Growth in Hawaii Tourism Expected Despite Japan Catastrophe

During the first months of 2011, Hawaii tourism was on pace to surpass the peak year of 2007 when 7.63 million Hawaii visitors spent $12.8 billion in the state. Then the earthquake and tsunami disasters struck Japan in March of 2011 delivering another setback to Hawaii tourism.

A recent First Hawaiian Bank Business Activity Report stated that spending in Hawaii was up in the first quarter of 2011 compared to the same time in 2010 and noted improvements in fourteen of the sixteen sectors that are measured. This included an 18% increase in spending on travel activities and 15% more revenue in hotels.

Despite the March 11 Japan earthquake and tsunami, Hawaii’s hotel occupancy is showing gains due to an increase in visitors from Canada and the U.S. mainland. In March all of the islands saw increased revenue and hotel occupancy with the highest gains on Oahu and the lowest on Kauai.

The State of Hawaii did not suffer any catastrophic damage as Japan did in the March tsunami, though the waves that came from Japan did cause tens of million of damage in the state including damage to homes, ports and roads. Some coastal businesses and hotel lobbies were flooded, boats sunk, piers were damaged and other infrastructure sustained damage.

In a typical year about 18% of Hawaii visitors are from Japan. Before the tsunami the revenue from Japanese visitors for 2011 was projected to be about $2 billion, according to the Hawaii Tourism Authority.

After a disaster the Japanese generally do not immediately travel in order to show respect to those who passed away. For example, Hawaii saw a 12% drop in Japanese visitors after the Kobe earthquake in January of 1995. While tourism from Japan rose by the end of that year, a similar recovery is not expected in 2011 due to the scale of the catastrophe.

To counter the loss of Japanese visitors tourism officials have worked to attract visitors from other areas through renewed marketing campaigns. The Hawaii Tourism Authority is expected to spend more than $3 million for marketing and other programs in key markets in North America, Australia, Korea, China and New Zealand as well as Japan.

As everyone hopes for Japan to begin a strong recovery from the massive disaster, the overall growth in Hawaii tourism is being sustained by other international travelers as well as visitors from the mainland United States.

The increase in the number of Hawaii visitors in 2011 is expected to lead to a gradual increase in Hawaii jobs in the leisure and hospitality industry as well as other sectors that were most affected by the decline in tourism in the last few years.

The best way to find great deals on Hawaii car rentals, if you book beforehand, is to do your research for local companies. The island businesses have guaranteed discounts that are pre-negotiated and a bit similar to Priceline, if you are willing to be flexible about the exact details of the make and model, you’ll find the best rates searching among these businesses. Many people say that renting a car in Hawaii is crucial.

The public transportation on the outer islands definitely leaves something to be desired. It is not so bad if you are staying in a resort or larger hotel, they will usually have shuttle and tours buses to help you get around. But if you are staying, for example, in one of many Kauai condo rentals, you  can be pretty isolated and have a hard time getting to public transportation.

Hawaii Car Rentals.net offers car rentals for all the islands and it’s simple to find the right vehicle and price. Booking a vehicle is easy and there is straightforward information about rates, peak seasons and cost. Aloha Rents also offers details about rates, type of vehicle, etc. Airport and hotel pickups are possible. Hawaii Car Rentals in Poipu serves all the islands, including Molokai. Discount Hawaii Car Rental works in a similar manner as the others. Check the GoHawaii.com site and search all islands for transportation. Sponsored business listings are found in this section.

It won’t be difficult to find a cheap car rental in Hawaii as long as you understand that the rates are pre-negotiated and the best rates you’ll find are those that these local companies offer. It might be just as convenient to go online and book a vehicle from a national car company but shop around and have an idea of what size and features you require. The additional advantage to renting from a local company is that you can pick up your car at the airport, the hotel or even the cruise ship port. Furthermore, local businesses can answer questions that a national car company associate who answers calls on the mainland can’t or may not be able to provide a thorough answer. For example, a local business will tell you exactly where you can drive the car and where you cannot. Some roads on the island require a 4WD and even those are not permissible in all areas.

Hawaii offers many Hawaii activities for families, including beach fun, nifty swimming pools, natural beauty, gardens, the Waikiki Aquarium, Dole Plantation, Honolulu Zoo, and Hawaii helicopter tours to name a few. Hawaii has long been considered a romantic destination, but it has long been that and more. Any type of traveler, whether solo, group, senior, couple, or family, will find excellent itinerary options, including places to stay.

In Hawaiian, the word for child or children is keiki (kay-key). Look for keiki programs and Hawaii family discounts when planning your itinerary.

