On this edition of the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast, Aloha Bruce discusses recent policy changes due to a major, record spikes in daily COVID cases, hospitalizations, and deaths in recent weeks due to the Delta variant surge. Bruce says that if you’d asked him a year ago if we’d be at this point, “I’d be telling you you’re crazy!” He then moves on and talks about the benefits taking organized Hawaii tours our touring on your own.

Aloha Bruce notes that Oahu Mayor Rick Blangiardi today announced a 28-day ban cancelling large gatherings of over 25 people, although it remains unclear if luaus are affected. Bruce says Governor Ige is discouraging people from visiting demand due to the Delta surge. Bruce says he is not discouraging clients and friends from coming to Hawaii because you are more likely to have a better experience with fewer people here.

Hawaii has been unable to meet demand, Bruce says, and overcrowding has been a problem throughout the state. He explains that visitors should plan to get out and explore the islands outdoors. It’s difficult to predict outcomes months from now. He discusses the importance of getting travel protections in the event of the unexpected, and says Hawaii Aloha Travel is able to offer those vital protections.

Bruce mentions Hawaii’s vaccination rate and the current push to encouraging the unvaccinated to get the vaccine.

The podcast turns to booking Hawaii Tours tours for attractions like Haleakala and the Road to Hana on Maui. Bruce says that tours work best for some, while others are better suited to heading out on their own. The same applies for the volcano tours on the Big Island and Waimea Canyon on Kauai.

Bruce says certain activities like the Na Pali Coast on Kauai are unavailable without a tour for most non-expert hikers and outdoorspeople. The priority for activity planning during a Hawaii vacation is paramount. Sometimes HAT recommends tours, sometimes not. Some Kauai activities require a tour, or paid activity, like horseback riding and ATV rides.

Booking tours and full itineraries are a specialty at HAT, and Bruce talks about mapping out “bucket list” activities with vacationing families. He says that some people don’t want to do a lot of driving during their Hawaii vacation, and tours are the best option. Finding your own way around Hawaii’s attractions can be difficult, Bruce says, and careful planning will help you check off more items from your bucket list. He notes a recent couple HAT worked with who had such a good time that they are already planning activities and tours for their next Hawaii vacation.

Hawaii Aloha Travel knows best! Check out our Secret Hawaii Tours (Oahu and Kauai) sister site for specialty Hawaii 5-0 and Aloha Plate food tours, guided by Hawaii’s most knowledgeable residents.