Our Amazing Destination Experience events are the leading all-immersive experience for today’s travel specialists. This exclusive event is designed to educate and immerse Travel Advisors on all that a destination offers. We recently worked with the Hawaiian Islands Visitors Bureau for O’ahu, the Island of Hawai’i and Kaua’i to bring an elite group of Advisors on a trip to learn everything they could about the islands. This in turn giving them the skills, knowledge, and first-hand experience they needed to more effectively sell the Hawaiian Islands to their clients. We’d love to share a snapshot of their journey with you - keep reading to learn more!

Wednesday after meeting with the Island Chapter Visitors Bureau team for Hawai’i they were welcomed with a beautiful reception at The Twin Fin Hotel - Coconut Club hosted by  Highgate Hotels Hawai’i. Thursday morning was full of training and education before a site inspection of ‘Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach.  Then off to The International Marketplace, an open-air shopping/dining/entertainment destination in Waikiki, for lunch at Liliha Bakery.  They weren’t done yet - definitely still more to learn and explore.  The afternoon consisted of a guided tour of Waimea Valley, the Polynesian Cultural Center plus dinner and an evening show by Ha Breath of Life.

Friday featured guided tours of the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum, ‘Iolani Palace and Lonohan Estate Chocolate.  The evening wrapped, saying farewell to O’ahu with a special dinner thanks to the O’ahu Visitors Bureau.  Saturday morning after a ceremonial sunrise bathing in the ocean, Advisors then packed up and headed to Kona!

The rest of Saturday they explored Royal Kona Resort and then transferred over to Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa for their evening’s accommodations.  Then they headed off with KapohoKine Adventures for the Mauna Kea Star Tour.  This experience allows them both safe daytime solar viewing plus nighttime astronomical observing.  Plus, a National Park Service trained guide discusses volcanology, geology, and a history of the volcanos.

Sunday after a site inspection of the Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa, they took part in a Kohala Waterfall Adventure with Hawaii Forest & Trail. A tour unlike any other!  They rambled off road, took a guided walk through a private nature reserve, and swam under the waterfalls. After an incredible afternoon, Advisors checked-in to the Hilton Waikoloa Village for a site inspection and their night’s stay.

Then after a morning at the Farmers Market they headed to the airport to make their way to Kaua’i.

Once in Kaua’i they checked into the Sheraton Kaua’i Coconut Beach and got ready for a Napali Sunset Dinner Cruise.  They watched the sun set in the Pacific and enjoyed the evolving kaleidoscope of greens, blues and reds across the sea cliffs. 

Tuesday morning was a Guided tour of the Kaua’i Museum, lunch at the Plantation House by Gaylords and then an Ultimate Ranch Tour from Kipu Ranch Adventures.  This was a scenic off-road tour through the ranch where they witnessed a diverse landscape, spectacular views, and abundant wildlife. After their tour later that evening back at the Sheraton Kuau’i Coconut Beach Resort, all of the Advisors experienced a Lu’au Ka Hikina. This celebrated Hawaiian and Polynesian culture, complete with a traditional Hawaiian fest and live music.

Wednesday was their last day!  But before they flew back home that evening, they enjoyed a guided tour of Lydgate Farms.  They sampled honey, experienced vanilla beans, did a tropical fruit tasting and learned all about Teobroma Cacao. After lunch at Napali Brewing Company they then visited the Royal Sonesta Kaua’i Resort and enjoyed dinner at Duke’s thanks to the Kaua’i Visitors Bureau.  And after an incredible stay across the Hawaiian Islands, Advisors made their way to the airport for return flights home.  A hui hou Hawai’i!

This was certainly a once-in-a-lifetime experience for our Travel Advisors and we are excited to work with more destinations across the globe to produce new and exciting ADE events.  You can find more information about Amazing Destination Experience events on its website.  And, if you’re a destination or partner interested in hosting this unique event, please reach out to Lauren Shoaf Pace who is heading up this initiative for the TravelSMG team.