Up in the air . . .

HAWAIIAN Airlines and JetBlue today announced an expanded codeshare agreement that allows travelers from dozens of cities, most of them in the eastern U.S., to easily connect to the Hawaiian Islands via Boston's Logan International Airport (BOS) starting in April. 

A large number of Americans are using unsanctioned IDs to pass through airport security and board flights, according to survey of 1,000 Americans conducted by Wakefield Research for Acuant, a global provider of identity verification solutions.

Despite current security measures, 60 percent of Americans who have ever been to an airport report they have boarded a plane without proper identification. More than half (51 percent) passed through security using some form of ID that doesn't include a picture at all.

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Disney Cruise Line to Sail from New Orleans for First Time

IN early 2020, Disney Cruise Line will offer families even more ways to explore the world together with the addition of a brand-new home port in New Orleans and a highly anticipated return to the Hawaiian Islands. Disney Cruise Line will also return to Puerto Rico for a limited time and continue guest-favorite itineraries to tropical destinations from Florida and California.

The Disney Wonder will embark on a variety of Caribbean and Bahamian cruises from New Orleans – the first time Disney Cruise Line will have a home port in Louisiana. Not only will this provide families from the region with the magic of having a Disney ship in their own backyard, but it will also draw families from farther away to discover this incredible city before they set sail.

Bookings open to the public on Oct. 4, 2018. More details on 2020 itineraries can be found on the Ports and Itineraries for 2020 page of disneycruise.com.
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Back to the future in Waikiki

BACK to the future style levitating hoverboards may not be a reality yet, but the clean electric power revolution is here to stay. Just launched, the local startup company, Hawaii Hoverboarding Tours, is utilizing the next best thing to floating boards for their informative tours of Waikiki. They have the latest 2018 model, advanced all-terrain segway-style electric hoverboards.

The company chose to use the all-terrain style hoverboards because they say the boards are the perfect platform for exploring Waikiki. The large wheels provide a cushioned elevated platform to effortlessly glide over terrain on sidewalks or trails, while taking in many more sights than walking alone. After a brief training, the silent self balancing hoverboards can become an extension of the rider as they seemingly float through their surroundings, maneuvering simply with a slight shift in their weight.

Rather than riding to a point of interest and stopping for extended periods of time to learn about the location, a wireless one ear audio system is utilized allowing for narration and music along the entire ride. Participants are immersed in all that is Hawaii along the entire ride, which allows for shorter stops, longer rides, and more sites visited. As riders hover along, the guide points out what they’re seeing and its connection to Hawaii’s exciting Polynesian past and present, all along the tour.


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Hawaii up and running after tropical storm

HURRICANE Lane was approaching #Hawaii last week until strong wind shear and trade winds steadily weakened it from a category 5 hurricane to a tropical storm over a three-day period before finally pushing it away from the islands last Friday. Currently, Post-Tropical Cyclone Lane is continuing to move in a westward direction far away from the Hawaiian Islands and is no longer a threat to residents and visitors. 

The State of Hawaii is fully open for business and travelers should not be dissuaded at all from making or planning trips. All airports, resorts and hotels, activities, restaurants, retail operations, beaches and publicly accessible roadways are open, as well as most forest lands and state and county parks.
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Hula some time away at New York Botanical Gardens

HAWAIIAN summer at the New York Botanical Garden, while Georgia O’Keeffe: Visions of Hawai‘i at The New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) brings more than 15 paintings back to #NewYork City for the first time since they were exhibited in 1940. 

This landmark exhibition that runs through October 28, 2018 and also offers up a summer-long feast of Hawaiian flora, culture, music and food, along with a rich menu of programming, hula and films. For visitors to New York City, it’s an immersive counterpoint to a day of urban sightseeing, a tropical escape just 20 minutes from the bustle of midtown.

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Winning Island

FOR the second year in a row, Outrigger Hotels and Resorts took home the award for “Best Hotel Chain in Hawaii” at the 2018 TravelAge West WAVE Awards, held at The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Ray on June 14. Outrigger also picked up the accolade of “Best Hotel Brand for Families in Hawaii.”

The State of #Hawaii was also a winner – garnering the top spot for “Destination with the Highest Client Satisfaction, USA” against New Orleans, Alaska, Las Vegas and New York City. Plus, Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB) was honored as the “U.S. Tourism Board Providing the Best Travel Agent Support” – beating out Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, NYC & Company, Inc., and New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau.

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Hawaii open for business

AS dramatic video footage is shown daily from the island of Hawai'i of lava flowing, new fissures opening and ash plumes, Hawai'i Governor David Ige reassured people worldwide that #Kīlauea volcano is being closely monitored and stated emphatically: "Travel is safe to the Hawaiian Islands."

"All of Hawai'i is open for business and welcoming visitors with the hospitality, aloha, warmth and picturesque settings visitors seek in our islands. This includes Hilo, Pāhoa and the Kona and Kohala coasts on the island of Hawai'i. The one area that people need to avoid is lower Puna where the eruption is ongoing."


