New messages and videos intended to educate visitors about culture, safety and other aspects of “Travel Bono” are now being shown at airports across the state, including Kahului Airport on Maui.
Some messages offer reminders about protecting marine life, land safety, ocean health, proper parking, and awareness of surroundings especially in scenic areas.
This initiative is part of the Hawaii Tourism Authority’s Department of Community Destination Action Plans and its overall efforts to “stay connected with visitors at every stage of their travel journey”—from planning, in transit, upon arrival, and throughout their stay.
“Traditionally before the peak of the summer travel season, we do our best to get the right message across to our visitors so they can gain a better understanding of who we are as individuals and a place, and the responsibility we share in caring for our home,” said Kalani Kanana, Head of Brand HTA in a press release. Consistent offerings are frequently served to them through different media platforms, we hope over time to see a shift in how travelers interact with our communities and our home. We want them to leave this place better than when they arrived.”
HTA, in partnership with Hawai’i Tourism USA, Department of Transportation and Airports, and other agencies, displays a range of safety messages and educational videos in the baggage claim area and public areas at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in O’ahu and Līhu’e Airport in Kaua’i Kahului Airport in Maui, Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport in Keāhole, and Hilo International Airport on the island of Hawaii.
Among the educational pieces aimed at visitors is the Kuleana Travel Tips video series that covers key topics that guests should be aware of, including protecting marine life, culture, land safety, ocean health, ocean safety, and smart leasing. This part of the communications effort is delivered to visitors via social media and other online platforms.
“This form of post-access communication enables us to use geo-targeting technology to target postal codes with an above-average composition of visitors, as well as geolocation that identifies mobile devices within specific visitor hotspots on each island,” Kanaan said. . “So, we can continue to share our travel messages with the right people at the right time.”
These messages are also served to visitors on the island who use Waze, a popular navigation app that can be downloaded and used on mobile devices.
Recently as part of the Mālama Hawai’i series, HTA recently released “Hawai’i Is Our Home”, its latest video being shown to visitors on the island by targeting social media, reinforcing the mutual responsibility they have towards Malama Hawaii. Wildlife, Natural Resources and Society.
Airline partners including Air Canada, Air New Zealand, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, ANA, Hawaiian Airlines, Japan Airlines, Jetstar, Korean Air, Qantas, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, and WestJet show Malama Hawaii affiliate videos for HTA on domestic flights to Hawaii.
Hotel and activity partners also share videos with their guests before and after arrival, including 17 Palms Kaua’i, Expeditions Ferry, Hawai’i Wildlife Discovery Center, Hilton Waikīkī Beach, Hilton Waikoloa Village, Outrigger Hotels & Resorts, Prince Waikoki, and The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, Royal Hawaii, Sheraton Waikiki, Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa, The Westin Kakanapali Ocean Resort, Wildside Specialty Tours and more.
Proactive efforts continue to address the effects of tourism in hot spots across the state by implementing a three-year, island-specific Destination Management Action Plan.
Led by HTA, HTUSA, and Island Chapters, DMAPs are developed by residents of each island community, in partnership with provincial and island tourism leaders. The purpose of each community plan is to rebuild, redefine and reset the direction of tourism on their islands with renewable tourism at its core aiming to enhance the residents’ quality of life and improve the visitor experience.
Recently, the Department of Land and Natural Resources and the HTA announced that as of May 12, all out-of-state visitors are required to have advance reservations to enter the Lē’ahi – Diamond Head State Monument. Implementation of this system recognizes one of the most important priorities of the community as outlined in Oʻahu DMAP.
The Diamond Head State Monument is one of the most popular and visited attractions in Oʻahu with stunning views along the hiking trail. The new reservation system will mitigate the environmental impacts borne by foot traffic, reduce vehicular congestion in the park and nearby neighbourhoods, improve the experience of kamaʻāina and visitors enjoying the memorial, and help preserve this landmark for future generations.
Reservation systems are also found in Hanauma Bay Nature Reserve on O’ahu, Hā’ena State Park on Kaua’i, Haleakalā National Park, and Wai’ānapanapa State Park on Maui.
