Best Time To Visit Hawaii

Above, Diamond Head from Waikiki. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For those thinking about a Hawaiian vacation and may wonder when is the best time to go, Lonely Planet has an article that will answer that question.

Things to consider are the weather, accommodation prices, airfare and crowds. Along with that, what coronavirus restrictions, if any, are in place.

The article begins with:

Hawaii is the perfect destination if you've been dreaming of a tropical island vacation. From its sugary white-sand beaches, radiant sunsets and gently rustling palm trees to its rain forests, canyons and volcanoes, Hawaii is almost too amazing to explore in a brief visit. 

The biggest crowds from the US mainland arrive for summer vacation, over spring break and during winter. Off-season travel in the late spring and early fall enjoys fewer crowds with equally good weather, and may net you big savings on airfare and accommodations besides.

Editor's note: during COVID-19 there may be additional travel restrictions. Check the latest guidance in Hawaii before planning a trip, and always follow local government health advice.

To read more, go here. 

Pass Pre-Travel Test, You Can Travel To Hawaii

Above, an evening view of Waikiki Beach. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The pandemic, or at least the measures put into place by the Hawaii state government controlled by Democrats, has left the state's tourism industry in ruins.

But there may be a light at the end of the tunnel as a pre-travel testing program started Thursday will allow tourists who have passed a pre-travel coronavirus test into the state.

CBS News reported:

Angela Margos was among the first passengers in San Francisco to get on a plane headed for Hawaii, where travelers who test negative for the coronavirus will no longer be required to self-quarantine for two weeks.

"Vacation, peace of mind," said Margos, a nurse from San Carlos, California, of why she's flying to Hawaii. "I need time to relax, unwind."

The pre-travel testing program began Thursday and allows visitors who test negative for COVID-19 within 72 hours of their arrival in the islands to avoid quarantine — a measure that's been in place for all arriving passengers for most of the year.

Officials had touted the mandatory quarantine rule as an integral part of Hawaii's early success in keeping the coronavirus at bay. The new testing program is an effort to stem the devastating downturn the pandemic has had on Hawaii's tourism-based economy.

To read more, go here. 

Hawaii Extends Tourist Quarantine To October, At Least

Above, Diamond Head from Waikiki Beach. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Here we go again!

The spike in coronavirus infections has delayed again the reopening of Hawaii to out-of-state visitors another month, at least.

USA Today reported:

Hawaii Gov. David Ige has hinted about it for weeks as COVID-19 cases in the state surged, and on Tuesday he made it official: The state won't reopen to tourism until October at the earliest. 

The planned Sept. 1 start of a program that would allow out-of-state visitors to bypass Hawaii's strict 14-day quarantine upon arrival by presenting a negative COVID-19 test at the airport has been delayed until at least Oct. 1, Ige said late Tuesday. 

"We will continue to monitor the conditions here in Hawaii as well as key markets on the mainland to determine the appropriate start date for the pre-travel (COVID-19) testing program," he said.

To read more, go here. 

Travel and How Consumers Feel About It

Above, a view of hotels at Waikiki, Hawaii. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Even though we seem to be in a "second wave" of the coronavirus, people who have been shut in at home for five months or so are itching to get out and travel.

Interestingly, the pandemic has changed people's attitudes on travel.

Travel Market Report has an article on what consumers are feeling about how they plan to travel.

They begin with:

In the five months since the COVID pandemic started, the industry has seen a wave of research taking the pulse of leisure travelers and their desire to venture out again. 

Some reports show a large percentage of travelers being extremely fearful, while a substantial minority aren’t even interested in venturing out locally. Still other surveys show a large swath of Americans eager to travel, viewing the Coronavirus as more of an impediment to traveling, but not a wall that prevents them from taking their next vacation. 

One of the most consistent polling firms following the shifting mindset of the American traveler has been The Harris Poll, conducted by the globally famous company which has built its credibility on years of surveying Americans on a variety of issues. 

According to the Harris Poll’s latest group of respondents, surveyed July 2-4, one out of four Americans would stay in a hotel immediately after the government says the virus has been flattened, while one out of five Americans would take a flight. Sixteen percent would take a cruise fairly immediately. 

Another poll, commissioned by the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA), shows that 57% of Americans expect to take an overnight vacation via car, in the next three months, versus only 17% on a plane. Nearly one out of five (18%) Americans say they are planning an overnight vacation of some kind in a camper or RV in the next three months, while only 7% said they were planning to take a cruise in that timeframe.

To read more, go here. 

Hawaii Tourism On Life Support

Above, evening in Waikiki Beach. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This should come as no surprise that Hawaii's tourism arrivals have dropped dramatically.

Visitors from outside of Hawaii, if they did show up, would have be in quarantine for 14 days after arriving. There's no fun in that!

