HAWAII, THE ALOHA STATE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction………………………………………………………………………………………………..1

Transportation…………………………………………………………………………………………….3

Accommodations………………………………………………………………………………………….6

Food and Beverage………………………………………………………………………………………9

Meetings and Conventions……………………………………………………………………………..12

Recreation and Entertainment…………………………………………………………………………14

Sample Itinerary…………………………………………………………………………………………16

Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats……………………………………………….20

Conclusion……………………………………………………………………………………………….21

INTRODUCTION

In the middle of the Pacific Ocean, you will find the 50th state of The United States of America, Hawaii. This 8-island archipelago became a state on August 21, 1959. Common nicknames for Hawaii are paradise or the Aloha State. Aloha, defined by many as love, kindness, and peace, is arguably the strongest cultural value among the people of Hawaii. I want to focus on this small state as it is the second most popular tourism state in the United States, falling behind California and Florida which are tied for first. This destination has far more to offer than sandy beaches and palm trees.

History can help any traveler understand the Hawaii that they see today. The European sailor Captain James Cook first came upon the islands in 1778. Unfortunately, he was killed by the natives when he returned a year later after a confrontation broke out. Kamehameha The Great, who united the islands, ruled from 1791-1810. Hawaii was ruled by a monarchy until it was taken over by the United States in 1898. During that time, Hawaii had established a sugar-based economy that brought laborers from different countries to work in its fields. Chinese, Japanese, Filipinos, and Korean immigrants arrived and to this day remain as they meshed with the Hawaiian and Polynesian populations. Fast forward to December 7, 1941, the Japanese had attacked Pearl Harbor: A US naval base located on the island of Oahu. This event brought the United states into WWII. Through the years until this day, Hawaii slowly moved away from its sugar-based economy and developed an economy based on tourism.

The weather in Hawaii plays as a major factor in attracting tourists from around the world. While you may not have sunny weather year-round, you can count on not seeing freezing temperatures (Unless you explore some mountain tops, but we'll touch on that later). Hawaii enjoys tropical weather. It is safe to say that Hawaii has 2 seasons: summer and winter. Summers in Hawaii which run from May to October, have an average daytime temperature of 85 degrees F and in the winter, which typically runs from November to April has a daytime temperature of 78 degrees F. Hawaii also enjoys a good amount of rain which keeps it nice and green. Most of the rain will fall within the mountains, valleys, and along the north-eastern part of the state. These north-eastern winds that bring most of the rain are called trade winds: winds that were used by traders in the past to sail to the Hawaiian Islands. Besides the normal seasons, Hawaii also has a surf season. This normally occurs during the winter months as large swells make their way to the islands. These swells make way for some of the world's biggest surfing competitions such as The Eddie and Vans Triple Crown. Visitors are encouraged to use caution when going to the beach during rough conditions.

Tourism accounts for 21% of Hawaii's economy. While visitors come from all over the world, it is the Japanese that make up the largest group of international travelers. On average, Japanese visitors normally spend 5 nights in Hawaii. Overall, the average stay of a visitor in Hawaii is 7 days. During the Holiday season, stays average about 12 days. The peak season for visitors in Hawaii is from December to mid-April, when many travelers are trying to escape cold weather in other parts of the world. During this time, you will see hotels at capacity and prices for accommodations climbing. Planning trips for these times in advance will allow you to find more availability for accommodations and activities to make sure your time is well spent. Many of the activities offered to visitors embrace Hawaii's natural features, the beach, mountains, even clear skies. Surfing, stand-up paddle, cultural presentations, and food are some of the popular activities that visitors enjoy. These activities are mostly offered by locals and helps with the social impact that tourism has on Hawaii. These activities are deeply rooted in the culture of Hawaii and are shared to visitors to enjoy them, but also learn. Take a traditional Luau for example; It is more than just food and dancing for your entertainment. Large feasts were used in Hawaiian culture to celebrate important events and share the Aloha spirit, a spirit of love and peace. The hula is storytelling in the form of dance. There was a time that hula was not allowed in Hawaii but later revived. This ancient form of storytelling lives on today and is shared with visitors. Visitors can even watch The Merrie Monarch festival in Hilo on the Big Island, which is Hawaii's largest hula festival of the year. There is also no shortage of your souvenir shops and other retailers that offer products for you to purchase.

