed natural beauty and warmth of Hawaii’s people is certain to take your breath away.

Happy exploring!

Welcome to The Islands of Aloha^®

Oahu – The Heart of Hawaii

Oahu is where Aloha begins! If a bustling, fast-paced city offering the added bonus of perhaps the world’s most famous beach and breathtaking scenery is what your clients are after, then be sure to head to Waikiki on Oahu.

The main hub and gateway to Hawaii is Honolulu International Airport (HNL), the first stop for the majority of visitors. Oahu is the most populated island and also home to Honolulu, the state capital and home to some great museums and the famous Iolani Palace, the only royal palace in the United States. No trip to Oahu would be complete without the chance to enjoy the attractions of Waikiki’s famous beach and the opportunity to indulge in some serious shopping, with many outlets open until 9pm or 10pm.

However, Oahu also boasts over 125 miles of beaches, including those famous amongst the global surfing community which are found on the North Shore.

The Big Island – Hawaii’s Island of Adventure

It’s all outdoors from here! Hawaii’s Big Island is the youngest and largest of the six islands and, thanks to its on-going volcanic activity, it’s still growing! Take this opportunity to see nature in action as you watch Kilauea Volcano’s lava flow at the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Whether you choose to walk or drive through the park, try out the great camping facilities or treat yourself to a crater-view room, the landscapes of hardened lava rivers and lush jungle are an experience not to be missed.

The clarity of the night sky has led the summit of Mauna Kea to become home to 14 world class astronomical observatories. Star gaze from your hotel balcony or else take an escorted evening excursion to Mauna Kea, bookable with a local ground handler or at the hotel.

The climate of the Big Island is so diverse that it offers 11 of the earth’s 13 different climates, allowing visitors to take part in every activity imaginable – all on one island. Venture through black lava desert plains, lush rainforests and cascading waterfalls, ride the waves, take up a new watersport and dive or snorkel as you experience some of Hawaii’s colourful underwater world, or, for the adventurous. All this and much more are available on the Big Island. It’s big and the diverse landscapes are a beauty to behold.

Kauai – Hawaii’s Island of Discovery

Kauai is the oldest and most northerly of the islands with a legacy of paradise to uphold – perfect for those seeking a truly laid-back holiday, yet eager to explore its natural wonders.

Formed by now extinct volcano Mount Waialeale, there is a prehistoric feel about the wild, impenetrable verdant interior and the dramatically rugged coast. Little wonder that it was called upon as the backdrop for “Jurassic Park”! Naturally spectacular and unspoilt, here you will find Hawaii’s only navigable rivers, winding between mountains and through jungles, which are perfect for kayaking. The incredible 3,500ft deep, rusted coloured Waimea Canyon is also known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” and its miles of trails ensure it can be enjoyed for hiking, biking or even horse-riding.

Take to the cliffs and visit one of the world’s most dramatic backdrops along the majestic Napali coast. Cliffs plummet 3,500ft into the sea from an inaccessible 14-mile stretch so, to best view these spectacular cliffs, take to the skies on a helicopter ride or Zodiak boat – the perfect holiday treat. And from December to May you may even be lucky enough to see groups of humpback whales along the Napali Coast.

Maui – The Magic Isle

Maui is the second largest of the Hawaiian Islands and also the second most popular amongst visitors. Famed for being the whale watching capital of Hawaii when the humpbacks visit in the winter as much as for its luxurious resorts and spectacular sunrises and sunsets, Maui has a bewitching aura of romance and glamour which make it a favourite honeymoon haunt. And with Mount Haleakala, the world’s largest dormant volcano, as a backdrop and with 33 miles of beaches surrounding the island, it’s easy to see why.

For a spectacular day out, why not hire a car and set forth on the long and winding Road to Hana? This route takes you past waterfalls and forested mountains on one side, with beautiful beaches and ocean on the other, offering you the opportunity to spot Humpback Whales congregating off the coast during the breeding season, from November to May. Though it may be only 53 miles from Kahului Airport to Hana, the 600 curves and 54 bridges mean that it usually takes about 2½ to 3 hours to do the journey, although that obviously depends on how often you stop along the way. A magical experience all round!

Lanai – Hawaii’s Most Enticing Island

Lanai, boasting just two luxury properties, proved the idyllic romantic hideaway for Bill Gates when he chose to say, “I do” and the island continues to attract those looking for seclusion with a decadent touch. In spite of its diminutive size, there is plenty to keep visitors occupied, whether you hire a four-wheel drive vehicle and discover the ever-changing scenery, cycle along picturesque paths or trek though its hills and valleys.

