What to Do This Fall in Hawaii

There’s never a bad time to visit Hawaii, but fall features an exceptionally long list of advantages for Aloha State vacations. The kids are back in school, which means couples and friends traveling together find fewer crowds and cheaper rates around the islands. Getting to Hawaii is easier than ever, too.

“Increased airlift into the destination is a positive indication that the demand for unique and authentic Hawaii experiences is strong and growing,” said Robyn Basso, senior director of travel industry sales for Hawaii Tourism United States (HTUSA). “With more airlift often comes increased competitive pricing and discounts not only on fall airfares, but also hotel rooms and travel packages.”

For travel advisors looking to boost bookings for autumn’s value season, HTUSA’s agent resource center presents a new webinar library with Hawaii’s latest happenings, Basso says. Here are some great ways to rake in the rewards of fall getaways on the four major islands.

Hawaii Island
Since early May, Hawaii Island has gone through dramatic environmental changes due to Kilauea Volcano’s lava and earthquake action. At the same time, it’s still providing plenty to do this fall, says Ross Birch, executive director of the Island of Hawaii Visitors Bureau. 

“Our tour partners have evolved their offerings, resulting in new activities across the island,” Birch said. 

At press time, select areas of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park were slated to reopen on Sept. 22, although, according to Birch, agents must constantly educate their clients and themselves about the volcano.

“Visitors to our destination have always been drawn to the wonder of seeing nature at work in the creation of new land,” he said. “This fall, they can be among the first people to see the newest land on earth.” 

The island comes alive further with autumn events such as the Ironman World Championship (Oct. 13) and Kona Coffee Cultural Festival (Nov. 9-18).

Kauai
The Garden Island has endured its own natural challenges in 2018, most notably the north shore flooding in April. With the last 5 miles of Kuhio Highway currently off-limits to visitors, some of the region’s highlights remain closed for the time being. However, the rest of the island continues to feature a wealth of wonderful pastimes this fall, says Maile Brown, director of marketing for the Kauai Visitors Bureau.

“In addition to activities such as air tours, horseback rides, ziplining and river kayaking. Kauai offers a few new experiences this fall,” Brown said. “For instance, the National Tropical Botanical Garden’s visitor center on the south shore now offers free hula performances on Thursday afternoons. Also, Monkeypod Jam in Lawai recently launched a jam-tasting event held every Thursday."

Clients will love Kauai’s abundance of festivals in the coming weeks and months, says Brown, including the Kauai Chocolate and Coffee Festival (Oct. 19-20) and Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival (Nov. 18).

Maui
Fall is a perfect time to steer clients toward local experiences on Maui, from voluntourism outings to mom-and-pop meals, says Maui Visitors Bureau’s director of marketing Leanne Pletcher.

“Maui has new opportunities for visitors to help preserve the environment,” Pletcher said. “Organizations such as Pacific Whale Foundation and Maui Ocean Center sponsor beach and coral reef cleanups along with fish-pond restoration projects.” 

Foodies, meanwhile, gravitate to homespun eateries in the off season, Pletcher adds.

“Our fall visitors look for easy in-and-out dining options, which are typically more economical,” Pletcher said.

A good place to start is the new Maui Sunday Market in Kahului, site of a food truck court, she says.

Hungry clients won’t want to miss the Hawaii Food and Wine Festival in Kaanapali (Oct. 19-21). For creative types and souvenir hunters, the Made in Maui County Festival is a big hit (Nov. 2-3).

Oahu
Oahu promises waves of excitement this fall, said Noelani Schilling-Wheeler, senior director of sales and marketing for the Oahu Visitors Bureau. Among its many trending activities is Segway of Hawaii’s new tour of Kakaako, an old neighborhood that’s become a new hot spot.

In addition, fall gives clients a chance to engage with Oahu’s community thanks to its multitude of festivals and sporting events, says Schilling-Wheeler. For example, Oahu takes its turn as host of the Hawaii Food and Wine Festival, boasting an all-star lineup of chefs (Oct. 24-28), while the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing thrills spectators in November and December.

This fall, clients can get a first look at recent hotel makeovers such as Queen Kapiolani Hotel, Waikiki Beach, which will celebrate its $35 million renovation at a grand opening on Oct. 23.

“Agents should continue to stay up-to-date on all the news coming from Oahu,” Schilling-Wheeler said.

By creating unique packages tailored to clients’ interests, they can reap the benefits of Oahu fall travel, she says.