Honolulu just got a bit closer and higher up on the wish lists of many New Zealand travellers. Waikiki Beach could soon be full of Kiwis, especially as other air links to popular winter sun destinations won't be back until next year.
Air New Zealand announced earlier this year it would also be reconnecting Auckland with Hawaii, with three weekly flights to the American Islands, also from Independence Day.
About 85,000 Kiwis flew to Hawaii every year, pre-pandemic. While the ticketed price of around $1079 return is a little higher than before (with return fares dropping below $500 in 2019) it's likely to become more affordable with more air links and competition out of New Zealand and Australia.
However, there have been a lot of changes to the 'Aloha State' over the past 28 months.
Here's what New Zealand travellers need to know, before getting their lūʻau on.
0 to 100 real quick: Hawaii broke tourism records last year after a pandemic visitor drought. Photo / Little Plant, Unsplash
After the pandemic pause, Hawaii's islands saw a tourism boom of 1.8 million visitors last July, a record for the state.
Things went from zero to 100, real quick, said Hawaii Tourism Authority's president John De Fries.
In an interview with Bloomberg, the Hawaii Tourism chief described the sudden return after the lockdown "like putting 220 volts through a 110-volt circuit."
There are now several circuit breakers and features that have been brought in to preserve some of the pandemic peace experienced in 2020 - while welcoming back important tourism dollars.
This includes measures like permits for some national parks.
Natural attractions such as the black sand beaches of Wai'anapanapa State Park and the Kauai's Kalalau hiking trail now need reservations. These must be applied for up to 30 days in advance, depending on the season.
are also now being charged at between US$5 to $15pp.
Popular trails such as those through the Take Hanauma Bay reserve in Oahu have dropped visitor caps drastically, from 3000 hikers a day to 720.
Plan early and book ahead is De Fries' advice.
Hawaii Airlines and Air New Zealand will be returning to Honolulu from July 4. Photo / Luke McKeowen, Unsplash
Taking a leaf out of the Tiaki Promise
Like New Zealand's 2019 introduction of the Tiaki Promise, a pledge for responsible visitors has been adopted in the Hawaiian islands.
"During the pandemic, Hawai'i was able to refocus on the sometimes negative impact of tourism on the environment and local communities," says a spokesperson for Hawaii Tourism New Zealand.
"Mālama is similar to what we know in New Zealand as Tiaki – to take care of the place we are visiting. Kiwis are naturally more mindful travellers because of how we host visitors to our own country." When New Zealanders return they can expect to see more "Mālama" in tourism management and messaging.
Those catching Hawaiian Airlines flights in July will be played a short video about Mālama, similar in style to the Tiaki Promise video shown on international Air New Zealand flights arriving back into Aotearoa. However, Hawaii's tourism authority are keen you should pay attention to requests for coral-safe sunscreen and to keep your distance from monk seals and other wildlife.
Decolonising tourism experiences
Many Hawaiians expressed the feeling that though things were tough during the pandemic lockdowns, it felt as if they "got their islands back".
The tourism board has looked at reclaiming a few other parts of travel traditions, presenting a more "authentic" spin on Hawaiian culture.
For example, the garlands of orchids (mostly imported from Southeast Asia) presented to arriving passengers will be replaced with local flowers, grown by local nurseries. Grass skirts and other tiki clichés will be abandoned for more traditional clothing; canned ukulele music replaced with more focus on Hawaiian artists.
Since November, Hawaii Tourism USA and the Hawaii Tourism Authority have teamed up to reward mindful travellers. The Mālama 'Give Back' Hawaii Program helps tourists find regenerative tourism projects and, in turn, offers of discounts and free travel opportunities.
The islands have been rewarding travellers who give back and get involved in sustainability initiatives. Get a free night's accommodation in exchange for a beach clean or helping to replant native bush.
Since last year the program has grown to 110 hotels and tourism operators, which have all committed to rewarding guests who give back.
