Hawaiian Airlines today released its attempt to educate Hawaii visitors on safely and responsibly visiting the islands. It will also be introduced as an in-flight video before landing, starting next week. You can watch the video now, however, before stepping on board.
Hawaiian crewmembers and a Hawaiian cultural practitioner share their wisdom on various topics from protecting the environment, endangered species, safety in the ocean and on-land, and community and cultural suggestions.
Hawaiian Airlines Senior VP, Avi Mannis said, “we’ve served as Hawai’i’s hometown carrier for over nine decades, and as residents of this special place, we are proud to welcome our guests with valuable information that will enrich their experience on the islands while helping protect Hawaii’s natural resources and our way of life.” As for why now, Mannis said, “over the last month we have heard from our community and employees calling for a video like this, and we listened.”
HTA president John De Fries, who is looking to change Hawaii tourism in a multitude of ways said, “We thank Hawaiian Airlines for taking a leadership role in educating visitors about how to respect and nurture our people and place, for the well-being of our communities throughout the state.”
De Fries, from Oahu, is the first Native Hawaiian to head the state’s HTA tourism arm. He indicated recently that he expects travel here to return to more normalcy, instead of huge swings in demand, once international travel resumes. The lack of competition is what has created this surge in demand he believes. And we’d add the built-up demand for leisure travel after a year and a half of isolation.
Does this video change anything about your Hawaii travels?
Great video! We just returned from a trip to Kauai where we saw plenty of folks that could have benefitted from watching this.
My one wish is that it was more specific about the distance people should allow between themselves and the endangered species, as it’s quite different for sea turtles and monk seals (and applies in the water as well as out.) I think it’s 10 feet for sea turtles and 50 for monk seals?
Just saying ‘keep your distance’ doesn’t provide enough info to really help people who don’t know. I’ve definitely seen people think that a couple of feet is enough, on their own, as well as seen snorkelers chasing sea turtles.
Also would be good for them to display the banned (and not yet banned but undesirable) sunscreen ingredients on the screen as they mention them.
Last, would be great if they could end with a website url that covers this info too…I think the state has one? If not they should 🙂
Wonderful! I hope people stop and think about the Impact that they have on Hawaii and respect the culture, the people and the land. We always fly Hawaiian. We always try to be respectful and remember, even as we make the move to our home there, that we are still just visitors.
Very nice video but the one little part about a Kapu sign needs to be expanded to show places where signs are flagrantly and regularly disregarded. I get the nice and gentle approach but some people need it spelled out. I am looking forward to a segment that says if you jump a fence and require emergency services you will be responsible for those services rendered. MAhalo, HAwaiian Airlines
Ditto kauaidoug, it’s true we must speak honestly and frankly when it comes to some ( including me) of our visitors who love ” to jump the fence?” and or hike the mountains, it costs every
firefighter and tax payer to “save”
you, from yourself? Don’t do it, enjoy yourself while you are in Hawaii? We enjoy everyone visiting, but, there are rules! And they need to be followed, or the life you lose, is your own, and nobody else’s life but yours and your family?
A-lo-HA Rita K
Beautiful video, and I agree 100%
Take care of Hawai’i and the beautiful people that live there, and you will have the best vacation of your life
I wouldn’t expect anything less from Hawaiian Airlines. This was a good video and I hope visitors will take it seriously. Now, the other airlines serving Hawaii need to follow suit and produce their own videos.
This video is long overdue. I hope at least the majority of your visitors are introduced to this well-made orientation.
Great love it should be longer more information
The more the better for Tourist
Aloha Rob and Jeff. Yes mahalo for the Hawaiian Air travel pono video. I certainly enjoyed it. Quick question. Is using the Clear pass only ok when arriving in Lihue? I have had a bit of trouble uploading my card on the Safe Travels site. I got Clear all squared away with the code. Will that do it for me to get through ok,?
Hi Debra.
Yes, that works for all of Hawaii – is approved by the state. You still need to use the Safe Travels website for uploading the Clear exemption and for your health questionnaire.
Aloha.
That was great and to the point! Thank you!!!
We always fly Hawaii Air even if it costs more. From the time you take your seat, you feel like your Hawaii experience has started. Great video. Mahalo for sharing.
Hi Tom.
Thank you too for that and your many comments.
Aloha.
Fantastic!
Excellent video. It’s all about respect and appreciating the natural beauty we all travel so far to see and enjoy! 🌸 we so look forward to our next visit and learning more about the beautiful islands and rich culture!
Nice video. We got to Maui yesterday. We’ve been here many times and we try to be decent tourists. We are going to participate in the Marine Debris Collection Day on Sat. Sept. 18th with the Pacific Whale Foundation. We found that there are a lot more food trucks to choose from. We appreciate the tram from the airport to the rental car facility.
We have always felt that we were helping fellow Americans by coming here and spending our money, rather than go to Jamaica or Bahamas, etc where they are nice to your face but they just want your money. We love Hawaii. Mahalo
Hi Mary.
Good good to hear from you. Enjoy your time on Maui!
Aloha.
I liked the video and no it doesn’t change how I’ll visit. It’s how we travel to the islands (anywhere really). We do see tourists behaving badly and it’s sad really. I think it’s part of the entitlement and “me first“ culture that seems so prevalent. Hopefully this video will give some to be more mindful and that would be a good thing!
A few people really do ruin it for the majority. I love snorkeling and always try to pick garbage out of the water when I see it. I find so many pieces of lego in there I can almost build a house.
This is how all people should think about the environment both in Hawaii and at where ever they call home.
Wonderful video.
Mahalo Guys
A “must watch” for ALL flights into Hawai’i!
“We thank Hawaiian Airlines for taking a leadership role in educating visitors about how to respect and nurture our people and place, for the well-being of our communities throughout the state.”
What a joke.
I have seen the 8 burned out cars on the way to Lahaina. Tourists didn’t do that.
I have seen the sheer amount of homeless and trash strewn all over Wailuku, Kahuluhi, and Lahaina. Tourists didn’t do that.
I have seen a restaurant in Maui tell locals the wait was 15 minutes. But when the white couple asked, it was a 40 minute wait. Tourists should be taught to respect the culture
As a Native Hawaiian, it sickens me to be lectured about Aloha, aina, and malama-lama-ding dongs. Hawaii and the Hawaiians need to clean their own house, before blaming/lecturing/educating tourists.
I agree. Tourists don’t abandon vehicles. It seems to have gotten worse in the past few years. I do hope people keep it beautiful.
I practice all that was explained. I live in Kona part time and want to see the islands keep their beauty and culture.
Thank you for posting this video. Very informative and a reminder for all.
I think this video should have been in place years ago. But, it’s here now and I sure hope people learn from it.
Mahalo
Hi Renae.
Thanks for your feedback on that new campaign.
Aloha.
That was one of the best depictions of what makes Hawaii (and Hawaiian) special that I have ever seen.
Fantastic, the beauty and Aloha of our the islands still lives and will survive these times!
Much needed for when people come to our home.
More importantly other airlines (especially SWA) need to follow suit so we have less instances that we had this past summer.
I’m tired of hearing the “I didn’t know” excuse.
Chris, that’s why I always try and fly on Hawaiian….the money spent on a ticket goes back to Hawaii and supports Hawaii…..as you said about SWA, that ticket money goes back to their HQ in Texas
Mahalo for that
I second this thought!
Mahalo for that