Hawaii Vacation Connection

Let me begin by first stating that the customer is always right. I like to subscribe to this philosophy because it’s a good attitude to maintain when providing a service for people. It’s important to keep clients happy and I usually go out of my way to make this happen. Happy customers equals a healthy business. As travel agents, we have a certain amount of responsibility to fulfill. From booking flights and hotel accommodations to making sure clients have proper directions and know their options for activities, we strive to achieve these things. That being said, there are certain responsibilities the customers have as well. One of the most important things is actually reading through your travel documents! While this may seem petty, believe me when I say that much of the agent/client miscommunications happen because a client has not reviewed their documents. Customers cannot expect their travel agents to take care of client responsibilities. But if a client doesn’t know what their responsibilities are, then it makes for a messy situation. More often than not, the travel documents that your agent sends you contain very important information. Like the flight itinerary, activity bookings, requirements and special notes that may pertain to you. These documents usually have important information that you need to follow up on as a consumer. Here at Hawaii Aloha Travel, we’re very good about documentation. We make sure our literature is easy to understand, thorough and complete, making it simple for clients to understand what is expected of them. You might not always get a travel company that is as good as us in this department, which is why you should always read through your travel documents. You never know what could be hiding in there! I don’t know if many customers realize how much is involved with building a reservation and itinerary. You may think it’s as easy as clicking a button for travel agents, but really, there are a series of events that go on behind the scenes to make these things happen. A lot of human beings are involved in the process, and if we deliver on OUR part, we expect the same from you. Whether you book with us or not, at the end of the day you have a handful of literature that pertains to your vacation. Keep it with you and on hand during the trip and make sure you and one other person read through it. It’s a good idea to have two adults understand the expectations and responsibilities from your travel company because, well, two heads are better than one.

Facebook Friends Questions Answered Today we’ll be answering some questions that a few of our social media friends have asked us. We get inquiries coming in from all over the world, from the folks looking to discover Hawaii for their first time. But not just any version of Hawaii. These worldly travelers are looking to […]

Facebook Friends Questions Answered Today we’ll be answering some questions that a few of our social media friends have asked us. We get inquiries coming in from all over the world, from the folks looking to discover Hawaii for their first time. But not just any version of Hawaii. These worldly travelers are looking to experience ‘real’ Hawaii, and they come to us for answers! Today we’ll answer this particular question- which island to explore if you’re trying to experience ‘real’ Hawaii. Also, we’ll tell you how to pack for your Hawaii cruise, and we’ve got more you too. And don’t forget, our Facebook page is a great way to interact with us and ask questions, so please check it out! Post a question and we’ll answer it either on our show each week or right there on our Facebook page. Got a question about Hawaii? Let us give you authentic answers!. Things to Say No to on your Hawaiian Vacation When you’re on vacation, anything goes, right? Spontaneity, indulgence and ‘yeses’ happen with a shrug of the shoulders and a ‘why not, I’m on vacation’ motto. And this is a great attitude… for most things. Like trying new foods, stepping outside of your comfort zone or splurging on a unique souvenir. Vacations are all about enjoyment and relaxation, so it’s okay to be spontaneous and indulgent in some areas. But in others, sometimes it’s best to just say no. This seems like a hard thing to fathom when you’re in a free state of mind and feeling relaxed. But I’m going to give you a few tips on the things you should say no to during your Hawaii vacation. And it’s not that extra cocktail or the hotel room upgrade. I’m talking about the wasteful stuff. First off, I recommend saying no to free orientations of any kind. Most commonly you’ll find these disguised as a free breakfast. They lure vacationers in with a free meal and then hold them hostage to their sales pitch for upselling on an activity. Most times the activities they’re trying to upsell aren’t even the fun or worthwhile ones. They’re the ones that benefit the sales company the most, and not the vacationer. These pitches are usually not created with the customers’ best interests in mind. Just saying, it’s all about making them more money, not helping you maximize your vacation. Next, feel free to say no to the pushy sales people at the car rental companies. They make you feel like you’re making the worst decision of your life when you politely decline their insurance policy! Yeah, it’s a good idea to get insurance if you’re worried about it, but most times it’s unnecessary. Especially any kind of additional insurance they try to tack on and sell you. Also, if you ever hear a car rental company sales rep try to tell you that a mainland GPS won’t work in Hawaii, don’t buy their baloney! I’ve heard of this happening before, so keep your wits about you when it comes to these over eager sales people. My next mention goes along the same theme as saying no to free orientations, but this one is such a huge time sucker that I’m giving it a category all of its own. Say no to timeshare spiels! That is, unless you’re really looking to purchase a timeshare in Hawaii during your vacation. But honestly, these things take up almost an entire day. Once you go through the introduction, explanation, tour and then intense high pressure to purchase something, it’s a full day wasted of your coveted vacation! Don’t let a day of relaxation slip by, even if the catch is a free snorkel cruise. Lastly, it’s okay to say no to too much food. I know it’s hard, especially when on vacation, but over eating doesn’t have to be the norm during your trip to Hawaii. And neither does fast food or chain restaurants. You might feel the tempting urge to pull into a drive-thru McDonald’s or Taco Bell for that comforting burger, but I highly recommend you try something different first. Explore past your comfort zone! The local food in Hawaii is excellent,

