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Photo Credit: (HTA)/Ben Ono
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"A ʻohe ia e loaʻa aku, he ulua kapapa no ka moana."
He cannot be caught for he is in an ulua fish of the deep ocean.
Said in admiration of a hero or warrior who will not give up without a struggle.
‘Ōlelo No‘eau 145
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Aloha HVCB Members,
The last few weeks have been quite a roller coaster for HTA, HVCB and the industry as HTA’s future funding and mode of operating were decided by the Legislature. It is extremely important that the industry, led by HTA and supported by HVCB, foster an understanding within the Legislature and County governments, and the community of past and current destination management efforts.
Destination management is not new to us. Our marketing campaigns of recent years, starting with Hawaii Rooted, targeted a more mindful traveler, and focused on culture, values and authentic experiences. The campaign evolved to Kuleana, and most recently, Malama Hawaii.
The success of the Malama Campaign is a result of tremendous industry collaboration. We have over 100 partners participating, and the campaign has received global media attention. We look to you for help in sharing the message of Malama Hawaii through your various channels. More information is provided in this newsletter.
I want to express my gratitude to the Board of Directors, our members, and the team at HVCB and HTA for the work that everyone has done together to get us through this past year and a half and look forward to continuing on our path to a more regenerative tourism model.
Mahalo,
John Monahan, President & CEO, and the HVCB Team
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Welcome to Our New Members
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This month’s member spotlight is Simeon Miranda, General Manager of Embassy Suites Waikiki Beach Walk, nominated by a team member and chosen by an independent committee of HVCB team members.
In partnership with Hawaiian Legacy Reforestation, Simeon planted a rare native Hawaiian plant, Alula on the hotel property. "We are incredibly proud that we were able to participate in this valuable endeavor to restore the state's endemic plants," said Embassy Suites Waikiki Beach Walk General Manager Simeon Q. Miranda. "In addition to being better for the environment, Hawaii's endemic plants encourage appreciation and respect for Hawaiian history and culture, which should be part of every guest's lasting impression after they visit our beautiful island."
Learn how you can nominate an individual, or group, of a member company for a future Member Spotlight Here ►
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We want to hear from you! This month we have 2 questions for you regarding types of events.
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1. What type of events are you most interested in attending? (Select all event types that apply)
After responding, if you need to make a change, click here.
2. What kind of event format would you prefer to attend? (Select one)
After responding, if you need to make a change, click here.
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Kuleana Travel Tips & Malama Hawaii Videos
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Our Malama Campaign is receiving a lot of positive feedback from our partners, media and consumers. We’d like your help in sharing the Malama Hawaii messaging through your various channels. Please email membership@hvcb.org with the following information to let us know how you are sharing the message.
- Name of business
- Name of the videos being played
- Start and end date of broadcast duration
- Where videos will be played (inflight, in-room, on-property etc.)
Malama Hawaii invites mindful visitors to give back when visiting Hawaii.
View Malama Hawaii Playlist Here ►
Download Malama Hawaii Videos Here ►
Kuleana Travel Tips provides visitors who are already on-island insights on how to be respectful, prepared, safe and aware during their stay.
View Kuleana Travel Tips Playlist Here ►
Download Kuleana Travel Tips Videos Here ►
All videos must be used intact, as-is, in their entirety with no modifications.
Please contact Senior Public Relations Manager, Lei-Ann Field at lfield@hvcb.org for more information on how to participate in the Malama Hawaii Program.
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Mark your calendars for an upcoming Member Pau Hana event on Tuesday, August 24th. Stay tuned for more details.
Interested in event sponsorship or donating a door prize? Contact Becky Stark at bstark@hvcb.org for sponsor information or submit your door prize details here.
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ICYMI- GoHawaii Destination App and Kiosk Overview
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We are excited to announce the launch of our new GoHawaii destination app and kiosk program! The program was designed to enhance travelers' pre and post-arrival experience as well as provide HVCB members additional exposure to the consumer market and showcase what our islands have to offer.
The app will be a great tool and resource for visitors as they return to Hawaii. We are happy to share and review this new member benefit with you.
View Recording Here ►
Download GoHawaii App Here ►
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2021 Statewide Kamaaina Special Offers Program
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HVCB has launched a program geared exclusively toward kamaaina, offering Hawaii residents exclusives specials on accommodations, activities, attractions, shopping, dining and more throughout the Hawaiian Islands. Our “Kamaaina Special Offers Program” is available online year-round at kamaainaspecialoffers.com.
