A Information for Forward-Considering Travel Advisors

From lush volcanic landscapes to vibrant cultural traditions, Hawaii has lengthy been a dream vacation spot for vacationers worldwide. But for a lot of guests, the expertise begins and ends with a handful of well-known seashores and sights. For journey advisors, this presents each a problem and a possibility.

By shifting past the postcard-perfect clichés, advisors can move alongside a wealth of genuine, immersive experiences that not solely differentiate their choices but in addition foster deeper connections between their shoppers and the islands. Here are confirmed methods for tapping into Hawaii’s underexplored potential — and the way this strategy can uplevel consumer satisfaction in addition to the gross sales income of journey advisors.

Why Hawaii Should Be on Every Advisor’s Radar

Let’s begin with the plain … why ought to the long-standing, bucket-list vacation spot of Hawaii be on each journey advisor’s radar?

Sarah Bonsall, founding father of and journey advisor at Latitude 21 Travel, and a Hawaii specialist, lays it out clearly: “From the second you arrive in Hawaii, the air feels softer, the tempo slows, and the heat of the islands wraps round you. Each island has its personal persona. Oʻahu provides vibrant vitality. Kauaʻi is understood for its lush tranquility. The Big Island captivates with its volcanic landscapes and pure drama. Yet all of them share the welcoming Aloha spirit. The tradition is wealthy and deeply rooted, not like anyplace else within the United States. It invitations vacationers to attach with the land, the folks, and the traditions.

“Hawaii is also a destination that inspires repeat visits. Once travelers experience one island, they often return to explore another. For advisors, that creates an exceptional opportunity to build ongoing relationships and repeat business.”

Laura Walker, a Master Hawaii Specialist with Hawaiian Travel®, describes the vacation spot’s enchantment to a variety of vacationers: “Hawaii is a bucket-list destination for many and truly has something for everyone. It is a great place for a romantic honeymoon or anniversary celebration, but also a great family destination, including a multigenerational family vacation. The entire family, including grandma and grandpa, can travel together and enjoy something of interest to them all. Hawaii is a safe destination and offers accommodations to fit almost any budget. The islands are easy to navigate, and the people are very welcoming.”

How to Balance Iconic Highlights with Authentic Experiences

Hawaii’s well-known seashores, scenic drives, and iconic sights are the idyllic experiences that draw vacationers to the islands. But the vacation spot provides an abundance of different alternatives to discover its tradition, historical past, and pure magnificence. Here are among the lesser-known actions throughout the islands that advisors can suggest to their shoppers, as described by Walker.

On Kauai Island, Lydgate Chocolate Farm is a singular and fascinating tour to study rising and processing cacao into chocolate, in addition to tasting some scrumptious unique fruits and naturally the chocolate. 

On Oahu, Walker at all times recommends canoe browsing off Waikiki Beach. It solely takes 45 minutes to an hour of their time, and isn’t costly, however it’s so a lot enjoyable to be driving a wave subsequent to the surfers. 

On Hawaii Island, Walker’s staff recommends the Hawaiian Vanilla Company Farm & Luncheon Tour. One of the perfect lunches on the island, they incorporate their vanilla merchandise into their dishes, and it’s so ‘ono!  Another must-do on Hawaii Island is the moonlight snorkel with the manta rays ─ what an exciting expertise it’s to be so shut to those mild giants.

On Maui, O’o Farms in upcountry provides both a espresso brunch and farm tour, or a farm-to-table lunch tour the place company take pleasure in a guided tour within the fields, then sit all the way down to a chef-prepared, four-course gourmand lunch. With the upper elevation of upcountry, it is usually a lot cooler.

The Pineapple Farm Tour in Haliimaile (additionally upcountry Maui) is a good expertise to study all in regards to the rising and harvesting of the Maui Gold Pineapple, and everybody leaves with a contemporary pineapple packaged and prepared for airport transport to take residence a style of Maui. Either earlier than or after the pineapple tour, Walker recommends having fun with a scrumptious lunch on the Haliimaile General Store; then throughout the road from the restaurant is the Haliimaile Distillery providing excursions with samplings Monday by means of Friday.  

Bonsall additionally notes that, on Molokaʻi, a mule journey down the cliffs to Kalaupapa is greater than a shocking journey; it’s a shifting immersion into the island’s previous, guided by tales of resilience and neighborhood.

She goes on to clarify that “the true depth of a Hawaiian vacation comes from experiences that connect travelers to the local culture and community. I encourage clients to join a lei-making workshop led by a local artisan, tour a family-owned taro farm, or attend a community hula performance.”