Wow, what an adventurous last two weeks! If you hadn’t heard, I was away on a trip to Europe with Lanai’s Travel Club from Hawaii. I took a group of people to Italy, Spain and France and we had an incredible time exploring the city streets, the various landmarks (like the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Sistine Chapels, Cathedral Palma, Monaco, The Vatican, the Coliseum, Sorrento, Pompeii and so much more!) and the incredible sights of Europe. Oh and the food… soooo good. We found local spots that serve up the freshest, tastiest Italian, Spanish and French dishes, each one equally amazing. Throughout this trip we had activities and tours sprinkled in, and it occurred to me how important it was to have our local guides giving us local experiences. Each tour we booked I made sure to assign a local guide to, because since running a travel company in Hawaii I know how important it is to maximize your time while on vacation. And using a local guide is one of the only ways to do this! We were able to experience the cities, landmarks and eateries in a totally different way- from a resident’s perspective. Enjoying the things that locals do in Italy, Spain and France was a cool way to get to know each location, and these personalized tours made all the difference. I really realized that it’s all about keeping it local. So often these days people opt for the bigger businesses that lack personal touch. I don’t know why either! Because you can find great companies and guides that are truly local and looking to show you a great time. Plus, keeping things local is important for the local economies. It’s so tough these days for the littler guy to make it in the big world, especially with all the cons out there. Thankfully, we are seeing a small shift in this trend. Google just refreshed their algorithm and it is supposed to benefit small businesses, which is great news for me. As a small business owner myself, I was happy to hear this and even happier to see the results. I think we’re actually benefitting from it, as we’re moving up in the ranking and seeing more unique visitors per month. So, from Hawaii to France, be sure to keep it local and book with local guides, agents and companies. Maybe this way we can help equalize the playing field a bit. We all know small business help to bring growth and innovation to a community, so let’s keep these wheels turning and make a point to support local! Now that I’m getting back into the swing of things, I also realize how tough it can be to overcome a vacation. For me, I traveled across the timeline, which has its own difficulties regarding sleep and time zones, but for those traveling to or from Hawaii, a trip somewhere within the US can still mean 8 or 10 hours on a plane. And time changes play a big role in the way you feel day-to-day during your trip. You still deal with jet lag and that can sometimes hold up enjoying your vacation. The other thing I realized while traveling these long distances is the amount of germs your body is blasted with. Touch points in an airplane like the remote control or television are ridden with germs, along with items like water glasses and comforters in a hotel rooms. I don’t want to scare you, but just keep in mind that when traveling you should really stock up on the vitamin C or hand sanitizer. But don’t get so paranoid that you over use it. Our bodies are meant to resist a certain amount of infection, and can usually handle the flood of germs while traveling. Take precautionary measures like washing your hands more frequently and sucking on vitamin C drops, but don’t allow yourself to become over sensitized and keep your body from fighting things off on its own. We are fully equipped germ killing machines, so allow your body to do what it does best- keep you healthy. In related news, a while back I told you about that GermFalcon that was unveiled in 2013 at the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics conference in Los Angeles.

