Hawaii Vacation Connection

Aloha Bruce is back in the home studio for the first Hawaii Vacations Podcast on this Wednesday, January 11 to talk about 2023 Hawaii Vacation Planning. Bruce says now is the time of year that he sees the most interest in Hawaii vacations and it is the best time to plan and book. Bruce says that Hawaii saw a slower holiday season due to limited international arrivals, and that resulted in lower room rates at Hawaii hotels. He notes that prices are back on the rise, and that he’s seeing rates above $300 per night at many hotels for dates in July. Bruce starts with some recent Hawaii vacation news items, and he discusses the current eruption at Kilauea Volcano. He recommends Hawaii Island visitors to try and make a trip to view the lava lake in Halemaumau Crater. Bruce also notes that the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational surfing competition at Waimea Bay being called “on” and then “off” for today, and that it may yet take place later this month. There is a proposal at the Hawaii Legislature to make gambling, sports betting and poker, legal at a stand-alone facility in the Aloha State. Bruce gets into some speculation over why gambling has remained illegal here for so long. He mentions the popularity of Las Vegas among Hawaii residents, saying, “Keep that money in Hawaii!” Next up is an IV (intravenous) Drip service at the Four Seasons on Hawaii Island, Next Health Wellness that can cost up to $12,000 for a single session. Bruce mentions some of the products and services on offer. “I need a longevity IV!” On to 2023 Hawaii vacation planning, Bruce gets into the basics. He says knowing your preferred dates, number of travelers, and islands to visit are the most important parts of Hawaii vacation planning. “If you’re coming all the way to Hawaii, I think it makes sense to try to do more than one island.” We podcast about Hawaii because we love Hawaii. Get Help Planning Your Trip Bruce recommends choosing two islands for a weeklong stay. He also stresses the importance of being realistic when it comes to your Hawaii vacation budget. He also discusses the benefits of vacation protection insurance. He also talks about possible occasions and reasons for a Hawaii vacation like honeymoons and “baby-moons”, anniversaries and the like. Bruce says that July is likely to see high room rates as Hawaii vacation season peaks, similar to holiday travel. He also says that visitors may want to take children out of school for a few days to have the flexibility to take advantage of the best available rates. Bruce says that 2023 Hawaii vacation planning for July should begin now. The time to find the best rates is October/November, Bruce says, and discusses some tour and luau options that are less expensive than high prices at many commercial luaus. He mentions free entertainment and affordable beach rentals. Bruce also mentions Greenwell Farms on the Big Island, Dole Plantation, and Chinatown walking tours as low-cost options for 2023 Hawaii vacation planning. Now is the time to book!

Aloha Bruce is back in the Hawaii Aloha Travel studio for a year-end wrap-up of some of the more significant Hawaii tourism stories of 2022 and to talk about what it means for the experience in the year to come. Bruce notes that he’s just returned from a two-week trip to the West Coast, where […]

Aloha Bruce is focusing on the Mauna Loa Volcano eruption currently underway on Hawaii Island for this Wednesday, November 30, 2022, episode of the Hawaii Vacation Podcast. Bruce starts with a reflection on the holidays in Hawaii, and notes that the Honolulu City Lights Festival gets underway on December 3. It features a parade and block party at Honolulu Hale (City Hall), and a month-long light show. The 2022 holiday season also includes the Honolulu Marathon, with upwards of 30,000 runners expected to participate. In other Hawaii vacation news, Bruce briefly discusses turmoil over the marketing budget Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB). He explains the tension and offers his opinion on accountability over spending on the contract. “We need the government to be in it, but they need to do it right,” Bruce says. Bruce also offers some thanks to “Dave” and others who have recently booked HAT’s condo at the Luana Waikiki. On to the main topic of the Mauna Loa Volcano eruption, Bruce offers some facts about the type of volcanic activity that is currently taking place there. He discusses how quickly conditions at Mauna Loa have changed since a recent HAT Blog post about recent seismic activity on November 8, and offers some updates about the eruption. Bruce discusses the tremendous impact the closure of the Daniel K. Inouye Highway, or “Saddle Road”, would have on the Big Island. The road connects Hilo and Kona, a trip of about 2-3 hours by car. If the lava flows over the road, visitors and residents would have to take the long way around the Big Island, adding hours to the trip. “This is huge!” Bruce also mentions the potential impacts of lava flowing into communities, as insurance companies won’t cover homes in an eruption zone. He also touches on concerns the Mauna Loa Volcano eruption is causing over air quality and offers some tips for visitors with respiratory issues. Some specifics about the lava flow’s location and characteristics are offered and Bruce mentions the amazing video and photography coming out of the Big Island. Surely, the video will encourage people to seek a view of it. Bruce offers his tips on viewing the lava, and suggests a helicopter tour (which are expensive but “worth it”). He also notes that the Hawaii Visitors Bureau is encouraging visitors not to cancel their Hawaii vacation plans because of the Maula Loa Volcano eruption. Bruce also shares HAT’s trusted agencies for information about the ongoing eruption and encourages listeners to check them out. This may be the last Hawaii Vacation podcast of 2022, as Bruce is headed out on vacation, but “may be able to get one out before the end of the year”. Aloha, and Happy Holidays! We podcast about Hawaii because we love Hawaii. Get Help Planning Your Trip

