Hawaii Travel Gives Los Angeles a Taste of Aloha

Other posts by MudslideMama

Hawaii CVB's Michael Ni

Hawaii CVB's Michael Ni

Guess who came to town last week? Some of my favorite people in the travel and tourism industry, the Hawaii CVB. These are some of the friendliest, most down-to-earth folk you’ll find (wonder how they’ll survive in Los Angeles…), and they’re here to promote travel to the islands of Hawaii. There were a few local journos I’ve met before at this media event, as well as Jessica from the Big Island, and John, Nathan, Darlene and Michael from Oahu.

During the reception, we listened to Joan Namkoong discuss local cuisine and its many international influences – including Russian sturgeon, which surprised me. That explained the caviar that showed up later, at dinner. George Kahumoku, a Grammy-award winner, entertained us with music and hilarious tales if his life on Maui – including the time he flooded the top floors of the Westin Maui in Ka’anipali.

The Mayors of Hawaii, plus John M.

The Mayors of Hawaii, plus John M.

Most surprising guests of all? All four mayors of Hawaii! These four – mayors of Kauai, Oahu, Big Island, and Maui/Lanai/Molokai, were a blast. I sat with the mayor of Kauai, who led a couple tables in a rousing rendition of “I Can’t Get No Satisfaction.” Clearly, these are NOT shy politicians.

The purpose of this, and similar upcoming events in Portland and Seattle, is naturally to promote Hawaii tourism. Vacations usually get cut from personal budgets during recessions, and the ripple effect is obvious; travel dollars boost the Hawaiian economy and employ thousands of people. But a Hawaiian vacation does more than that. I got just a glimpse of the positive spirit of aloha during this dinner, but it brought back memories of the culture of camaraderie prevalent on the islands. Family vacations and romantic getaways to Hawaii may have different intentions, but they are similar in that the unpretentious, casual and friendly pull of the islands. Be it Maui, Big Island, Kauai or even quiet Lanai, a vacation in Hawaii creates happy memories to last a lifetime. Even in a worrisome economy, it’s an experience worth every penny.

Coconut Macadamia Nut Tart, Kona Coffee Panna Cotta

Coconut Macadamia Nut Tart, Kona Coffee Panna Cotta

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September 9, 2009 | Filed Under Adventure Travel, Culinary Travel, Destinations, Travel News 

Comments

12 Responses to “Hawaii Travel Gives Los Angeles a Taste of Aloha”

  1. Amy @ The Q Family says:
    September 9, 2009 at

    Hawaii is definitely on my top ten list. And with such a great people there, who can resist? :)

  2. Nathan Kam says:
    September 9, 2009 at

    Aloha Mudslidemama! It was great catching up with you last week. We survived LA. ;-) Keep in touch and hope to find you again in our Islands soon. Until then…

    A hui hou,
    Nathan

  3. Michael says:
    September 9, 2009 at

    Awesome post! The people of Hawaii hearts you. With that pic of you and me, I’m famous now :)

  4. Sensei J. Richard Kirkham B.Sc. says:
    September 10, 2009 at

    I used to live in ILL and moved to Hawaii over 11 years ago. Married a local girl and got a great son out of it as well.

    Hawaii beats ILL hands down in scenerey and though I love people from ILL, in friendliness as well

    Rick

  5. Jessica Ferracane says:
    September 10, 2009 at

    Hui, Mudslide Mama!
    I LOVE Los Angeles — especially that gorgeous billboard of a breaching humpback whale off Hawaii, ha! It was wonderful to see you, and I have to agree that Hawaii’s mayors are not shy and they are talented! See you soon I hope, on the BIG Island.
    cheers,
    jessica

  6. qobear says:
    September 10, 2009 at

    I finally decided to write a comment on your blog. I just wanted to say good job. I really enjoy reading your posts.

    thanks… dude… :D

  7. jessiev says:
    September 15, 2009 at

    what fun! i can’t WAIT to get to hawaii. it looks like we’ll have plenty of friends to make, too. thanks!

  8. jamie says:
    September 15, 2009 at

    It absolutely cracks me up that persuading people to come to Hawaii is a JOB. Twist my arm! Okay, I’ll come!

  9. Emerald says:
    September 21, 2009 at

    From your picture I think Hawai is so interesting !!!

  10. Phi Phi says:
    October 11, 2009 at

    I will go to Hawai!

  11. besttrendsshop says:
    November 6, 2009 at

    Very nice list, thank you.Very nice list, thank you.

  12. trekking in himalaya says:
    November 20, 2009 at

    thank you guy, really it’s very nice

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