Where can millennials encounter street murals and wearable art on one day and multi-ethnic dance and displays on another? The answer awaits on Oahu, a charismatic arts and culture destination with undeniable appeal for clients in their 20s and 30s.
With friends and family, and smartphones in hand, millennials find inspiration in Oahu’s stimulating exhibits, festivals and enriching activities. A great place for them to start is the urban hub of Honolulu, where creativity breaks the mold and excites guests with out-of-the-box experiences.
“From Hawaiian artifacts at Bishop Museum to the contemporary art explosion in the burgeoning neighborhood of Kakaako, Honolulu offers a wide range of art and cultural discoveries,” said Noelani Schilling-Wheeler, executive director of the Oahu Visitors Bureau (OVB).
For instance, POW!WOW! Hawaii features panel discussions, mural projects and concerts. Maoli Arts Movement, dubbed MAMo, pairs popular exhibitions and trunk shows with a head-turning presentation of art-as-clothing. Hawaii Biennial spotlights the diversity of Pacific Rim visionaries, and Honolulu Museum of Art’s sociable ARTafterDARK combines a current exhibit with music, dancing and food and drinks.
The serene rural regions of Oahu boast their own dynamic arts and culture options, with natural landscapes serving as exhilarating backdrops. Consider Polynesian Cultural Center, where millennials can embrace the customs of six island nations. At Kualoa, they can hike, bike and zipline across a valley that’s sacred to Hawaiians and photogenic for modern-day adventurers.
“Oahu’s ‘country’ is a canvas — or Instagram picture — just waiting to be explored by visitors,” Schilling-Wheeler said.
Aloha Festivals features many cultural events.
Credit: 2018 Aloha FestivalsAnnual celebrations islandwide resonate with millennials through immersive performances, art, flavors and fun. Aloha Festivals honors Hawaii’s traditions in an upbeat, accessible fashion.
Honolulu Festival promotes ethnic harmony between many countries. At Haleiwa Arts Festival, North Shore innovators take center stage, while Korea and Okinawa each get a day in the sun during yearly events.
As travel advisors pitch Oahu’s prolific arts and culture scene to millennial clients, Schilling-Wheeler reminds them to keep up-to-speed via the OVB’s agent website, e-newsletters, webinars and sales efforts.
“Speak the same language as millennials who are interested in art and culture, and include Oahu’s varied cultural experiences in your social media posts,” Schilling-Wheeler said. “The key point is to reach this market strategically with a booking window in mind.”
The Details
Oahu Visitors Bureau
www.visit-oahu.com
