Northstar

34 | www.travelweekly-asia.com DESTINATION Hawaii Japan leads the surge in Hawaii visitor spending Led by its four major feeder markets, Hawaii saw year-over-year gains in total visitors and visitor spending through the first three quarters of 2017. Spending from visitors increased 7% to more than US$12.5 billion. Total arrivals increased 5% to just over seven million visitors. The Aloha State's four major source markets - US West, US East, Japan and Canada - drove the gains, each turning in double-digit percentage bumps in spending over the same period last year. Japan led the way with an 11% rise in spending through three quarters. In September, Japan Airlines relaunched daily flights between Tokyo and Kona for the first time in seven years. Outrigger reflagging Waikiki Beachcomber Outrigger Hotels and Resorts will renovate and rebrand Hawaii's Waikiki Beachcomber, currently a Holiday Inn. The 496-room hotel, already owned and managed by Outrigger, will be renamed the Waikiki Beachcomber by Outrigger next February. Outrigger will put US$25 million into renovations to make it more upscale. Opened in 1970, the hotel will play up its Hawaiian heritage with carved wood, rope art and blue hues that evoke the Pacific Ocean. As winter settles across much of the U.S. mainland, Hawaii beckons travellers to a land of light and warmth. It's not just the state's weather that's ideal throughout the winter, which runs roughly from November to April. During that time, visitors to the Aloha State also can enjoy an array of activities, events and other lures that are distinctive to the destination. As more travellers have begun to discover the joys of Hawaii in the winter, clients are advised to book hotels and rental cars well in advance for trips during those months. While costs are generally higher then, the payoffs overshadow the price tag. Check out these reasons for heading to the islands for a winter getaway: #1 BIG WAVES Forget snowboarding. Hawaii's favourite sport during the winter months is surfing. Each year, professional wave riders head to the 50th state — especially Oahu's legendary North Shore — to challenge mammoth swells. Famous beaches such as Sunset and Ehukai are great spots for viewing the action. #2 FRESH PRODUCE Here in Hawaii, the growing and harvesting season never ends. Thanks to the destination's benevolent climate, winter visitors can buy a remarkable range of just-picked crops such as avocados, carrots, corn, eggplant, lychees, oranges, papayas, pineapples, tangerines and zucchini. Farmers' markets are in abundance, making it easy for clients to purchase perfectly ripe produce any day and month of the year. #3 OPTIMAL TEMPERATURES Hawaii delivers year-round warmth and sunshine. The average daytime high across the islands is 78 Here's why heading to the land of warmth and beaches might be a good idea during the winter months. By Marty Wentzel WINTER IN HAWAII: Perfect one day, glorious the next (if you don't mind a little rain) PHOTO CREDIT: BICHO.RARO/GETTY IMAGES degrees, ideal for activities by land and sea. The only caveat: Hawaii gets more rain from November to April than the rest of the year. #4 SPECIAL EVENTS Hawaii kicks off winter with island- style holiday happenings such as Honolulu City Lights on Oahu, the Waimea Christmas Twilight Parade on Kauai and Kailua's Lighted Boat Parade on Hawaii Island. Athletic clients gravitate to Hawaii to participate in winter challenges such as the Xterra Trail Run World Championship and Honolulu Marathon, both held in December. #5 WHALE WATCHING Every winter, visitors can spot whales in Hawaii's warm waters. The Auau Channel between west Maui, Lanai and Molokai is a favourite for humpbacks breeding, calving and nursing their young. On any island, clients can book boat tours that bring them closer to the action. PHOTO CREDIT: CREDIT: BENNYMARTY/GETTYIMAGES Hawaiian surfer Kilauea volcano scenic flight

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