Hawaii Vacation Connection show

Hawaii Vacation Connection

Summary: Direct from Honolulu Hawaii, this podcast focuses on Hawaii Vacations and Travel to Hawaii. Each 15 minute podcast segment is packed with valuable information on pricing, trends and Hawaii vacation itineraries submitted by podcast listeners. Topics range from booking Hawaii All inclusive packages to sailing Hawaii cruises covering just about anything having to do with Hawaii Travel.

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Podcasts:

 How long should my Hawaii vacation be? | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 18:38

A podcast listener’s email prompts Aloha Bruce to unpack the question “how long should my Hawaii vacation be?” on this November 1, 2021, Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. He will also talk about what it means to be a respectful visitor during a Hawaii vacation. Bruce talks a bit about some changes to the home office and studio and laments the poor performance of his beloved Miami Dolphins. Bruce says most testing/vaccine restrictions remain in place in Hawaii and are likely to for the rest of the year. Most Hawaii restaurants require proof of vaccination, Bruce notes, explaining that several clusters have been found to have started in eating establishments. He notes the HAT Hawaii COVID Travel Facebook group as a great resource for updates on the situation on the ground. A traveler from the UK wrote asking about a 3-week Hawaii vacation/wedding in June 2022 and which islands to visit. Bruce mentions the HAT condo at the Luana Waikiki as a great place to make a home base for an Oahu stay. “You really don’t want to try to do too much on your Hawaii vacation,” Bruce says, suggesting paring down planned activities to make more room for flexibility. “It really comes down to budget and dates.” He suggests setting an “all-in” budget for your Hawaii vacation and making your plans around it. For a one-week vacation, Bruce suggests picking an island and immersing yourself in what it has to offer. Knowing what activities (enjoying the ocean, helicopter tours, history tours) you want to try will help you decide which island to choose, although each island offers many of the same types of activities as every other island. Oahu is great for history buffs, Bruce says, the Big Island for geology enthusiasts, and Maui for ocean activities. Bruce notes new regulations regarding spinner dolphin encounters in Maui County. Bruce moves on to discuss planning a vacation with kids, mentioning Disney Aulani and the Sheraton Waikiki on Oahu. He suggests 8 nights, 9 days for a two-island Hawaii vacation. “I want you to have a full experience,” says Bruce. “You can’t get it all in a one-week vacation anyway! Come back again and again!” Bruce also talks about a listener with a multi-island vacation planned and how to make it happen. He notes Oahu’s “touristy” attractions compared to more rural Kauai and the Maui resort experience. Listener Claire asks about being respectful during a Hawaii vacation, and Bruce offers some important insight about what to expect as Hawaii tourism rebounds (and throws in a plug for Sweet E’s breakfast joint on Oahu). Choose local, says Bruce. “Try to stay local and to buy local”, Bruce says, emphasizing the importance of being mindful during a Hawaii vacation.

 Is a Hawaii vacation over the Holidays still possible this year? | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 17:03