PREMIUM PLACEMENT OPPORTUNITY:
A new opportunity for your offer to receive premium placement for the remainder of the year. Upgrade your offer for $150 per island listing, to have your offer listed at the top of each respective island page. Each island has a few spots available on a first-come, first-served basis.
To secure premium placement for your offer or inquiries, please contact Armida York at ayork@hvcb.org.
Submit Offer Here ►
View Press Release Here ►
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Don’t miss the opportunity to show HVCB team members, from all departments, what is new and exciting in your business! We have 11 open spots remaining for the rest of the year, available on a first come, first served basis. These monthly virtual meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month via Zoom. Each participating member is allotted 10 minutes for their presentation and is then followed by 5 minutes of Q&A.
The goal is to familiarize HVCB with your products/services as well as provide updates on any new offerings you may have. This information will provide us with additional resources when we receive media inquiries, requests for recommendations, promotional opportunities and more!
Be sure to secure your spot in an upcoming Hoike by contacting Becky Stark at bstark@hvcb.org.
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The HVCB and Island Chapter PR teams hosted a statewide Virtual Media Blitz from June 14-18 and June 21-25 with the goal of building relationships with key media, raising awareness about the Malama Hawaii initiative and relaying the latest Safe Travels updates. The first-ever program was a big success with the team securing more than 70 individual media appointments with freelancers and editors representing publications such as CNN, Travel + Leisure, AFAR, Forbes, SFGate.com and more. Each meeting included a HVCB and/or Island Chapter PR representative as well as island partners and/or cultural ambassadors who provided destination updates and shared consistent messaging regarding mindful travel.
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For the month of June, HVCB's Travel Trade team reached 608 travel advisors through a mix of in-person and virtual educational sessions and one-on-one appointments. This was the first month since the onset of the pandemic that the HVCB Travel Trade team participated in in-person events.
The Romance Travel Forum was held June 14-17 in Riviera Maya, Mexico. As an event sponsor, HVCB delivered a presentation to 107 pre-qualified travel advisors and conducted 48 one-on-one appointments. ASTA South Florida's Spring Affair was held June 23-24 in Fort Lauderdale, FL. As an event sponsor, HVCB conducted a destination presentation and also participated in a panel discussion for 90 travel advisors.
The month resulted in 627 online graduates who completed the Hawaii Destination Specialist and/or Island Specialist educational courses online, and 790 new registrants signed up to create a profile on the travel agent portal at agents.gohawaii.com.
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How the State's Motto Came to Be
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You may have read the words, “Ua mau ke ea o ka ‘āina i ka pono,” on the Hawai‘i state seal, the back of the 2008 minted US Hawai‘i quarter, or in any number of places around the islands. You may have heard the words uttered at an assembly in school or sung in Israel Kamakawiwoole’s famous “Hawaii ’78.”
 The Hawaii state motto is one of the few US state mottos not in English or Latin. It’s a Hawaiian phrase uttered by a Hawaiian King back in the 1840s when Hawaii was an independent monarchy.
On July 31, 1843, King Kamehameha III proclaimed the words, “Ua mau ke ea o ka aina i ka pono,” to an assembled crowd at a park in Honolulu where the Union Jack was lowered and ka hae Hawaii (the Hawaiian flag) was raised once again. Hawaiian sovereignty was restored by Queen Victoria’s emissary, Rear Admiral Richard Thomas. The Admiral had been sent to investigate the folly of Lord George Paulet, an English sea captain who unlawfully claimed the kingdom of Hawaii as an occupied colony of Great Britain.
The King appreciated the assistance of Admiral Thomas and announced the famous phrase, which for so long has been translated to, “the life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness,” but Hawaiian language scholars have begun to rethink that translation. Ea means not only “life,” but “breath” and, more importantly, “sovereignty.” Profound to think the one word, ea, could define the King’s intentions so eloquently and reconnect Hawaiians to the living, breathing, sovereign land of their kupuna.
It was adopted as the motto of the Hawaiian Kingdom from that point on and the motto of the State of Hawaii in 1959.
The site of this proclamation was named in the Admiral’s honor. Today Thomas Square is the oldest city park in Hawaii and one of four sites in the Hawaiian Islands where the Hawaiian flag can fly alone without the United States flag because of its Hawaiian national significance.
