Doing The Hawai’ian Hula

with Martha Chapman

On a
blustery, rainy night, there’s nothing like being greeted by a very handsome, extremely
bare-chested man who insists on draping a necklace around your neck.

Sadly, I was
not the only person at the Hawai’i Tourism Aloha Canada event enjoying such hospitality
from dancer Sam Moe, visiting from Oahu. All 200 guests at the event, held near YYZ at the Congress Centre,
received such a hello.  And Sam was just
one of 22 in the delegation who had come from Hawai’i to spread a little warmth
(and product knowledge) from the tropical islands.

First there
was an hour-long trade show featuring the 17 supplier partners including
airlines, tour operators and hotels. And later an island-by-island update full
of meaty info, a generous buffet dinner and, of course, hula dance lesson break.

Some of the interesting things we learned about the “big
island” of Hawai’i included:

• It features more oceanfront golf holes than any island in the Pacific
• Clients can do night diving with manta rays (cool!)       
• Visiting kids can become Junior Rangers in the National Parks (but
  they have to promise to be the best Junior Ranger they can be)
• Helicopter rides? You have the
  option of doors on. Or off.
• Adventure seekers can kayak through canals which were once irrigation
  ditches on sugar plantations

And about sister island Kaua’i?

• Not true that there’s “nothing to do”: there’s tons for the client
  who loves the great outdoors. But nightlife is definitely on the quiet side.
• Your clients can rappel down a waterfall, go mountain tubing or take
  a zodiac tour into sea caves
• Ziplining is so popular there are six companies, one featuring a run
  over 1,200 meters long. Yup.
• No buildings are allowed higher than the tallest palm (i.e. 4
  storeys)
• Dog-loving clients can check out a canine for a day from the local
  humane society which will provide towels for the car and a map of
  doggie-friendly spots – and tips on how to adopt, which several Canadians have
  done. 

Yes there are no all-inclusives in Hawaii. And yes the dollar is a factor. But as Vision
agent Elaine Higgins, who goes to Kaua’I every year told me, “Everybody has
Hawaii on their bucket list.”  And, I
have to agree, for a good reason. Hula on!

Jennifer Rivard and Ed Day, repping Walt Disney Aulani Resort