On this week’s episode of the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast, Bruce is talking about Hawaii crime rate and how Hawaii is one of the safest travel destinations in the world. Most people choose a Hawaii vacation because it seems safer than international destinations (and many U.S. hot spots). It’s also why many people choose to live here! But do the stats align with their reputation? Listen in by clicking the “play” button above, or read on to learn more about Hawaii crime rate and safety tips for travelers.  Hawaii Crime: A Resident’s Perspective Bruce shares his own experience living in Hawaii and how crimes can get sensationalized here. “If it bleeds, it leads,” Bruce says of sensationalist headlines in Hawaii. Bruce urges visitors not to believe the hype of those kinds of headlines, like the preposterous fear-mongering local news stories of the danger of fentanyl-laced candy being passed to children on Halloween. It was nonsense. “It’s safe to visit Hawaii! Worry more about ocean safety!” Our Aloha Travel Agents also work with solo travelers who are concerned with safety. And while we always encourage visitors to be smart and aware during their time in the islands, we think this is one of the best places to visit if you want to feel safe.  Looking at the Statistics Bruce looks at some of the statistics about Hawaii crime rate. The good news is that Hawaii’s violent crime rate is far lower than the national average. Take a look: Hawaii has 2.5 violent crimes per 1,000 people The national average is 4 violent crimes per 1,000 people.  One thing to be aware of is that the property crime rate in Hawaii is higher than the national average, and it continues to rise. Tourists comprise a small part of these victims, but it still should be a reminder not to leave valuables in your car and lock everything up.  Bruce mentions a Travel Pulse ranking that lists Honolulu as the only US city on a short list of the world’s safest travel destinations. Bruce also points out that Hawaii’s visitor arrivals have returned to pre-pandemic levels. So why does crime get so sensationalized in Hawaii? Likely because it is so rare, and the stories seem shocking to mainlanders who picture a glistening, worry-free Hawaii.  Bruce says,  “Hawaii visitors are just a fraction of violent crime victims in Hawaii. It’s extremely rare, and that’s why you see it make headlines.” Other News from the Podcast Also in today’s episode, Bruce shares some recent news headlines that affect Hawaii travel, worrying that “this could be the kind of thing that tips people over the edge” and causes them to not vacation in Hawaii.  Will it be a dealbreaker for you? Bruce also has some interesting hotel updates and shares a little insight on conversations between the team at Aloha Hawaii Travel.  We podcast about Hawaii because we love Hawaii. Get Help Planning Your Trip Hawaii Crime Rate and Your Vacation Bottom line? Hawaii visitors are extremely unlikely to fall victim to violent crime while they’re here – so definitely come and visit, even if you avoid many urban or rural destinations out of fear of crime.  The biggest danger in Hawaii is likely ocean and outdoor safety. Hiking, swimming,

