Bee Travel
Hawaii still a hot destination
CHRISTINE HICKS- USTA Travel
Hawaii's "hahana," or as we say in English, "hot." Kilauea, located in Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island, has a new hot spot. Geologists are studying a recent explosion and a new lava "blob" (its "technical" name) in Halemaumau Crater, which had been dormant since 1982. Kilauea's summit crater was affected, and the National Park Service has closed selected trails for fear of further explosions. And then there's the dusty, brown smoke. The Halema'uma'u overlook and trails leading to it have been closed. These closures aren't enough to cancel your hiking plans in the park, but it may reroute you.

Speaking of smoke, a recent study just in indicates that Hawaii's nonsmoking law hasn't negatively impacted tourism to and in Hawaii. Tourism officials had been concerned that Japanese tourists, who commonly smoke and don't have such regulations at home, might reduce their trips to the islands. Evidently, Hawaii is still "smokin'" as a destination, regardless, at least in terms of demand.

Hawaii's cruise market is hahana, too - so hot that the Norwegian Cruise Line Pride of Hawaii has decided to end its interisland itineraries. Citing competition from other West Coast-based lines and itineraries, as well as its own growth, its U.S.-flagged ship is lowering its colors. It is undergoing some refurbishment and renovation before setting sail on a series of European itineraries, rechristened the Norwegian Jade. NCL's Pride of America continues to cruise Hawaii on its interisland itinerary, departing out of Honolulu. Nine other cruise lines serve the islands as well on intermittent itineraries: Carnival, Crystal, Royal Caribbean, Holland America, Cunard, Regent, Princess and Silversea.

There's been an uptick in demand for Hawaiian hotels for the first time since 2006, with Maui taking honors as the favorite island among travelers. This is no surprise to any of you who have visited the islands and stayed on Maui for any length of time. Wailea, south and west on the island, has emerged as the favored spot on Maui, its beaches the main attraction. While it's not really new, Wailea has overtaken Kaanapali and Lahaina in immediate popularity, at least according to a recent survey. Of course, it doesn't really matter where you stay on Maui. What matters is that you stay on Maui.

Hawaii flourishes as a convention destination and even commands the attention of the sports world. February's NFLPro Bowl in Honolulu, the Ironman Triathlon in October on Kona, and PGA tournaments on Oahu and Maui attract legions of fans each year, but who wouldn't use any excuse to come to Hawaii?

Except for the occasional volcanic eruption and even less-frequent typhoon, Hawaii is a placid paradise. And despite the tourists, it never feels crowded. Maybe that's because just around the bend is another beach, its hahana sands waiting for you. With moderately warm temperatures, miles of beach and a natural beauty unbounded, see for yourself why Hawaii is so hot.

(Christine Hicks-Usta has enjoyed more than 30 years of globe-trotting as a member of the travel industry. Direct questions to her at Bee Group Newspapers, P.O. Box 150, Buffalo, NY 14231-0150.)