For the Sunday, October 24, 2021, Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast, Aloha Bruce provides some updates on Hawaii vacation planning, and on planning “last-minute” trips (HAT has been fielding a lot of questions from listeners about holiday season travel lately). Bruce starts off with some updates about Governor Ige’s recent announcement welcoming back Hawaii travelers beginning November 1. “I think it was kind of expected,” Bruce says. He notes an email from a podcast listener who thanked him for his insights, which led to them going through with a planned Hawaii vacation that was unforgettable. He also mentions a long-time client and podcast listener, Perry, who booked at the HAT Luana Waikiki Condominium and had a marvelous time. Bruce talks about the process of researching a Hawaii vacation, saying that the internet can become a “rabbit hole” of information. He stresses the importance of talking with experts (like us!) in Hawaii when planning a Hawaii vacation. “It always helps,” Bruce says. Reviews on popular sites are often inaccurate or incomplete. Hawaii’s dropping COVID numbers are noted with Hawaii’s 70% vaccination rate and Bruce says, “There couldn’t be a better time to come to Hawaii.” He notes some deals from Southwest and Hawaiian Air. He notes that booking during the holiday season can be difficult, especially for affordable accommodations. Bruce mentions a client wanting to book a group of nine with specific needs, and notes the importance of setting an “all-in” budget, beyond air/room/car. Bruce says that $15K for 10 nights might be on the low-end during the high holiday season for that. He notes minimum nights (up to 7 nights!) requirements another group 8 of from Florida staying for 10 days in 5-star Hyatt properties on Maui and Kauai, booked earlier in 2021, that totaled almost $24K without airfare. “And that’s a good price right now! It’s crazy!” Aloha Bruce talks about the importance of being flexible when planning a Hawaii vacation. Demand is high during the holidays. He also mentions COVID testing and vaccine requirements that remain in place throughout the state. He also notes that Hawaii hotels and resorts have lost $1 billion(!) in revenue during the pandemic, and part of their effort to recover those losses is through higher prices. You may be able to find a great deal on airfare on your own but finding accommodations that suit your needs is more challenging. “Use a professional,” Bruce says. “Someone like me!” Only experts on the ground can find you the best deals available when planning a Hawaii vacation.

 Packing tips for a Hawaii Vacation | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 15:29

On this Sunday, October 17, 2021, Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast, Aloha Bruce offers some helpful Hawaii packing tips for your next vacation. Bruce says the COVID numbers in Hawaii are dropping and some gathering restrictions are being loosened. He also offers some insights about vaccination requirements at restaurants on Oahu. Bruce moves on to the discussion about what to pack for a Hawaii vacation and mentions that he no longer gets sick when he travels and attributes it to people traveling smarter in the pandemic. “Try to pack less,” says Bruce. Bruce says that few restaurants have dress codes, and that “one nice outfit” for men and women traveling to Hawaii on vacation. “In general, you don’t have to worry about packing fancy clothes.” What to pack depends on how long your stay will be. He notes that many condos have a washer/dryer, and to check with hotels about laundry policy. Bring at least two pairs of shorts, Bruce says, and recommends slip-on shoes for flying. He also recommends bringing something to eat on the plane because food service and quality on flights “isn’t very good these days.” Bruce also recommends bringing a jacket, especially if you plan to go to Mauna Kea on the Big Island. He also says to bring a hoodie, just in case of a cold snap. Bruce doesn’t think it will be a super rainy winter. He talks about packing swimsuits and recommends bringing two. Bruce also mentions picking up reef-walker shoes for the beach. Bruce notes that hiking shoes will almost certainly get muddy, so don’t bother bringing hiking shoes you don’t want to get dirty. Other tips for cords and chargers for electronics are noted and Bruce says he sometimes forgets to pack a car charger. He also highly recommends bringing a spare pair of glasses just in case. With his famous expertise, Bruce mentions other things like a waterproof bag and other items that might otherwise slip your mind when packing for your Hawaii vacation. And remember to leave room in your luggage for things to bring home from Hawaii! Bruce also notes the Hawaii Aloha Travel condo in Waikiki that offers a special rate to podcast listeners. Give us a call!

 Travel Pono | Don’t Piss Off locals on Your Hawaii Vacation | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 17:48