Should the Big Island be included in your Hawaii vacation plans? Aloha Bruce is offering expert advice on planning a Big Island vacation on this Thursday, November 3, 2022, episode of the Hawaii Vacation Podcast. Bruce mentions that the podcast schedule has been skewed due to a recent bout of Covid, after minding a large tour group in Waikiki for ten days. He’s fully vaccinated and boosted. He tested positive, was treated and his symptoms were mild, but quite unpleasant. He’s being vigilant in protecting himself and masking everywhere. “I don’t want to get it again! It freaked me out.” Bruce offers an update on the HAT website overhaul and its temporary effect on the podcast before moving on to some Big Island vacation news. He discusses the Kona Village “hale” vacation destination opening in 2023, which Bruce says provides an authentic Hawaii vacation experience and discusses some of the amenities included in its previous all-inclusive form. Bruce briefly addresses the question of legal cannabis use in Hawaii, which requires a medical marijuana license/card and what it takes to get one. He also mentions a planned new tower at the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki. “My guess is that they’re not going to have any problem getting the permitting,” he says. We blog about Hawaii because we love Hawaii. Get Help Planning Your Trip Up next is the recent volcanic activity at Mauna Loa on the Big Island, which is separate from the recent eruption at the nearby Kilauea Volcano. Bruce explains the possible impact of an eruption, which last occurred in 1984. He says that Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is carefully monitoring the situation. Moving on to Big Island vacation planning, Bruce discusses proposed restrictions to popular nighttime manta ray tours which include safety measures and capacity limits. Most Big Island visitors are interested in viewing volcanoes and Bruce gets into what it takes to do so. He talks about the factors involved in choosing between Hilo in the north and Kona in the south. Kona is “more touristy” with more activities available than in Hilo, which is several hours away. He mentions the Waikoloa resort area slightly north of Kona and the amenities and beach activities. “It isn’t much for nightlife at all,” Bruce notes. Discussing Hilo, Bruce notes several hotel properties and various attractions in Hilo and the easier access to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. He offers his expert insight into the benefits and options for a Big Island vacation. “It really gets down to whether or not it works for you and your family,” Bruce says. The Big Island is really, really big!”

On this Sunday, episode of the Hawaii Vacation Podcast, Aloha Bruce offers some important safety tips for Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (and hints at some great news later in the episode). Bruce also mentions a busy week spent in Waikiki for business and how it got him thinking about safety during a Hawaii vacation, in particular, the recent drowning deaths of two people at Kaena Point on Oahu. First, Bruce begins by discussing the current high Hawaii vacation prices. He discusses the “Generation Z” demographic trend that places Honolulu 5th in hostel bookings for that age group. Bruce details the “shared space” model of hostels and why the lower rates attract younger vacationers. During his recent stay at the Marriott Waikiki Beach Hotel, Bruce notes the lack of return of tourists from the Japanese market. Covid remains a major concern in Japan, and that market is not expected to recover until next year. Bruce discusses the similarity between Gen Z and the “starter market” that existed years ago, which would attract younger visitors with low rates in the hope of developing a loyal market as they aged and grew families. The low prices of hostels in Waikiki seem to be attracting a young demographic. “There were a lot of younger people!” Bruce also mentions the discontinuation of United Airlines’ direct Las Vegas-Hilo route in January. He notes the effect this may have on Hawaii vacation bookings. On to the main topic of safety at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Bruce starts with some simple tips like not wearing sandals or slippers while visiting the park. “Don’t wear sandals on these hikes!” He also talks about the importance of sun protection and reef-safe sunscreen, staying hydrated, and timing your hikes outside of the hours of the highest temperatures. And don’t feed any wild animals like the Nene Goose. Bruce discusses being prepared for hiking in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and knowing air quality conditions, especially if you have a respiratory condition. He also notes the dangers of pursuing dramatic “selfie” photos in dangerous off-trail areas. “Not everything single thing has to be documented!” Bruce closes with an announcement of exciting new changes on the Hawaii Aloha Travel website, which will greatly enhance the user experience beginning in early November. Mahalo for tuning in, and as Bruce says, “Support local businesses!” We blog podcast Hawaii because we love Hawaii. Get Help Planning Your Trip

