Why should clients seeking additional value in their vacations consider Hawaii’s Big Island in the fall? The summer rush is over and deals are especially enticing. Currently, Kilauea volcano is active and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where the volcano is located, is an internationally recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site — the only one in Hawaii. Recently, many of our island partners completed training and joined the World Heritage Alliance, an organization created to cultivate a dialogue with the travel industry about the importance of protecting World Heritage Sites and promoting sustainable tourism.
What are some ways the Big Island is attracting visitors this fall?Many of our Big Island hotels and resorts host fundraisers that give back to the local community while attracting visitors and residents to their properties. Events for fall include the 12th Annual Run for Hope, a two day event at the luxe Four Seasons Resort Hualalai in Kona, which benefits cancer research in Hawaii. It features the Taste of Hawaii Island the night before the 10K run, 5K run/walk, golf scramble and tennis tournament.
Where can agents find out more about Big Island events happening this fall?
From cultural festivals to the Ironman Triathlon, the Big Island Visitors Bureau [BIVB] Calendar of Events [BigIsland.org/Calendar] offers dates and useful information. At the end of September, we’re holding the 15th Annual KWXX Hilo Hoolaulea, a three-stage music event. Also look for the Navigation Festival in October and the Moku o Keawe International Hula Festival in November.
What new properties are opening this fall?
The privately owned Ahu Pohaku Hoomaluhia will open this fall. It is the first, brand-new property to open since the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai in 1996. Ahu Pohaku is an eco-friendly lodge and spa retreat located on 60 oceanfront acres in North Kohala. Also notable, in December, is the reopening of the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel after a major renovation.
What hotel packages stand out as being really outstanding values?
Value is in the eyes of the beholder. While some travelers like a fourth night free or free mai tais on arrival, our Big Island accommodations are offering a range of imaginative fall values from free gas to unlimited golf. For example, check out the WonderFall savings at Castle Resorts & Hotels [CastleResorts.com] or Fall for Free Nights with ResortQuest Hawaii specials at Waikoloa Colony Villas, Shores at Waikoloa and Kona by the Sea [ResortQuestHawaii.com].
What does this season mean for the Big Island?
In fall, Hawaii’s Big Island has many agricultural festivals like the Hamakua Alive because, like other places, it marks harvest time. In ancient Hawaii, fall was the beginning of makahiki season, where feasting and festivities were the rule of thumb. War was prohibited at this time, and the fun and games began. So, if travelers want to delve into a destination with a proven record of sustainability and commitment to culture and environment, there’s no better choice than Hawaii Island. I encourage visitors to learn more by going to Bigisland.org/ecotourism.
How is the Big Island more accessible this year than last?
To begin with, Alaska Airlines launches new direct service from Seattle to Kona beginning this November. Another exciting announcement is that Canadian visitors have the chance to visit Hawaii’s Big Island sooner as WestJet plans an earlier launch on their direct service Vancouver to Kona this December.
What can clients expect the weather to be like now through December?
The weather in Hawaii is always great! Even when it rains, the rain is warm rain and rainbows follow. On the Big Island — massive at more than 4,000 square miles — the weather can be completely different a short drive away.
What should agents tell their clients to pack when heading to the Big Island this season?
The basics would include a swim suit, shorts, jeans and sturdy, closed-toe shoes or boots for hiking the volcano and exploring the summit of Maunakea. If you plan to go stargazing on Maunakea with a tour company, they’ll provide parkas. Maunakea is much colder than most people anticipate at its high elevation, and it’s sometimes snow-capped in late fall through winter.
Given the difficult economy, is there any reason why Hawaii would be a better value than other destinations?
Great island partner specials contribute to lowering vacation costs, allowing the Big Island to be more competitive with other destinations. Without a doubt, we think that visitors will be able to experience more attractions. Our value also lies in the rich history, culture, education and adventure our visitors will forever take back with them.
Hawaii Fall Value Vacations
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