Wow, what an adventurous last two weeks! If you hadn’t heard, I was away on a trip to Europe with Lanai’s Travel Club from Hawaii. I took a group of people to Italy, Spain and France and we had an incredible time exploring the city streets, the various landmarks (like the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Sistine Chapels, Cathedral Palma, Monaco, The Vatican, the Coliseum, Sorrento, Pompeii and so much more!) and the incredible sights of Europe. Oh and the food… soooo good. We found local spots that serve up the freshest, tastiest Italian, Spanish and French dishes, each one equally amazing. Throughout this trip we had activities and tours sprinkled in, and it occurred to me how important it was to have our local guides giving us local experiences. Each tour we booked I made sure to assign a local guide to, because since running a travel company in Hawaii I know how important it is to maximize your time while on vacation. And using a local guide is one of the only ways to do this! We were able to experience the cities, landmarks and eateries in a totally different way- from a resident’s perspective. Enjoying the things that locals do in Italy, Spain and France was a cool way to get to know each location, and these personalized tours made all the difference. I really realized that it’s all about keeping it local. So often these days people opt for the bigger businesses that lack personal touch. I don’t know why either! Because you can find great companies and guides that are truly local and looking to show you a great time. Plus, keeping things local is important for the local economies. It’s so tough these days for the littler guy to make it in the big world, especially with all the cons out there. Thankfully, we are seeing a small shift in this trend. Google just refreshed their algorithm and it is supposed to benefit small businesses, which is great news for me. As a small business owner myself, I was happy to hear this and even happier to see the results. I think we’re actually benefitting from it, as we’re moving up in the ranking and seeing more unique visitors per month. So, from Hawaii to France, be sure to keep it local and book with local guides, agents and companies. Maybe this way we can help equalize the playing field a bit. We all know small business help to bring growth and innovation to a community, so let’s keep these wheels turning and make a point to support local! Now that I’m getting back into the swing of things, I also realize how tough it can be to overcome a vacation. For me, I traveled across the timeline, which has its own difficulties regarding sleep and time zones, but for those traveling to or from Hawaii, a trip somewhere within the US can still mean 8 or 10 hours on a plane. And time changes play a big role in the way you feel day-to-day during your trip. You still deal with jet lag and that can sometimes hold up enjoying your vacation. The other thing I realized while traveling these long distances is the amount of germs your body is blasted with. Touch points in an airplane like the remote control or television are ridden with germs, along with items like water glasses and comforters in a hotel rooms. I don’t want to scare you, but just keep in mind that when traveling you should really stock up on the vitamin C or hand sanitizer. But don’t get so paranoid that you over use it. Our bodies are meant to resist a certain amount of infection, and can usually handle the flood of germs while traveling. Take precautionary measures like washing your hands more frequently and sucking on vitamin C drops, but don’t allow yourself to become over sensitized and keep your body from fighting things off on its own. We are fully equipped germ killing machines, so allow your body to do what it does best- keep you healthy. In related news, a while back I told you about that GermFalcon that was unveiled in 2013 at the American Insti...