The May visitor numbers are now in and the Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported:

Visitor arrivals to the Hawaiian Islands fell by a dramatic 98.9% in May compared with a year ago due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to preliminary statistics from the Hawaii Tourism Authority. 

The HTA released the statistics Monday, indicating dramatic declines in virtually all travel markets — from the mainland as well as Japan, Canada and other international markets, including Australia, Asia and Europe. 

A total of 9,116 visitors flew to Hawaii in May, compared with 841,376 total visitors, which included air and cruise ships, during the same month a year ago.

To read more, go here.

Hawaii Mandatory Quarantine Extended Through July 31

Above, a view of Diamond Head from Waikiki Beach. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For those who hoped to be able to enjoy a Hawaiian vacation in July, you're out of luck.

Forbes reported:

Out of state visitors are out of luck until at least August, as Hawaii has extended its mandatory 14-day quarantine through the end of July. 

The news has been greeted with mix results, as expected. The absence of tourism is very good for the overall health of the islands, but also very difficult for those who work in tourism. 

Some business leaders have been frustrated by the lack of a clear plan about when tourism will open - you can’t plan without a plan. But for now, the State appears content operating on a month-by-month basis, which, to be fair, also makes sense given the uncertain nature of things.

To read more, go here. 

Hawaii Governor Extends Travel Quarantine To June 30

Above, the Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon and the Hilton Hawaiian Village at Waikiki. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The latest news out of Hawaii is not good for people who are planning to vacation there and who plan on having a Hawaiian wedding. I have friends whose daughter is planning a July wedding in Hawaii. The latest is cutting it awfully close.

The Maui News reported:

Gov. David Ige has extended the state’s 14-day travel quarantine through June 30, though he added that more businesses, such as gyms, theaters and churches, could begin reopening next month. 

Ige signed his 8th supplemental emergency proclamation Monday, extending the quarantine for both out-of-state and interisland arrivals. At a news conference, he outlined a reopening and recovery plan for the state, which he said is now entering the “act with care” phase. 

Activities that may resume under the new phase include indoor gatherings, such as places of worship and indoor exercise facilities, along with museums and theaters. Businesses, however, must open with physical distancing and safe practices in place.

Restaurants, which have been allowed to offer takeout until now, may also open for dine-in options, though larger venues and bars and clubs cannot reopen yet, according to the state’s plan.

To read more, go here.

Hawaii Tourism: Recovery May Take Years

Above, hotels and Diamond Head in Waikiki. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Hawaii's economy is primarily tourism-oriented.

The coronavirus pandemic has badly damaged that economy and, according to travel experts, it may take years to recover.

According to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser:

Occupancy at Hawaii hotels plummeted to about 10% statewide for several weeks in April as COVID-19 fears and lockdowns ravaged the state’s tourist- driven economy. 

That statistic provided by the Hawaii Tourism Authority on its COVID-19 alerts page is a sneak peak to a horror show that is yet unfolding. 

Hawaii hotels statewide were at nearly 85% occupancy in February and nearly 45% occupancy in March. The decline in that industry and others has been accelerating since late January when the United States confirmed its first case of the new coronavirus. 

Hawaii confirmed its first COVID-19 case March 6, and shortly after began implementing strict stay-in-place and social distancing policies. On March 26 it became the first state to require incoming tourists to complete a mandatory 14-day self-quarantine. 

HTA reported that only 233 visitors came to Hawaii on Wednesday. From March 26 to April 30, HTA said, only 4,508 out-of-state visitors arrived. Normally, at this time of year, some 30,000 passengers would have come to Hawaii daily.

To read more, go here.

Hawaii: 10 Best Things To Do

Above, the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For those who are contemplating a vacation in Hawaii or for those actually planning a trip there, this is for them.

The Travel has posted 10 of the best things to do in Hawaii. They should have included one more: a visit to Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial along with the visitor center. I consider that a "must do".

As today is Veterans Day, I am including a photo of the memorial.

But, as The Travel recommends, there are other things to do while in Hawaii.

They begin with:

Hawaii is a state off the west coast of the US that is made up of several different islands. This state is a really popular one to visit for people that want to experience the warm weather, the relaxed vibes, and the unique Hawaiian culture that the state has. Because there are multiple islands and so many fun things to do, it can get pretty overwhelming to plan a trip to Hawaii.

So, how are you supposed to know what the best things to do in Hawaii are? You definitely don't want to miss out on any of the fun and beauty that this state has to offer, so make sure that you've got everything in this list on your travel bucket list when you're planning a trip to the islands. To see 10 of the best things to do in Hawaii, keep reading!

Above, a view of Diamond Head from Waikiki Beach. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here. 

Tips To Maximize A Hawaii Trip

Above, a view of Diamond Head from Waikiki Beach. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When we went to Hawaii three years ago, we planned it through an Automobile Club travel agent. That worked out well as we went to two islands (three, if one wants to count the airport in Maui for the return trip to California). And, the price was a good one.