TRANSPORTATION

Getting to and from Hawaii will most likely be done through air. The islands are located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean and one of the most common flights coming to and from Hawaii are to LAX (Los Angeles airport) which is typically a five hour flight. Honolulu International Airport, recently renamed as Daniel Inouye International Airport after one of Hawaii's senators, is located near the capital of Hawaii, Honolulu. Daniel Inouye Airport is the largest Airport in the state. Outer island airports are small in comparison but serve their purpose well. Hawaiian Airlines is based in Hawaii and provides great service to its customers. You will also find other common airlines such as Delta, United, and even Southwest Airlines who recently began providing flights in 2019. There are many international airlines that connect with Honolulu as well such as Philippines airlines, Japan Airlines, and China Airlines.

Travel by boat within Hawaii is mostly for recreational purposes. Some cruise lines do include Hawaii in their itinerary, like the Norwegian Cruise Line. The islands also offer locally operated tours on smaller vessels that explore Hawaiian waters. Most of these companies operate out of Honolulu and Waikiki. Port Waikiki Cruises, Paradise Cruises, and Atlantis Cruises are a few that explore Hawaiian waters. All these companies have great reviews from their customers.

It will behoove you to know the best way to travel around locally while visiting the islands. You can find your rideshare programs like Uber and Lyft in Honolulu, but you should know that these companies operate more in the city of Honolulu and Waikiki area. They are rarely found in the countryside as there typically is not enough business for them in those areas. Your own rented vehicle would be the best option to explore whichever island you are on. If you were thinking about comparing pricing, a one-way taxi ride from Daniel Inouye Airport to Oahu's North Shore is about $100 US; for that same price you can rent a vehicle for 24 hours; it may even be possible to find cheaper deals through Expedia and other travel agencies. There are many rental car companies available to you when arriving at the airport (Enterprise, National, Hertz, etc.). If you are not the exploring type and are planning to remain at one location for your entire stay, then taxi, an arranged shuttle, or rideshare are great options. Local bus routes are available as well but take note that they do not allow luggage on the bus. So do not plan on leaving the airport or returning to the airport on the bus with your luggage. The bus fare is $2.75 and allows you to transfer to one other bus for free during that same day as your initial ride.

ACCOMMODATIONS

There is absolutely no shortage of Hotels on the island of Oahu. Most hotels on Oahu are of the resort type that cater to both couples and families. The largest cluster of hotels can be found on the south side of the island in famous Waikiki. On the North Shore of Oahu, you can find Turtle Bay Resort which is in a quieter setting. On the West side of Oahu, you can find Disney's Aulani Resort. All these resorts have a 4-star rating and above. It is also important to know that the location of these resorts offer unique value to the resort. Below is some information that may help you in deciding of where you might want to stay (but you can't really go wrong with any of them).

The Hilton Hawaiian Village, located on Oahu's South shore.

Name/Category/Average Cost Per Night/Amenities/Audience/Stars (Per Tripadvisor)

Hilton Hawaiian Village
Resort
$331.00
Full Spa, 5 outdoor swimming pools, sauna and fitness center, wireless internet.

Couples, families, and business travelers.
4.0

Turtle Bay Resort
Resort
$350.00
Full spa and fitness center, wifi, concierge services, pool area with slide.
Couples, families, and business travelers.
4.5

Disney's Aulani
Resort
$603.00
Spa, salon, fitness center, pool area with water slides, lazy river, and infinity pool, wifi
Families
4.5

Disney's Aulani Resort located on the West side of Oahu.

If you are searching for a more homelike setting, Hawaii has got you covered as well. There are many vacation rentals in many desirable locations across the islands. Many of these vacation rentals are even cheaper than the standard price of hotel rooms and offer some options that your standard hotel room does not, like a full kitchen for example, great for those traveling with families and prefer to make their own cost-friendly meals. AirBnB and VRBO have become quite popular in the islands and allow you to find places like condominiums and houses that are available for your stay. Hawaii also has its smaller hotels that are cost friendly as well and provide great service just like a resort. Hotels like Courtyard Marriott or Residence Inn are great options. It is important to consider where you want to be located on the island during your stay. Some tourists prefer to be in town while others like to be near the ocean. Hawaii has both! Below are some suggestions that may help you get an idea of what is available.