Maui Resorts

The Grand Wailea Resort Hotel and Spa

Popular with families, this resort offers its own mini day camp for kids. Movies, games, activities, night swims and much more create a specialized island vacation for the kids, plus a safe and luxurious place for the entire family to stay.

Ka’anapali Beach Hotel

This resort has made a commitment to sharing the Hawaiian culture by sharing activities, offering Kukui lei ceremonies and more. Ka’anapali Beach Hotel offers a free children’s program for those 12 years of age and younger, a child’s hula competition and other festivities to entertain kids and families visiting Maui.

Napili Kai Resort

A complimentary (seasonal) children’s program is offered on-site at this resort for ages six through 12. Cultural crafts such as lei making, hula dancing, puka shell art plus swimming and fun island activities are part of this program designed to share the island’s facets through a means that children can understand and enjoy.

Oahu Resorts

Turtle Bay Resort

Fun swimming pools for kids (they’re not going to want to do anything else) and a special Keiki Turtle Club will make it a fun family vacation for all. Crab hunts, arts and crafts and swimming are part of the experience.

Sheraton Princess Kaiulani

The resort is an option for parents as the kids club includes a variety of activities plus discount packages. On the sister island is the Sheraton property Maui, with family packages too.

Hilton Hawaiian Village

The resort offers a program for kids (additional fee, not included in room rate), Camp Penguin. Families can opt to stay here and enjoy seasonal package discounts, swimming pools and fireworks.

Sister island, Big Island, is home to Hilton Waikoloa Village, which is the site of the dolphin quest resort activity (various programs, fee).

Big Island Resorts

Kona Village

Local flavor, stargazing, manta ray “ballets”, complimentary historical property tours and tours to the resort’s centuries-old petroglyph field are part of the resort setting, a place families will find gives a true sense of Big Island.

Sheraton Keauhou on Big Island

The resort has a sandy-bottom pool, complimentary manta ray talks and dining discounts for kids when accompanied by a paying adult.

Kauai Resorts

Grand Hyatt Kauai

A recent renovation is just one of the reasons the whole family will want to stay at this resort. Find Camp Hyatt activities, family promotions, teen activities and plenty of opportunities for joint and individual fun.

Kauai Beach Resort

Spacious condos provide a family escape feel plus a family-friendly atmosphere make this resort a popular pick. Last minute deals and a variety of specials make it appealing and the location of Kapaa is near many of Kauai’s sights.

Plan, as a family, the things you want to do together and make sure to find time for the individual activities. Make sure, in advance, to ask which programs are free and which ones are an additional charge. Also, check the resort fee charges before making a reservation. Also, shop around for family package and meal package discounts, which most of the resorts offer either throughout the year or seasonally.

Makena Cove
Remote and rich with scenery, Makena Cove tops the list for sunset weddings. A sheltered area with craggy rocks and tall palms with swaying leaves, the backdrop for photos is a bride’s wish and dream. The foamy water laps upon the shore with a myriad of blues to drink in while watching the ceremony. Kaholoowe and Molokini dot the horizon and the sunset provides the dramatic landscape to match the romantic occasion. It’s a joy for all visiting, with a few caveats. The site has limited parking and no restroom facilities. Also, multiple weddings are usually taking place, but most of the time, all are intimate groups each focused on their own wedding.

If you are looking for accommodations for your wedding party, or a place to stay on your scouting mission, check out Luana Kai – Kihei Maui Condos. Make your reservation now to enjoy the private and peaceful luxury of your own 1, 2 or 3 bedroom condo at Luana Kai Resort. Warm, inviting and friendly… It’s Always a Great Day at Luana Kai.

Sugarman’s Estate (Honua Kai Lani) Whether daytime or nighttime, weddings at Sugarman’s Estate (Honua Kai Lanai) are outdoors, seaside. Sugarman’s Estate is another Makena destination. The beautiful lawn is level and overlooks the ocean. The beach area is minimal and good for pictures and the estate offers a house on site. Weddings up to 250 in attendance are possible here and there are plentiful areas for capturing photos.

Olowalu Plantation House
Grand banyan trees and lawns, vast ocean views, a wraparound lanai and a lovely home in which to get ready on the big day, the historic Olowalu Plantation House is another great spot for weddings with up to 200 guests. The estate in Lahaina offers a reflection of the culture and charm of the town.

