Travel Agent - July 7, 2008 - (Page 25)

LEFT: The beach at Waikiki lights up after dark BELOW: The Sheraton Waikiki’s RumFire lounge waves crash from the plush patio chairs next to a fire pit, while the pau hana (after-work) crowd grooves to happy-hour live entertainment and a tapas-style menu of Hawaiian favorites with a twist (try the ahi tacos) from up-and-coming chef Colin Hazama. On the drink menu are more than 100 types of rum (with a Hawaiian-produced version set to make its debut later this year). Stylish interiors mixed with trendy sips have also proven popular at the somewhat new nightclub Pearl (www.pearlhawaii.com) with an unlikely mall location at Ala Moana Center. The urban-hip vibe, trio of bar areas, private tables, bottle service, state-of-theart AV system and cover charges speak to an upscale crowd (no T-shirts or flip-flops here). Owner Beau Mohr has a clear passion for sophisticated nightlife and it shows in the details—from a pearl theme showcased in subtle ways to the cocktail menu created by a Las Vegas-based master mixologist, to the Italian-accented fare from notable chef Donato Loperfido. Depending on what time you go, it morphs from an after-work spot to a full-blown clubby affair filled with eclectic 20- to 50-somethings. CONTINUED ON PAGE 28 Waikiki for a Younger Crowd THE REVITALIZATION IN WAIKIKI gives agents a fresh selling point, especially for younger clients looking for after-hours fun. “In the past, we might plan one day in Oahu, but mainly send these clients to Maui,” says Kimberly Wilson Wetty, co-president of New York-based Valerie Wilson Travel, who was “completely blown away” by the impressive changes she saw in Waikiki when she visited several months ago, from the Beachwalk to the Kalakaua strip. “It’s hopping with restaurants and nightlife. It’s really exciting.” Next up will be the opening of a vast showroom to house a Vegas-style, Hawaiian-themed show in the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center. Half the seats will retract to become a nightclub with high-tech videos and acrobats. Coinciding with this change in Honolulu is a trend toward younger 20- and 30-something clients without kids seeking trips to Hawaii, says Wilson Wetty. They’re often looking for lots to do at night, and although she still recommends they visit at least two islands, she no longer considers Oahu just a stopover. “If they’re honeymooners, I’d book them on Oahu at the end of the trip, though, because they’re exhausted after the wedding and need some R&R first.” And with so much to do in Waikiki, they’ll need that energy. July 7, 2008 TravelAgent | 25 http://www.pearlhawaii.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Travel Agent - July 7, 2008

Travel Agent - July 7, 2008 Online Now Contents Contributors From the Editor Europe: History and a Scenic Landscape Define Normandy Pacific/Asia: Kuala Lumpur Offers Luxury Shopping and Hotels Hawaii: Honolulu’s Nightlife is as Dazzling as its Sunshine Canada: VIA Rail Offers a New Way to Enjoy the Great North Las Vegas: Hotels and Casinos Away From the Strip Florida: Hilton Daytona Beach Offers Budget-Friendly Packages Central & South America: Panama is Poised to Become a Hot Destination Mexico: The ME Cancún Targets an Upscale Clientele Caribbean: Maxim Opens a New Resort in Puerto Plata The Latest News and Notes from Dominica Cruises: A CLIA Study Offers Good News About Cruising Cartagena and Santa Marta Offer Two Different Sides of Columbia Cover Story: Wendy Goodenow Industry In Crisis: A New Report Offers a Gloomy Forecast for the Airline Industry Hotels: Prince Edward Island Celebrates Anne of Green Gables EZGuider: Vacation.com Launches a New Platform Agenda: Fam Trips, Deals & Incentives, Calendar Opinion Consortia Can Be An Agent’s Best Friend MLT Expands Roles and Offerings Malaysia Continues Agent Push In the Spotlight Agent Access Classified Marketplace Editorial Index Advertising Index Trendwatch

Travel Agent - July 7, 2008

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