The important point of “traveling pono”, with respect and a sense of responsibility to the community, is the topic Aloha Bruce explores on this October 11, 2021, Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. Bruce notes some cautious loosening of gathering restrictions by officials and maintains that visitors should keep their Hawaii vacation plans in place. “Things are so much better now than they were!” says Bruce. Things are going smoothly and quickly with the Hawaii Safe Travels Program with due diligence. “Do your homework on this. Or call us!” The podcast moves to the concept of traveling “pono”. Bruce describes an info-educational video presentation all overseas Hawaii air arrivals are shown on their incoming flights. At the end of the video, our host says, talks about simple concepts like not littering, not harassing wildlife, minding ocean safety awareness, hiking safety, and other common-sense approaches to traveling anywhere (but especially in Hawaii). Visitors shouldn’t have to be expected to be historians, Bruce says. “But I don’t think it’s really too much to ask that you understand” that Hawaii is unique in its native and multicultural history. “These places are sacred!” Bruce breaks down some of what has caused a backlash against Hawaii tourism by residents as the COVID pandemic continues, or “what really pisses off locals”. He notes social media pages and feeds that highlight residential parking hassles and other behaviors by visitors that are otherwise rare in our neighborhoods, in our gathering places, and on our roads. Bruce pulls out the stops. Our host gets into detail about the approach of Hawaii tourism industry players and officials to the future. Bruce also explains the demands and expectations of Hawaii visitors in the market, such as it is. Bruce shares a recent booking with a family from a Boston family who will be able to enjoy a two-island Hawaii vacation over Christmas (Kauai and Oahu). “You may want to consider it.” “Keep in mind the little things,” Bruce says. Residents got comfortable with empty roads and beaches and hiking trails. It’s important to be mindful. “Meanwhile, we love tourists here! We want you here.” There’s a vocal subset of anti-tourism people in Hawaii who have found traction on social media. They are not representative of the vast majority here. Bruce also makes the point that all of Hawaii Aloha Travel’s agents and employees are current and longtime residents of the Aloha State. “They wouldn’t be here if they didn’t love this place!” Send us your feedback! We are here to engage with you about what a real and meaningful Hawaii vacation means.

 Big Island Vacation Accommodations | Alternatives to Resorts | Vacation Rentals | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 16:41

Aloha Bruce is just back from an extended vacation that included California, a Miami Dolphins NFL game in Las Vegas against the Raiders, and a wonderful Big Island vacation. He’s got some fresh insight into what the home of Kilauea Volcano has to offer and he gets into details about booking non-hotel/resort accommodations in Hawaii. Bruce says that the Hawaii COVID situation is calming down with decreasing case numbers but travel restrictions remain in place. He notes that it’s been just about a year since the Hawaii Safe Travels program opened. Bruce says that Hawaii is seeing a lot of cancelled vacations lately, despite encouraging data and noting that this is the slower “shoulder season” for Hawaii tourism. “I would never consider recommending coming to Hawaii if I didn’t think it was safe,” Bruce assures, discussing COVID vaccination as the easiest way to begin planning a Hawaii vacation. “It’s such an easy-breezy thing to do. It’s just a great time to come to Hawaii. Traveling is back on the table.” Bruce and Yaling stayed at the property of a podcast listener (mahalo, Brent!) near the Kona Airport, and says it was very convenient. “It was like an estate, it was fantastic!” He discusses the benefits of vacation rentals and how they make more sense for large groups and families. Bruce also makes the important point that knowing what you’re getting and that it’s legal. VRBO and Air B&B come up, and Bruce discusses varying restrictions on Oahu and the Neighbor Islands for such vacation properties. Aloha Bruce says that vacation rental properties provide more together-time for families and moves on to discuss the activities he and Yaling Fisher enjoyed while on the Big Island. He mentions a catamaran sail to “Pine Trees” and snorkeling adventure. “Sailing is the way to go!” Bruce says, marveling at the energy of the wind and the waves of the Big Island. With the latest eruption at Kilauea Volcano, Bruce says that helicopter tours were booked solid. He describes a marvelous visit to Greenwell Farms, a coffee farm in a remote rural area. Owner Tom Greenwell is also growing pepper plants and prepares homemade steak sauce that sells out as fast as he can make it. Bruce mentions that Hawaii Aloha Travel can connect you with the ideal vacation rental in Hawaii, one that suits your particular needs and let you make the most of your Hawaii vacation. “Don’t cancel your vacation!”

