Celebrating Hawaii travel

Travel to Hawaii is increasing after a slowdown the past couple of years. That's just one of the causes for celebration at Hawaii-Aloha Travel's annual appreciation event, which included prizes, entertainment and a wonderful meal shared in a spirit of enthusiasm.

The HAT agents, business partners and friends gathered last night were also treated to a musical feast, provided by Makana's slack-key guitar and vocals, percussion from Gerardo Velez and human beatbox Jason Tom.

Makana performed some of his favorite compositions, but also ranged over blues and classic rock. The addition of Velez both complimented and challenged Makana. Velez has played with industry giants, most famously with Jimmy Hendrix at Woodstock. Velez and Makana collaborated on a Hendrix-inspired rendition of "All Along the Watchtower" that easily matched the intensity of the original.

The musical performances followed comments from Hawaii hotel operators and Hawaii Aloha Travel's wholesale travel partner, Blue Sky Tours. Representatives from Aqua Hotels and Resorts, Aston Hotels and Resorts and Outrigger Hotels and Resorts thanked HAT agents for their part in this year's increased room night bookings. So far this year, Hawaii visitors have spent 36,000 nights in the top tier of hotels booked by Hawaii Aloha Travel.

For the agents, it is a chance to see one another in person and catch up. The agents work from home, so they enjoyed the chance to talk story, as well as meeting family members. HAT welcomed three new agents recently, so this was everyone's chance to get acquainted.

HAT founders and co-owners Bruce and Yaling Fisher awarded highly-customized certificates to each agent, and handed out many prizes for food, spa treatments and room stays. Even though we live in Hawaii, it is fun to check out new places and parts of the islands.

Bruce Fisher also acknowledged the success of the Hawaii Vacation blog, thanking its bloggers, and the man who created and keeps the HAT website functioning. As usual, Bruce worked for most of the evening as master of ceremonies and live-streaming video, although Makana turned the camera on him during the introductions.

Finally, at the end of the evening, with thanks and appreciation bestowed, Bruce and Yaling had time for a dance. Bruce said, "So proud of our team and what we have accomplished this year, this was truly a night to remember."

Bruce and Yaling Fisher founded Hawaii Aloha Travel in 2001 and now employ 14 agents who are experts on Hawaii travel.

Posted by Cindy Scheopner Follow me on Twitter @Scheopner

Published by Bruce Fisher

Since 2006 Bruce Fisher has been publishing the Hawaii Vacation Blog and the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which, create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing Hawaii-based information aimed at travelers seven days per week. Postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible.

Entry Filed under: Fun Stuff,Hawaii Aloha Agent profiles,Hawaiiana

November 14th, 2010

13 Comments Add your own

1. kalei | November 14th, 2010 at 3:42 pm

Thanks Cindy, well said! Bruce & Yaling gave us all a wonderful appreciation party, with good grinds, nice people, and excellent entertainment. Entertainment was a treat, starting with Jason Tom and his remarkable talent; Gerardo Velez insane on percussions, and Makana with his charismatic charm, unbelievable voice, and total slack key perfection. Our wholesalers and vendors alike were very generous with gifts and prizes….Aqua Hotels (Robin), Outrigger (Lori), Resortquest Waikiki Beach Hotel (Mark), Blue Sky Tours (Charlotte)..Mahalo! It was a magical and very enjoyable evening! Mahalo Nui Bruce & yaling.
2. Jason Tom | November 14th, 2010 at 5:24 pm

Great write up! Awesome vibe without a doubt! Cindy and Kalei, it was great meeting you, the agents, and everyone! My hats off to Bruce and Yaling!
I mentioned to Bruce that the HAT Appreciation Party consisted of the best "Boom Clap Boom Boom Clap" audience, hands down! I look forward to next year's party.
-JT
3. Abby Lapointe | November 14th, 2010 at 5:49 pm

I had so much fun last night. Thank you so much, Bruce and Yaling. I LOVE Hawaii Aloha Travel!!!
4. Marta Lane | November 14th, 2010 at 8:54 pm

Congratulations!! I sounds like I missed a great time =( What a great company to work for!
5. Tara | November 15th, 2010 at 8:47 am

Thanks so much Yaling and Bruce!!! This was the best party! Everything was just fabulous, food entertainment prizes…wow we couldn't have asked for more!!!!!! And yes, Marta, you are so right…Hawaii Aloha Travel is the best company to work for; we definitely have it made.
6. ashley | November 15th, 2010 at 8:52 am

Positive VIbe is right. It was the best business appreciation party I have ever been to. Bruce and Yaling and Lisa really did it right this year making all of thier agents feel so special and loved. They music I cant even describe except it made my whole body and soul feel incredible. I told yaling this morning did i win a massage or was that a dream the party was like a dream and everyone was so happy and had so much positive energy it was contagious. Jeff my husband and I had so much fun we are still smiling Monday Morning. Thank you Bruce and Yaling lets keep up this positive vibe all thru the holidays and it will naturally attract many people to come to Hawaii with http://www.hawaii-aloha.com. ALOHA
Hippie Dippie is still smiling
7. Nancy | November 15th, 2010 at 8:52 am

What a fun party! It was great seeing everyone, and I am still talking about how amazing the musicians were. We are so fortunate to get such a private performance! Mahalo nui Bruce & Yaling for such a nice evening
8. Bruce | November 15th, 2010 at 9:05 am

Mahalo nui to all of you, Yaling and I are so honored to be working with such amazing folks, we don't take any of this for granted. Next year we celebrate 10 years in business so if you though this event was great, well, you ain't seen nothing yet LOL Seriously, mahalo nui to each and everyone of you
9. Karen | November 15th, 2010 at 12:56 pm

Looks like everyone had a great time. We need to plan our vacations better so we can see each other more.
10. Bruce Fisher | November 15th, 2010 at 2:45 pm

Agreed Karen, I promise to give you more advance notice next year LOL
11. Jason Tom | November 15th, 2010 at 9:11 pm

Again I want to thank Bruce Fisher, Hawaii-Aloha Travel, and the agents for a wonderful night!
I blogged about it here referring all Hawaii visitors to Hawaii-Aloha Travel:
http://jasontom.com/entries/videos/hat-party

I am still buzzing from it.
12. Bruce Fisher | November 16th, 2010 at 8:07 am

WOW mahalo nui Jason our team loved your set! You energy made our event the best ever !
13. paul | November 21st, 2010 at 1:25 pm

I loved the SLACK ROCK Led Zepplin song. Thanks for a wonderful party Bruce and Yaling, Congratulations and I look foward to next years party !

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