A Deeper Immersion

People immediately need a deeper immersion throughout their travels, these wealthy and significant experiences that go away a heartfelt impression on their lives. They crave adventures that engulf them within the tradition and culinary scene of their vacation spot of alternative. Travel advisors play a vital position in serving to shoppers understand their wishes.

“The best way to truly experience Hawaii is to engage with the people who call the islands home,” says Bonsall. “Conversations with native residents deliver the tradition to life in ways in which no guidebook can match. Traditions are shared with satisfaction, and every carries its personal that means. For instance, the hula just isn’t merely a dance. It is a type of storytelling, with every motion and chant preserving historical past and passing down information from one era to the following.

“I encourage clients to attend performances where the cultural context is explained; take part in workshops led by local artisans; and visit markets where they can meet the farmers and chefs behind the island’s flavors. These experiences create a deeper connection to Hawaii’s culture and leave travelers with a genuine appreciation for the islands and their people.”

Walker says that attending a luau is a should for first-time guests. She additionally encourages shoppers to take part in cultural actions provided by many accommodations like hula classes, lei making, or a Hawaiian language class; in addition to visiting the Polynesian Cultural Center on Oahu, or participating within the many festivals held all year long throughout the islands.

What Makes Planning Hawaii Different

There are some vital variations to contemplate when advisors plan journeys to Hawaii versus different locations.

For occasion, as Walker explains: “Hawaii is not a destination where you wait until you arrive to decide what to see and do … if you do, you will most likely miss out, as many activities sell out a month or two in advance. You should always plan and book activities in advance … even earlier during busy travel times like the summer, spring break, and holidays. We help our clients plan and book activities so their days are well planned.”

Bonsall provides that planning a visit to Hawaii begins with understanding the consumer’s imaginative and prescient for his or her expertise. “Each island provides one thing distinctive, and matching the best vacation spot to the traveler’s persona and pursuits is vital. An intensive qualification course of ensures they get the kind of journey they’re really searching for.

“History enthusiasts may want to visit Pearl Harbor to reflect on its significance, while adventure seekers might prefer surf lessons on Oʻahu’s North Shore, hoping to catch a big wave. Nature lovers may gravitate toward Kauaʻi’s hiking trails or the volcanic landscapes of the Big Island, while those seeking a slower pace might enjoy exploring Maui’s upcountry farms and charming small towns. Hawaii’s diversity of sites and activities means no two trips need to be alike, but it also makes careful planning essential to create a seamless, fulfilling itinerary.”

And when it comes speaking Hawaii’s dedication to accountable tourism to shoppers, Walker says: “We provide our clients extensive Hawaii travel tips, like using reef-safe sunscreen, keeping their distance if they encounter monk seals or sea turtles, taking cloth or vinyl shopping bags, and shopping and dining local as much as possible. We even include a tip noting how horn honking in Hawaii is considered rude. We want our clients to be mindful and travel with a sense of Aloha and appreciate the culture and beauty of the islands.” 

Advice for Advisors New to Hawaii

For advisors who’re new to promoting Hawaii, our vacation spot specialists provided a couple of sensible and impactful ideas.

“First, take the Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau’s travel agent Destination Specialist course to learn the basics of the islands. Then attend all the trade shows you can and travel to Hawaii as often as you can, because nothing beats personal experience,” advises Walker.

For Bonsall, “the best approach is to start small and build expertise. Choose one island to focus on first and learn its culture, geography, and must-see experiences inside and out. Take advantage of specialist training programs and webinars, and connect with tourism boards and local suppliers. Whenever possible, visit in person to experience the accommodations, activities, and overall vibe for yourself. Hawaii rewards advisors who go beyond the surface. The more confident you are in matching clients to the right islands and experiences, the more trust you build. That trust turns into repeat business and referrals.”

Some Parting Thoughts

There is yet one more factor that Bonsall desires to move alongside to different advisors: “Selling Hawaii is more than just booking a beautiful trip. It is creating an experience that connects travelers to a living culture, a fragile ecosystem, and a way of life that is rooted in community. When planned with care, a Hawaiian vacation offers far more than stunning scenery. It invites travelers to slow down, to engage with traditions, and to carry the spirit of Aloha home with them. For advisors, it is one of the most rewarding destinations to share, because it leaves a lasting imprint on both the client and the planner.”

Hawaii’s magic lies not solely in its beautiful landscapes, however within the depth of its tradition, traditions, and native tales — lots of which stay undiscovered by the common traveler. By introducing shoppers to those hidden aspects, journey advisors can ship richer, extra memorable journeys whereas setting themselves aside in a aggressive market. For these able to broaden their Hawaii portfolio, the trail is evident: assume deeper, promote smarter, and let the islands’ untapped potential be just right for you.

FROM THE SPONSOR:
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