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Flights into Hilo
#31
quote:
Originally posted by kalakoa

I travel frequently to the mainland for work during certain times of the year. I would hate to have to drive to Kona for flights.

I think of this as the "mainland travel surcharge" -- you're losing an extra 2-3 hours no matter what, but you get a choice of OGG, HNL, or driving Saddle Road...



Actually, several of my last few trips have been the direct flight to LAX from ITO, then on to the east coast.

Wahine
Wahine

Lead by example
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#32
"West coast travel surcharge", then.
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#33
Hilo DID have some top quality hotels & one resort...way before Waikaloa....but we have had rain...which is a turnoff to some vacationers - but not to one of the largest potential tourist markets...see article below...

In my mind, the largest set back we have had was in allowing the slum landlord that took over some of our better hotels to continue for as long as Hawaii County did....luckily some have stepped up to correct the wrongs he did, but Ken should never have been allowed to have such a stranglehold on the tourist properties here!

I do believe that with the investors that have put their money up & people willing to step up, Hilo can remain the 2nd city in Hawaii (btw: ITO will most likely remain, as Hilo is still a very important "port" for goods & services)

For those that may not know, for over a century the Kona side was the side with scary lava flows (just look at the area around Waikaloa, ya' think anyone would have thought "Tourist Destination" in the early 1800's?

Hilo has taken some scary hits over the last century+, starting with a lava flow, layered with a slew of every-decade-tsunamis & then another lava flow heading her way... It has been over 3 decades since anything big came towards Hilo...but there is a natural hesitancy after sooo much... but it is now easing up...only time will tell if more investment will come her way...
Article on correcting Kens legacy:
http://hawaiitribune-herald.com/sections...bloom.html
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#34
The market for has tourism changed in the last 15 years or - fewer travelers spending more money. Ecotourism on the rise as well - a different market dynamic evolving.

I see our area as an attractive area that can generate more tourist revenue if:

There is local consensus as to that is what we want - it would change the face of this quiet idyllic setting - very little of that left in the world - or US

And:

There is a will to invest some huge money in upscale world class resorts and an huge commitment to spending marketing / hotel subsidy /tax breaks dollars out of our tax base (to compete with places like costa rica )

first result of the rise in lava levels - more helicopters this morning - case in point

just my two cents
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#35
Bullwinkle, who flies the leg up to SMF? Have you ever missed the connector due to delay or any other issues, and will Virgin America have a nonstop to SMF? Have Ohana in Marysville area and the foothills above and interested in the route. Thanks in advance.

Community begins with Aloha
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#36
United books me through to smf or reno never leave their lax terminal

virgin starts two routes from SFO to OGG and HNL next november

right now the ito - smf rate is 567.00

see you at the reno air races - section 3 alumni

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#37
When people I know come to the big island, the "joke" is that Kona is only "2 hours away from Hawaii". You can spread cinder, dig holes and transplant 10-year old palm trees, artificially water, and have goat eradication programs to protect your carefully manicured gardens, but it's just a gimmick. Tourists in Kona are staying at an artificial Disney-esque facade of Hawaii. They might as well stay on a cruise ship. Almost everything this island really has to offer involves getting on a helicopter, car, or bus and making the "2 hour trek to Hawaii".

It wasn't always this way. You have to look at the history of tourism on the East side to see how and why we got to this point.
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#38
Tough to sell a destination with lots of rain and no nearby sandy beaches ....

However .....when I brought my Mom in from latitude 54 - She kept going on and an how she just could not understand how we got all those indoor plants to do so well - outdoors.

Volcano National Park most likely our current largest draw

Kona not my cup of tea ...Im more attracted to West Maui and its focus on activities for recreation....more of a world class feel and amenities, not to mention the weather ...

One can plan an event a week out and be pretty sure it will be dry out.... East Hawaii - we must like the rain ....otherwise why be here?

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#39
Kona has 2 flights a day to San Fran on United. One in the afternoon (757) and one at night (737). Just bought 2 tickets out of Kona through San Fran to Portland for $399.00 roundtrip each....If I flew to Portland out of Hilo on United... The fare is $650.00 roundtrip each! Saved $500.00 by driving to Kona. Hawaiian was even more!
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#40
Buying right the key.... my last few tickets came in a 499.00 or less Portland has been cheap lately. LAX pricey - go figure

For me the time and fuel costs just don't add up.

I burn 50 dollars in gas r/t kona. Hate driving he route after dark with these old eyes (glare).

I also like supporting the local Hilo Airport employees / parking etc

bon voyage, have a good trip ....Im off the middle of may for a few days of "culture" ohana and medical myself.
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