From nightclubs and shopping to volcanoes and adventure attractions, Hawai’i has it all – and with sales and bookings already markedly up it’s a good start to the year for the destination.

Hawai’i Tourism Oceania (HTO) country manager Darragh Walshe said for February visitor numbers from New Zealand were up 16.7 per cent on last year.

Walshe said even when the recession affected many clients’ travel plans last year; Hawaii’s drop in visitor numbers from the Kiwi market was relatively small compared to other destinations and the rest of the US.

“The good news now is that it has bounced back. And people that visited Hawai’i years ago are also returning for another visit.”

When clients go back, they tend to explore Hawai’i further – seeing more of O’ahu or Waikiki, or including a neighbouring island, Walshe said.

And there’s been a growth in visits to the neighbouring islands with those travelling to Hawai’i for the first time too.

The biggest market out of New Zealand is still leisure, but Walshe said there’s also a slow return of interest in the conference and incentive market and general growth in all aspects of travel to Hawai’i.

So the big push for the HTO now is this year’s Aloha Down Under roadshow, which aims to promote the diversity of attractions in Hawai’i. Seminars are in Christchurch on Friday April 30 and Auckland on Monday May 3.

“It’s not just sun, sand and surf. For New Zealanders who want to travel to a Pacific Island a bit further away, there’s a range of different experiences and activities,” said Walshe.   

And each island – from O’ahu to Maui – has something different to offer.

“More New Zealanders are including neighbouring islands in their itinerary plans, and there’s also been more interest in the Big Island, particularly due to the volcanic activity from Kilauea.

“You can get quite close; the best time to view the volcano is after sunset, when the steam becomes lava. Seeing it by boat is the most popular option,” Walshe said.  

The Waimea Canyon, known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, is another geographic attraction which is constantly rated as the most beautiful spot by New Zealand travellers, he said. 

Other appeals in Hawai’i include the shopping (with the stronger New Zealand Dollar), dining, nightlife and culture.

Walshe said the dining experiences in Hawai’i are terrific, especially any restaurants that offer Hawaiian regional cuisine – which is pacific dishes combined with Asian influences.

“It’s beautiful food and there are amazing restaurants, both in Waikiki and downtown in Honolulu where the locals eat.”

The Hawaiian culture and history is another attraction for visitors and the Iolani Palace and Bishop Museum in Honolulu give clients a historic and cultural experience, he said.  

Many festivals take place in Hawai’i each year too and at the end of May, any clients travelling to Hawai’i can enjoy a new music festival – the first annual Nā Hōkū O Hawai’i Music Festival, held from May 27 to 30.

Getting there

Air New Zealand runs the only non-stop service to Hawai’i three times per week during our winter (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday) and twice per week during our summer on Thursdays and Saturdays.

Air Pacific also introduced a one hour-15 minute transit in Nandi, the quickest one-stop connection to Honolulu. This is also an option for clients who want to combine Fiji and Hawai’i.

Mahalo Month

Mahalo Month continues in May with special industry rates and more than 100 offers to travel professionals. Kiwi agents (and partners) can access a special Mahalo Month industry airfare from Air Pacific. The return airfare from Auckland to Honolulu is $498 plus taxes. Full details are available on the Mahalo Month website: www.mahalomonth.com

Agents must download a Mahalo Month for Travel Professionals card from the site to present along with a business card or company authorisation letter and a picture ID to receive the Mahalo Month special rate. 

Online experts

The tourism board’s online training tool, Ke Kula, was revamped and updated last year. Walshe said it’s an extensive, educational tool which is also good for any agents who can’t make it to Aloha Down Under.

The courses can be taken at the individual’s own pace with an easy-to-follow format that provides the ability to stop and pick up again where you left off.

To enrol, visit: www.discoverhawaii.co.nz and click the Travel Trade link in the footer page. 

Pictured top: Big Island volcano viewing by night

Image courtesy of HTO

Bottom: Hula sunset courtesy of HTA/Kirk Lee Aeder