Today we do something we haven't done in a while and that is answer questions from some of our social media friends. Patty is going to be in Kona for a week and is looking for a hiking suggestion to enjoy during her visit. I shared my favorite hike and some ideas about how to get the most out of making a day of visiting Capt. Cook Monument and Kalakeakua Bay. Next up is Joe and Rachel who argued the spending 70 days on Oahu and wanted some ideas about things to do in the area. With that kind of time on the island there are a plethora of options to choose from . Since he'll be staying on the west side of the island I focused on things they can do neither that area and some of my favorite stops. Finally Karen wanted to know how doable it is to go all the way around the island when taking the road to Hana. We did that a couple of years ago and while I can't recommend using a rental car to take a trip around the island, it is very doable and you can see some some scenery that you don't see traversing back the same way you came. If you have a question or comment I'd love to hear from you please reach out to bruce@hawaii-aloha.com and I'll be happy to get back to you and share your question with listeners.

Today we do something we haven't done in a while and that is answer questions from some of our social media friends. Patty is going to be in Kona for a week and is looking for a hiking suggestion to enjoy during her visit. I shared my favorite hike and some ideas about how to get the most out of making a day of visiting Capt. Cook Monument and Kalakeakua Bay. Next up is Joe and Rachel who argued the spending 70 days on Oahu and wanted some ideas about things to do in the area. With that kind of time on the island there are a plethora of options to choose from . Since he'll be staying on the west side of the island I focused on things they can do neither that area and some of my favorite stops. Finally Karen wanted to know how doable it is to go all the way around the island when taking the road to Hana. We did that a couple of years ago and while I can't recommend using a rental car to take a trip around the island, it is very doable and you can see some some scenery that you don't see traversing back the same way you came. If you have a question or comment I'd love to hear from you please reach out to bruce@hawaii-aloha.com and I'll be happy to get back to you and share your question with listeners.

One of the most common questions I'm asked on a regular basis is about pools in Hawaii, specificlly where are the best pools in Hawaii?  Usually folks ask one of two things; what hotel has the most kid friendly pool? Or what hotel has the most private of adult pools in Hawaii. It's either one extreme or the other. While there are many hotels that do have areas that separate adults from children, Hawaii is a family destination so it's very hard to look for exclusive separation. After visiting many of the resorts here in Hawaii I can say for the most part. So are pretty good about keeping their kids in line when there are adults around. I also think that there's nothing wrong with politely telling parents if their kids are getting a little too rambunctious. On Oahu your choices for pools are very limited because many of the hotels are in Waikiki and have limited space, so pools have never been a priority for these hotels. And after all, you've got the beach so who needs a pool anyway! That being said today I've compiled my list of the best pools in Hawaii. Keep in mind that the scars of pools are pretty much reserved for higher and resorts. If you're planning on staying in a condo or a smaller budget property, you won't have the luxury of any kind of separation. The real question you need to ask yourself is whether or not this needs to be part of your Hawaii vacation and then take it from there.

One of the most common questions I’m asked on a regular basis is about pools in Hawaii, specificlly where are the best pools in Hawaii?  Usually folks ask one of two things; what hotel has the most kid friendly pool? Or what hotel has the most private of adult pools in Hawaii. It’s either one […]

If you’re on the fence about whether or not to choose Hawaii for your next vacation then this podcast is for you! On today’s podcast I cover some of the main reasons why Hawaii is unique and perfect for the ultimate vacation. From the rich history and culture of the islands to the plethora of […]

If you're on the fence about whether or not to choose Hawaii for your next vacation then this podcast is for you! On today's podcast I cover some of the main reasons why Hawaii is unique and perfect for the ultimate vacation. From the rich history and culture of the islands to the plethora of outdoor activities, it's no wonder Hawaii is  on the bucket list for any avid vacationer. There is an obvious lure about Hawaii that brings many vacationers here from around the world. We all know what it is… the beach, the warm, year-round climate, the tropical scenery, the laid back lifestyle of the locals. But aside from these quintessential characteristics, Hawaii is an extremely robust location that is unique from other tropical destinations like Mexico, Florida or the Caribbean. There is much to unearth here in Hawaii, and for anyone looking to vacation someplace exceptional and exciting, I think you’ll find many unique things about the island chain of Hawaii.