Grand Wailea Seaside Chapel
While an indoor wedding at any of Maui’s fine resorts is guaranteed to be an incredible affair, an option for a spiritual, religious or romantic ceremony is possible at the Seaside Chapel on site at Grand Wailea. Bright sunlight warming a path, tranquil gardens and a lanai overlooking the beach by day and tiki torches at night are wedding options. Maui is home to many Catholic and Episcopal churches that meet the wishes of brides wanting a wedding near the sea. Incredible architectural interiors and nature’s beauty outdoors surpass expectations of couples seeking an idyllic Maui wedding. Another advantage for a wedding here are the many Wailea vacation rentals. You and your quest can stay nearby and have your pick for a wide selection of rentals that will suite most needs; From modest studios to grand villas.

Kepaniwai Heritage Gardens
The Kepaniwai Heritage Gardens at Iao Valley State Park in the mountains of Maui serve as another ideal wedding site for couples who want nature and culture, plus an affordable site (it’s free). Picnic tables, a Japanese temple and tea house, ancient house, Portuguese gardens, native Hawaiian plants—the wedding site is embraced by bare elegance. Moreover, the ponds, streams and serenity make this a great pick for an island wedding on Maui.

Ironwoods Beach
Ironwoods Beach in Kapalua is another stunning site for sunset weddings. Molokai serves as a distant backdrop and the wedding site also offers a remote spot with lava cliffs. Grand waves crash against the rugged terrain and Makaluapuna Point are highlights of this dramatic landscape.

It would be simple to say that any wedding on Maui will have all the grandeur that necessitates no additional décor. However, it would be more accurate to say that the sights are numerous and can offer gardens, waterfalls, mountains, sea, Hawaiian foliage and far-reaching views; moreover a Maui wedding can happen at any budget.

The vacation rental marketplace in Hawaii has proven to be a very profitable business when done right. Most vacationers are doing their vacation planning and booking online. So to have a strong online presence is essential in succeeding. Another key element is inventory. It is crucial to have a wide selection of rentals to choose from and also to have high quality listings.

The island of Maui is one of Hawaii’s most exciting visitor destinations with great beaches and lots of fun activities. For those going on a Valley Isle vacation, here are some examples of excellent beachfront condominium rentals available from Hawaiianbeachrentals.com. They are a leader in the vacation rental market.

Check out Maui Vacations Hawaii for more Maui info. Or if you are interested in making Hawaii home, look at these Maui homes for sale.

Maalaea Ocean Front is a two-bedroom, two-bathroom Asian themed condominium in Maalaea with ocean views, hot tub, and pool. Located on the third floor, the condo features a private elevator that brings you to this first-class condo with expansive bay views though 30 feet of continuous windows. This 1,550 square foot condo also has an expansive lanai.

During the winter months keep an eye out for whales offshore as they are often seen in Maalaea Bay, and on clear days you can also see the islands of Kahoolawe and the offshore islet of Molokini as well as 10,000 foot Haleakala Volcano.

Located just 40 feet from the ocean and a huge white sand beach, this luxurious condo is also near many fine restaurants along the waterfront and at Maalaea Harbor.

Lahaina Shores Beach Resort #312 is located on the west side of Maui in the beautiful Lahaina area. This lovely 550-square-foot studio unit sleep 3 and you can also enjoy the swimming pool and Jacuzzi as well as BBQ grills and high speed internet access.

The unit has a fully equipped kitchen, dining area, and large living room. The bedroom offers a queen-size bed as well as a twin size bed. The private lanai balcony has great views of the West Maui Mountains.

Located in Lahaina Town’s only beachfront condo hotel, this unit just two blocks from the excitement of downtown with its myriad restaurants, shops, art galleries, and nightlife. At Lahaina Harbor you can depart on boat trips to fish, dive, watch for whales or just enjoy a sunset cruise.

Villa De Opulence I is located in Kihei in south Maui and features three bedrooms that sleep six along with three bathrooms. You also have access to a pool and great ocean views in this beachfront condo.

Villa De Opulence I may be rented as a separate condo or with three adjacent condos as one 12 bedroom beachfront villa mini resort. Each of the four units has its own kitchen as well as a dining area and living room. Other nice features include wrap-around lanais and a fully equipped laundry area as well as an outdoor shower for rinsing off after a swim at the beach.

Sugar Cove Unit 5A in Spreckelsville on Maui’s north shore provides great ocean views from the, beach front apartment with three bedrooms that sleep six along with three bathrooms and one half bath. Guests also have access to the community pool. It is just a short five minute drive to the great shopping and restaurants in Kahului and Paia towns and a one minute walk to the beach. High speed wireless internet access is also provided.

The 2,300-square-foot Sugar Cove unit features upper level bedrooms, each with its own bathroom, and a ground level fully-equipped kitchen along with nice dining and living room areas as well as an ample front lanai. An entertainment center provides TV, DVDs, and music, and guests also have laundry facilities.

