Editor's note: During the COVID-19 pandemic, TravelAge West is encouraging all readers to stay at home and do their part in flattening the curve. This includes travel to Hawaii. We hope that the information in these stories will help readers stay up to date for when it’s once again safe to return to Hawaii.
The coronavirus may have sidelined tourism in Hawaii, but it’s also bringing out the best in island ingenuity.
From live-streamed concerts to multimedia outdoor adventures, creative online initiatives are reaching across thousands of miles and touching the hearts and minds of eager future visitors.
For clients who need a Hawaii fix right now, the following virtual experiences can be an invaluable gift from their trusted travel advisors.
Behind the Scenes at Sea Life Park
William the Humboldt penguin and BJ the bottlenose dolphin are just two of the stars of “Bring the Park to You,” a new social media series from Sea Life Park.
The videos take viewers behind the scenes of the Oahu marine life attraction, following workers as they care for and train the park’s remarkable residents.
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Sea Life Park's videos share delightful moments between staffers and splashy residents.
Credit: 2020 Sea Life Park
Cocktails and Art Classes From Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina
Chefs, artists and wellness gurus alternate hosting the luxury hotel’s online Aloha Friday parties called The Coconut Wire, with different themes each week.
Whether they’re learning how to arrange a charcuterie board, paint a sunset or mix a mai tai, viewers can start their weekends Hawaii-style. Plans call for the series to run through the beginning of summer.
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Mai Tai Mixology is one of the alluring topics of The Coconut Wire, presented by Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina.
Credit: 2020 Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko OlinaCooking With Chef Chai
Foodies have probably heard of Chai Chaowasaree, a celebrity chef specializing in Hawaii Regional Cuisine. Although they can’t visit his Honolulu restaurant in person, they can cook some of his simpler dishes, courtesy of demonstrational videos.
During his broadcasts, chef Chai leads viewers through the step-by-step process for making delicacies such as ginger chicken, pad thai noodles and spicy pork basil.
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Chef Chai divulges culinary secrets during his virtual cooking classes.
Credit: 2020 @chefchaiCultural Insights From Hawaiian Airlines
The Hawaii-based carrier is known for its onboard island hospitality. Now, Hawaiian Airlines extending that spirit to videos on its Instagram and Facebook pages.
Highlights include chef Lee Ann Wong showing how to make banana cereal pancakes; and Hawaiian Air employees who are also hula specialists, discussing preparations for Hawaii’s prestigious Merrie Monarch Festival.
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Hawaiian Airlines' glimpses of island life include a fun pancake-making session with chef Lee Anne Wong.
Credit: 2020 Hawaiian AirlinesFree Hawaiian Music Concerts
Hawaii’s musicians can’t currently perform for live audiences, so they’re doing the next best thing: live-streaming their talents.
For instance, the well-loved family band Kapena is presenting the Quarantine Hawaii Concert Series, with performances from their home.
Then there’s Mele in the Hale, a brainchild of production company Haku Collective, featuring various island artists in virtual concerts.
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www.hakuhawaii.com
The popular Hawaiian music group Kapena regales guests with free concerts each Wednesday and Sunday.
Credit: 2020 www.kapena.comHawaii Island Tours With KapohoKine Adventures
KapohoKine Adventures’ online explorations whisk viewers around Hawaii Island to such stunning landscapes as South Point, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Liliuokalani Japanese Gardens in Hilo.
From hiking and kayaking to stargazing and helicopter flights, the ecotour company’s videos showcase the island from the land, sea and air. Content changes regularly to keep clients checking back for more.
www.kapohokine.com
KapohoKine Adventures is posting thrilling video tours of Hawaii Island's compelling natural environment.
Credit: 2020 KapohoKine AdventuresHistory Lessons With Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum
Since this year marks the 75th commemoration of the end of World War II, the historic sites of Pearl Harbor are honoring the anniversary by creating meaningful online resources.
Case in point is Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, which is sharing insights into the past by posting content such as movies, oral histories and recordings of musical hits from 1942.
www.pearlharboraviationmuseum.org
Clients of all generations find inspiration in online content from Pearl Harbor's historic sites.
Credit: 2020 Pearl Harbor Aviation MuseumIsland Lifestyle From Halekulani & Halepuna
The secrets of spearfishing, the art of quilting and other hallowed Hawaii traditions are explored on Living TV, a series of television shows offered by the Waikiki hotels Halekulani and Halepuna.
Additionally, since Halekulani sponsors the annual Hawaii International Film Festival, its website provides a link to compelling works by movie-makers in the islands and around the world.
www.halekulaniliving.tv
An episode of Halekulani's Living TV transports clients to Kauai forests, home to endangered island birds.
Credit: 2020 John Hook/@nmgnetworkStories and Sneak Peeks From Maui Ocean Center
Maui’s popular aquarium is connecting to clients through a variety of online lures, such as underwater camera views of its 750,000-gallon Open Ocean exhibit.
Other captivating content includes marine-inspired stories; the Hawaiian word of the week; spotlights on featured creatures; DIY crafts demonstrations; and glimpses of habitats for the center’s amazing animals.
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Live feeds follow workers as they care for the animals of Maui Ocean Center.
Credit: 2020 Maui Ocean CenterYou-Are-There Videos From Polynesian Cultural Center
As one of Hawaii’s most enduring visitor attractions, the North Shore Oahu hub is keeping cultural learning front and center with its website’s education and history page.
There, guests can go virtual canoe paddling; play traditional games; find out how to husk a coconut; do some Tahitian dancing; and try making Samoan pani popo (coconut-glazed rolls).
www.polynesia.com