Added to this, Lanai’s scuba diving is rated amongst the best in Hawaii with local spinner dolphins often found playing along the bays.

Molokai – Hawaiian By Nature

Molokai makes the perfect day trip for those staying on the Magic Isle of Maui. Its charms lie in its deserted beaches and untamed nature, while the true Hawaiian culture and way of life is very much evident. Virtually untouched by man, it’s the place to get away from it all.

E komo mai – welcome!

Things to Do and See in Hawaii

From hiking through Hawaii’s lush rainforests, swimming with dolphins, whale-watching, lounging on a secluded beach, kayaking through the island, diving and snorkelling, enjoying a round of golf, cycling or skiing down a volcano, there are a myriad of activities that you can enjoy while in Hawaii.

Beaches

There are over 200 beaches to explore, offering a variety of activities and sports for all ages. And if it’s peace and seclusion you’re after, your own secluded cove is just a stroll away. Below are just a few of our favourites:

Kailua Beach on the island of Oahu is particularly stunning. The shallow waters and average water temperature of 26ºC year round make it a fantastic base for children.

A visit to Waikiki Beach is definitely worthwhile. Here on Hawaii’s most famous beach you will find surfers of all levels, from beginners to pros.

Poipu Beach on the sunny south shore of Kauai is great for swimming, thanks to its fine sand and turquoise waters.

Kaanapali Beach on Maui was named America’s Best Beach in 2003.

For something unusual and different, try the Green Beach on the Big Island. Formed from olivine crystals, green beaches are incredibly rare – but one of them sits proudly on the Big Island!

Surfing

Hawaii is known worldwide for its surfing traditions and enthusiasts travel far and wide to experience Hawaii’s famous swells. Some beaches in Hawaii offer waves of up to 80ft – great to watch, but only for pros – however the islands’ surf caters for all levels so you need simply match your beach to your experience. The best time for pro-surfers to enjoy Hawaii’s surf is during the UK’s winter months, when the best swells reach the North Shores of Oahu and the island of Maui, although it’s equally rewarding to take a back seat and gaze on in awe at the water action from the comfort of your sunbathing spot back on the beach. Many hotels offer surfing lessons, with Waikiki Beach in Oahu being the most popular area to learn. Most surf schools guarantee that you will be able to stand up and catch a wave by the end of the first day otherwise they will reimburse the payment. So there really is no excuse not to give it a try!

Golfing

Perhaps Hawaii’s best kept secret is golf, with a recent poll of professional golfers showing that Hawaii is their favourite place to visit. And, with more than 80 courses to choose from and eight of the top 25 resort courses in the USA situated amongst the Hawaiian Islands, it’s not difficult to see why. Most of them are designed by the world’s best golf course designers – Jack Nicklaus, Robert Trent Jones, Arnold Palmer, to name just a few.

The majority of the resort hotels have their own private golf course, however those that don’t are often affiliated to nearby courses and offer transport to and from them. Alternatively, there are fabulous state-owned courses, which are generally significantly cheaper.

True enthusiasts should combine their visit with the chance to watch some of the world-class international golfing, with events including:

MasterCard Championship – The Big Island, January
Turtle Bay Championship – Oahu, January
PGA Mercedes Championships – Maui, January
PGA Tour Sony Open – Oahu, January
PGA Grand Slam – Kauai, November

Weddings and Honeymoons

While soft trade winds whisper sweet nothings in your ear, sweet-smelling flowers are a constant reminder of intoxicating passion. Breathtaking sunsets set the scene for an unforgettable wedding, honeymoon or romantic getaway and with its unique beauty, Hawaii offers the enamoured an ideal place to declare their love.

Getting married is exceptionally easy in Hawaii and professional services are at hand to assist in every way, from classic beach weddings to larger formal affairs. For further information on getting married in Hawaii, click here.

Most of the larger hotels in Hawaii have excellent wedding facilities coupled with highly regarded service levels – indeed, you could even get married on the day you arrive. The hotels will arrange and take care of your clients’ every need, from making all the flower arrangements to coordinating the catering and reception etc. All you need to bring is your passport and a marriage licence, which can be obtained from here.

For the smaller hotels, be sure to let the hoteliers know you’re celebrating a wedding, honeymoon or anniversary. Although they may not have the facilities to arrange a wedding, they will ensure you receive extra special treatment with the possibility of flower petals on your bed or even champagne in your room.