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Hanalei Hill: As a result of the Hanalei Hill Landslide in March 2021, access to Hanalei and beyond on Kuhio Hwy past Mile Marker 1 leading to Hanalei bridge is limited to a stringent schedule. Please visit https://hidot.hawaii.gov/2021-hanalei-hill-landslide/ or for quick access, use the QR Code for updates and the access schedule. It is important to note that no one is allowed to drive through the landslide work zone outside the times designated.
Kilohana Plantation Back Open. This includes the Kauai Plantation Railway, The Plantation House by Gaylord’s Restaurant, Mahiko Lounge and Luau Kalamaku.
The Lawai International Center once again welcomes visitors with two ways to experience this special place:
- Community Caring Day, beginning July 3 and the first Saturday of each month from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm where all are invited for a heartwarming experience to nurture the grounds and plant orchids. Lunch will be provided and no tools necessary.
- Regularly schedule tours beginning July 11 and on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of every month. Visit the 88 shrines in this community-supported sanctuary. There will be a brief video, a talk story session, and a reflective time to walk on the path at your own leisure.
Upcoming Live Event: Heiva I Kauai Tahitian Festival. With Covid restrictions still in place, there will not be any group competition, however, there will be solo competitions. Social distancing will be observed. Food, clothing and craft vendors will be present. $5 per person. www.heivaikauai.com
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OVB Public Relations & Communications
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OVB Media eNewsletter
- The quarterly media eNewsletter was distributed July 8. If you have future news or updates to share with media, please send to Joy Goto (joy@strykerweiner.com).
Visiting Media
OVB, in collaboration with HVCB and the other Island Chapters, continues to assist upcoming media visits to Oahu, ensuring that our media partners understand our positioning and are directed to appropriate experiences and places. Upcoming media include:
- OVB is working with a food-centric, travel show called United Plates of America. The show is in its 4th season, and they filmed two episodes in Honolulu on July 1st & 2nd. The themes for the two Hawaii episodes are, Tourist Food and Sustainable Food. OVB assisted with securing local TV personality Lanai Tabura to talk about tourism in Oahu in the Tourist Food episode.
- Katheryn Romeyn is a contributor for Brides, SELF and has a podcast called the Conscious Traveler. She is visiting the island of Oahu from July 4 – 9. She has a confirmed assignment that will focus on how couples can honeymoon while giving back at the same time.
- David Dickstein is a contributor for OC Register. He is visiting the island of Oahu from July 10 – 25. He is interested in visiting Pearl Harbor, new restaurants and attractions.
HVCB Virtual Media Blitz
OVB participated in the HVCB Virtual Media Blitz that was held June 14 – June 25. Oahu media blitz days were on Monday, June 21 and Tuesday, June 22. Partners included Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach, Battleship Missouri Memorial, Bishop Museum, C4 Table, Courtyard Marriott North Shore, Gunstock Ranch, Halekulani/Halepuna Waikiki, Honolulu Museum of Art, Kualoa Private Nature Reserve, Marriott Properties, Outrigger Hotels & Resorts and Polynesian Cultural Center. The following are the media OVB met with:
- James Barrett, Freelance - Contributes to: Betches, Redbook, Cosmo, Popsugar and more.
- Benjamin Setiawan, Forbes
- Michelle Winner, Freelance - Contributes to: Brides.com, TravelPulse
- Lisa Jhung, Freelance - Contributes to: Outside, Backpacker, Women's Running, PodiumRunner, Men's Health
- Jill Robinson, Freelance - Contributes to: AFAR, National Geographic, Travel + Leisure, Conde Nast Traveler, Outside, Sierra, Virtuoso Life, Hemispheres, American Way, Saturday Evening Post
- Michele Herrmann, Freelance - Contributes to: Forbes, Orbitz, Travelocity, Mental Floss, USA Today's 10 Best, AAA's The Extra Mile, Passion Passport, Budget Travel
- Kristie Hang, Freelance - Contributes to: Eater, LA Weekly, CNN, LAist, Huffington Post
- Lizbeth Scordo, Freelance - Contributes to: Thrillist, Palm Springs Life, The Red Bulletin
- Sunny Fitzgerald, Freelance - Contributes to: National Geographic, Travel + Leisure, Conde Nast Traveler, The Washington Post
- Caroline Teel, Managing Editor - SmarterTravel Media (SmarterTravel, Airfarewatchdog, Oyster, FamilyVacationCritic)
- KyAnn Lewis, Editor – KidTripster
- Brooke Geiger McDonald, National Content Director - Marin Magazine, Better.net, (freelance Simplemost.com, TravelPulse, Parents, Attractions Magazine)
- Karla Bruning, Freelance - Contributes to: Shape, Self, Parents, Trivago Magazine
- Amanda Castleman, Freelance - Contributes to: Afar, Sierra, American Way, National Geographic, Scuba Diving Magazine
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Travel Advisor Education – Webinars
Travel Advisor education has been the cornerstone of OVB’s sales efforts. The importance of educating agents on the destination and teaching them how best to position Oahu authentically and respectfully has been a priority at OVB.
