Hawaii Vacation Connection

Aloha Bruce is delighted to welcome co-host Lanai Tabura back into the recording studio (at a safe 6-foot distance, of course!) to talk about the Next steps for reopening Hawaii for the newest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. Our hosts riff on the term “social distancing” and discuss what it means for Hawaii as the Aloha […]

On the newest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast, Aloha Bruce and Yaling Fisher share the latest developments and insight into the effect of coronavirus restrictions and quarantine requirements on Hawaii Tourism. Bruce makes the point that Hawaii’s statistics on confirmed cases of coronavirus and other telling metrics are far lower than mainland states. Bruce also mentions the hopeful story of a young Honolulu bartender who has begun the road to recovery after falling gravely ill with COVID-19. Yaling offers numbers on how many visitors are arriving in Hawaii in spite of travel restrictions and Hawaii Tourism quarantine rules. Our hosts note that some visitors have been exploiting loopholes in the new rules and that the Honolulu City & County was moved to action after a visit to Daniel K. Inouye Airport (HNL) that spotlighted shortcomings in the screening of Hawaii arrivals. Bruce says that Hawaii Aloha Travel is receiving many calls from visitors who want to know when hotels will be reopened. He says hotels will begin using “hygiene managers” to monitor guests subject to travel restrictions. Our hosts move the discussion to steps that can be taken to make travelers safer. Bruce and Yaling talk about air carriers suspending service to and from a large number of mainland airports. Bruce wonders who will be brought in to monitor the many aspects of the Hawaii Tourism travel industry that are affected by the coronavirus global pandemic. Bruce and Yaling talk about pending Hawaii Aloha Travel bookings in the coming months, and how they are managing changes in travel bookings. They agree that those things are changing quickly, but they expect bookings for June and beyond to continue. Bruce shares his feelings about the unprecedented nature of the disruption the coronavirus has caused in Hawaii. He and Yaling assure podcast listeners that Hawaii Aloha Travel’s travel insurance provides peace of mind if your vacation plans have to be adjusted. Of course, special considerations can be offered to front-line workers in the stand against the global pandemic. Co-host Lanai Tabura will be back with the podcast soon, our hosts assure. He’s quite busy helping feed thousands with the Show Aloha Challenge and other projects serving Hawaii’s vulnerable communities.

The newest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast has Aloha Bruce and Yaling Fisher discussing the possibility of reopening Hawaii’s tourism economy during the coronavirus global pandemic. Bruce notes that a whole month has passed since the shutdown began on March 26 and that a brief but necessary visit from a friend recently provided a “semblance of […]

Aloha Bruce is again joined remotely by co-host Lanai Tabura for the newest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. For this episode, our hosts discuss Hawaii Tourism Realities and Hawaii’s readiness for a post-COVID world. As Hawaii remains in a virtual shutdown with mandatory quarantines for arrivals, closed hotels and resorts, and shuttered businesses from Hilo to […]

Aloha Bruce and Yaling return to the studio for a special extended COVID-19 Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast to talk about when will Hawaii open up again to Tourism. Our hosts talk about their hopes for the Aloha State to reopen, perhaps in June, and their decades of professional insight into Hawaii travel and the massive […]

