PUBLIC RELATIONS & COMMUNICATIONS

Media eNewsletter: The O‘ahu Visitors Bureau’s quarterly media eNewsletter, News, Updates & Aloha From O‘ahu, communicates O‘ahu’s current regenerative tourism direction, Mālama Hawai‘i news, and updates on visitor experiences and tourism products to our U.S. media and to our HTA GMTs to disseminate to their respective market media.

  • O‘ahu Visitors Bureau distributed its DMAP, Regenerative Tourism Updates on O‘ahu, release to local and national media, local PR partners, and GMTs on January 17.
  • O‘ahu Visitors Bureau is working on gathering submissions for its Q1 News, Updates and Aloha From O‘ahu release, which is slated for distribution in early February. Please send your latest updates and/or releases to Kalei Kaaialii (kalei.kaaialii@finnpartners.com).

 

Visiting Media: The O‘ahu Visitors Bureau continues to vet and support media visits that will translate to stories that impact visitors, residents, and the industry positively. The O‘ahu Visitors Bureau hosted the following media:

  • For 2024, the O‘ahu Visitors Bureau continues to vet and schedule media visits, which will produce stories that positively impact visitors, residents, and the industry.

 

TRAVEL TRADE & SALES

The O‘ahu Visitors Bureau is working closely with HVCB and the other Island Visitors Bureaus to align and prepare for sales activities in 2024.

 

INTERNATIONAL ACTIVITIES & SUPPORT

Global Marketing Team (GMT) Support. The Oʻahu Visitors Bureau, along with the other Island Chapters, assist the HTA GMTs with guidance and expertise on each island. The Oʻahu Visitors Bureau provided support for the following programs:

  • Public Relations/Media
  • Working with partners on Tatler Asia media visit.
  • Travel Trade & Sales
  • Prepared and provided O‘ahu Destination presentation slides to HTEurope for training of UK team.

 

UPCOMING TRAVEL TRADE & SALES (JAN – MAR)

  • Webinar: Skystone Travel Club Virtual Event | Feb. 13
  • Travel Agent Forum: Las Vegas, NV | Mar. 24 – Mar. 27

 

OTHER AREAS

O‘ahu Destination Action Plan (DMAP):

  • The Oʻahu Visitors Bureau continues to work on various DMAP projects with HTA, City & County of Honolulu, community, and industry stakeholders.

 

O‘ahu’s Upcoming Events:

  • Zippy’s Hawaiian Language Classes | February 2, 3 & 4, 2024

Zippy’s will offer in-person Hawaiian language classes taught by Kumu Jonah Kahanuola Solatorio on O‘ahu in celebration and honor of Mahina ‘Ōlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian Language Month) in Pepeluali (February). These introductory classes will be hosted at Zippy’s Vineyard and Makiki on select days and cover Hawaiian language basics, such as grammar, pronunciation, and sentence structures. For partners in Las Vegas, the new Zippy’s Las Vegas (4590 S. Hualapai Way) will also offer classes on select days. As an industry partner, Zippy’s continues to support the normalization, preservation, and perpetuation of the Hawaiian language through these efforts. Space is limited; register online today.

 

  • Lōkahi Spring World Music Festival | February 14 & 25, 2024
    • , derived from the Hawaiian concept of harmony, forms the foundation for an exceptional musical journey at the inaugural Lōkahi Spring World Music Festival. This global music showcase on February 14 and 25 at the Hawai‘i Convention Center celebrates unity, diversity, and the transformative power of music. From classical to cultural, pop, and rock influences, the festival promises a dynamic and immersive multicultural experience, weaving a rich tapestry of musical genres in a harmonious celebration of togetherness. Celebrity artists include Tan Dun, Drum Tao, Siqing Lu, Wei Luo, and Zhengzhong Zhou. Get tickets online today!

 

Share this upcoming event with guests, visitors, and friends. For more information on packaging opportunities, connect with Dennis Suo from Hawai‘i Tourism China at dennis.suo@itravlocal.com or (808) 221-5831.

 

  • Kilohana Hula Show | February 15, 2024

Catch the premier of this new, free hula show at the iconic and historic Waikīkī Shell at 9:30 a.m. on February 15. Brought to Waikīkī by Kilohana by CNHA and directed by Kipe Ebana, Nā Kumu Hula Tracie, and Keawe Lopes, the show features 18 dancers from six award-winning halau, four musicians, and a chanter. After the debut, the Kilohana Hula Show will run Sundays through Thursdays from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. For your guests, the performances respect and bring authentic Hawaiian hula. Learn more online.

 

  • 40th Annual Hawai‘i Pacific Health Great Aloha Run | February 19, 2024

A tradition spanning over three decades, the Great Aloha Run is held annually on Presidents’ Day. The 8.15-mile route takes elite athletes and recreational runners alike along a scenic path from Aloha Tower to Aloha Stadium. Learn more and register online.

 

  • Hapalua Half Marathon | April 14, 2024

This annual 13.1-mile event starts in Waikīkī ends in Kapi‘olani Park, and it has a unique “chase” format, where top runners start behind and aim to catch up. Registered participants are routed along the scenic streets of Honolulu, passing landmarks and enjoying stunning views. There are no qualifications to enter, and runners and walkers are equally welcome. There is no time limit at the Hapalua. Learn more and register online.