Name
Category
Cost
Amenities
Audience
Stars/Rating
Kuilima Estates

Kuilima Estates West

Kuilima Estates East
Condo / Vacation Rental

VRBO
$155 per night
Washer & Dryer, Wifi, parking, swimming pool, a/c, satellite TV.
Couples
4.6 out of 5
Beach House

Laie Beach House
Airbnb / House
$526 per night
2 parking spaces, internet, full kitchen, a/c, cable TV.
Able to host 10 guests! Enough space for 1 large family or 2 small families.
4.69 out of 5
Residence Inn by Marriott

Residence Inn Kapolei
3 Star Hotel
$286 per night
Kitchenette, cable TV, a/c, complimentary wifi, workspace.
Couples and business travelers.
4.6 out of 5

FOOD & BEVERAGE

Hawaii has a rich and mixed culture which brings many types of foods that will most definitely allow for any visitor to find a meal they can enjoy. From fast food chains to fine dining, there are many locations in Hawaii that can satisfy your current cravings. On the North Shore of Oahu you can find local favorites like Ted's Bakery, Papa Ole's Restaurant, and Leileis Restaurant. Ted's Bakery and Papa Ole's restaurant are some local favorites that have a homestyle feel and atmosphere. You will find variety in their menus that include friendly prices for the portions they give. Items like the "Loco Moco" or crispy garlic chicken are some of the more well-known dishes. These types of restaurants often include special homemade recipes that customers come to love when visiting these places. Perhaps you might want to spend that extra money and enjoy a fine dining experience. Roy's Pacific Rim offers that fine dining experience with Hawaiian-influenced cuisine that includes steak, seafood, and sushi. The location of Roy's Pacific Rim will also add value to your experience as it sits along the south-eastern coast of Oahu with the shoreline in sight.

Duke's Waikiki, named after world-famous surfer and Olympian Duke Kahanamoku.

Name/Type/Cuisine/Meals/Features/Price

Papa Oles
Quick Food
Homestyle American and ethnic food.
Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Quiet setting on Oahu's north shore. Near popular beaches.
$

Ted's Bakery
Quick Food
Baked goods and homestyle breakfast & lunch
Breakfast & lunch
Small kitchen serving enormous flavor. Located along some of the world's most popular surf spots.
$

Roy's Pacific Rim
Fine Dining
Steak, Seafood, and American dishes
Lunch & dinner
Beachside fine dining with steak and seafood.
$$$

Leileis Bar & Grill
Casual
Steak, seafood, BBQ ribs, prime rib.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Located at the clubhouse for the famous Palmer Golf Course.
$$

Dukes Waikiki
Casual
Steak and seafood with weekly specials like Taco Tuesday and a prime rib buffet on Thursdays.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Located near famous Diamond Head beach. Named after Duke Kahanamoku, one of Hawaii's most popular Olympians and surfers.
$$

Zippy's
Quick Food
Local favorites such that include asian inspired dishes along with some American favorites..
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Large variety of American and ethnic food served 24/7. Includes a bakery as well.
$

Yard House
Casual
American food with local dishes as well.
Lunch & dinner
High end sports bar with claims of having the largest selection of draft beers.
$$$

La Mer
Fine Dining
Inspired by flavors from the south of France
Dinner
Hawaii's only AAA Five Diamond & Forbes Five Star Restaurant, and with ocean views.
$$$$

Azure at The Royal Hawaiian
Fine Dining
Seafood and wine.
Dinner
Sea to table concept. Sits beachside in Waikiki.
$$$$

Ted's Bakery on Oahu's North shore.

MEETINGS & CONVENTIONS

Thinking about a possible family reunion in Hawaii? Here are some suggestions for possible venues for you. The venues listed provide different settings that allow for different types of activities. You will want to consider if you are wanting to have dinner or would like some activities to be available to you. There are venues that can accommodate all types of budgets.

Venue/Location
Site/Link
Comments
Courtyard Marriott
Conference Room
Max capacity is 50. No alcohol served. ADA accessible.

Moanalua Gardens
Moanalua Gardens
Outdoor venue.

Ward Village Courtyard.
Ward Village
Located near Waikiki

Turtle Bay Resort
Request A Proposal
Spaces are available both indoors and outdoors.

Dave & Busters Honolulu
Event FAQ
Venue includes a private seating area for your family with ongoing televised sports and arcade for children.

The Deck at Queen Kapiolani Hotel.
The Deck
Ideal capacity is between 50-250 persons.

Barefoot Beach Cafe
Barefoot Beach Cafe
Beachfront venue space on one of Oahu's famous beaches.

