TORONTO — Cold temperatures and snowy streets and sidewalks in Toronto and Montreal made a visit from Hawaiiʻs tourism delegation especially timely.

The Aloha State wants to make sure Canadians know theyʻre welcome, from Maui to Kauai, to Oahu, the Island of Hawaii and more.

In Montreal on Monday, and Toronto on Tuesday, with daytime events for the media and evening events for travel retailers, the delegation arrived with open arms and plenty of updates from the islands.

There was even a performance directly taken from Cirque du Soleilʻs ʻAuana.

This is the first anniversary of the opulent production, which opened at the Outrigger Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel at the end of 2024.

“This show celebrates the soul of Hawaii, and it has the power to evoke emotions, just as tourism does in the Hawaiian archipelago,” said Dr. Aaron J. Sala, President of the Islands of Hawai’i Visitors & Convention Bureau, during his address in Montreal.

After a presentation by VoX International, which represents Hawaii in Canada, reps from Hawaiiʻs islands shared the highlights of their destinations. Good to know: thereʻs no shortage of air options, with both WestJet and Air Canada.

Seven Sacred Pools, Maui

MAUI 

On Maui, you can take the Road to Hana – a legendary scenic drive – and admire waterfalls, then venture into rainforests. In Haleakala, the sunrise over the clouds in a massive dormant volcano is a popular attraction, while the stunning red, black, or golden sand beaches, including those of Wailea and Kaʻanapali, are well worth a visit.

The island is also one of the best places in the world for whale watching (from December to April) and boasts numerous upscale resorts and charming villages, such as Pai’a. Meanwhile Laihana is charting a strong recovery timeline after the 2023 wildfires.

“I find there’s a lot of confusion about Maui, because of the Lahaina wildfire, and the ongoing recovery. But it’s a hopeful time,” Brent Lausterer, Director of Sales, Maui Visitors & Convention Bureau told Travelweek in Toronto.

He said Lahainaʻs commercial rebuild is starting in the spring, and in meanwhile several new homes have gone up.

“All those things people love about Maui are still there. So many people are wondering, is this the right time to come? This is important information to share: Maui residents want travellers to come. There’s still so much to discover on Maui, like the great destination of Hali’imaile,” said Lausterer.

ISLAND OF HAWAII

The star attraction of this island is undoubtedly Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where lava flows can often be admired. The natural scenery is extreme: volcanic desert, lush jungle, black or green sand beaches.

The island is also one of the best places in the world for stargazing – hence the presence of numerous telescopes – and the snorkeling is exceptional. The island also boasts 11 distinct climate zones.

The increasingly popular niche of agtourism is a big focus for the Island of Hawaii, Deanna Isbister, Director of Sales, Island of Hawaii Visitors Bureau, tells Travelweek, with lots of farmer’s markets.

Meanwhile the islandʻs Kilauea volcano is getting ready for its 38th eruption this year. “We’re getting lots of day visitors because of it,” she said.

Isbister added that there are ongoing enhancements and improvements at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Haiku Stairs, Oahu

OAHU 

Oahu, the most populated in Hawaii, is home to Waikiki Beach, Honolulu and Pearl Harbor. Beyond the urban areas, visitors can enjoy spectacular hikes, such as those at Diamond Head, Lanikai Pillbox and Koko Crater.

The island’s North Shore boasts laid-back villages and superb surf spots. In short, Oahu offers a great blend of city, beach, and culture.

Karishma Chowfin, Director of Sales, Oahu Visitors Bureau, says the island canʻt get enough of Canada. “Canadian visitors are such fantastic travellers. They travel respectfully and they stay longer,” she told Travelweek.

“People think about Oahu and they think Waikiki and Pearl Harbour. We want visitors to know that we have a unique blend of town and country experiences. We have a thriving arts scene, we have farmerʻs markets. And we have eco-tours and eco-hikes, especially on the North Shore.”

Oahu is also home to a plumeria farm with more than 500 varieties of plumeria. “It’s been around for more than 50 years and it just opened to the public,” said Chowfin.

Of course Oahu is also the home of  Cirque du Soleilʻs ʻAuana. “They’ve made a 10 year commitment to the island,” said Chowfin.

KAUAI 

Kauaiʻs Napali Coast and its spectacular cliffs are perfect for unforgettable hikes and boat trips. Thereʻs also the stunning Waimea Canyon, the ʻGrand Canyon of the Pacific,ʻ on this island considered the wildest and greenest in the archipelago. At the end of the day, visitors can relax on idyllic beaches, including Hanalei Bay and Poipu.

“We always love Canadians,” said Maile Brown, Director of Sales & Marketing for the Kauai Visitors Bureau. Maybe Canadian visitors respond especially well to Kauaiʻs relaxed pace. “Kauai has so much natural beauty and you can escape the craziness of life here,” Brown told Travelweek.

With file from Profession Voyages

Lead image caption: At Torontoʻs Lulu Bar are (l-r) Deanna Isbister, Director of Sales, Island of Hawaii Visitors Bureau; Karishma Chowfin, Director of Sales, Oahu Visitors Bureau; Maile Brown, Director of Sales & Marketing for the Kauai Visitors Bureau; Brent Lausterer, Director of Sales, Maui Visitors & Convention Bureau