Host Lanai Tabura is back (remotely) to join Aloha Bruce for our latest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. Lanai has been working non-stop on his Show Aloha Challenge Project, which is helping to connect locally-owned restaurants and food suppliers with the most vulnerable members of our community during the COVID-19 global pandemic shutdown. Bruce and Lanai talk about the cultural importance of food in Hawaii’s many cultures, and especially the native Hawaiian culture. They muse on the ubiquitous backyard luaus that are a mainstay in residential communities throughout the Aloha State. Lanai notes that Hawaii has a massive “tailgate” culture, even though we don’t have a professional major league sports team here. Lanai talks about growing up on his home island of Lanai, where foodways were and are largely determined by the relative isolation of that island’s population. Our Emmy Award-winning host recalls the days of his youth, when most folks farmed, hunted, and fished for their food and offers anecdotes about those simpler times when the day’s hunt, catch, or harvest was shared in the community. Lanai shares his recipe for “refrigerator fried rice”, which is made up of “extra stuff” in the refrigerator, often including the local favorite food in Hawaii Spam and whatever leftovers remain from the last prepared meal. He offers simple tips on how to make the local staple, and how quick and easy it is to put together. Of course, the main ingredient of rice is discussed as Aloha Bruce plies Lanai about his way of cooking it. Lanai says, simply, “I use a rice cooker!” Lanai does note that the kind of rice he uses and the best way to make Hawaii-style sticky rice. Lanai suggests visiting his cookbook at cookinghawaiianstyle.com, which offers a wide variety of recipes unique to the islands. The cookbook about food in Hawaii is gaining popularity around the world. Lanai also offers his special and simple recipe for “shoyu chicken”, a dish that is as iconic in Hawaii as hotdogs are in ballparks. He offers his chef’s tips on the ingredients involved in the island's favorite food in Hawaii and subtle variations that can be made to it. Aloha Bruce notes that during the pandemic things like rice and pasta are in very high demand. We podcast about Hawaii because we love Hawaii. Get Help Planning Your Trip Bruce and Lanai talk about their hopes for when Hawaii will reopen, possibly in June. They discuss the potential impacts of the COVID-19 shutdown on mainland visitors at home and the businesses that rely on their patronage here in Hawaii. Our hosts move on to talk about Show Aloha Challenge, which has raised nearly $300,000 dollars in its effort to provide much-needed food assistance to Hawaii’s elderly kupuna (seniors) in cooperation with the Hawaii Foodbank. Lanai says more assistance is needed and tells the stories of some Hawaii seniors experiencing genuine peril as they remain isolated. Lanai shares what his days are like as a point person for efforts to provide assistance to those that need help and coordinating the many members of the community who want to help. (Obviously, Lanai’s days are extremely busy). It is a daunting task, but the people of Hawaii are largely united in caring for the most needy and they embody the true meaning of the Aloha Spirit that Hawaii Aloha Travel strives for.

Aloha Bruce and Yaling Fisher bring listeners the latest Hawaii Vacation news and impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on Hawaii tourism on this latest episode of the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. Bruce reminds listers that the best way to reach Hawaii Aloha Travel is through support@hawaii-aloha.com and through the HAT Facebook page. Bruce recalls a […]

Our stalwart hosts Aloha Bruce and Yaling Fisher are back in the studio for the latest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast to talk about the effect of the current COVID-19 shutdown in Hawaii. It has affected all aspects of the travel industry community and every person the Aloha State. Bruce notes that most hotels are closed […]

Lanai Tabura is back to join Aloha Bruce by phone for an insightful Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast as we observe and uphold social distancing advisories while the coronavirus, COVID-19 health crisis grips the whole world. Our hosts talk about keeping hopes for a Hawaii vacation going while we all cope with the pandemic. For now, […]

On our newest Hawaii Vacations Connection Podcast Aloha Bruce and Yaling Fisher (Aloha Yaling) talk about some important things for visitors to consider if you have hopes for a Hawaii vacation. The COVID-19 global pandemic has virtually shut down travel to Hawaii. Bruce calls the current COVID-19 situation in Hawaii “surreal”. Yaling agrees, noting that […]

On our latest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast, Aloha Bruce is joined by his charming wife Yaling. While our podcast is otherwise always light and full of expert insight about all things that interest Hawaii vacationers, the current pandemic calls for a more serious discussion about the COVID-19 Impact on Hawaii Vacations and residents alike. As […]