 Are you seriously considering cancelling your Hawaii Vacation? | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 20:36

On this September 19, 2021, episode of the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast, Aloha Bruce discusses a recent news article that looks into the impact of a tourism slowdown in Hawaii, which affects not just visitors but the Hawaii hotels and businesses that serve them. Bruce also shares some personal insight into the historic Ka Iwi […]

 Hawaii Covid 19 Travel Update | Summer Hawaii Vacation Tips for 2022 | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 14:05

Aloha Bruce begins this Monday, September 13, 2021, episode of the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast with an update on COVID-19 travel conditions in Hawaii and some summer Hawaii Vacation tips as many folks are calling and planning ahead. Bruce notes that today begins Oahu’s requirement of proof of vaccination or negative COVID test to enter […]

 Hawaii Travel Covid update | Hawaii foods to try on your Hawaii Vacation | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 15:34

Aloha Bruce is hard at work talking about Hawaii foods to try during a Hawaii vacation and shares the latest COVID-19 and Hawaii travel developments on this Labor Day 2021 episode of the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast (Happy Rosh Hashana, too). Bruce starts off by explaining the vaccination/testing requirement set to take effect on Oahu […]

 Update: Dispelling rumors about traveling to Hawaii | Big Island Vacation Planning | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 19:47

Aloha Bruce has the latest on-the-ground Hawaii vacation news, dispelling Hawaii travel rumors being spread on social media, and offers specific advice for a family of four looking for a family of four planning a Hawaii vacation. Bruce makes the important point that “Hawaii is not being shut down” following a request from Governor Ige […]

 Taking organized Hawaii Tours or Touring on your Own | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 19:19

On this edition of the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast, Aloha Bruce discusses recent policy changes due to a major, record spikes in daily COVID cases, hospitalizations, and deaths in recent weeks due to the Delta variant surge. Bruce says that if you’d asked him a year ago if we’d be at this point, “I’d be telling you you’re crazy!” He then moves on and talks about the benefits taking organized Hawaii tours our touring on your own. Aloha Bruce notes that Oahu Mayor Rick Blangiardi today announced a 28-day ban cancelling large gatherings of over 25 people, although it remains unclear if luaus are affected. Bruce says Governor Ige is discouraging people from visiting demand due to the Delta surge. Bruce says he is not discouraging clients and friends from coming to Hawaii because you are more likely to have a better experience with fewer people here. Hawaii has been unable to meet demand, Bruce says, and overcrowding has been a problem throughout the state. He explains that visitors should plan to get out and explore the islands outdoors. It’s difficult to predict outcomes months from now. He discusses the importance of getting travel protections in the event of the unexpected, and says Hawaii Aloha Travel is able to offer those vital protections. Bruce mentions Hawaii’s vaccination rate and the current push to encouraging the unvaccinated to get the vaccine. The podcast turns to booking Hawaii Tours tours for attractions like Haleakala and the Road to Hana on Maui. Bruce says that tours work best for some, while others are better suited to heading out on their own. The same applies for the volcano tours on the Big Island and Waimea Canyon on Kauai. Bruce says certain activities like the Na Pali Coast on Kauai are unavailable without a tour for most non-expert hikers and outdoorspeople. The priority for activity planning during a Hawaii vacation is paramount. Sometimes HAT recommends tours, sometimes not. Some Kauai activities require a tour, or paid activity, like horseback riding and ATV rides. Booking tours and full itineraries are a specialty at HAT, and Bruce talks about mapping out “bucket list” activities with vacationing families. He says that some people don’t want to do a lot of driving during their Hawaii vacation, and tours are the best option. Finding your own way around Hawaii’s attractions can be difficult, Bruce says, and careful planning will help you check off more items from your bucket list. He notes a recent couple HAT worked with who had such a good time that they are already planning activities and tours for their next Hawaii vacation. Hawaii Aloha Travel knows best! Check out our Secret Hawaii Tours (Oahu and Kauai) sister site for specialty Hawaii 5-0 and Aloha Plate food tours, guided by Hawaii’s most knowledgeable residents.

