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.