Diane has ten years of experience as a travel advisor. As an advisor, she has won numerous travel vendor awards. Her formula includes cultivating a clientele with her knowledge, patience, and outstanding customer service.
Diane loves the exhilaration of piecing together the perfect tailored trip for you and your group. Her favorite motto is, “If you are going to make memories, make them the best you can!”
Specialties: Hawaii, Florida, Mexico, and all cruises. She loves to plan for any size party and honeymoons are a favorite.
Since one of Diane’s specialties is Hawaii, we sat down with her to discuss the islands as a vacation destination. We asked some of the top questions about travel for families and seniors. We even asked some questions about the South Pacific. Here are Diane’s great tips:
TPI: What are some special Hawaiian activities for families?
Diane: Snorkel trips tend to accommodate most ages for a family day on the water. All the islands have fantastic sea life to see, and the water is so clear it feels like you are swimming in an aquarium.
Luau Dinners at the hotels are a fantastic way to learn about the native stories of the islands through unique dance and spoken words. And the food is delicious! On Oahu, you can take a trip to the Polynesian Village to learn about the natives and their way of life.
There are many sightseeing and adventure tours available. I can help you book the perfect sightseeing excursion in Hawaii or the South Pacific. Some families prefer to do a self-driving tour of the islands, and smartphone apps make an ideal guide.
For families with older kids, there are many tours and adventurous things to do on each island. Active families can take a kayak trip and swim with wild dolphins or turtles, or bike down from Haleakala on Maui after seeing the sunrise. Hiking is plentiful everywhere, and most trails are relatively easy.
Relaxing on the beaches is also a great way to spend a lazy day away from work. Most beaches have snorkeling from the shore, so pack your snorkel gear! Some of the islands have different colors of sand and unique views. For a bucket list beach day, ask me about favorites.
TPI: What about seniors? What is your advice for seniors who want to travel to Hawaii?
Diane: Many tours will escort you around an island so you can sit back and relax as you enjoy the beautiful scenery. If you prefer to drive independently, download an app to guide you or get a Frommer’s Hawaii book from Amazon or your favorite bookstore.
Seniors can also get out on the water for a day for a sightseeing or snorkeling tour. I can help you choose the perfect excursion or best option for your activity level. A romantic sunset sail will steal your hearts!
A luau is fun for all ages!
Seniors may consider a cruise to the islands to see all the beauty but not have to pack/unpack, fly, and change locations.
TPI: Why should travelers work with a travel advisor to plan Hawaii vacation?
Diane: An agent will know the areas, hotels, condos, and tours more tailored to your needs.
Hawaii is expensive, but there are various properties in each budget range. A good advisor can find those for you. I always suggest staying in a condo. It’s accessible to the grocery shop and the kitchen in the condo. Save your money for nice dinners at local restaurants.
If anything should happen on vacation, an advisor will help in any way possible, taking the stress off your shoulders so you can enjoy the holiday.
TPI: How do I travel between islands, and can you help plan a multi-island adventure?
Diane: One way to see all the islands in one trip is a cruise. Many options include sailing from California roundtrip or even a more extended voyage including Hawaii and other areas like Tahiti or Australia. You typically get a day on each island, tasting what the unique port offers. It is an excellent way to sample Hawaii. Then, you can return for a longer land stay on your favorite island on future vacations.
A favorite is a day trip from Maui to Lanai, but, unfortunately, there is no overnight option.
The only other way to get from island to island is by airline. There are many daily flights, and usually, inter-island flights are not expensive. I often get asked about a ferry between islands, but there is no ferry that goes between the islands for passengers.
I have put together many multi-island trips. Here are my suggestions:
7 days – 2 islands
10 days – 3 islands
14 days – 4 to 5 islands
TPI: What Hawaiian “street foods” should not be missed?
Diane: On any island, go to a local small restaurant that serves “plate lunch.” The special is usually 2-3 choices of authentic local food that is so authentic you will want to move to Hawaii just for the food.
Poke is another favorite and is made the best in the islands. Remember to try the Mai Tai!!
TPI: Tell us about an adventure you have planned for clients to French Polynesia.
Diane: In Moorea, I booked an underwater dive trip with a biologist for a group. They had a fantastic time and learned so much about the surroundings they felt would not have been available with any tour.
TPI: Often, Tahiti is a Bucket List adventure. Is Tahiti suitable for senior travelers?
Diane: It can be suitable for any age. Depending on your activity level, a good advisor can always find what you seek. An over-the-water bungalow will bring out the child in anyone!
Seniors may consider a cruise through the islands. A cruise lets you enjoy your vacation and only unpack once. You still get to enjoy the islands without the work of moving to each island. There are lots of cruise lines offering many itineraries.
Thank you, Diane, for all the great insights and information!
