Kristin McGrath, senior director of sales and marketing for the Big Island Visitors Bureau, following the April 27 launch of ATA’s daily direct flights between Oakland, Calif., and Hilo.
Q: How many Big Island visitors spend time on the East Side?
A: In 2005, we had 590,000 visitors to East Hawaii, an increase of 23 percent over the year before. A large portion of that increase came from cruise ship passengers who stop in Hilo. However, more and more FIT travelers are discovering East Hawaii.
Q: How do you think those numbers will change in the coming year?
A: With ATA’s new daily service between Oakland and Hilo, the airlift into East Hawaii has automatically increased by nearly 5,000 seats per month. While most of these passengers will be residents and visitors who were already planning to come to the Big Island, it’s the first direct flight from the mainland to the East Side in nearly 20 years, so the service will certainly have a major impact on visitor counts. With the record growth Hawaii’s Big Island saw last year, and further expected increases from cruise visitors, we anticipate strong gains in 2006.
Q: What do you think makes the island’s East Side so great for visitors?
A: East Hawaii has an authentic, local charm. As clients walk through downtown Hilo, they see historical buildings, unique museums, fun shops, art galleries and restaurants. Hilo hosts one of the top farmer’s markets in the state, and a growing number of tourism activities focus on the area’s agricultural roots. The East Side is also the gateway to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the number one tourist destination in the state of Hawaii. East Hawaii is lush, tropical and offers special places of interest like botanical gardens, Akaka and Rainbow falls, beautiful coastlines, lava-heated ponds and tide pools.
Q: What type of clients are particularly well-suited to visit East Hawaii?
A: The East Side calls to outdoor enthusiasts, adventurous and inquisitive travelers and museum and art lovers. Travel agents should let their clients know that while this area is breathtakingly beautiful, it does rain frequently, which is why we’re so fortunate to have rainforests, waterfalls, gardens and agriculture. Also, agents should convey that East Hawaii is not a destination of luxury resorts and endless beaches. Instead, its allure lies in its history, people, diverse accommodations and activities, all waiting to be discovered.
Q: How is HVCB promoting East Hawaii to potential visitors?
A: We are emphasizing the fact that the East Side of the island is more than simply a pass-through on the way to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Many of our visitors staying in West Hawaii spend a day at the National Park, and they are pleasantly surprised by all that East Hawaii has to offer. We are developing detailed, suggested itineraries that lead guests to lesser-known sites and hidden treasures. In doing so, we hope to educate visitors about the entire island before they arrive.
