Giving First-Time Clients a True Hawaiʻi Experience

Hawaiʻi’s breathtaking landscapes, iconic attractions and fascinating diversity of cultures will delight your clients experiencing its collection of islands for the first time. Whether your clients have their sights set on checking out Wailua Falls as well as Kaua‘i’s other captivating waterfalls, the daily scenic wonder of sunrise from the summit of Haleakalā volcano on Maui, the deep history and solemnity of O‘ahu’s Pearl Harbor National Memorial, or the awe-inspiring lava activity and land creation of Kīlauea volcano on the island of Hawai‘i, the Hawaiian Islands will inspire your clients, spur their creativity and satisfy their desire for new adventures.

Kaua‘i: Visit Hawai‘i’s Oldest Island
Kaua‘i Museum sets the stage for clients visiting Hawai‘i’s geologically oldest island, sharing the significance of everything from its volcanic history to the naming of many of its highways, streets and buildings for Ali‘i (Hawaiian Royalty), residents and families. The museum also reinforces the importance of protecting and preserving Kaua‘i’s sacred sites, instilling in visitors a sense of kuleana (responsibility) for the island. Encourage your clients to experience the stunning cliff faces and nature-made majesty of Kaua‘i’s iconic Nāpali Coast with a tour company featuring ocean activities focusing on mālama i ke kai (caring for, sustaining and protecting our waters). Also make sure they take a day to visit Waimea Canyon State Park, explore neighboring Kōke‘e State Park and, while doing so, request that clients respect the boundaries of hiking trails and walking paths, properly dispose of their trash, practice land-safety precautions and take the time to clean their footwear to prevent the spread of Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death (ROD). All of these tips help preserve Kaua‘i’s natural wonder. If your clients are visiting in July, recommend they check out Kōloa Plantation Days, an annual multi-event celebration in the historical plantation town, Kōloa on Kaua‘i’s south shore.

Maui: The Valley Isle Offers Something for Everyone
Golf enthusiasts will love that Maui is home to 14 memorable world-class golf courses across its Kā‘anapali, Kapalua and Wailea resort areas, as well as the PGA Tour’s annual Sentry Tournament of Champions. Clients who enjoy taking in history or visiting cultural sites will enjoy their time at the Maui Historical Society Hale Hō‘ike‘ike at the Bailey House, Lahaina Restoration Foundation and Lahaina Heritage Museum. Maui’s diverse geography offers possibilities for an array of scenic sightseeing tours and nature activities, including multiple hiking trails and ziplining courses. Encourage clients to go on a daytime hike at Haleakalā National Park or verdant ʻĪao Valley State Park. If they’re interested in giving back to the Maui community through volunteer opportunities, invite them to check in with Kipuka Olowalu, where they’ll learn about the Hawaiian culture’s historical, spiritual and environmental connectivity to land and ocean.

O‘ahu: Immerse Yourself in Local Island Culture
Clients can spend the day on O‘ahu’s North Shore beaches exploring, swimming, catching waves or simply relaxing on the sand. Insider North Shore tip: visit this side of the island during the weekdays to avoid weekend crowds. On the island’s windward side, Kualoa Ranch Private Nature Reserve delivers memorable experiences and myriad activities for outdoor enthusiasts, including ziplining, horseback riding, kayaking, mountain biking, ATV rentals and more. O‘ahu’s many weekly farmers markets, happening all around the island, are ideal spots for clients to support locally made and sourced products by buying local. Fresh and tasty local ingredients they’ll find include North Shore-raised beef, Mānoa-procured honey, Kahuku-grown corn, Waimānalo-grown greens and chocolate crafted with Waialua cacao.

Island of Hawai‘i: Natural Wonders, Culture and Amazing Eats Await Your Arrival
First, encourage clients — and other island-bound visitors — to read and sign the Island of Hawai‘i Pono Pledge. Traveling pono — meaning, in a way that is “proper” and “correct” — promotes safety, responsibility and mindfulness while still thoroughly enjoying and exploring the island. Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park is home to a treasure trove of fascinatingly diverse landscapes, fauna and flora, and protective preserves for species native to Hawai‘i. Have clients check out the park’s immense Kīlauea volcano acreage and summit Halemaʻumaʻu crater — home to volcano goddess Pele — road trip scenic Crater Rim Drive, and hike its miles of trails. Make sure they don’t miss a visit to the park’s Volcano Art Center, which showcases handcrafted artworks from more than 230 local artists. In Hilo, suggest they visit Lyman Museum and Mission House, Hawai‘i’s oldest standing wood structure, to absorb its fascinating history and collection of exhibits exploring the histories of Hawai‘i, the island of Hawai‘i and Hawaiian culture, including its Island Heritage Gallery. The island of Hawai‘i also offers clients diverse culinary experiences incorporating ingredients, produce , meats and seafood grown, raised and procured across the island. Suggest clients shift their palates from the familiar and instead discover multiethnic comfort foods at local favorite drive-ins, okazuya, bakeries, plate lunch and lunch shops, longtime family-run restaurants, and farm-and-farmers-market-to-table eateries.