Star Of Honolulu
Star of Honolulu
Who says you can only have events on land? This cruise ship will take you for a tour in Hawaiian waters off the coast of famous Waikiki.

GoZip Oahu
GoZip Oahu
A more activity focused venue. Mini-Golf and Ziplines!

Nutridge Estate
Nutridge Estate
A mansion with ample space for large gatherings.

Understandably, when planning family reunions, there may be those who are in need of an ADA accessible venue. While just about every venue can provide some degree of access, the following venues will ensure comfortable access for those in need:

1) The Deck at Queen Kapiolani

2) Dave and Busters Honolulu

3) Turtle Bay Resort.

Turtle Bay Resort on the North shore of Oahu.

All these venues are required by law to allow for ADA access so you can rest assured that all of your attendees will be able to enjoy the venue.

RECREATION AND ENTERTAINMENT

A vacation to Hawaii is not complete without enjoying different types of activities that the islands have to offer. With Hawaii being a tropical island, you can safely assume that the abundance of activities that Hawaii offers are related to its natural setting. Surfing, hiking, cultural tours, and more take advantage of the natural beauty that Hawaii has to offer. It is always important to exercise caution when hiking and adhere to caution signs and information provided along trails. If you'd rather enjoy the simple pleasures like the beach, no need to spend money to visit some of the most popular beaches in the world. Other attractions like the Polynesian Cultural Center and Waimea Valley offer demonstrations and other culture-related activities. Below is a list of some of Oahu's most popular activities. Links have been provided for reference.

Activity w/ Link
Type
Comments/Notes
Polynesian Cultural Center

PCC
Cultural Education/Tour
The cultures of Polynesia brought to you with cultural demonstrations, food, dances, and more. Trip Advisor's Top 10 in 2018.
Keana Farms Zipline

Climbworks Keana Farms
Outdoor activity (easy-moderate)
A 3 hour guided tour that includes ziplines, and ATV ride, and education on farmlands and Hawaiian culture.
Surf Lessons

North Shore Oahu Surf School
Water activity
Surfing Lessons for beginners and above! Learn how to surf on one of the most popular surf spots in the world: Oahu's North Shore.
Stand Up Paddle

Rainbow Watersports North Shore Oahu
Water Activity
Stand up paddleboard lessons offered by Rainbow Watersports. Rated a perfect 5/5 on google. Learn how to stand-up paddle in the historic surf town of Haleiwa.
Jet Skiing

Aloha Jet Ski
Extreme watersport
Enjoy some fun on jetskis on Oahu's South Shore.
Koko Crater Trail

Koko Crater Trail Hike
Hiking / Difficult
A short trail but rated as "difficult" because of a straight and constant incline to the top. Please read information included in the link before attempting this hike.
Helicopter Tour

Paradise Helicopters
Outdoor/Extreme
Helicopter tours giving you views of some the most popular locations across Oahu.
Kualoa Raptor Tours

Kualoa ATV Tours
Outdoor/ATV ride
An ATV tour of Kualoa Valley. Quads are also available for use. Popular movies like Jurassic Park were filmed at this location.
Hanauma Bay State Park

Hanauma Bay
outdoor/water
This is a nature preserve on Oahu's southeast shore. There is limited access granted but if you are able to gain access, you will be able to enjoy one of Oahu's most pristine marine ecosystems. Please view the including link for further information.
Waimea Valley

Waimea Valley
water/hiking/cultural education.
Waimea Valley offers an easy to moderate, paved trail into the valley as you pass by indigenous plants and wildlife. There is a waterfall where you can swim as well. Life jackets are provided and required in this area.

Possible Itinerary

Day 1

You can have fun and still learn about the cultures of not only the Hawaiian Islands, but all the islands of Polynesia.

ALL DAY: POLYNESIAN CULTURAL CENTER

Polynesian Cultural Center. Rated as Hawaii's top tourist attraction, the Polynesian Cultural Center will give you the chance to experience the main cultures of Polynesia. From cultural demonstrations, authentic Polynesian food buffets, and the finale of the day, Ha Breath of Life Show, you're sure to enjoy yourself and learn what makes Polynesia so special.

A canoe ride through the Polynesian Cultural Center's lagoon is one way to explore the exhibits.

Day 2

We're going to get some beach time in and take in some awesome sights that can only be seen by helicopter.