- OVB is working with Hawaiian Airlines in a collaborative HA & Oahu May Mahalo Month 2-part webinar series. OVB trained 233 travel advisors on May 19 with an Oahu Travel Protocols and Destination Updates webinar 157 travel advisors on June 9.
- OVB trained 143 travel advisors on June 7 with a Mahalo Monday (Mailpound) update webinar
Trade eCommunications
- OVB distributed a Malama themed agent enewsletter out to 6,138 agents on June 17.
Trade Events
- OVB participated in GTM at Fort Lauderdale on July 8 – 10
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OVB continues to support the Meet Hawaii team. OVB participated in HVCB/Meet Hawaii’s I MUA Hawaii MH Association Virtual Trade Event on June 9, 2021, with Oahu presentation to attending meeting planners and with six appointments.
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Destination Management Action Plan
As defined in HTA’s Strategic Plan 2020-2025, destination management includes attracting and educating responsible visitors; advocating for solutions to overcrowded attractions, overtaxed infrastructure, and other tourism-related problems; and working with other responsible agencies to improve natural and cultural assets valued by both Hawaii residents and visitors. The purpose of the Destination Management Action Plans (DMAP) is to “rebuild, redefine and reset tourism’s direction over a three-year period through a collaborative process” with community, tourism industry and government, for each county. By engaging a wide net of stakeholders, the intent is to better “identify areas of need, for each county, that requires management for proactive mitigation planning.”
The Oahu DMAP process began in March of this year. The process involved a steering committee that included stakeholders from different community interests and different parts of the islands, visitors industry along with the HTA, City & County of Honolulu and the Oahu Visitors Bureau. The process of determining the “actions” for the DMAP for the Island of Oahu is currently on-going. Community presentations were held in May and Oahu residents were encouraged to provide feedback. To view the PowerPoint, Q&As from the community presentations, and results from the Oahu DMAP online input form, visit: www.hawaiitourismauthority.org/what-we-do/hta-programs/community-based-tourism/oahu/planning-process/. The “actions” and full Oahu DMAP goes in-front of the HTA Board for approval at the end of July. Pending no interruptions, the final Oahu DMAP document is scheduled to be available to the public by the end of August.
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Maui Visitors and Convention Bureau
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In association with the exciting launch of United Airlines (UA) inaugural direct Newark, NJ to Kahului, HI flight in early June, MVCB worked in tandem with HVCB to coordinate a UA Maui press trip, June 10 – 14. Participating media represented Travel + Leisure, Daily Mail (US edition) and Parents.com. It was a jam-packed itinerary: Malama Hawaii experience at Kipuka Olowalu volunteering alongside 40 King Kamehameha School 8th graders; Maui Kuia Estate Chocolate Tour; Kiawe Outdoor dinner at Hotel Wailea, breakfast at Kaanapali Beach Hotels new Huihui Restaurant; UFO Parasail: Teralani Sunset Sail and stays at newly opened AC Hotel by Marriott Maui, Wailea and Kaanapali Beach Hotel.
 Hawaii News Now’s HI Now program was on Maui in mid-June to shoot a feature on our Malama Hawaii programs, including Kipuka Olowalu and Lahaina Restoration Foundation. The show is scheduled to air on July 16 and will be available on https://www.hinowdaily.com/.
The Malama Maui County Pledge continues to be distributed through social media, our hotel partners, Spectrum TV programming, AFAR.com and KHON2. The spots will also be airing on the upcoming XTERRA Triathlon shows on Outside TV. To see the pledge and video please visit: https://mauitourism.org/.
Four winners were selected in Fairmont Kea Lani’s “Super Heroes” program in June. There were hundreds of nominations sharing beautiful stories of everyday heroes. Maui Visitors Bureau and Hawaiian Airlines partnered with Fairmont Kea Lani for the promotion. Click here to get to know more about the winners.
Upcoming summer media visits to Maui are primarily golf-focused with media from LocalGetaways.com and YouTube sensations, Golfholics.