 Should you postpone your Hawaii Vacation? – Making the difficult Decision | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 15:41

Aloha Bruce offers some important insight on making the decision to postpone your Hawaii vacation. It is important to understand the visitor situation on the ground in Hawaii right now. After some straight talk about the realities of a Hawaii vacation, Bruce moves on to the lighter topic of enjoying Hawaii’s endless amounts of brilliant […]

 Hawaii Travel Planning Ideas – Things to know before you go! | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 20:13

Yaling Fisher joins Aloha Bruce this Sunday, August 8, 2021 with some Hawaii travel planning ideas, recent booking challenges, Hawaii tourism news, and a recent news report about Hawaii vacationing. Bruce starts off by encouraging listeners to reach out to Hawaii Aloha Travel with questions and input about Hawaii vacations. Bruce talks about planning a multi-island Hawaii vacation and a possible Pride of America cruise that may be launched in October that will travel to all islands. “It’s big bucks,” Bruce notes, commenting on the high prices visitors are facing when planning a Hawaii vacation. He mentions a $10,000 price tag on two rooms at a Hyatt property in December. Our hosts urge listeners to stay up to date on travel restrictions and rules as Hawaii’s COVID case numbers climb to record levels. Bruce says this is largely due to community spread and not due to visitor arrivals. It’s also important to make plans and reservations as far in advance as possible. “Start with the car,” Bruce says. “It’s the number one reservation you need to be worried about.” Bruce goes on to explain how important to be a respectful traveler at a time when demand is extremely high. He urges private tours like those offered through Secret Hawaii Tours that encourage responsible, respectful travel. Bruce also notes HAT’s Waikiki condo is an affordable option that comes with a special podcast listener rate. The conversation moves on to a recent KRON News feature “Guide to Visiting Hawaii” that claims that there are a lot of options outside of Waikiki for Oahu visitors. Bruce and Yaling unpack the feature, which includes an incident that saw a visiting couple fined for harassing an endangered Hawaiian monk seal. The article mentions Kualoa Ranch and the Polynesian Cultural Center and mentions two different tourists drowning on consecutive days on the North Shore. Bruce returns to the importance of enjoying Hawaii’s beaches and natural attractions with respect. Bruce and Yaling talk about a dilemma faced by podcast listener Christine who has concerns about being too late in planning a Big Island vacation and also visit Maui and Kauai. Bruce quickly put together a package for her party of two that was quite expensive. Bruce found rooms at the Hyatt on Maui but recommended a condo instead, and the Coconut Beach Resort in Kapaa on Kauai. Without a car, “it ended up being 6500 bucks. For a week. Ouch!” There are options. “Call us!” Bruce returns to the point that rental cars are prohibitively expensive. Bruce and Yaling note booking an August package at the Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel, mentioning Southwest Air routing. An October booking for three in October at the hotel for about $3500 is noted, as well as a booking from Philadelphia for February 2021 with an ocean view room that came it $6200 for 10 days for two at the Kaanapali Beach Hotel (without a car). “It’s a very Hawaiian hotel,” Bruce says. Our hosts remind listeners about private Secret Hawaii Tours that include the Hawaii 5-0 Tour, the Aloha Plate Food Tour, and other specialty tours. “Tours are the way to go!”