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Hawaiian Islands Unaffected by Volcano Activity

IN response to increased volcanic activity and a new flow of lava that began on May 3 from Kīlauea volcano on the island of Hawai'i, state and county government agencies are keeping residents safe, while assuring travelers the impact is limited to a remote region on the east side far away from the rest of the Hawaiian Islands.

The closest resort areas, in Kona and the Kohala Coast on the island of Hawai'i's west side, are more than 100 miles away from where the lava flow is occurring and shielded by the massive mountains of Maunakea and Maunaloa. Resort areas located on O'ahu and Kaua'i, and in Maui County, are located hundreds of miles from Kīlauea volcano.

Kīlauea has been an active volcano since 1983 and is one of Hawai'i's most popular attractions, with residents and visitors drawn to the wonder of seeing nature at work in the creation of new land via helicopter and ground tours or visits to Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park.

Due to the volcanic activity there is a no-fly zone over Kīlauea volcano. In addition, Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park was closed on May 4 until further notice because of damage caused by earthquakes and aftershocks in the area.

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Hawaii cruising guide

NORWEGIAN Cruise Line (NCL) has recently released its 2018/21 #Hawaii #Cruising Guide, featuring their award winning seven-day roundtrip cruise from Honolulu – Voted Best Hawaii Itinerary 13 years in a row by Porthole Cruise Magazine. 

The brochure includes departure dates every Saturday year-round from February 2018 – April 2021. NCL’s Hawaii Cruising Guide is a must-read for anyone wanting to visit the Aloha State – from the white sands of Diamond Head Beach in Honolulu and the nature trails in ‘Heavenly Hana’, through to the ancient sites of the city of Kona – the best parts of Hawaii are all on offer. 

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Kona Coffee Cultural Festival

THIS 10 day festival celebrates the harvest of Kona’s 200 year old coffee heritage each year in November on the Island of Hawaii. 

Recognised as one of the world’s most expensive coffees, Kona coffee is a must-try for visitors travelling to the volcanic archipelago. 

Historical information about the importance of farming is exposed and visitors can walk among the coffee trees, meet a ‘Kona Nightingale’ and watch how farmers mill and dry the famous coffee. The event also features live music, dancing and entertainment as well as a coffee recipe contest. 

konacoffeefest.com

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Picture Credit: By Ekrem Canli - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=61641996

Aloha: enjoy the festival spirit

A trip to #Hawaii is made complete by the islands’ ‘Aloha’ spirit.

Encompassing all things Hawaiian – the state-wide festivals bring together music, dance and history throughout the year on various dates. The festivals are a must for travellers looking to experience the true Hawaii. 

www.alohafestivals.com

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Santa heads south

SANTA is heading south and ditching his usual sleigh for a more traditional mode of island transportation for his annual visit to Waikiki Beach. As part of the #Waikiki tradition, Outrigger invites holiday-makers to take part in the festivities at Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort this holiday season with a can’t-miss arrival by Santa in canoe, followed by hula dancing, a delicious breakfast and a meet-and-greet with Mr. Claus himself! 

To celebrate the one-of-a-kind occasion, guests and elves alike can head to the shores of Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort on Saturday, Dec. 9, to cheer-on Saint Nick as he paddles to shore. Santa and his helpers will ride the waves right onto Waikiki Beach to be warmly greeted by a keiki hula group. Following, children and families are encouraged to meet Santa and pose for pictures with the “Hawaiian Kana Kaloka” in the resort’s lobby for a merry and memorable morning.

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Happy in Hawaii

THE 50th US state, comprising six islands and located in the Central Pacific, is a destination worth visiting in 2018.  Attracting travellers from all over the world, #Hawai‘i is home to dramatic landscapes, white sandy beaches, volcanoes, lava fields, waterfalls and canyons. Visitors can surf, sample local cuisine, explore iconic historical landmarks, visit blockbuster filming locations or snorkel with manta ray all in a week’s getaway.

Hosting international sporting events, major art and film festivals, cultural celebrations and ancient native traditions, Hawai‘i boasts a wealth of exciting calendar events.  2018 includes a variety of signature events in March and April:

Prince Kūhiō Festival, O‘ahu - The festival consists of a series of events, ceremonies and activities celebrating the birthday of Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalaniana‘ole. The annual Prince Kūhiō Commemorative Parade and the Prince Kūhiō Ho‘olaule‘a and Hō‘ike‘ike takes place in March (2018 dates tbc). The event provides an opportunity for Native Hawaiian artists, musicians, cultural specialists and artisans to share aspects of Hawaiian Culture with visitors and locals alike. princekuhiofestival.org

Honolulu Festival, O‘ahu - Taking place from 9-11 March 2018, the Honolulu Festival highlights the cultural links and relationships between Hawai‘i and the Pacific Rim region. Performers from Japan, Australia, Tahiti, the Philippines, Taiwan, South Korea, Hawai‘i, and the mainland United States collaborate to showcase dance performances and traditional art demonstrations. All events throughout the three day weekend are free of charge and a great opportunity for visitors to get involved and learn about Hawai‘i’s history and heritage. www.honolulufestival.com

