An agent’s ideal Hawaii
Hawaii is everyone’s most sell-able destination, and these islands have something for everyone.
So to see things through an agents’ eyes, we spoke to two agents who recently participated in the Agents of Aloha famil, and we’re passing their feedback straight on to you.
First up, it’s Flight Centre Bondi Westfield team leader Kelly Pinkerton.
Kelly Pinkerton
Was this your first time to Hawaii? This was my second time to Hawaii, but on my first trip I had only been to Oahu.
What were your expectations and how did they stack up? I had no idea what to expect except for lots of sun, the ocean and a really amazing time – and it ended up being the best trip I’ve ever been on!
Favourite island? It’s so hard to choose because they’re all amazing for such different reasons! If I really had to choose I would say Kauai… incredibly picturesque, the most amazing scenery and such a lovely relaxed island vibe.
Best wildlife sighting? The whales! We saw a mum teaching a baby whale to breach off Maui. That was amazing.
The one wow moment of the trip? Again, hard to choose one, but my favourite thing was our helicopter tour of Kauai. Just stunning!
Best meal of the trip (preferably with some local Hawaiian flavour)? The best meal for me was at the Volcano House on Hawaii Island… I had surf and turf with this huge lobster tail it was just amazing.
Most striking natural wonder? Napali Coast line
What activity got your heart pumping or potentially stopping? Swimming with the Spinner Dolphins off Hawaii Island. That actually took my breath away. (I did the swim with a pool noodle in case I passed out from excitement)
Which hotel will you be recommending to clients and why? The Grand Hyatt on Kauai was beautiful, the restaurants were incredible, the pool was out of this world and we were lucky enough to experience a cultural festival while we were there which was really unusual and I felt lucky to experience that.
The activity that conveyed the Aloha Spirit best? Any activity featuring Kainoa Daines (from Oahu Visitors Bureau). In all seriousness he drove us around Oahu and was telling us old Hawaiian legends, he knows so much about Hawaii and is passionate about it, I loved spending time learning from him.
And the shopping – how was it? Do you even have to ask? Amazing!!
How has this famil changed the way you will sell Hawaii? Definitely taught me that there are many great experiences on all the islands and that every island has something for everyone. I’m so much better able to recommend different experiences over there to my customers now as well as world-class resorts.
Best three tips for selling what you have seen? Don’t pigeon-hole any island for any customer as they all have something amazing to offer anyone and everyone. Do take part in the cultural experiences when you can – the Hawaiians are so passionate about their past and the stories are just fantastic.
Definitely recommend a hire car and do some exploring for yourself – there are some beautiful scenic drives where you can stop and picnic and enjoy – and if not, definitely check it out by air, the helicopter tours are so worth it!
To view the other “Agents of Aloha” videos click here.
Katrina Casey
Hawaii first timer Katrina Casey, an MTA Mobile Travel Agent, talks us through her sales tips and experiences on a recent Hawaii famil.
What were your expectations and how did they stack up? I was expecting a beautiful climate, a cultural paradise and stunning scenery and it didn’t disappoint!
Favourite island? Kaua’i
Best wildlife sighting? Hawaii Island and Kona
The one wow moment of the trip? Swimming with the turtles in Kona and the helicopter trip over Kaua’i
Best meal of the trip (preferably with some local Hawaiian flavour)? Tepenyaki on the NCL ship –sorry!
Most striking natural wonder? Stunning scenery of Kaua’i
What activity got your heart pumping or potentially stopping? Ziplining
Which hotel will you be recommending to clients and why? Hilton Hawaiian Village, large hotel with great facilities, shopping and one of the few nice pool areas in Waikiki.
Modern Hotel for its hip, cool vibe and great pool area.
The activity that conveyed the Aloha Spirit best? Germaine’s Luau
And the shopping – how was it? Not too bad, a shame that Waikele is a long way from Waikiki, I enjoyed the Outlets of Maui in Lahaina
How has this famil changed the way you will sell Hawaii? Yes most definitely
Best three tips for selling what you have seen? Don’t just go to Waikiki – get out to one of the neighbour islands.
The NCl cruise is a great way to get a small slice of the islands
To sell Hawaii as not only a shopping and beach destination but a cultural experience and one of natural beauty.
And for even more exciting adventures throughout Hawaii, check out the Four Ways to Sell Hawaii, or take the quiz to find out which Hawaiian Island are you? Better yet, brush up on the Mix and Match skills. And for some Instagram treasure straight from the Hawaiian ambassadors themselves click here.
And of course check out Hawaii Tourism’ YouTube Channel here for more Agents of Aloha goodness.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
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