Aloha and welcome to another episode of the Hawaii Vacation Connection! Today I’m giving you my top recommendations for how to fast track into relax mode during your Hawaiian vacation. You know how after a vacation ends you feel like it took half the time just to decompress and unwind? Well don’t let this happen again! Maximize your relaxation time by following a few (or all) of these tips and feel the island vibes almost immediately. Actually, it will be immediate, since my first tip happens before you even the ground! From the plane to the drive to the hotel to the restaurant, settle into relax mode and get the most out of your holiday in Hawaii. I think you’ll enjoy this highly entertaining topic! Hawaii Vacation News We have some great news to share, along with Hawaii travel news, an entertaining main discussion topic and lastly, Hawaii vacation reviews that have been booked within the last 24-48 hours. We’re getting a lot of summer vacation requests right now, so if you’re thinking about a trip to Hawaii this summer season, be sure to call us as soon as possible! The deals go quick and the prices go up! First off, I wanted to be the first to tell you MY exciting news, and that is the launch of our new and highly improved website that just happened this week. If you haven’t already checked out Hawaii-aloha.com be sure to do so! We have tons of updated content, revitalized pages, an organized and easily navigable blog and podcast page, high res photos to accompany everything and so much more. After seven months, I have to admit I am hugely relieved to have this thing finally up and running! In other news, two new stores have broken ground in Waikiki, the first is H&M and the second is Tori Richard. H&M had a launch party on March 27th and lines were formed to get into the department store for days after the opening. Tori Richard, an alohawear brand opened a new redesigned store in Ala Moana on Oahu and has plans to open another store in June at the Kahala Hotel & Resort. And speaking of openings, after eight months of renovating a 1,200-square-foot spot at 62 N. Hotel St. in Chinatown, the area's new French-Latin kitchen, Restaurant Grondin, has officially opened for dinner as of Monday, March 31st. The owners, Jenny Grondin and David Segarra, are a soon-to-be-married couple and decided to blend their heritages together to create the theme of Grondin, with the help of Chef Andrew Pressler, who was recruited from New York. If you’re in town and enjoy fusion cuisine, be sure to check this place out and give us a review! In travel news, Go Airlines has officially shut down, which doesn’t seem to come as a shock to many Hawaii tourism officials. Go was providing just 1,050 total available air seats to Kauai each week when according to HTA, Kauai receives a total of 169,700 interisland air seats each week. Executive director for the Kauai Visitors Bureau Sue Kanoho said she was just happy they gave two weeks notice. “In the past, we’ve sometimes had less than 24 hours [from carriers going out of business],” Sue reports. The word ‘babymoon’ seems to be gaining more credit in the travel industry, as the St. Regis Princeville on the North Shore of Kauai is reaching out and marketing to babymooners. What is a babymoon you ask? “It’s that last chance before their life is totally changed to really just enjoy each other,” said Paula Simpson Takamori, the owner of Oahu-based Travel to Paradise. “It’s a last chance to relax, to spend time alone together, to just sit on a beach and look at the sunset [before] their whole world changes.” So if you don’t need to save money for diapers or college, I suggest planning your babymoon with Hawaii Aloha Travel! If you happen to live in the Bay area of California and are looking into that vacation to Hawaii, good news- Hawaiian Airlines has announced plans to reinstate its daily,