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2021 June Visitor COVID-19 Study
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The Hawaii Tourism Authority released the results of its latest special tracking study, which surveyed visitors from the U.S. mainland who visited Hawaii from May 15 through May 24, 2021, to gauge their experience with Hawaii’s Safe Travels program and overall trip satisfaction. This is the third visitor survey in a series that started at the end of last year. View Study Results Here ►
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2021 Resident Sentiment Survey Results
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The Hawaii Tourism Authority released the results of its Spring 2021 Resident Sentiment Survey during its June Board of Directors meeting today. The survey found that while many are concerned with the visitor industry’s growth, the majority of Hawaii residents believe that tourism is worth the issues associated with the industry. View Survey Results Here ►
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Hawaii Visitor Statistics - May 2021
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According to preliminary statistics released by the Hawaii Tourism Authority, a total of 629,681 visitors arrived by air service to the Hawaiian Islands in May 2021, mainly from the U.S. West and U.S. East. In comparison, only 9,116 visitors arrived by air in May 2020 due to the global COVID-19 pandemic and Hawaii’s quarantine requirement for travelers. Total spending for visitors arriving in May 2021 was $1.10 billion1. There is no comparative visitor spending data available for May 2020.
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Hawaii Hotel Performance Report - May 2021
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In May 2021, Hawaii hotels statewide reported substantially higher revenue per available room (RevPAR), average daily rate (ADR), and occupancy compared to May 2020. When compared to May 2019, statewide daily room rates in May 2021 were higher but occupancy and RevPAR were lower. Hawaii’s quarantine order for travelers due to the COVID-19 pandemic began on March 26, 2020, which immediately resulted in dramatic declines for the hotel industry. Year-to-date, the statistics for statewide hotel RevPAR, ADR, and occupancy were lower compared to the first five months of 2020.
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Hawaii Vacation Rental Performance Report - May 2021
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In May 2021, the total monthly supply of statewide vacation rentals was 572,900 unit nights (+71.8%) and monthly demand was 413,500 unit nights (+988.5%). That resulted in an average monthly unit occupancy of 72.2 percent (+60.8 percentage points) (Figure 1) for May, which was higher than the occupancy of Hawaii’s hotels (61.5%). Overall, the numbers are substantially higher than in May 2020, which was the second full month of the devastating impact from the COVID-19 pandemic. When compared to May 2019, supply, demand, and average daily rates were lower for May 2021, but occupancy was about the same.
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County & State of Hawaii Updates
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City bolsters Hanauma Bay management through non-local fee increase
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$25 entrance fee effective July 1 for non-locals 13 years and older
OAHU – In the City and County of Honolulu’s continued efforts to improve management of natural resources and visitors at the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, the entrance fee for non-local visitors will increase from $12 to $25 effective Thursday, July 1.
The fee increase applies to non-local visitors 13 years and older following the passage and signing of Ordinance 21-17 earlier this month. Entry into the nature preserve remains free for local residents (with valid identification), keiki 12 years and younger regardless of residency, and active duty military.
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What's Happening Around Our Industry
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Kaanapali Beach Hotel Unveils Signature Beachfront Restaurant Huihui
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 Hawaii’s Most Hawaiian Hotel, Kaanapali Beach Hotel, unveils Huihui, the iconic property’s new signature beachfront restaurant that pays homage to the longstanding tradition of Hawaiian wayfinding. Meaning “star constellation” or “to join, intermingle, mix,” the 5,000 square-foot culinary venue will serve as a gathering place for hotel guests and locals alike, providing a relaxed dining experience with unobstructed ocean views. Kaanapali Beach Hotel’s Executive Chef Tom Muromoto will remain at the helm of Huihui and present a fresh take on traditional Hawaiian cuisine and cooking methods. Huihui, and its casual poolside complement Welowelo, opened to the public on June 29, 2021.
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Member Testimonials
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“HVCB is vitally important to its members, the visitor industry and all the people of Hawaii. Through its disciplined approach to market analysis and research, its creativity and effective use of resources, HVCB has continued to serve all of Hawaii by strengthening the brand and creating demand to travel to these beautiful islands.”
-John Morgan, Kualoa Ranch
See more ►
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Kahe Wale Content
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HVCB is happy to accept your feedback, stories, content and news for our industry updates section of Kahe Wale. Please send Kahe Wale feedback to membership@hvcb.org and submit newsletter content to Becky Stark bstark@hvcb.org by the end of day on Friday, July 30.
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