Scenery

The Islands of Aloha^® are simply stunning, from soaring mountains to lush green rainforests, cascading waterfalls to volcanic craters, a copper-coloured canyon to turquoise waters and awesome cliff drops, the options are near enough endless. However, to take in the full beauty of the islands, the best view is by air and the experience of a helicopter ride is worth every penny. Packages can be booked through an operator, local DMC or the hotel and a Heli ride costs approximately $150 and lasts approximately 45 minutes. One of the best places to enjoy a flight is over Kauai, where you’ll see the dramatic Napali Coast, Waimea Canyon, countless waterfalls and possibly a humpback whale or two, however all islands offer great heli-sightseeing.

Underwater World

Hawaii’s underwater paradise is another gem. The colours are a kaleidoscope of reds, greens, blues, purples and oranges. One of the best spots to see the underwater life is Molokini, a tiny sunken crater off the coast of Maui. Due to the crater formation, many fish and water life feed off the rocks and surrounding areas offering divers and snorkellers an unmissable display of colourful fish and turtles. Another experience not to be missed is the chance to night-dive with Manta Rays on the Big Island. Trips can be booked with a local DMC or at the hotel.

Hike, Bike and Raft

Hawaii offers a huge variety of riding opportunities – whether on horseback or by bike – as well as tremendous opportunities for rafting, hiking and biking. Kauai has an especially great range of opportunities, from navigating the most remote part of the island, the Napali Coast, to kayaking down one of the islands’ many navigable rivers. The Big Island offers fantastic hiking and bird watching around Mauna Kea’s summit (13,796ft), while another thing not to miss is biking down from the summit of Maui’s 10,000ft high dormant Haleakala Volcano. Take an organized tour where your bike is driven up before you explore the surrounding mountains, have a picnic and then leisurely bike down, all your hard work will be rewarded as the adrenalin starts pumping!

Information on treks and trails can be obtained at the hotel reception desk or through your concierge. Hotel staff are generally knowledgeable of the islands and will be able to point you in the right direction, complete with maps and guidelines.

Whale Watching

Whale watching is highly recommended during a visit to Hawaii if you’re travelling during the season. From the months of November to May, the humpback whales escape the cold waters of Alaska and head for the warm waters of the Pacific to breed. Local DMC’s and hotels can organise boat excursions for approximately $20 to see the whales in all their natural glory. The whales are extremely friendly and are generally quite nosey so often come towards the boats to explore. They are best seen off the coasts of Maui, Kauai and Oahu but be sure to keep a special look out from the shore as they can often be spotted from there too.

Culture and History

Hawaiian culture has left an indelible mark in history. From the skilful, innovative ways of Polynesian sea voyaging to the ancient traditions of the Hawaiian ohana (family), we continuously learn from our ancestors. The Hawaiian language is now being taught in many Hawaii schools and the legacy of the Hawaiian monarchy is still very much revered today. The revitalisation of the Hawaiian culture continues to remind us that the past clearly defines the present.

There are many ways to connect with both contemporary and historical cultural activities throughout each island. You can learn more here. Alternatively, encourage your clients to visit the Polynesian Cultural Center on the beautiful North Shore of Oahu.

Shopping

Hawaii truly is a shopper’s paradise. The shopping venues are widespread and varied with a wide range of retail stores – from designer stores to the very best discount and outlet centres. Some of the best shopping centres can be found in Waikiki, on Oahu and you can buy virtually anything in the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center, which offers 150 stores to choose from. Another great place near Waikiki to indulge in some serious shopping is the Ala Moana Center, with 230 shops and 60 dining choices. For all things Hawaiian be sure to head for the Hilo Hattie outlets, which have a great selection of lifestyle goods and souvenirs and can be found on all the main Hawaiian islands. Just don’t forget to bring your loved ones a famously colourful Hawaiian shirt home…

Island Hopping

As Hawaii has so much to offer and with each island having such different charms, it would be a shame just to stay on one of them. There are frequent flights between all the main islands, with Hawaiian Airlines, Aloha Airlines and Island Air flying up to ten times daily between the islands of Oahu, Maui, Kauai and the Big Island. Flights cost approximately $80 one way with flight times ranging between 20-40 minutes. For further information on special fares visit www.alohaair.com, www.hawaiianair.com, www.islandair.com. Meanwhile, low cost carrier Fly Hawaii and Mesa Air plan to introduce inter-island flights in 2006.

More information

For more information on Hawaii visit www.hawaii-tourism.co.uk.

For an information pack call 020 7202 6384 or send an e-mail to hawaii@hillsbalfour.com.