Aloha and welcome to another episode of the Hawaii Vacation Connection! Today I’m giving you my top recommendations for how to fast track into relax mode during your Hawaiian vacation. You know how after a vacation ends you feel like it took half the time just to decompress and unwind? Well don’t let this happen again! Maximize your relaxation time by following a few (or all) of these tips and feel the island vibes almost immediately. Actually, it will be immediate, since my first tip happens before you even the ground! From the plane to the drive to the hotel to the restaurant, settle into relax mode and get the most out of your holiday in Hawaii. I think you’ll enjoy this highly entertaining topic! Hawaii Vacation News We have some great news to share, along with Hawaii travel news, an entertaining main discussion topic and lastly, Hawaii vacation reviews that have been booked within the last 24-48 hours. We’re getting a lot of summer vacation requests right now, so if you’re thinking about a trip to Hawaii this summer season, be sure to call us as soon as possible! The deals go quick and the prices go up! First off, I wanted to be the first to tell you MY exciting news, and that is the launch of our new and highly improved website that just happened this week. If you haven’t already checked out Hawaii-aloha.com be sure to do so! We have tons of updated content, revitalized pages, an organized and easily navigable blog and podcast page, high res photos to accompany everything and so much more. After seven months, I have to admit I am hugely relieved to have this thing finally up and running! In other news, two new stores have broken ground in Waikiki, the first is H&M and the second is Tori Richard. H&M had a launch party on March 27th and lines were formed to get into the department store for days after the opening. Tori Richard, an alohawear brand opened a new redesigned store in Ala Moana on Oahu and has plans to open another store in June at the Kahala Hotel & Resort. And speaking of openings, after eight months of renovating a 1,200-square-foot spot at 62 N. Hotel St. in Chinatown, the area's new French-Latin kitchen, Restaurant Grondin, has officially opened for dinner as of Monday, March 31st. The owners, Jenny Grondin and David Segarra, are a soon-to-be-married couple and decided to blend their heritages together to create the theme of Grondin, with the help of Chef Andrew Pressler, who was recruited from New York. If you’re in town and enjoy fusion cuisine, be sure to check this place out and give us a review! In travel news, Go Airlines has officially shut down, which doesn’t seem to come as a shock to many Hawaii tourism officials. Go was providing just 1,050 total available air seats to Kauai each week when according to HTA, Kauai receives a total of 169,700 interisland air seats each week. Executive director for the Kauai Visitors Bureau Sue Kanoho said she was just happy they gave two weeks notice. “In the past, we’ve sometimes had less than 24 hours [from carriers going out of business],” Sue reports. The word ‘babymoon’ seems to be gaining more credit in the travel industry, as the St. Regis Princeville on the North Shore of Kauai is reaching out and marketing to babymooners. What is a babymoon you ask? “It’s that last chance before their life is totally changed to really just enjoy each other,” said Paula Simpson Takamori, the owner of Oahu-based Travel to Paradise. “It’s a last chance to relax, to spend time alone together, to just sit on a beach and look at the sunset [before] their whole world changes.” So if you don’t need to save money for diapers or college, I suggest planning your babymoon with Hawaii Aloha Travel! If you happen to live in the Bay area of California and are looking into that vacation to Hawaii, good news- Hawaiian Airlines has announced plans to reinstate its daily, nonstop flight between Honolulu and San Jose, California on May 16.

On today’s show I talk about some of my favorite free things to see and do while visiting the beautiful island of Kauai. Since life’s best things are free and Hawaii has so much priceless bounty, it is actually a destination where you can save money on your activities. Try exploring the red dirt canyons […]

On today's show I talk about some of my favorite free things to see and do while visiting the beautiful island of Kauai. Since life's best things are free and Hawaii has so much priceless bounty, it is actually a destination where you can save money on your activities. Try exploring the red dirt canyons of Kokee and snap some incredible photos at Hawaii's version of the Grand Canyon, known as Waimea Canyon. Or, traverse Poipu and check out Spouting Horn and the boutique shops surrounding it, this is definitely a landmark that has a lot of bang for no buck! Hanalei pier is also a fun place to enjoy on the North Shore, and you can even get adventurous by jumping off the cement sides into the warm waters below. On Kauai's west side, Polihale is a spectacular state park, boasting miles of golden sand and beautiful water. With no park entrance fee, you're guaranteed to love this spot. Swinging Bridge in Hanapepe is another great sight seeing option, plus the Na Pali Coast's Hanakapiai beach and falls. And find out how you can enjoy the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa for free on today's podcast of Free Things to do on Kauai.