“Why Waikiki?” is the question that Aloha Bruce answers on this Thursday, October 6, 2022, episode of the Hawaii Vacation Podcast. Bruce notes that the podcast has been off for two weeks due to a complete overhaul of the Hawaii Aloha Travel website and the tremendous amount of pages on this legacy site. First up is Hawaii tourism news and the planned Wai Kai Experience water park in Ewa Beach on Oahu. Bruce says that it will feature the largest standing deep water standing surfing wave in the world and a wide variety of recreational water features. It’s being marketed as waterfront recreation and lifestyle venue, and our host notes some of the details. The park is set to open next February. Next is Conde Nast naming the Espacio Jewel Waikiki as Hawaii’s #1 hotel. Bruce says it is a very high-end “super mucky-muck" property that he’s only booked once in decades of serving Hawaii visitors. He notes some of the details noted in the article, including thousands of dollars per night stay. 00“Who can afford this?” Bruce also reminds listeners that while there are no COVID restrictions on Hawaii visitors as we emerge from the pandemic, visitors are still encouraged to get vaccinated and boosted. On to the main topic of “Why Waikiki?”, Bruce begins with some basics about the island of Oahu, the City of Honolulu, and the area of Waikiki. He mentions the “two-mile rule” and says that everything in Waikiki is nearby. Bruce names Waikiki’s several beaches and gives a brief history of sand replenishment efforts at those beaches over the decades. Bruce breaks down Waikiki into three parts. The Diamond Head (southern) area and its attractions are noted. Central Waikiki contains the International Marketplace and anchor properties. The Ewa side (northern) contains Fort DeRussy and other attractions. There are three “main drags” in Waikiki, Kalakaua Avenue, Kuhio Avenue, and Ala Wai Boulevard are discussed along with some of the popular properties and attractions they feature. Bruce says that prices drop in Waikiki the farther you stay from the beach, and he offers several boutique hotel suggestions. Bruce moves into a discussion about the wide variety of ocean activities available at Waikiki beaches. He also discusses some nearby out-of-the way places and restaurants that are easily accessed on foot from Waikiki. “It’s nice to have things accessible!” We podcast about Hawaii because we love Hawaii. Get Help Planning Your Trip

Hawaii Vacation Podcast host Aloha Bruce is offering tips for repeat Oahu visitors on this latest episode. At the top, Bruce encourages our listeners to reach out and engage with us through our social media platforms. We want to hear from you! Bruce mentions a recent HVCB survey looking into the likelihood of Hawaii vacationers returning in the future. Our host gets into some of the top reasons visitors say that they will not be returning. More than half of survey respondents say that high prices are the main reason they won’t return. Bruce talks about low supply and high demand creating high prices we are currently seeing in Hawaii. Other respondents expressed interest in a different experience, and still others say that “poor value” is a factor in choosing not to return. Bruce repeats his frequent advice to “toggle back your expectations” regarding hotels, noting that there are very few new hotels in Hawaii. “There is so much you can do for free!” Bruce says. “Just go to the beach! Watch the sunset!” Many respondents complained that Hawaii is too crowded and too commercialized. Others say that returning in five years is “too soon”. Bruce says that “every couple of years” is a good approach for repeat Hawaii visitors. “I’m learning the islands all over again after the pandemic.” More than 10% say that the length of Hawaii flights is the reason they won’t return. Bruce offers tips for planning arrival and departure days. 11% of respondents of the survey say that they have “no compelling reason” to return. This prompts Bruce to discuss repeat Oahu visitors and some of the things that make Oahu such an attractive visitor destination. He says that for repeat Oahu visitors, vacation itineraries can become “ a little more refined”. Among activities for repeat Oahu visitors, Bruce discusses several hikes and restaurants that visitors may have missed on previous Hawaii vacations. He also mentions Iolani Palace and Washington Place, as well as the Queen Emma Summer Palace. “A lot of people don’t know about it or go to it,” Bruce says and shares some of the things that make it a unique museum and historically significant site. He also notes the Manoa Heritage Center, which features a beautiful garden and ancient heiau. Up next for repeat Oahu visitors is the Koko Crater Botanical Gardens in southeast Oahu, which is easily reachable on the TheBus. Bruce also encourages a visit to Shangri La, the former estate of tobacco heiress Doris Duke, which is now a renowned museum of Islamic art at the foot of Diamond Head. “It’s Pretty incredible!” Bruce also discusses the famous Liljestrand House on Tantalus Drive, which offers a 90-minute tour. On to the Hawaii Plantation Village in Waipahu that represents the many cultures that arrived in Hawaii during the Plantation Era. On the North Shore, Bruce notes Kahuku Farms tours as being great for kids and learning about sustainable agriculture in Hawaii. Bruce says repeat Oahu visitors should “dig a little bit deeper” when planning your next trip, and that HAT can help you find those places on the island that you have yet to discover. We podcast about Hawaii because we love Hawaii. Get Help Planning Your Trip