Traveling to the Big Island of Hawaii? Not sure where to start planning your vacation, which airport to fly into, or what side of the island is best for you to stay? Check out this podcast from Bruce and Lanai of Hawaii Aloha Travel LLC where they share their local knowledge and travel planning expertise on where to stay to the Big Island of Hawaii. The Big Island is the largest and youngest of the Hawaiian Islands. It is larger than all the other islands combined at a total of 4,038 square miles and growing. You can find eleven of the world's thirteen climate zones on the Big Island. Located on the Big Island is Kilauea which is Hawaii's only active volcano and Mauna Kea which is one of the highest points in the United States with telescopes for some of the worlds’ best stargazing. The Big Island is a perfect place for your next vacation but being so vast, there’s a lot to think about. Listen in on this podcast as these local experts reveal their specific travel tips and break down the best areas to stay while visiting the Big Island. Bruce and Lanai share in this podcast ways to get around the island and where to stay if you’re looking for the islands limited but beautiful beaches. This episode covers rental options such as resort vacations, affordable lodgings, and condos by the sea. They even include some tips and suggestions for the waterfall seeker, the ocean lover, and how to plan your trip in order to get a little bit of both. Check out Hawaii’s travel experts, Bruce and Lanai, for their tips and suggestions on airports, car rentals, and making sure you have the best information in order to book and plan your Big Island vacation. If you’re headed to the islands you don’t want to miss this episode.

We’ve got a special new Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast on offer, as our hosts Aloha Bruce and Lanai Tabura welcome back world-famous world-traveler James Asquith to the show for a freewheeling chat about travel and Hawaii. James holds the Guinness World Record for being the youngest person ever to visit every country in the world. He began at age 18 and set the record by July 2013. He’s an accomplished author and an incredibly successful entrepreneur with his Holiday Swap app. He joined us on the podcast in early 2019. He’s now 31 years old. Our hosts and their esteemed guest joke about boring questions Asquith encounters on his countless interviews and public appearances around the world. He notes that he took 166 flights in 2019. He also says Hawaii is in his “top three” destinations in the world. Asquith says he spent an average of six days in every country he visited while setting the world travel record. Asquith says he still travels all the time, but now it’s mostly for work reasons regarding his company Holiday Swap. The company facilitates home-swapping services for world travelers. He says the international travel press has termed Holiday Swap “Travel Tinder” with a perfect dry British wit. James explains how the Holiday Swap platform works, and what makes it a great option for world travelers. James notes that each transaction costs only one dollar and the differences between his company and others like Air B&B. He notes that Holiday Swap has over 500,000 users and expects to reach one million in two months. Bruce and Lanai pick Asquith’s brains about how his company works, and he offers some genuine insight into what travelers are looking for when booking accommodations around the world. James discusses the wide demographic that use Holiday Swap. Some use it regularly for short, unexpected trips, and others use it to book lodgings a year or two out. James talks about why Hawaii is a great market for Holiday Swap, as Bruce gets into the specifics of how the Holiday Swap app works. The discussion moves onto how the visitor accommodation market behaves differently in different destinations around the world. James notes that Holiday Swap operates in 186 countries. The newest Hawaii Vacation Podcast features an in-depth conversation between some of the world’s foremost travel experts. James Asquith is quite possibly the world’s most experienced traveler at the young age of 31. His thoughts are a great look into the best ways to book your travel from door to door. James talks about finding the best deals and making the most or four travel miles and credits. Lanai notes that James manages to find first-class arrangements and how he is the best job in the world. Everyone agrees that there is much more to talk about and that James will come back for another Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast while he is here. And then they all agree that it’s time to “go find something to eat!” to celebrate Hawaii Aloha Travel founders Bruce and Yaling’s wedding anniversary. Cheers!

