I was chosen as one of the 150 top producing Hawaii travel advisers and visited the Big Island. Rich in history and spectacular nature sites. This was the 3rd Annual Hawaii Travel Exchange and I was invited the past 3 years in a row. This educational program is one on one meetings with Hawaii suppliers. My favorite meeting was with the Activities & Attractions Association. Learning to sell experiences!! Luau's, tours, nature & the Hawaiian History. I stayed at the Royal Kona & the Mauna Lani Bay.
Last year's Hawaii Travel Exchange was held on the island of Maui. The Hawaii Travel Exchange, presented by Travel Agent and Luxury Travel Advisor magazines brings 140 pre-selected agents to Hawaii annually. I visited several properties including; Grand Wailea Resort, Four Seasons, Fairmont Kea Lani, Hyatt Regency Maui, Ritz at Kapalua and one of my all-time favorites, The Royal Lahaina.
To me, Maui means romantic and true Hawaii feeling. Maui is known for its sunsets, upscale resorts, agriculture such as the Lavender fields.
I also visited Kauai! Hawaii’s island of discovery! The natural beauty of Kauai is sure to entice anyone who visits this truly fascinating island. Families, couples, honeymooners and especially those seeking adventure will be completely satisfied with all that Kauai has to offer. Kauai is complete with waterfalls, endless gardens, great beaches, fabulous sunsets, and sea life that will amaze you. Humpback whales are visible Jan-May and sea turtles and spinning dolphins seem to be there to entertain you. There are endless activities on Kauai including kayaking, zip line tours, catamaran snorkel tours, movie tours, whale watching and did I mention golf?
The 1st two nights of the Kauai destination specialist program I stayed at the ever popular Sheraton Kauai. The Sheraton is very inviting hotel with excellent service and comfort that any Starwood property has to offer. There were many honeymooners and families here. They offer a great beach, fine dining, a small pool and a great view of the sunsets that Kauai has to offer. The Sheraton is also part of the Monk Seal endangerment program where they get guests involved in helping to save this dying creature. I was lucky enough to have a fellow monk seal come up on shore during my stay and was able to learn and see them up front. The Sheraton also participates in the movies under the stars where 1 night a week they show a modern film out on the beach under the stars. They also have a luau 2 nights a week right on the property. The Sheraton is a deluxe property I would recommend to anyone.
The ever luxury Princeville Resort up in the north shore of Kauai is soon to become the St. Regis collections Princeville Resort. The word luxury says it all! This hotel caters to couples many who are vacationing for a special anniversary. The phenomenal views of the mountains and beach are great at this resort. Princeville is also well known for their golf and has renowned awards for their courses. They are even adding a new spa to be completed in 2008!
The last two nights of our program I stayed at the only air-conditioned condo in all of Kauai the new and fascinating Outrigger Waipouli Resort. These condos consist of mostly 2 bedroom brand very modern facilities with all the latest appliances. This resort is located on the east side of Kauai and is on a great walking beach however not a great swimming beach for it is very rocky and a ton of reefs. They offer a swimming pool complete with waterslide, a beachside bar and they are building a restaurant to be complete in fall 2007. I would recommend this property to those looking to stay for a long length of time or 2 couples traveling together. There is a food store across to street to shop to fill your gourmet kitchen.
Whether you are looking for adventure, romance, or fun family filled vacation Kauai has a ton of great things to offer to everyone. I look forward to assisting you on your next trip to KAUAI!
