Any time of year, visitors to Oahu can expect to have experiences that are enriching and fun. Each October, however, those experiences take on added meaning courtesy of Travel Pink, Travel Oahu (TPTO), an annual campaign that helps clients make a difference during their trips.
The result of brainstorming efforts by the Oahu Visitors Bureau (OVB), TPTO promotes activities that support the fight against breast cancer. Throughout October, clients can go on exclusive outings dubbed “Best of Oahu,” available for booking through agents who have been certified as Oahu Destination Specialists. A portion of the cost of each package benefits the Hawaii affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
“Travel Pink, Travel Oahu has become a specific opportunity to support a cause and showcase wellness through the lens of our unique culture, places and people,” said OVB travel industry sales director, Stacey Alford.
Among the Best of Oahu experiences in 2010 are lessons with Hans Hedemann Surf School, teaching clients how to surf or stand-up paddle in Waikiki and on the North Shore. Visitors looking for a longer and more elaborate hang-ten outing can book North Shore for the Cure, a surf/paddle package that also provides a tour of famous surf spots. Three different packages are available from Oct. 1-31.
The Kayaking in Kailua package takes clients to Oahu’s windward coast for a kayak excursion to the Mokulua Islands, followed by swimming, snorkeling, a nature walk and picnic lunch (Oct. 15-16, 18-19).
History buffs can book Victory Tour for the Cure, which takes participants to Pearl Harbor, the USS Arizona Memorial, Wheeler Army Airfield, Schofield Army Barracks, Fort Shafter, Punchbowl National Cemetery and the Home of the Brave Museum (Oct. 11-15, 18, 20-22).
With the Pink by the Sea eco-adventure, Wild Side Specialty Tours takes clients to one of only five places in the world where spinner dolphins frequent near the shore. During the excursion, clients also go snorkeling alongside green sea turtles (Oct. 16).
For food lovers, island chef Chai Chaowasaree will present a firsthand culinary experience with ingredient shopping in Chinatown, a cooking lesson and lei-making. Just 30 guests can take part in this unique package (Oct. 18).
Calling to multi-sport enthusiasts. Adventure for the Cure has clients gearing up for a two-mile rainforest hike to a waterfall, a five-mile downhill bike ride and sail and snorkel trip off Oahu’s southern coast (Oct. 14, 16, 19).
Hyatt Regency Waikiki gets in the act with Yoga for the Cure, helping clients find unity of mind, body and spirit through basic postures and controlled breathing. After the yoga class, clients get a 10 percent discount at the hotel’s Na Hoola Spa (Oct. 14, 15, 18).
On Oct. 17, visitors can join thousands of kindred spirits for the 16th annual Komen Hawaii Race for the Cure, raising money for breast cancer education, screening and treatment. The 5K run and one-mile walk have particular appeal to clients who have been touched by the disease.
Since its inception in 2006, Travel Pink, Travel Oahu has raised tens of thousands of dollars for the Komen Hawaii affiliate. It’s a great way for clients to enjoy a well-deserved, feel-good vacation.
The Details
Travel Pink, Travel Oahuwww.visit-oahu.com/travelpink
