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We have taken the inter island cruise many times. There is nothing wrong with the Hilo port. It is as nice as any other port in the islands. The ports here in Hawaii are industrial ports and most cruisers realize that these are ports and terminals are built for shipping and business. But, what most folks who live here don't know is that inside the Hilo terminal building, there are vendors and information booths set up. At times there is music and perhaps a hula dancer or two. Hilo does a great job of welcoming the cruisers with Aloha. It is really quite festive and nice inside the terminal. Cruisers are very aware that the Hilo terminal is "the" place to purchase an arrangement of tropical flowers to enjoy in their cabins.
The Nawiliwili, Kauai port terminal offers far less for the cruisers. There are no vendors selling local crafts and flowers. It is just a big old empty terminal with some folding chairs set up. The Kahului terminal in Maui also has vendors and craft booths set up. And, Lahaina, Maui is like Kona. These ports have no cruise ship pier, so everyone must ride the small tender boats (life boats)ashore. Last month, we waited in line for an hour and a half (in the hot sun) to board a tender and return to the ship in Lahaina. At these "tender ports", the security and bag checks must be done by hand on the pier. At the terminals in Hilo, Maui and Kauai, the security checks are similar to passing through security in an airport. Fast and efficient.
Cruisers enjoy the Hilo port very much.
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Loretta, thanks for setting me straight!
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quote:
Originally posted by Damon
"Volcanoes National Park is actually Hawaii’s most visited tourist attraction, with nearly 9,000 visitors coming to the park each day."
I think that is a serious exaggeration, and believe the park itself would say something more like 2500 - 3000 daily, with higher and lower numbers depending on season and if the volcano is causing an interest or not.
as for pahoa getting it's share of that flow of tourist.. it is! the county has done a good job of using the current flow conditions to attract tourists to the end of 130 and pahoa is getting whatever pahoa would get now, already.
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quote:
Originally posted by Damon
Making ass out of our community by doing things like protesting Burger King and KFC doesn't do a lot for our world wide image... Nor does it give the opportunity for a tourist on a lighter budget options to eat in town.
You mean you are not going out there w/ an Island Naturals shirt and dirty dreads to protest...J/K
I actually thought about showing up w/ a Burger KIng "crown" (the ones the give to keikis) and a bucket of KFC and eat the whole time these yahoos are doing their thing...
I am actually EXCITED about a BK near my casa. Love the TRIPLE WHOOPER!![:p]
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I'm not going to condemn people for speaking up on issues that concern them. I believe they are way late in taking a position and nothing will come of it.
As for our world image, this does not concern me. These folks are part of Puna and have no obligation to fit into someone else's opinion of what the village's image may or may not be.
Lastly, there are already opportunities for any tourist to eat economically in Pahoa. More opportunities in Pahoa than perhaps any other village of similar size that I know of.
I think the individuals protesting the protesters are making a mountain our of a mole hill. I prefer to celebrate their civil rights and, while I do not personally agree with the issue, I am glad they found something about the community to become active about. Perhaps that activity will continue.
I am sorry that Pahoa Village did not get proactive earlier about a Design District. I would have liked to see the community have a say about the appearance of this development. I haven't see then plans so it's hard to pre-criticize. But I knew the minute that Subway showed up that others were soon to follow.
I would encourage people to get involved in Mainstreet Pahoa Association or Friends fo Puna's Future to move forward with community interests.
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Assume the best and ask questions.
Punaweb moderator
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I just hope during this protest tomorrow some of the drivers pay attention to the road and not the protesters...
Whether you support them, against them, tourist or whatever, these protesters are sure to get drivers attention...
Hate to say it but the way things have been on HELLway 130 lately, wouldnt be surprised if there was an accident tomorrow...[
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A marketing pro would ask a question such as this: what is Puna's appeal?
In one word, and only one word--what you would describe as the critical element that would entice someone to fly halfway around the world to see it?
Any answers? I believe a question like this will go a long way to giving guidance to this issue. I have an answer, but I'd like to hear a few others before I voice it.
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The cart has been in front of the horse for too long. Hawaii wasn't originally a tourist destination because of its anemities. Those came later with Madison Avenue marketing techniques.
Make Puna a beautiful, clean, sustainable communitee for we residents; and the tourists will surely keep coming.
Kilauea will never make a mega resort practical in Puna. This creates opportunity for the low key, low impact, tour companies that will have the greatest economic effect on residents.
The idea of a Pahoa Campground above the Pool sounds fantastic. I'd much rather see this area developed than the "Stink Vents".
Did you folks know that the 500-900 vehicles a day that visit the Lava ocean entry come from and return to Hilo and Kona every night. A lot of them would love the chance to stay over and spend a little moola in Pahoa, but there's no place for them; and no promotion of the few rooms that are available.
punatoons
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I would have to say the volcano. Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa, and rainforest are all equally well associated with other parts of the Big Island or state.
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Pahoa needs to get info to the tourist that come from Kona to the Park. Im thinking thats where most of the tourist are coming from.
Im sure some come from the tourist boats as well.
You need things to offer people to drive to Pahoa. Coupon books that offer two for one meals. Start up a Iron Man event. You have the Park for the bike ride, swimming, and running areas to boot. People would come to the last wild wild west to compete!
this is kinda out there but here goes... built the highest over pass in the world on 130. find the place that has the most danger and build. promote it as the highest one, have a wonderful ocean view and a clear covered walkway for tourist to walk up and take photos.
Build a parking place big enough to house the buses and vendors.
have a theme monthly in Pahoa. cook offs monthly, host a outdoor concert monthly, create the most unique weekly swap meet on the Island.
lastly and the largest draw would be to fight for the right to have the only "coffee shop" in America . If Vegas can do what they do.....
peace