MORNING: WAIMEA BAY

One of Oahu's most famous beaches, Waimea Bay offers white sands and clear water for anyone to enjoy. During the winters in Hawaii, there are massive swells that bring some of the world's largest waves to this bay (These waves are usually seasonal, and the majority of the year will see the bay with calm conditions). When waves reach a certain size, the iconic Eddie Surf Competition is held in honor of Eddie Aikau, one of Hawaii's surf legends.

Waimea Bay on Oahu's North Shore

AFTERNOON: PARADISE HELICOPTERS

This 1-hour helicopter tour will take you around the island of Oahu and give you a unique view of the island. From famous beaches, Pearl Harbor, Waikiki, this tour is one of the best ways to see and get to know Oahu. Take off is from Turtle Bay Resort on Oahu's fabled North Shore.

Paradise Helicopters overlooking Turtle Bay Resort on Oahu's North Shore.

Day 3

Outdoor fun.

MORNING: KEANA FARMS ZIPLINES

A 3-hour guided tour of Keana Farms where you will be able to use ziplines and ATVs to explore the property.

AFTERNOON: RAINBOW WATERSPORTS NORTH SHORE OAHU

Stand-up paddle board lessons on the beaches and waters of the historic surf town of Haleiwa. This activity is available to all skill sets, especially beginners.

Strengths / Weaknesses / Opportunities / Threats

Like any location, there are pros, cons, and other conditions that can affect not only the visitor's experience, but that of the locals as well. Here is a list of some strengths and weaknesses of locations in Hawaii along with potential opportunities and threats to the area as well.

Strengths:

1) Weather: Hawaii does get its needed share of rain, but you can count on warm weather year-round. Rarely does the temperature ever go as low as 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

2) Natural Settings: Many natural settings like the ocean and mountains provide areas for many recreational activities.

3) Culture: Hawaii has a proud and friendly culture. You will hear the term "Aloha" very often when visiting. Aloha is an expression used to convey love and peace to our neighbors and visitors.

Weaknesses:

1) Transportation: In many areas of the islands, your only ideal option of transportation will be a rental vehicle. Taxis and ride share programs are available but mostly operate in the city. You almost never find them in the more rural parts of the islands.

2) Isolation: Hawaii is considered to be isolated in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Your average flight time for one of the more popular routes, LAX to HNL is about 5 hours.

3) Traffic: Be mindful of the morning and evening traffic as Oahu's main freeway, H1, becomes one of the slowest moving lines of traffic. This presents challenges to visitors when trying to make early morning or early evening flights. Give yourself enough time to arrive at the airport.

Opportunities:

1) Public Parking: Many areas could benefit from more space made available for parking. Some places have the potential to benefit from more customers, but limited spaces can hinder that.

2) More cultural/environmental activities: Many visitors seek a unique experience that hotels and upscale venues cannot offer. Authenticity can be provided by small businesses that specialize in providing those authentic and cultural activities.

3) Smaller resort settings: The ongoing battle of "to develop, or not to develop" tosses around ideas of newer, smaller resorts that add value and competition to the already existing market.

Threats:

1) Overcrowding: At certain locations, like Hanauma Bay, overcrowding impacts the area and forces the state to give limited access to these areas.

2) Cultural Misunderstandings: The culture of Hawaii is a strong and proud culture. At times, intentional or not, there are misunderstandings that cause strong reactions from locals. These reactions can give way to negative feedback from visitors and may dissuade others from visiting the islands.

3) The pandemic: While not a common occurrence, the COVID-19 pandemic has devastated the tourism industry in Hawaii and has forced many small businesses to close permanently. Additionally, the safety aspect has kept visitors from planning trips to the islands.

CONCLUSION

A trip to Hawaii can truly be a unique experience and has all the tools to become your dream destination. From accommodations, to food and entertainment, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Attractions and cultural presentations give plenty of options to visitors who are searching for an experience in either category. There are activities available that fit all kinds of budgets and skill levels. It's also not a bad place to do business as there is no shortage of event space. You can guarantee two things when coming to the islands, warm weather, and a feeling of aloha. Enjoy the city, the country, the mountains, and the ocean, there is a setting for all to make memories. Escape from the city and relax in the quiet country or enjoy the excitement of the Waikiki nightlife. Whatever you choose to do, your time spent in Hawaii will give you some of the best memories of your life. Simply put, Hawaii is paradise.