The Royal Ilima at the Wailea Beach Villas on Maui’s south side provides an ultimate Maui vacation experience. The townhouse sleeps 6 in its 3 bedrooms with three baths and one half bath, and there is also a pool and a hot tub.

The ocean views from Royal Ilima are fabulous, and the spacious, uncrowded beach area features sun umbrellas, lounge chairs, and all of the amenities necessary for a relaxing pool-side, beach-side vacation on Wailea Beach in the heart of the elegant Wailea Resort. The unit is furnished and equipped like an upscale hotel suite.

The floor to ceiling windows and screen doors create a wonderful open- air experience and each room has it own air conditioning. The marble floors, lofty ceilings, mahogany finishes and Italian furnishings add to the elegant yet tropical ambiance. Also enjoy a fully equipped kitchen, two swimming pools, a spa and a fitness center in this gated Maui paradise.

Mulligan’s on the Blue in Wailea is an Irish pub serving an eclectic mix of pupu and dinner items and Hawaiian live music. This spot is fascinating, as it manages to meld Irish, Hawaiian and comfort food favorites into the menu. The music is Hawaiian, Irish, Jazz and more so check their website for music and dinner specials. Both indoors and outside overlooking the beach, Mulligan’s is a lovely spot for couples.

For great places to stay near the action, check out these Wailea vacation rentals.

Stella Blues in Kihei is family-owned and somewhat of an institution among the locals. Home style cooking, an abundance of vegetarian options and a good variety of mixed drinks are part of this community’s beloved place. The family members are big fans of the Grateful Dead and this translates into the casual, inviting atmosphere making this a laid-back spot to enjoy live music. A happy hour, food and drink specials and lots of live music (no cover on occasional evenings) that is varied will keep you coming back during your stay. Families, solo travelers and groups will feel comfortable here.

Maui Brewing Co. offers handcrafted ales and lagers, live music (often with no cover charge) and drink specials. This place offers a neat atmosphere—clean and sort of an industrial look, with the brewery on-site, yet still evoking a welcome feel. Some neat stuff on tap, including a coconut porter and a lot of brews with an island take at this restaurant in Lahaina. A plus is their commitment to sustainability and community.

Take a look at these Great Vacation Deals!

South Shore Tiki Lounge is a cliché done right. Looks like a typical island spot but has the goods to make you want to stick around and enjoy the mix of DJs, live music and variety of calendar events, plus happy hour. Add to that dancing, occasional fashion shows and ladies’ nights, with a very good range of musical genres played here, you’ll be feeling like a local in no time. The local island plates, with tons of good eats, including plenty of vegetarian items, make this another Kihei local favorite.

Everybody associates sugarcane with Hawaiian agriculture, but there has been a huge shift in recent decades. Kona coffee and other coffee crops are surging in Hawaii while sugarcane has all but died out. Sugarcane was part of the Hawaiian landscape early (approximately 600 A.D.) and it became a cash crop gradually. Sugar plantations played a key role in all the islands’ economy and much of the labor force was imported from other countries, including China, Japan, Philippines, and Korea. Sugar mills became large employers, including the first, the Old Sugar Mill of Koloa (today, the building is a National Historic Landmark) and Waialua Sugar Company. Today, Waialua Sugar Mill is home to shops, eateries, a bandstand and farmers’ marke

Hawaiian cash crops go hand in hand, so alongside sugarcane was pineapple. Some notable names of individuals furthering pineapples as a major cash crop include Francisco de Paula Marin, who advised King Kamehameha, James Drummond Dole (certainly the last name is familiar to everyone) and Captain John Kidwell who tested an array of pineapple before selecting Smooth Cayenne. Additional Hawaiian cash crops include macadamia nuts, papayas, bananas, ginger root and taro.

While the vigor of most Hawaiian cash crops has waned, an increasingly robust one is coffee. From Brazil to the Manoa Valley of Oahu, coffee found its way to Kona, via American missionary Reverend Samuel Ruggles. After a rich history of triumphs and setbacks of weather, financial and ownership issues, Kona coffee has found a new and stronger foothold today.

More than 500 estate and commercial Kona coffee farms continue to produce the annual crop, with many of them from two to three acres in a Kona Coffee Belt, an expanse of 30 miles. Interestingly, many of the Kona coffee farmers are fifth generation descendants of Kona coffee farmers. Notably, Hawaii is the nation’s only producer of commercially-grown coffee.

