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13 May, 2022

Hawai‘i Tourism Oceania celebrates the ‘Month of Lei’ with incredible new famil offer

The 1st of May was ‘Lei Day’ in Hawaiʻi, a merry day celebrating Hawaiian culture and the beautiful symbol of aloha.

Throughout the Islands, festivals are held to commemorate the history and significance of lei. The lei symbolises the aloha spirit – an expression of hospitality, unity, love and kindness.

This year, Hawai‘i Tourism Oceania is celebrating ‘Month of Lei’ 2022 with a virtual trade event and the launch of a new famil incentive.

Key representatives from the visitor bureaux of Maui, O‘ahu, Kaua‘i and the Island of Hawai‘i joined over 100 travel agents for a virtual celebration of Hawaiian culture, which included destination training and cultural activities.

For the famil incentive, Hawai‘i Tourism Oceania has partnered with Hawaiian Airlines, Hawai’i’s hometown carrier, to give away eight spots on a trade famil trip to the Hawaiian Islands in September.

To snag a spot on the famil to Hawai‘i, agents will have to book a ticket with Hawaiian Airlines to O‘ahu and at least one other Hawaiian Island and simply write in 50 words or less how you malama (take care and protect) for the environment, the local community or the ocean. 

Pua Kalaunu (Crown Flower) lei on stone | Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Tor Johnson

Agents will be able to upload their entries here and the winners will be selected by HTO and Hawaiian Airlines. The incentive runs throughout the month of May.

“We’re delighted to add our support to HTO’s Month of Lei trade incentive, especially with the renewed focus on environmental care and sustainability throughout the Hawaiian Islands,” the Hawaiian Airlines regional director ANZ, Andrew Stanbury, said.

“The resumption of our Sydney-Honolulu service in December 2021 reconnected Australia and Hawaiʻi after a two-year hiatus, and response from the trade has been outstanding. We look forward to welcoming our winners on board in September,” he said.

Ranger Keoni Kaholoaa trades a traditional Hawaiian greeting with cultural practitioner | Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Heather Goodman / @hbgoodie

Additionally, Hawai‘i based social media influencers from O‘ahu, Kaua‘i, Island of Hawai‘i and Maui will take over the GoHawaiiAU Instagram account throughout the month of May, to give audiences a glimpse into the rich Hawaiian culture through their eyes.   

Jennifer Gaskin, Account Director for Hawai‘i Tourism Oceania said “Month of Lei is a HTO signature campaign to celebrate Hawaiian culture, the uniqueness of each individual Hawaiian Island and engage both trade partners and consumers with the spirit of aloha.”

“We want to showcase what makes each Hawaiian Island special and encourage travelers to visit all islands while respecting the ʻaina (land), kai (ocean) and kamaʻāina (locals)”, she added.

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