WHAT’S NEW ON O‘AHU AND WITHIN THE INDUSTRY
Help Protect Our Marine Neighbors: Give Waikīkī’s Monk Seal Pup Space!

As peak Hawaiian monk seal pupping season continues, a new monk seal pup was recently born at sunset on Kaimana Beach in Waikīkī this pass May 3rd and wildlife officials note that the mother and pup are becoming much more active on the shoreline and in the water.

Please remind your guests and visitors to keep a respectful distance.  How you can help:

  • Share the 150-Foot Rule: Remind guests to stay at least 150 feet (50 yards) away from the mother and pup pair, both on land and in the water.
  • Respect Barriers: Advise visitors to stay behind any temporary fencing, cones, or signs set up by Marine Response teams.
  • Recommend Alternate Beaches: Suggest guests swim or surf at alternative locations during this critical 5-to-7-week nursing window to avoid dangerous encounters.
  • Report Sightings: Remind staff and guests to report monk seal sightings to the NOAA Marine Wildlife Hotline at (888) 256-9840.
  • Report illegal or suspicious activity to (800) 853-1964, (808) 643-DLNR (3567), or the DLNRTip App. Email detailed photos and videos to respectwildlife@noaa.gov.

Protective mother seals can be aggressive if they feel threatened, so giving them space ensures a safe, unforgettable vacation for our guests and a healthy start for this endangered pup!

 

TRAVEL TRADE & SALES
O‘ahu Destination Travel Trade Training

The O‘ahu Visitors Bureau (OVB) continues to deliver O‘ahu destination training and one-on-one travel trade appointments at key international and domestic events. Recent and upcoming activities include:

  • HTO Month of Lei – 4-8 May.
  • Webinar Highgate Hawai‘i/ Pixie Travel: O‘ahu 101 & Destination Updates – 12 May
  • HTK Trade FAM - Kaua‘i 11-13 May; O‘ahu 13-16 May
  • IPW – 17-22 May
  • NorCal/Pacific Northwest – 1-4 June
  • Romance Travel Forum – 15-18 June

 

MARKETING, MESSAGING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS
Public Relations Events and Hosting Media to Elevate O‘ahu’s Visibility

  • May 11:  Virtual Media Blitz – O‘ahu Day total of 6 media appointments

Upcoming Visiting Media

  • Sharael Kolberg, May 18-25 (Maui & O‘ahu) Travel & Leisure
  • HTCan: Helen Hatzis, May 29-June 5 (TripJaunt)
  • HTK:  PR FAM with Major Dailies, June 10-14 (O‘ahu & Maui)
  • HTCan:  Influencer FAM, June (O‘ahu)         

 

Recent O‘ahu Public Relations Highlights & Coverage
“900 Years of Regenerative Agriculture”