 Reasons Why Hawaii is the #1 Tourism Destination Right Now | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 19:59

On this August 1, 2021 edition of the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast, Yaling Fisher joins Aloha Bruce to talk about the reasons why Hawaii is the #1 Tourism Destination right now. Our hosts note that amid the current boom, private, personal tours like those offered by Secret Hawaii Tours are becoming increasingly popular for visitors. Bruce reminds listeners about COVID vaccine and testing requirements for Hawaii arrivals. Hawaii has reached a 60% vaccination rate milestone. “Just do it,” Bruce says. “Get the vaccine. It’s the easiest way to come here." Hawaii had over 400 cases reported in one day on July 31, the highest daily total since the beginning of the pandemic. Bruce notes that the startling number is the result of community spread and not because of high visitor arrival numbers. “You’re gonna be safe when you’re here,” Bruce says. “You just gotta be careful.” Our hosts also note that Hawaii has not yet fully reopened and discuss some of the restrictions that remain in place for restaurants and public gatherings. Hawaii is the most popular destination in the world right now, for the simple reason that “it’s the only place that’s open”. Bruce talks about the strain on Hawaii resources, particularly on Oahu, and an effort by the Hawaii Tourism Authority to limit the number of visitors to the Aloha State. The prevailing sentiment is that if Hawaii’s residents are overwhelmed by record numbers of visitors, visitors are less likely to have a good Hawaii vacation experience. Bruce says part of the effort to reduce visitor numbers on Oahu is to crack down on illegal vacation rentals, and re-assessing zoning and airport policies. Our hosts talk about how visitors and hosts circumvent current regulations. “I’m not sure how they’re going to stop that,” Bruce says, and he offers some of his suggestions. The discussion moves on to the fact that once other global tourism destinations reopen in the wake of the pandemic, it will reduce the pressure currently being felt by Hawaii and its people. Bruce and Yaling talk about popular “all-inclusive packages” and Hawaii Aloha Travel’s offerings. “I think, just in general, people should be doing more guided tours,” Bruce says, tours that respect Hawaii’s people, culture, and natural resources. Bruce also notes that visitors who have booked with Hawaii Aloha Travel have a positive experience because of the local knowledge provided by our expert, on-island professionals. “If you contact us, we’re going to be here to help you and you’re not going to be caught up in any negativity,” Bruce says. He notes that uninformed social-media-driven visitors are much more likely to stumble into a negative situation, like a young woman who recently drowned in waters off Oahu where she should most certainly not have been. “If you have to get rescued, it costs us money to rescue you!” our hosts say, mentioning that the costs can be imposed on the rescuee. Bruce stresses that the COVID vaccine “is a big, BIG game-changer” for Hawaii tourism. “We wouldn’t be where we are without it.” Recent Hawaii Aloha Travel bookings are noted, including an August trip to the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani in Waikiki, and a November-December oceanfront booking at the Waikiki Beach Hotel. And advance booking for June 2022 at the Kaanapali Beach Hotel on Maui. “Get those packages locked in!” Bruce says.

 Tips for booking Hawaii Activities | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 16:35

Aloha Bruce offers some Hawaii vacation news, tips for booking Hawaii activities, and notes some available deals and recent bookings on this Sunday, July 25, 2021 episode of the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. Bruce mentions a man on social media who bragged that he had successfully cheated Hawaii’s COVID Passport and testing system. The post went viral and prompted a statement from Governor Ige about the seriousness of the offense. “This guy is in big trouble,” says Bruce. The Las Vegas man later said it was a “joke” and apologized. “Don’t cheat!” The Governor also discussed a possible “no-fly list” for people who violate vaccination, testing, or quarantine rules or restrictions in Hawaii. Bruce notes that Hawaii has not yet reopened fully and continues some indoor masking and gathering restrictions, particularly at restaurants. He says that some visitors have arrived in Hawaii behaving as though the pandemic never happened and that it’s not ongoing. “It’s not in their brain anymore!” Bruce says Hawaii’s Safe Travels will be in effect through all of 2021. Many retail and dining/service industry businesses are understaffed for 30,000 Hawaii visitor arrivals per day, and urges patience and kindness for workers. Moving on to booking vacation activities in Hawaii Bruce says that it is important to plan and reserve activities well in advance. Hawaii Aloha Travel offers full activity itineraries for customers who buy air/room/transportation packages (including adventures with sister company Secret Hawaii Tours). Bruce suggests visitors book activities “from mauka to makai”, or from the mountains to the ocean. Bruce says to “get up in the air” with activities like helicopter tours or glider rides, which are safe and unforgettable. “Get out of your comfort zone,” he urges. Take a surfing lesson, go kayaking, “something you never thought you’d do”. Choose safe, managed activities, of course. But have an adventure. “Same with food!” Hawaii visitors should also do something “touristy” as well, especially a traditional luau or dinner cruise that gives you a little bit of the flavor of the islands. Bruce talks about other common activities like “hiking Diamond Head” or “seeing a volcano” that are popular but have drawbacks, especially during the pandemic. The podcast moves onto some special air offers available for various US cities through United Airlines to most of Hawaii airports. Southwest Air has specific discounted fairs through a number of Hawaii hotels (“all of the major chains”) that last through July 30, and Bruce offers a special promo code. Bruce also mentions many budget chains and hotels that are offering discounted rates and provides some specifics about requirements and restrictions. Hawaii Aloha Travel’s expert and in-Hawaii experts have all of the information you need to best plan your Hawaii vacation.

