Travel Advisors Share Their Clients' Hawaii Wish Lists

According to travel advisors, most people don’t want to head to Hawaii until it lifts its 14-day quarantine for arriving visitors. (Editor’s note: Beginning Sept. 1, incoming visitors can bypass this quarantine by providing proof of a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of landing in Hawaii.)

But in the meantime, clients continue talking with their advisors about the aloha state — where they want to go when they can, and what they want to do when they get there. 

Here, advisors share some of their clients’ Hawaii wish lists for post-pandemic vacations.

Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa on Oahu
“I have clients who can’t wait to go to Aulani, the Disney resort on Oahu. They have never been there, and they have two small children. They're looking forward to experiencing all of the resort's family-friendly amenities, from the pools to the mix of Disney magic and Hawaiian culture.”
— Cathy Winter of Vacation Connection in Cerritos, Calif.

Beach Time on Maui
“These months of staying at home have made everyone eager to experience the sand, sun and aloha spirit of Maui. My clients don’t live near the ocean, so they are mentioning the beach and the water. They want to be outside and breathing in the ocean air.”
— Becky Gillespie of For Love of Travel in Nevada City, Calif.

Family Attractions on Oahu
“I’m seeing a lot of interest in family vacations, especially on Oahu. Clients want to know what kind of multigenerational activities they can do besides the beach. Pearl Harbor is high on their lists, along with Honolulu Zoo, Waikiki Aquarium, Diamond Head and Kualoa Ranch.”
— Joyce Masyga of Endless Travel in Evergreen, Colo.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on Hawaii Island
“The most popular destination that I have been getting inquiries about is Hawaii Island. For one client, his main interest is to visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and all of its wonders. Other folks are particularly primed to explore Hawaii Island’s terrific beaches to do some adventure activities.”
— Terry Uemura of Hawaii General Store in Seattle

Manta Ray Swimming on Hawaii Island
“My clients have expressed a desire to experience Hawaii Island. Topping their list is nighttime swimming with the manta rays in Kona. In addition, they’d like to have dinner at Volcano House, and they want to go to Hilo for the farmers market and Imiloa Astronomy Center.”
— Cindy Raiter of the travel department at Creative Artists Agency in Los Angeles

Napali Coast Cruising on Kauai
“Kauai is the No. 1 Hawaii destination that I’m hearing about, because of its beautiful environment. People want to get out and explore the island’s gifts of nature while having a lot of room for social distancing. Many of them are asking about cruising the magnificent Napali Coast.”
— Carla Schipper of Unique Romance and Adventure Travel in Anacortes, Wash.

Polynesian Cultural Center on Oahu
“There are two top places in Hawaii that my clients are asking about, and both are on Oahu. One is Polynesian Cultural Center, which shares the heritage of the Pacific Islands. The other is Waikiki Beach. Overall, people are eager to go to Hawaii and see the stunning landscapes.”
— David Schmidt of Get Away Today Vacations in South Ogden, Utah

Private Tours on Hawaii Island and Kauai
“Mostly, I’m getting requests for Hawaii Island and Kauai, where there are fewer people and accommodations than on Oahu and Maui. Clients are looking for private tours versus large-group activities, and they're asking about condominiums rather than hotels, so they aren’t surrounded by lots of people in restaurants and pools.”
— Kristi Emo of Your Dream Escapes in Fresno, Calif.

Small Neighbor Island Resorts
“Primarily, clients are looking for smaller resorts and condos on Hawaii’s neighbor islands. People are seeking out a safe, comfortable place to relax. They want to get some much-needed sunshine and renew their spirits. We are getting Hawaii inquiries for travel later in the summer and into 2021.”
— Hollis Davis of Travel & Cruise Desk in Lake Oswego, Ore.

Tubing on Kauai
“Most of my clients want to travel to Kauai because of its beauty, culture and serenity — and because it’s less touristy. Some of them are interested in tubing down the historic sugar plantation flumes, which is fun for both young and old visitors.”
— Bobbie Findlay of Bobbie’s Travel and Tours in San Diego

Waimea Canyon on Kauai
“Many of my clients are aching to visit Kauai to enjoy its relaxed environment. They are hoping to see Waimea Canyon, nicknamed “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” which is incredibly beautiful to behold. They’re also asking about Salt Pond Beach Park on the south shore, and they’d like to check out Kauai’s many film locations.”
— Maureen Dinnocenza of Above and Beyond Travel in Arnold, Calif.

Watching the Sunset
“Clients tell me they’re missing the overall experience of just being in Hawaii. It’s about going to a local restaurant with loved ones and eating really good food. It’s about feeling safe and pampered. It’s about walking on the beach, listening to the waves and admiring the sunset.”
— Connie Riker of Create The Moment Travel in Olympia, Wash.