Hawaii Tourism Canada brings aloha spirit to Vancouver

The annual Aloha Canada event took place in Vancouver last week, showcasing representatives and supplier partners from the islands of Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii.

"Aloha means joyfully sharing life, and we’re glad you are sharing your time with us this evening,” Colin Wood from Hawaii Tourism Canada welcomed the audience.

Hawaii has certainly been in the spotlight this year with the eruptions at Kilauea Volcano through spring and summer. The biggest message Deanna Isbister, director of sales for the Island of Hawaii Visitors Bureau wants to share with everyone is that the Big Island is open for business. 

“Volcanoes National Park reopened September 22^nd, and attendance has been growing,” Isbister told PAX. “The Jaggar Museum and the lava tubes remain closed, but park rangers programs are on, the volcano village artisans shop is open, and we are working every day every day to get everything up and running again.” 

Isbister further encourages agents and visitors to check the National Park Service website www.nps.gov.havo for continuous updates.

Energizing Oahu

• The second oldest island of Hawaii offers visitors a town and country experience in one trip.
• Honolulu area is great for shopping, Waikiki beach, museums, food and wine festivals, vibrant entertainment and nightlife.
• The rest of the island offers beaches, surfing, natural beauty, farmers markets and voluntourism programs to aid reforestation and restorations.

Inspiring Hawaii

• The youngest and the largest Hawaiian island offers a myriad of activities that can be covered in a suggested eight-day stay.
• Home to 5 national parks including Volcanoes National Park.
• Agritourism include visits to coffee roasters, cacao farms and working ranches.

Captivating Maui

• Maui has something for everyone - the beaches at Kaanapali and Kihei, to lush forests of the Iao Valley(reopened December 2017), the windy road to Hana, and Haleakela volcano.
• Innovative excursions include rappelling, and the Hana Sky-Trek to cover Hana and Haleakela in a 6-hour fly/drive tour.

Embracing Lana’i

• Connected by Ohana Airlines or a ferry from Maui, the island is best explored by 4X4 vehicle.
• Accommodations range from B&B style of Hotel Lana’i to the luxurious Four Seasons.

Enlightening Moloka’i 

• Perfect for the seasoned traveller looking for local culture and history.
• A must-see is Kalaupapa National Historic Park, accessible by scenic mule ride.

Rejuvenating Kauai

• Over two million years old, Kauai is lush, idyllic and peaceful.
• Highlights include the 27-kilometre Napali Coast that can only be seen by boat or air, and Waimea Canyon with 70-kms of hiking trails.
• Other areas of interest include Wailua Falls in Lihue, Poipu beach, and Kauai Coffee – the largest coffee farm in the U.S.

Air and tour operator news

• Air Canada will be flying to Hawaii on the new Boeing 737 MAX, with 60 North American business class seats and 153 economy seats. AC flies double daily from YVR to OGG and HNL, 4X weekly to KOA, and 3X weekly to LIH.
• WestJet offers 42 flights from Vancouver including double daily to OGG and HNL, daily to KOA and LIH.
• Air, hotel and car packages are available through Air Canada Vacations, WestJet Vacations, and Travel Brands, to suit all budgets.