TravelPulse has a pictorial article with ten tips on maximizing a trip to Hawaii, some of which we did.

They begin with:

Planning a trip to Hawaii can be overwhelming. It's far, it can be expensive, and there's a lot to consider, like which island(s) to visit and where to stay. While you figure out the specific details, here are ten big-picture tips to help you get the most from your trip to Hawaii. 

To see what the ten tips are, go here. 

It's Getting Cheaper To Fly To Hawaii

Above, a view of Diamond Head from Waikiki. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If you live in or near Northern California and want to vacation in Hawaii, you're in luck!

An expansion of air routes with low-cost airfares are being offered.

AFAR Media reported:

With fares as low as $159 one-way, our winter travel plans just got a serious boost from Southwest Airlines’ major Hawaii expansion. 

Low-cost carrier Southwest Airlines is adding several new Hawaii routes from Sacramento, Oakland, and San Jose with one-way fares starting as low as $159. 

As of mid-January 2020, the airline will have new, daily service between Sacramento and Honolulu. There will also be new nonstop service to both Lihue Airport on Kauai and Hilo International Airport on the Island of Hawaii from both Oakland and San Jose—this will be the first time Southwest will be servicing those two Hawaii hubs. 

The flights are all currently bookable for travel into early March and range from $159 for a one-way flight midweek up to $448 for a one-way fare during the weekend, with the bulk of flights landing in the $200 to $350 range each way.

To read more, go here. 

Hawaii In Its 1960s Heyday

Above, Diamond Head, not in the 1960s, but in 2016. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Until the 1960s, Hawaii wasn't the mecca for tourism as it is today.

After it became a state in 1959, Hawaii started to become a huge draw for tourists from the U.S. and around the world.

Insider has an article featuring photos of the 50th state from the 1960s.

They begin with:

Simply put, Hawaii in the 1960s was the place to be. The newest addition to the US, Hawaii fascinated Americans with its tropical temperatures, crystal blue waters, and rich culture. 

Naturally, vacationers flocked to the state, as did many celebrities and politicians. Elvis Presley gave the island a popularity boost after filming "Blue Hawaii" in 1961, and as surf culture began to take the nation by storm, so did the state. 

Keep scrolling to see some classic photos of Hawaii during its '60s heyday.

To see more, go here. 

TravelPulse: The History of Hawaii Tourism

Above, a view of Diamond Head from Waikiki. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Ever wondered about the history of Hawaii tourism? When did it start? What are the changes in tourism over the decades?

Well, TravelPulse has an article on just all that.

They start it with:

Although the term is never quite accompanied with a specific period, travelers and Hawai‘i residents alike often wax poetic about “Old Hawai‘i.” To some, “Old Hawai‘i” refers to the time before European contact, or when Hawai‘i was a sovereign kingdom. Other “Old Hawai‘i” references might be the naissance of the tourism industry or the growth years following the Second World War. 

In many imaginations, the golden years of Hawai‘i tourism are considered to be the 1920s and 1930s, when there were but two hotels in Waikiki and the majority of visitors arrived by sea. Hawaiian music and culture had, by then, begun to capture mainland imaginations, and the song Aloha ‘Oe, written by Queen Lili‘uokalani was a smash hit the world over.

To read more, go here. 

"Godzilla vs. Kong" Filming In Oahu, Hawaii

Above, the battleship USS Missouri in Pearl Harbor is a location to be featured in Godzilla vs. Kong. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For those of you who saw the 2014 Godzilla by Legendary Pictures and Warner Bros., you are aware that Godzilla came ashore at Waikiki Beach and proceeded to trash the Hilton Hawaiian Village before heading into Honolulu and do battle with Muto at the Honolulu Airport.

Well, Godzilla is coming back to Hawaii in Godzilla vs. Kong and filming has already started.

According to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser:

Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Entertainment continue to film the sequel to their monster movies throughout Hawaii this week through at least December. 

Production crews began filming “Godzilla vs. Kong”on Oahu Monday, and have already worked at various sites, including the USS Missouri, Manoa Falls and downtown Honolulu. They have also set up camp at Lanai Lookout along Kalanianaole Highway, and the parking lot remains closed until Nov. 21, according to the state Department of Transportation. 

“We’re using the jungle, using the city, obviously using the streets,” said film unit publicist Deborah Simmrin. “It has kind of a vast landscape. Everything’s going well. We love being here.”

To read more, go here.

Hawaii On Pace To 10 Million Visitors

Above, a hilltop view of Diamond Head and the hotels of Waikiki. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Despite setbacks from a hurricane, storms and volcanic eruptions, Hawaii is on pace to set a new record in visitors.