Aloha Bruce is focused on Hawaii group travel on this Wednesday, September 14, 2022, episode of the Hawaii Vacation Podcast. Hawaii Aloha Travel has been booking groups large and small for decades, and Bruce offers his insight into the best ways to go about it. Up first is some Hawaii vacation news. Bruce mentions a recent news story about a young woman who stayed in a camper van at $119 per night and had a miserable experience and faced hidden many costs. “We do not have campers. You can’t just cruise around in RVs and sleep in vans. We don’t have RV parks. It’s not legal.” There simply isn’t enough suitable open land to do this on in the State of Hawaii, Bruce explains. He mentions a new parking lot designated to allow the homeless to sleep overnight in their cars. “This is for locals, people that don’t have homes!” Bruce says, mentioning recent “glamping” debacles. “You just can’t do that in Hawaii. It’s not that kind of destination.” Bruce moves on to a brief discussion about Southwest Airlines points usage and problems some customers are encountering. He says that there is some speculation about whether or not the airline is making any profit in Hawaii. Our host recalls the promise of discounted Hawaii fares and challenges customers are facing in peak travel season. Bruce shares his trademark expertise about booking Hawaii airfares. On to the main topic of Hawaii group travel, Bruce says “We’re kind of back to normal” after the pandemic and Bruce talks about how it changed the way people travel. Bruce says the first thing for a group to do is to established firm dates. “We can organize all of this,” he says. “We work with a lot of groups.” Bruce also recommends that groups select a “group leader” for the trip and giving your group eight months in advance before departure to set the itinerary. He also stresses the importance of sorting out room lists/assignments for Hawaii group travel, noting that vacation homes and condos are difficult to find on Oahu and Maui. Bruce gets into granular detail about the challenges faced by small-to-medium groups and ways around them. Our host moves into a discussion of pricing for airfare and accommodations, and he says that Hawaii Aloha Travel is already booking Hawaii group travel as far out as July next year. He says peak season prices are already higher than usual for Summer 2023. Bruce closes by discussing the benefits of getting travel insurance and being aware of cancellation policies for Hawaii group travel. Often, Bruce says, changing or canceling reservations can be expensive. “Whenever someone is spending big bucks for a group trip, I always recommend spending the extra money for insurance.”

Aloha Bruce is talking about Maui pros and cons on this Hawaii Vacation Podcast Labor Day holiday episode of Monday, September 5, 2022 (Bruce is always working!). Bruce says Hawaii Aloha Travel is receiving a large volume of calls about a December Hawaii vacation as prices are quite high right now. Hawaii Vacation News Into some recent Hawaii visitor news, Bruce notes Hawaii’s gradual emergence from the pandemic and the return of a street festival along Waikiki Beach Walk in September and October. It will feature free outdoor entertainment and vendors. Bruce moves on to talk about severe drought conditions and high temperatures in Hawaii and particularly on Maui. He recalls his early days in radio in Hawaii and says that in the twenty years since, it has become much hotter. Brush fires are a major concern as well. Bruce offers simple tips for saving water in your hotel/resort/condo. Bruce says to check that a vacation condo comes with air conditioning as temperatures are rising in the coming months. Bruce moves on to answer a Facebook travel support group question about booking tickets for a Pearl Harbor Tour. “Make sure you go to a ‘dot-gov” site!” Bruce explains some potential snags in getting tickets and how to avoid them by getting them early. Maui Pros and Cons Maui Pros and Cons are up next. Bruce shares his unique perspective as a 22-year veteran booking Maui vacations. He recommends Maui for families and couples especially and notes scenic attractions like Iao Valley. “Maui in general has a lot of pristine beauty”, noting the many farms and ranches on the Valley Isle. Bruce says that Maui is “not as country as Kauai and not as lively as Oahu” and strikes a good balance between the two. Our host recalls his first trip to the summit of Haleakala. He also says that Maui is great for “foodies” and mentions the Surfing Goat Dairy and other attractions found all over the island. The Maui Ocean Center is among many activities that are great for kids, and Bruce says that most hotels and resorts offer keiki activities and programs. Among the “pros” for a Maui vacation is that Maui has the most swimmable beaches, Bruce says, as well as some of the best snorkeling. He also says that Maui has more accommodations options. Maui is family friendly and also perfect for a romantic getaway. Of Maui pros and cons, Bruce says Maui requires a lot of driving, and that while it increases in popularity it is getting more “touristy” and is the most expensive island to visit. “It’s getting really expensive over there. And it is getting a lot more touristy than in the past.” Bruce suggests Oahu and Kauai visitors connect with Secret Hawaii Tours for a private tour experience unlike any other. Aloha! We podcast about Hawaii because we love Hawaii. Get Help Planning Your Trip

