The newly updated Destination Specialist Hawaii course presents all six visitor-accessible islands geographically from west to east: Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui and Hawaii’s Big Island. Hawaii is expected to be a popular destination in the upcoming months, so it is important to increase your knowledge of this state. Before booking your clients, however, you should keep in mind the varying reopening dates, operating hours, and availability of attractions and accommodations and be sure to consult sources like Hawaii’s Health Protocol website and the U.S. State Department.
Here are 5 tips about transportation in Hawaii to be familiar with as you sell these beautiful islands:
1. Air
Air access is an important key to Hawaii’s economic and social prosperity. Honolulu International Airport (HNL) on Oahu is Hawaii’s major commercial hub, serving as the entry point for most visitors. Major domestic and international carriers also have flights from the U.S. mainland to Maui and the Big Island, but for the most part, travelers need to connect through Oahu to get to the neighbor islands.
Nonstop flight time to Honolulu from San Francisco and Los Angeles is approximately 5 1/2 hours, while nonstop flight time from Chicago is about eight hours, and from New York about 10 hours.
Interisland hopping is done on interisland airlines, primarily Hawaiian Airlines, known for its good customer service. Mokulele Airlines is another option. Other airlines provide service, some using small planes. Flying in a small aircraft can be a bumpy ride.
2. Land
Each main island has a system of state highways. Travel can be slow due to narrow roads and congestion in populated areas. Taxis are available at airports, hotels, and major shopping malls. Using taxi stands and calling for pickups by phone or via the hotel concierge is the norm rather than hailing a cab.
3. Car Rentals
Car rental companies have service desks located at airports and hotels. Visitors traveling to more than one island should consider booking with one rental agency throughout their stay. Handling interisland reservations as one rental allows visitors to take advantage of weekly rates and other benefits.
Renters must have a valid driver’s license, credit card, and be at least 25 years old. When booking, ask about discounted rates for senior citizens, corporate travelers, families, and large groups.
Gasoline costs, while nowhere near the prices charged in Europe, are significantly more expensive in Hawaii than on the mainland. Drivers on Oahu should expect to pay about 10 percent more than the prevailing rate at home. Neighbor island prices can be as much as 10-15 percent above that.
Cell phone laws are strictly enforced. No electronic handheld devices may be used while driving. This includes phones and cameras. Holding a phone at a stoplight or while paused with the engine running is considered a violation and cause for a ticket. Fines vary from island to island.
4. Other Ground Transportation
Kauai, Oahu, Maui, and Hawaii have public bus systems. Routes, schedules, and fares are available on the Internet. Molokai and Lanai have no municipal bus services. Many resorts provide shuttle transportation within limited areas. The hotel concierge or front desk personnel can provide information. Bicycles, scooters, and Segway rentals are also available.
5. By Sea
Several cruise lines sail to Hawaii from the mainland. Voyages are available throughout the year and at a variety of prices. Passengers can choose to depart from San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Vancouver.
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is the only line that offers around-island cruises from Honolulu. Its passengers fly to and from the islands and spend more of their vacation in Hawaii with no days crossing the Pacific.
Currently passenger ferry services operate between Molokai and Maui and between Lanai and Maui although neither service takes vehicles.
SPECIAL OFFER:
If you have Premium Access, this online course is available as an included benefit in your Premium Access Lounge. Additionally, The Travel Institute is offering this course FREE to everyone else throughout December. Hawaii is sure to be a high-demand destination when the pandemic eases and travel demand is finally unleashed. Until then, take your own virtual vacation now and learn all Hawaii has to offer! Enroll today!
