On our newest Hawaii Vacations Connection Podcast Aloha Bruce and Yaling Fisher (Aloha Yaling) talk about some important things for visitors to consider if you have hopes for a Hawaii vacation. The COVID-19 global pandemic has virtually shut down travel to Hawaii.

Bruce calls the current COVID-19 situation in Hawaii “surreal”. Yaling agrees, noting that the only thing that comes close to the kind of disruption the Aloha State is currently experiencing was when she arrived in the US in the days that followed the 9/11 attacks that shut the nation down. Our hosts agree that the global pandemic is worse in terms of its impact on Hawaii’s travel, accommodations, dining, and retail industries.

Bruce says a big difference between the two emergencies is that there is no telling when the current situation will pass. He and Yaling note the statewide “stay at home” order currently in effect. They encourage people to rebook when possible, instead of simply canceling a Hawaii vacation.

Bruce notes that June bookings are on the rise, as visitors are expecting current conditions to continue at least through May. He also says that hotel inventory for June is filling fast and that it is smarter to book Hawaii travel later this year sooner than later. Bruce says From August on might be the best, most prudent time to book a Hawaii vacation.

Our hosts note that all incoming air passengers to Hawaii are required to quarantine for 14 days. Bruce expects demand for Hawaii vacations to spike considerably once the COVID-19 pandemic begins to wane. This is why booking well in advance is the smartest approach to planning a Hawaii vacation.

The subject turns to the importance of having an “old school” travel agency like Hawaii Aloha Travel. Many online services are overwhelmed with customer concerns and unable to respond in any meaningful way. Our hosts talk about how Hawaii Aloha Travel provides travel protections in the event that cancellations are necessary.

Bruce talks about a customer with a Hawaii travel date of May 6. He and Yaling suggest rescheduling. Bruce says that efforts to provide rebooking options are the most significant he’s ever seen. He also notes that planning a Hawaii vacation online involves a whole lot more than a few simple clicks and a credit card number. Our hosts talk about the “behind-the-scenes” things that take place during a Hawaii vacation, and how Hawaii Aloha Travel provides personal service from local experts.

Aloha Bruce and Yaling talk about some of the kinds of questions they’re getting from customers and the importance of being flexible when it comes to rescheduling a Hawaii vacation. Bruce reminds listeners that the situation in Hawaii is incredibly fluid, and that daily visitor arrivals in Hawaii have plummeted to 3,000 per day, and during normal times those numbers can average 50,000 per day. Bruce says that most of those 3,000 arrivals are returning residents. The topic turns to the numerous hotel closures in effect until April 30. Aloha Bruce and Yaling name some of the affected properties and notes the density of certain Hawaii resort properties.

Bruce says that Hawaii Aloha Travel will be doing more frequent Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcasts because of the quickly changing Hawaii travel situation. “And we’ve got a lot of time on our hands!” he jokes, speaking of the stay-at-home order currently in effect in the Aloha State.

Aloha Bruce encourages listeners to contact Hawaii Aloha Travel to book a Hawaii vacation (with travel protections!) months from now into 2021.