On our new Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast, our hosts Aloha Bruce and Emmy Award winner Lanai Tabura offer their unique, expert insight into the “Hawaii Do's and Don’ts” for visitors on holiday in the Aloha State. Special guest Sean, who guides the Lunch at McGarrett’s Hawaii 5-0 tour is along to offer his take on the best way to get on with locals during your Hawaii vacation. Lanai says that the first thing to remember during a Hawaii vacation if you’re driving a rental vehicle is “Don’t honk your horn!” It’s widely regarded as rude and hostile. Hawaii is a quiet and peaceful place. When we do honk our horns, it’s usually a couple of quick beeps to say “Hi” to friends or family on the road. Bruce points out that drivers should also take their time. Driving “mainland style” simply doesn’t work on our roads. Sean recalls signs in a Honolulu neighborhood made by a resident that say “Drive Like Your Kids Live Here”. Bruce remembers a mainland friend who is otherwise calm and collected who flies into a rage when driving. That’s the opposite of the Aloha Spirit. The conversation moves onto ocean etiquette. Sean points out that an important thing for visitors to remember is to leave our green sea turtles alone. It’s illegal to touch or disturb them. The same goes for our endangered Hawaiian monk seals. Bruce reminds listeners that warning signs about ocean safety conditions are to be taken seriously. Sean mentions a grim statistic about visitor drownings, and Lanai notes that even expert swimmers can find themselves in danger when conditions are hazardous. Bruce says that visitors, especially novice swimmers should only go to beaches with lifeguards. Sean mentions the dangers Hawaii beaches can pose for visitors, as even the most beautiful and seemingly placid waters can be very risky. Sean and Lanai talk about Sandy Beach, known as “Break Neck Beach” because of the number of visitors and residents alike who have been seriously injured or even killed at the beach, which can go from perfectly calm to dangerously rough in minutes. Bruce offers his own frightening experience at Sandy Beach when he first arrived on Oahu. Bruce moves on to some of the pet peeves Hawaii residents have about visitors. Chief among them is people referring to the mainland as “back in the States.” Lanai jokes that “some Hawaiians like that,” but that US citizens don’t need a passport to come to the 50th State. Our hosts then begin to joke about visitors over-doing the aloha-attire thing and how it is a sure way to identify yourself as a tourist. As far as things that visitors absolutely should do in Hawaii, our hosts note that it is important to show respect. That might mean being a courteous driver, heeding warning signs and respecting the ocean and the lifeguards that protect the people that enjoy it. Everyone agrees that the surest way to get on the bad side of a Hawaii resident is to litter. Anywhere. Sean reminds listeners to never leave valuables in rental vehicles, and that’s something travelers everywhere should remember. Bruce talks about the fact that some visitors are rude out a sense of entitlement, which is understandable but still untoward. Lanai jokes, “Yeah, don’t get drunk and loud!” As always, the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast gives our listeners the expert, local knowledge that only Hawaii Aloha Travel can deliver.

Following up on our “Where to stay on Maui” podcast, Where to Stay on Kauai is the topic of our latest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. Aloha Bruce and Lanai offer their expertise on all things “Garden Isle” and offer tips on the best places to find accommodations to suit your dream vacation. Our hosts joke around about some of the funny messages they get about people wondering what they look like. Lanai laughs and says he’s not a six-foot-five local guy with long hair. Lanai breaks down the geography of Kauai, which is the oldest of the main Hawaiian Islands. He notes that Lihue, on Kauai’s southeast side, is the starting point there, and he and Bruce discuss the nearby resort town of Poipu. Bruce says Poipu is the sunniest part of the island, and our hosts note that there are high-end resorts in the area like the Hyatt and others. He and Lanai talk about condos in Poipu, and Bruce says that he often books condos for vacationing families because it is more affordable. Bruce mentions the Waimea Vacation Cottages and notes that they are authentic plantation-era properties that have been completely modernized. Bruce and Lanai also talk about the cabins available in Kokea near Waimea Canyon. Bruce notes that he recently booked a wedding party and ceremony in the remote area around the canyon, something that is becoming more common for destination weddings. Our hosts mention the Coconut Beach Resort in Kapaa, and how it is near to a variety of popular and easily accessible attractions. Bruce notes that many condo rentals on Kauai do not have air conditioning, and Lanai points out that’s because there’s no need as there is pretty much always a breeze blowing on the Garden Isle. Bruce points out that some of the beaches on that side of the island are not swimmer friendly, but spectacularly beautiful. Our hosts mention that the Kauai Beach Resort is an ideal property in the area. The conversation moves to other ideas about where to stay on Kauai to the northern end of Kauai, Hanalei, and Princeville. Bruce breaks down the condominium situation in Princeville with his expert insight. He mentions the Westin Kauai Villas as great for families. Bruce and Lanai move on to some of the best and most beautiful attractions on Kauai’s north side. Bruce and Lanai agree that for most Kauai vacationers, Poipu is the ideal place to stay. Bruce and Lanai remind listeners that Hawaii Aloha Travel books private tours on the Garden Isle.