Useful Facts

Time difference:	11 hours behind in winter, 12 hours in summer
Location:	Pacific Ocean – 2,400 miles southwest of Los Angeles
Size:	4,425 Square Miles
Capital:	Honolulu
Population:	1.2m
Language:	Hawaii’s two official languages are Hawaiian and English. The Hawaiian language is a Polynesian dialect and only has 12 letters in its alphabet.
Currency:	US dollar
Climate:	Hawaii boasts it is never too hot and never too cold. The Islands enjoy a balmy and warm climate throughout the year with little variation in temperatures – a mere 10°F drop in the ‘winter’ or cooler months from December to March; a period which also tends to see more rainfall, although mostly at night time. The driest months are May to November. Coastal daytime temperatures typically reach highs of about 83F and lows of around 68F.
Health & safety:	Visitors require no mandatory vaccinations to visit Hawaii but, as with any destination, should consult their doctor before travel.
Passports:	All you need is a machine-readable passport that is valid for 6 months upon arrival. All UK passports issued after October 2006 must contain biometric data / information for the holder to enter the USA without a visa.
Visas:	UK citizens are covered under the US Waiver scheme. This means that many British Citizens holding a UK passport do not require a US visa providing: Duration of stay is not more than 90 days and traveller holds a valid ticket for onward or return travel. Passport is valid for at least 90 days from date of entry into the United States. Travel is for business, tourism or transit only Traveller is not a journalist on assignment nor an individual seeking gainful employment Traveller has never been arrested (even if the arrest did not lead to a conviction) and has not been convicted of a crime. Traveller has not been refused entry into or deported from the United States and has not previously violated the terms of admission under the visa waiver program Traveller completes and presents an I-94W form to the US Customs & Border Protection at the first point of entry into the USA (these forms are available at check-in or on the aircraft) and otherwise be eligible for a visa.
High Commission:	US Embassy: 24 Grosvenor Square, London, W1A 1AE, UK Switchboard: (0)20 7499-9000 Visa Information Line: 09068-200-290 (24 hour)
Restaurants:	Known as the Pacific Rim Cuisine, the flavours of the Pacific Islands blend with those of the Orient, Europe and the American south-west to produce some mouth-watering flavours. As well as restaurants specialising in Hawaiian cuisine, there are plenty dedicated to French, Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Thai, Mexican and American food.
Drinking:	The legal age for alcohol consumption is 21. ID may be required to enter bars and pubs or to buy alcoholic drinks
Tipping:	15% is the generally accepted amount for most services where gratuities have not already been included in the bill.
Shop hours:	Open hours are generally 9am – 9pm but do vary. Most shops are open every day of the year except Christmas day.
Mobile phones:	Mobile phones must be tri-band to work in the USA
Electricity:	110V AC. All plugs are two-pronged and require a travel adapter.
Public holidays:	New year – 1st January Martin Luther King’s Day – 3rd Monday of January Presidents Day – 3rd Monday of February Kuhio Day (Regatta day) – 26th of March Memorial Day – Last Monday in May King Kamehameha Day – 11th June Independence Day – 4th July Labour Day – 1st Monday of September Hawaii Statehood Day – 3rd Friday in August Columbus Discoverer’s Day – 2nd Monday of October Veterans Day – 11th of November Thanksgiving Day – 4th Thursday in November Christmas Day – 25th December
Accommodation:	Huge variety of accommodation including hotels, resorts, bed and breakfast, camping, hostels, condominiums and cruise ships.
Getting around:	Car Hire: Hiring a car in a resort is easy and can be organised through most hotels or in advance either direct or through your DMC / operator. It’s a good way of exploring the islands, although roads can be steep and winding in places. Driving is on the right-hand side and h. Horn honking is considered rude unless absolutely necessary.
Bus:	The Oahu bus system is considered the best in the US. On all other islands a car is highly recommended.
Inter-island:	The two major airlines Hawaiian and Aloha, fly frequently between Honolulu and Kona and Hilo on the Big Island; Kahului on Maui, and Lihue on Kauai. Services to Molokai and Lanai are slightly less frequent. Both airlines have standard one-way fares from around $80 but discounted packages are available. Low cost carriers Mesa Air and FlyHawaii plan to introduce inter-island flights in 2006.
Getting there:	Honolulu International Airport (HNL) on Oahu is a major pacific Pacific hub, with regular flights from mainland US. Hawaii is usually reached from the UK via the US west coast; San Francisco and Los Angeles, with twin centre combinations though flights do go direct from the US to both Maui and the Big Island. Korean Airlines have recently launched flights to Hawaii with stopover opportunities in Korea.