Aloha Bruce goes deep and gets specific about Kauai tours on this Wednesday, August 31, 2022, Hawaii Vacations Podcast. Bruce starts off with a restaurant review focused on J. Dolan’s Pizza Pub in Chinatown and their new location in Kahala. Bruce says it’s the best pizza in Hawaii. “I probably inhaled that pizza in about three minutes!” He says the new Kahala location is larger and more airy and open than the Chinatown location and that it is always packed with customers. Bruce also mentions a donut shop and locally sourced storefronts in the new Kahala strip mall. On to the subject of Kauai tours and enjoyable activities to book on the Garden Isle. First up is Secret Hawaii Tours, the only private tour available on Kauai’s south side, or Gold Coast. On to the Na Pali Coast, Bruce mentions Blue Ocean Adventure Tours and discusses highlights the trip offers, like dolphin sightings and remote sea caves. High-speed rafting (“You’ll get a little bit wet!”) with Holo Holo Charters is another highlight. Holo Holo also offers a dinner cruise, and Bruce says now is the best time to book a dinner cruise because of ideal ocean conditions. Bruce then moves on to Blue Hawaiian and other helicopter tours along the Na Pali Coast. A Hollywood movie tour is up next, which goes to locations made famous in blockbuster franchises like Jurassic Park. “It’s great for families,” Bruce says. Guided biking tours of Waimea Canyon are also popular, and Bruce offers some specific highlights certain tours offer. Aloha Bruce suggests that planning Kauai tours should include a trip to Kauai’s North Shore and Princeville and Hanalei. Bruce mentions the Princeville Botanical Gardens, which offers guided tours and homegrown chocolate. Bruce wraps this episode with an invitation to listeners to the HAT travel support group on Facebook and to engage with local businesses by booking with locally owned and operated Hawaii Aloha Travel. We podcast about Hawaii because we love Hawaii. Get Help Planning Your Trip