Travel Weekly reported:

Despite numerous bumps in the road in 2018 that could have derailed Hawaii's momentum, the state appears on track to surpass 10 million annual visitors for the first time. 

According to recently released data from the Hawaii Tourism Authority, the Aloha State has welcomed nearly 7.5 million visitors through the first three quarters of the year, a 6.5% increase over the same period in 2017. If year-over-year figures were to remain flat over the final quarter, the state would hit nearly 9.9 million visitors, a record, based on arrivals for the final three months of 2017. If the trend of more than 6% growth in visitation continues through the end of the year, the projected total would be over 10 million. Visitor spending is also up through the first three quarters of 2018, reaching a total of $13.62 billion, a roughly 10% increase.

To read more, go here. 

Hawaii Visitor Spending On The Rise

Above, a view of Diamond Head from Waikiki Beach. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The recent hurricanes and eruptions of Kilauea volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii doesn't seem to have hurt visitor spending in the Hawaiian Islands as spending grew 6.4% in September over a year ago.

According to eTurboNews:

Visitors to the Hawaiian Islands spent a total of $1.28 billion in September 2018, an increase of 6.4 percent compared to a year ago, according to preliminary statistics released today by the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA). 

Visitor spending increased from U.S. West (+2.5% to $460.2 million), U.S. East (+7.9% to $297.3 million) and All Other International Markets (+20.5% to $297.9 million) in September, while spending by visitors from Canada ($43 million) was virtually unchanged from last year. Spending by visitors from Japan declined (-4.1% to $179.9 million) year-over-year.

To read more, go here. 

Hawaii Tourism Hoping For A Turnaround

Above, Diamond Head from Waikiki Beach. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Hawaii tourism took hits over the past several weeks due to a hurricane and the eruptions of Kilauea volcano on the Big Island. But Hawaiian tourism is hoping for a big turnaround.

According to West Hawaii Today:

KAILUA-KONA — July proved another rough month for Hawaii Island’s most lucrative industry, but tourism officials are hopeful a visitor resurgence is waiting just around the corner. 

The Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) initially invested in marketing and media campaigns to counteract international news coverage depicting the island as a disaster area in the wake of the Kilauea eruption, sewing seeds of doubt across the world about safety in travel. 

Now, the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB) is spending $2 million HTA dollars on a more aggressive messaging endeavor focused heavily on U.S. and Japan travel markets in an attempt to control the narrative rather than mitigate it. 

“Our strategy is to change existing consumer perception from ‘It’s just not the right time to visit,’ to ‘Now, this may be the best time ever to visit,’” said Jay Talwar, HVCB chief marketing officer. “Be the first to see what the new lava flow has created.”

To read more, go here. 

Hawaii Magazine's 2018 "Best of the Best"

Above, a sunset at Waikiki Beach. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Hawaii Magazine has released their picks in their 2018 "Best of the Best" in Hawaii.

Their listings include restaurants, beaches, hotels, bars and other categories.

They wrote:

Best of 2018 

Here you'll find an in-depth look at our 2018 HAWAII Magazine Best of the Best winners, including reader's and editor's picks of the best hotels, restaurants, beaches, hikes, spas, shops and activities. 

For a complete list of all the winners, click here.

To read more, go here. 

2 Hilton Hawaii Flagship Properties Merge Sales Teams

Above, Dolphin Quest at the Hilton Waikoloa Village. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Two years ago, I wandered around one of Elvis Presley's favorite Hawaii hotels in Waikiki, the Hilton Hawaiian Village and spent some time at the Hilton Waikoloa Village on the Big Island.

Now it has been announced that the two Hiltons are merging their sales teams.

Above, the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Resort's Rainbow Tower. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

According to Pacific Business News:

The Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort is merging its sales team with that of the Hilton Waikoloa Village in order to streamline the booking process for group and meetings, conventions and incentives trips. 

Hilton’s Area Director of Sales and Marketing John Hawley will oversee the newly formed sales team. 

The merger is intended to give travel planners a “one stop shop” to compare the options of the two villages, which represent the brand’s most popular MCI spots in Hawaii.

To read more, go here. 

Hawaii Saw Increase In February Arrivals and Spending

Above, surfers at Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

February isn't usually known as a prime vacation season for Hawaii, but this past February saw an increase in visitor arrivals and spending.

According to Pacific Business News:

Hawaii’s tourism industry enjoyed a particularly strong February during a typical shoulder season month, according to preliminary statistics released Thursday by the Hawaii Tourism Authority. 

Visitor spending surged 12.7 percent to $1.52 billion and arrivals increased 10.3 percent to 778,571 in February, boosted by double-digit air service growth and an 8.4 percent increase in cruise ship visitors. Year-to-date spending increased 8.5 percent to $3.21 billion, while arrivals are up 7.7 percent to 1.57 million.

To read more, go here.