Arabica is the most prevalent grown throughout the Kona region. The climate, low elevations and period of growth for the coffee cherry are some factors that make these gourmet coffee beans supreme. Coffee drinkers will appreciate the elements that combine to give premium Kona coffee its unique flavor—aroma, body, acidity and bitterness (balance based on the roast) and finish and aftertaste.

Depending on level and interest, both locals and visitors can explore a multitude of Kona coffee farms and coffeehouses, even a bed & breakfast inn. The range of Hawaii tours available is diverse, from tastings and tours of award-winning Kona coffee farms (for both the coffee and the cupping) to a great place for a hearty breakfast on the way to see the volcano to sustainable farms producing additional crops such as macadamia nuts, lilikoi, bananas, mango, papaya, coconut, passion fruit, dragon fruit, white pineapple, avocado and much more. Similar to visiting vineyards, guests of Kona coffee farms will enjoy tours and tastings; plus, it’s an excellent opportunity to buy the coffee on-site and have it shipped home.

Trilogy’s Maui snorkeling tours seek to offer an unforgettable experience: Maui’s warm waters, tropical fish and incredible marine habitats. Beyond the basic expectations, Trilogy makes sure to take guests to the best spots, including Black Rock in Kaanapali. Black Rock is excellent for beginning snorkelers. Fish you’ll find include butterfly fish, parrot fish, damsel fish, surgeon fish, tang, wrasse, box fish, cardinal fish, perch, chub, trigger fish, the former Hawaii State Fish Humuhumunukunukuapuaa, goat fish, snapper, porcupine fish, hawk fish, jacks, mackerel, cornet fish, needle fish, turtles, crustaceans, and invertebrates.

Trilogy has the privileged distinction of being the only company with permission to bring guests to Hulopoe Beach Park and Marine Preserve, which has received national acclaim among those recognized as America’s Best Beach. Vast tide pools are protected by volcanic rock in Hulopoe Bay’s warm and inviting waters, perfect for the quantity of marine life that resides here, plus the humpback whales that venture through in the winter. Snorkelers will discover hermit crabs, sea stars, opihi (limpet) and acrobatic spinner dolphins, some of the sea life among the reefs.

Once a remote ancient fishing village, Kaunolu is another site Trilogy guests will snorkel and find an abundance of marine life plus Hawaii’s largest schools of spinner dolphins. Today, Kaunolu is a National Historic Landmark. Warriors would exhibit profound bravery by taking a jump off Kehekili’s Leap, a 60-foot cliff into the waters of Kaunolu Bay. This historic site is exquisite and a worthwhile experience with Trilogy.

Molokini is known for its crescent shape and the fact that it is a popular snorkeling destination. Trilogy takes guests to this island off the South Maui coast, with its vibrant and colorful reefs. Molokini is a State Marine Life and Bird Conservation District. Miles of clear waters abound Molokini’s reefs, with a depth of 35 feet, the sea life is in excellent proximity for snorkelers to explore.

Trilogy will make the experience complete as you explore lava rock formations, coral and marine life, with all the necessities and luxuries taken care of for you.

I know I generally write about Internet business with a Hawaii theme, but I’ve been wanting to move to Diamond Head, and I came across this fabulous beach home that I wish I could afford!

America’s Coolest Beach Homes

Of course I thought this one was the best because it’s in a place I actually want to live.

• Selling Services – Property management marketed through their Kauai vacation rental website.

The site itself is easy to navigate and there is great information about the properties including detailed descriptions and very nice photos. The problem with the site is its booking system which was not only slow and clunky, but a bit confusing to use. It was manageable, however, by improving this system they could up their conversion rate and therefore bookings. I’m guessing their current booking engine creates a lot of phone orders as well. So an improvement with this part of the site would reduce staff costs also.

The one thing that makes this site successful are the photos, floor plans and virtual tours. The photos are amazing and make me want to stay in their properties. If you don’t believe me, check out these pictures of their Donohugh home! The floor plans are a nice touch and something that most other vacation rentals sites don’t offer.

In order to improve on this onine business, I think that TPC needs to expand beyond Poipu Resort. The cost of the website, SEO and staff needed to fulfill customer services isn’t being leveraged to its full potential. By offering vacation rentals in other areas of Kauai, TPC could increase their take without increasing their overhead. This would lead to greater profitability and a brighter future for the company.

Likes:
Photos make me want to take a vacation. Floor plans are a nice touch.

Dislikes:
Booking system should be upgraded.

Conclusion:
The Parrish Collection has a nicely done site, but it’s the content that really stands out. Improving the bookings system and leveraging what they have by breaking out of the Poipu market will help them reach their full potential.