Aloha Bruce offers some tips on how to be a visitor and not a tourist in Hawaii on this Monday, August 29, 2022, episode of the Hawaii Vacation Podcast. Bruce uses his 22 years of experience in Hawaii vacation planning to share his insight into what it means to be a Hawaii visitor/traveler. Our host starts off with a discussion of Kamau Bell’s recent CNN United Shades of America episode featuring Hawaii and views about tourism in Hawaii. “It did bring a lot of attention to the fact that Hawaii is changing,” Bruce says. He also mentions a development at the Hyatt Maui Resort and Spa that saw a land board deny the property permission to import more penguins into its popular exhibit/sanctuary over concerns about the propriety of the exhibit of non-native species. “Think those penguins are wonderful!” Bruce says. Bruce also gives a proud shout-out to Hawaii’s little league baseball team for winning the Little League World Series to become world champions over the team from Curacao. “They’re gonna be treated like royalty when they get back!” Bruce moves on to discuss a Money.com report that says Honolulu visitors pay the highest tax-to-tourist of any destination. Bruce mentions Hawaii resort fees and gets into the real numbers involved. “Hawaii really has to charge more than anywhere else,” he says, before he takes on the topic of how to be a visitor and not a tourist in Hawaii. Bruce offers some aloha mentions for podcast listeners and social media community, and he says “There are a lot of decisions that need to be made about your trip here,” Bruce says. He mentions a client that wanted to spend seven nights on Oahu, and two nights each on Maui and the Big Island. He lists some of the “touristy” activities they hoped to do. “I immediately straightened them out,” he says about some of the common misconceptions about popular attractions on Oahu like the Polynesian Cultural Center. “A tourist will stick out, a traveler blends in,” Bruce says. “Tourists sometimes draw negative attention to themselves.” He offers some common approaches “tourists” take towards a Hawaiian vacation and offers some tips about how to truly experience the real Hawaii. Bruce makes some important distinctions between “tourists” and “travelers”. “I have so many things here!” Bruce says, speaking about all of the differences he sees between tourists and travelers/visitors. It’s important information on how to be a visitor and not a tourist in Hawaii. “Treat the destination as you would your own home,” Bruce says. He talks about avoiding taking on an attitude of “entitlement”. Go local, he urges, and book locally through Hawaii Aloha Travel and Secret Hawaii Tours. “You’re going to be a visitor, not a tourist!” We podcast about Hawaii because we love Hawaii. Get Help Planning Your Trip

Aloha Bruce is talking about things you don’t need to bring to Hawaii on this Sunday, August 21, 2022, episode of the Hawaii Vacation Podcast. (Leave more room for stuff to bring home!) Bruce starts off with some Hawaii travel news, including a special deal at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki that includes breakfast and a resort credit available at HAT. Bruce notes the reopening of the Nahuku Lava Tube on Hawaii Island, known also as the Thurston Lava Tube. It was closed recently due to concerns of a roof collapse but has been deemed safe for visitors after careful monitoring. It is one of the many highlights of Volcanoes National Park, and Bruce shares some tips about visiting it safely. A tourism construction moratorium on Maui is discussed as the Valley Isle tries to cope with over-tourism. Bruce discusses some proposed measures like parking fees for visitors and encouraging the use of public transportation. Bruce also mentions tonight’s Kamau Bell Hawaii “United Shades of America” special on CNN that will examine, as Bruce puts, “how to come to Hawaii without being an ‘A-hole”. “I am in the industry in Hawaii,” Bruce says. “I can tell you that you will be welcomed in Hawaii.” This leads to a discussion about HAT’s Facebook group question of “What cultural experience do you plan on partaking in when you come to Hawaii?” Most Hawaii hotels and resorts include native Hawaiian cultural experiences. Bruce shares his experience in learning about lei-making and discusses visiting historical sites like Iolani Palace and Bishop Museum. Ukulele lessons are also popular with visitors, Bruce notes. Activities involved in “voluntourism” are described, as well as organized luau and hula lessons. “A lot of the hotels are going to have that for you.” Bruce moves on to discuss Hawaii festivals, including September’s Aloha Festivals. The Duke Oceanfest is currently underway, and Bruce also suggests surfing lessons. On to the topic of things you don’t need to bring to Hawaii, Bruce says you don’t need to pack too much clothing, noting Hawaii’s casual lifestyle and warm climate. Heavy coats aren’t necessary unless you plan to go to high-altitude locations. Bruce also says you don’t need to bring things like scuba gear and beach gear and toys, as they are readily available for affordable rentals pretty much everywhere. Hawaii vacation planning will always involve packing. That’s why it’s important to know the things you don’t need to bring to Hawaii. Travel light, live aloha! We podcast about Hawaii because we love Hawaii. Get Help Planning Your Trip

