The important point of “traveling pono”, with respect and a sense of responsibility to the community, is the topic Aloha Bruce of the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. Bruce notes some cautious loosening of gathering restrictions by officials and maintains that visitors should keep their Hawaii vacation plans in place.

“Things are so much better now than they were!” says Bruce. Things are going smoothly and quickly with the Hawaii Safe Travels Program with due diligence. “Do your homework on this. Or call us!”

The podcast moves to the concept of traveling “pono”. Bruce describes an info-educational video presentation all overseas Hawaii air arrivals are shown on their incoming flights. At the end of the video, our host says, talks about simple concepts like not littering, not harassing wildlife, minding ocean safety awareness, hiking safety, and other common-sense approaches to traveling anywhere (but especially in Hawaii).

Visitors shouldn’t have to be expected to be historians, Bruce says. “But I don’t think it’s really too much to ask that you understand” that Hawaii is unique in its native and multicultural history. “These places are sacred!”

Bruce breaks down some of what has caused a backlash against Hawaii tourism by residents as the COVID pandemic continues, or “what really pisses off locals”. He notes social media pages and feeds that highlight residential parking hassles and other behaviors by visitors that are otherwise rare in our neighborhoods, in our gathering places, and on our roads. Bruce pulls out the stops.

Our host gets into detail about the approach of Hawaii tourism industry players and officials to the future. Bruce also explains the demands and expectations of Hawaii visitors in the market, such as it is.

Bruce shares a recent booking with a family from a Boston family who will be able to enjoy a two-island Hawaii vacation over Christmas (Kauai and Oahu). “You may want to consider it.”

“Keep in mind the little things,” Bruce says. Residents got comfortable with empty roads and beaches and hiking trails. It’s important to be mindful. “Meanwhile, we love tourists here! We want you here.” There’s a vocal subset of anti-tourism people in Hawaii who have found traction on social media. They are not representative of the vast majority here.

Bruce also makes the point that all of Hawaii Aloha Travel’s agents and employees are current and longtime residents of the Aloha State. “They wouldn’t be here if they didn’t love this place!”

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