In 1945, the USS Missouri took center stage as the site of a ceremony ending World War II. Today, the hallowed battleship makes its home in Pearl Harbor, a must-see Oahu attraction for history buffs and multigenerational travelers alike.
This year is a particularly poignant time for clients to visit Pearl Harbor, which is commemorating the 75th anniversary of the war’s end. From Aug. 29 to Sept. 2, visitors can watch aerial parades, catch a WWII-based film premiere and enjoy other events honoring those who served.
But no matter when clients head to Oahu, travel advisors can tap the growing special-interest market by promoting the island’s history, according to Karishma Chowfin, director of sales for Oahu Visitors Bureau.
Tours of Oahu's Iolani Palace immerse clients in the world of Hawaii's 19th-century monarchs.
Credit: 2020 Friends of Iolani Palace
“Travelers want immersive experiences that showcase a destination’s people, history and culture,” Chowfin said. “Oahu provides a rich variety of these experiences.”
For instance, the era of Hawaii’s monarchy comes to life during tours of Iolani Palace, a national historic landmark and the only official royal residence in the U.S. Beautifully restored furnishings and artifacts evoke images of kings and queens who walked its halls.
Similarly, Queen Emma Summer Palace recreates 19th-century royal life with its well-preserved antiques and regalia.
The iconic Bishop Museum presents a remarkable overview of Hawaii’s bygone times while remaining relevant. Equally mesmerizing tales await at Hawaiian Mission Houses, where Protestant missionaries built their first homes nearly 200 years ago; and Hawaii’s Plantation Village, which spotlights the ethnic groups who came to the islands to work in the fields, bringing traditions that permeate the lifestyle today.
These and many other Oahu lures lend meaning to vacations as they connect the past with the present. Whether clients tour ancient fishponds, explore the cultural and botanical treasures of Waimea Valley or browse the singular shops and restaurants of Chinatown, they come to understand how age-old stories play a steadfast role in modern-day Hawaii.
“By promoting Oahu’s history and heritage, advisors can differentiate themselves and provide added value for existing and potential clients,” Chowfin said.
The Details
Oahu Visitors Bureau
www.visit-oahu.com