Tips for planning an Oahu itinerary and valuable insights into making a “quick trip” to Hawaii are discussed on this Tuesday, August 9, 2022, episode of the Hawaii Vacation Podcast. Our host Aloha Bruce gets right into the latest Hawaii travel news and developments at Hawaii Aloha Travel. He also offers on-air thanks to podcast listeners for their engagement with HAT. First up is a breaking broadcast news story about a potential scam promising travel discounts and freebies from an app/company mistaken as part of HAT. Eight people have complained to the Better Business Bureau about a $2000 “pay-for-discounts” offer that hasn’t been honored (duh). The suspect company is named Aloha Hawaii Tours. The complaints were not about Hawaii Aloha Travel. Bruce explains how Hawaii visitors are often swindled by bad actors and how the news got it wrong and how it can actually get it right. “I’m kind of glad she did complain because I was able to get the information I needed to protect our name and our visitors,” Bruce says. “Don’t worry. If you book through us, everything is going to be legit.” After a brief note about new aircraft to be added to the fleet that serves Hawaii, Aloha Bruce moves into a discussion about the cost of living in Hawaii. “A lot of records are being broken in the purchase of Hawaii homes.” Bruce also makes note of the recent closure of Kaimana Beach in Waikiki due to the residence of a mother monk seal and her newborn pup. “It’s such a special beach that it’s hard to keep people away from it.” Still, Bruce suggests, stay away for now. Also in the news is the Hotel Wailea on Maui (Hawaii’s only adults-only hotel), which offers a spendy 4-hour surf lesson experience. The HAT Facebook Question of the Week is “Has inflation had any impact on your plans to visit Hawaii?” and Bruce shares several responses from several community members with a wide range of experiences. The response was “50-50”, Bruce says. The topic of planning an Oahu itinerary brings Bruce to a recent client with a large party with children and how important it is to “book way in advance and don’t wait”. Bruce breaks down the costs of a December booking for a large party on Maui and Oahu and offers the realities of pricing accommodations at premium and luxury properties. Quick trips to Hawaii are up next, and Bruce notes that Oahu is likely the best getaway for first-time Hawaii visitors for a variety of reasons. He offers a sample itinerary for a 5-night stay, which includes flight arrival and departure considerations and a day-by-day plan that includes experiences like Secret Hawaii Tours, beach activities, a luau, and other popular activities. Time management for a quick Oahu itinerary is vital. Bruce also shares some other useful and time-saving tips for departing flight days. We podcast about Hawaii because we love Hawaii. Get Help Planning Your Trip

Aloha Bruce is talking about sensible Hawaii vacation planning on this episode of the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. “I’m going down the rabbit hole to discuss unrealistic expectations about a Hawaii vacation!” Bruce starts briefly discussing travel protection/insurance before turning to Delta Airlines, offering many more Premium Select Seating and other first-class upgrades on several Hawaii-bound flights. Don't be Over-ambitious On the topic of Hawaii vacation planning, Bruce delves deep into the yearnings of travelers seeking a genuine touch of the islands. He eloquently speaks of the growing appetite amongst tourists to immerse themselves in the “authentic Hawaii”, away from the stereotypical glitz of commercial establishments. Venturing beyond the conventional confines of hotels and resorts, vacation rentals and homes emerge as alluring alternatives. However, Bruce cautions securing such a retreat can sometimes tread into the realm of “unrealistic expectations.” The fantasy of these private getaways often comes with grandiose anticipations, setting the bar incredibly high for reality to match.. Hawaii Doesn't have over-the-water "Huts." Bruce mentions the Hana Maui Resort by Hyatt on Maui and notes that remote accommodations will limit your options for activities during a Hawaii vacation. “Just be more realistic with your expectations and Hawaii vacation planning,” Bruce says. He also notes that “word of mouth” suggestions from friends will not likely provide the same experience for you. Bruce also says that expectations like private jacuzzis and pools and bringing a family pet are unrealistic. He briefly notes Hawaii’s pet quarantine rules. “It’s such a hassle!” Bruce also says that there are no Hawaii hotels that allow smoking outside of designated areas. “You can’t smoke in hotel rooms in Hawaii!” When doing Hawaii vacation planning, Bruce says it’s important to remember how expensive it is to fly first class, noting that easy upgrades are increasingly rare. “Those days are over, kids!” Finally, Bruce talks about the fact that there are no “all-inclusive” resorts in Hawaii like in other international destinations, although Hawaii Aloha Travel does put together all-inclusive packages for our clients. Give us a call! We podcast about Hawaii because we love Hawaii. Get Help Planning Your Trip