Merrie Monarch Festival, Island of Hawai‘i - The annual festival, taking place from 1-7 April 2018, honours the legacy left by King David Kalākaua. Celebrating traditions, native language and arts, the weeklong festival features a hula competition and parade. Individuals will have the chance to compete for Miss Aloha Hula by performing hula kahiko, hula ʻauana and chanting. http://merriemonarch.com

Waikīkī SPAM JAM, O‘ahu - With nearly seven million cans of Spam consumed each year in Hawai‘i, the street festival attracts over 25,000 people each year. Taking place on 28 April 2018, a multitude of Spam inspired dishes are served at Honolulu’s restaurants, alongside performances from hula dancers and local musicians. The family friendly day is free and a great attraction for all to enjoy. spamjamhawaii.com

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Celebrate Hawaii

THE annual Koloa Plantation Days festival on Kauai, July 21-30, 2017 commemorates the various cultures and people who immigrated to #Hawaii and contributed their traditions, music, dances, and foods to the rich melting pot that is Hawaii today. 

The event celebrates the present-day vitality of Koloa and Poipu areas, major visitor destinations on Kauai. Resorts and businesses welcome visitors and residents alike to enjoy guided walks and talk stories, outdoor sports and a variety of themed keiki activities, as well as live entertainment. The annual festivities also showcase watch top rodeo competitors from the state and mainland. 

koloaplantationdays.com

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Maui No.1 Island

CONDE NAST readers have recently voted The Hawaiian Island of #Maui the No.1 Island in the World for the 20th year in a row.

Known as the 'Magic Island', Maui boasts 80 beaches and 120 miles of shoreline with Haleakala, the world's largest extinct volcano, serving as a unique backdrop.

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On the Runway . . .

HAWAIIAN Airlines remained the nation's top carrier for punctuality in 2016, as reported by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), marking the airline's 13thconsecutive year holding the title.

#Hawai'i's largest and longest-serving airline averaged a 91.1 percent on-time performance rating in 2016, earning the top ranking in all but one month and exceeding the industry average for the year by 9.7 percentage points. For December, Hawaiian Airlines posted a leading 85.1 percent on-time performance rating. The carrier also ranked first in fewest flight cancellations with 0.1 percent, or nine cancellations out of 6,347 flights.

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New records for Hawaii Tourism

HAWAII'S tourism industry established new records in total visitor spending and visitor arrivals in 2016, according to preliminary year-end statistics released today by the #Hawaii Tourism Authority. This marked the fifth straight year of record growth in both categories. 

Total spending by visitors to the Hawaiian Islands increased 4.2 percent in 2016 to a new high of $15.6 billion. 

A total of 8,941,394 visitors came to Hawai‘i in 2016, representing a 3 percent increase compared to 2015. 

On average, there were 219,625 visitors in the Hawaiian Islands on any given day in 2016, an increase of 2 percent versus 2015.

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Picture Credit: Rusty Russ 10159247@N04/30918159572 Plum Hula via photopin

New Customs Facility in Kona Opens the Skies to International Flights

IN  a statement issued by George D. Szigeti, president and CEO of the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority (HTA) it was announced that a new Federal Inspection Service facility is opening at Kona International Airport at Keahole on the island of #Hawaii to welcome passengers of international flights.

He went on to say that "“The convenience of having a new customs facility in Kona is a huge achievement for our #tourism industry and makes Hawai‘i a more attractive destination to international travelers as we enter 2017. Hawai‘i’s success hinges on air access meeting demand and the more route options our state can offer airlines serving international customers, the more it strengthens our tourism industry for the long term. 

“Destinations worldwide are working hard to entice global travelers and Hawai‘i needs every advantage to stay competitive. This new customs facility and the capability it provides for airlines to fly directly to Kona from any international gateway city enhances Hawai‘i’s appeal as a travel destination.

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Aloha! Record numbers visit Hawaii

A TOTAL of 780,723 visitors came to the Hawaiian Islands in August 2016, the most ever recorded for the month of August, according to preliminary statistics released by the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority (HTA). 

This represented an increase of 3.1 percent from last August and also extended Hawai‘i’s streak to 19 consecutive months of year-over-year growth in arrivals.

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Virgin America boosts Hawaii schedule

VIRGIN AMERICA has expanded its #Hawaii service with the launch of daily non-stop flights from Los Angeles to Honolulu. In June, the airline's Hawaii schedule will grow again with daily non-stop flights from LA to Maui.

Hawaii remains the 'most wanted' #destination by members of Virgin America's Elevate loyalty program and continues to be the number one tourism destination from the West Coast, with more than 3.5 million visitors in 2015. 

‘Congratulations to Virgin America for making Hawaii easily accessible to its customers in Southern California and expanding its network for connections to major markets nationwide,’ said George Szigeti, president and CEO of the Hawaii Tourism Authority.

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