 Making the most of your Hawaii Vacation during the current Hawaii tourism boom | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 17:49

On the Sunday, July 11, 2021, Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast, Aloha Bruce starts by discussing implementing the Hawaii Safe Travels “vaccine passport” for visitors and how it will affect vacation plans, particularly for families traveling with young children. Bruce also explains that some Hawaii restaurants and venues are now returning to 100% capacity. Bruce Goes on to talk about making the most of your Hawaii Vacation during the current Hawaii tourism boom. In light of the massive influx of visitors, which has resulted in the current Hawaii tourism boom, Bruce offers some vital suggestions for booking a Hawaii vacation and says to avoid booking Hawaii activities through certain third-party agencies because that leads to “an extra layer of things that can go wrong.” Bruce urges visitors to make reservations well in advance, as many are left waiting for tables, tours, and other activities. HAT has been able to rectify cancellations for clients because of our connections that are unavailable through third-party vacation booking. “The biggest problem we’re having right now is folks waiting,” Bruce says. Hawaii is in the top three travel destinations in the world. Bruce notes the importance of not booking illegal vacation rentals (rules differ by County). He says that many visitors have seen their reservations canceled simply because the rental owner found someone to pay more. Bruce stresses the importance of verifying names and contacts for your reservations. “If you don’t, it can be a real problem.” He also breaks down perhaps the most important part of a Hawaii vacation: “Just. Be. Nice.” This is most important to remember should things turn difficult or confusing during a Hawaii vacation during this Hawaii Tourism boom. Bruce talks about the benefits of booking with a licensed tour company for activities because of their increased access to popular destinations. Of course, Bruce always encourages visitors to find their own Hawaii vacation experience. But with vehicle and foot traffic at record highs at locations all over Hawaii, reservations with a licensed tour company like Hawaii Aloha Travel’s Secret Hawaii Tours will help minimize wait times and rental vehicle parking mayhem. Bruce offers his insight into approaching a Hawaii vacation in the “short term” during these high summer months of record arrivals. There is an overwhelming demand for Hawaii vacation accommodations and activities right now. He explains the significance of the visitor-to-resident ratio on Maui right now and offers some context for what measures are being considered to manage record numbers of visitors. With his typical candor and straight talk, Bruce talks about Hawaii Tourism Authority messaging and measures and some simple answers to challenges like low supply, traffic, and illegal vacation rentals. “This is all new territory,” Bruce says. “I know this will all get better.” Bruce moves into the potential and likely benefits of booking a Hawaii vacation in advance for 2022. Crowds will be thinner, and things are likely to have settled down after the confusion and changes brought by the pandemic. “There isn’t a better place in the world to visit,” Bruce says.

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