Hello. It’s been a long time, Hawaii!

After almost two and a half years, Hawaiian Airlines has announced that it will be returning to Auckland from July 4 this year.

Honolulu has just moved one step closer to the wish list of many New Zealand travellers. Waikiki Beach could soon be full of Kiwis, especially as other flight connections to popular winter sun destinations won’t return until next year.

Air New Zealand announced earlier this year that it would also reconnect Auckland with weekly flights to the US Pacific Islands from “Independence Day”.

The US leisure connection has been favored over popular pre-pandemic routes, such as Bali, which carriers say won’t be back until 2023 at the earliest.

85,000 Kiwis flew to Hawaii each year, before the pandemic. Although the ticket price is a bit higher than before (with return fares under $500 in 2019), it is likely to become more affordable with more air connections and competition from New Zealand and from Australia.

However, there have been many changes in “Aloha State” over the past 28 months.

Here’s what New Zealand travelers need to know before they get started.

Hikers expect to book in advance

After the pandemic pause, the islands of Hawaii experienced a tourism boom of 1.8 million visitors last July, a record for the state.

Things went from zero to 100, very quickly, said Hawaii Tourism Authority Chairman John De Fries.

In an interview with Bloomberg, the head of Tourism Hawaii described the sudden post-lockdown return “like putting 220 volts into a 110 volt circuit.”

There are now several circuit breakers and features that have been introduced to preserve some of the pandemic peace experienced in 2020 – while recouping significant tourism dollars.

This includes measures such as permits for certain national parks.

Natural attractions such as the black sand beaches of Wai’anapanapa State Park and Kauai’s Kalalau hiking trail now require reservations. These must be requested up to 30 days in advance, depending on the season.

Entrance fees for non-residents

are now charged between US$5 and US$15 per person.

Popular trails such as those through the Take Hanauma Bay Preserve in Oahu have dramatically reduced visitor numbers from 3,000 hikers per day to 720.

Plan early and book ahead is De Fries’ advice.

Take a leaf from the Tiaki Promise

Like New Zealand’s introduction of a responsible visitor pledge in 2019, the Taiaki Promise has been adopted across the islands.

Those catching Hawaiian Airlines flights in July will see a short video that will be very familiar to Kiwis. However, the Hawaii Tourism Authority wants you to pay attention to requests for coral-safe sunscreen and to keep your distance from monk seals and other wildlife.

Decolonizing tourist experiences

Many Hawaiians have expressed a sense that even though things were tough during the pandemic shutdowns, they felt like they were “getting their islands back.”

The tourist board has sought to salvage a few other parts of travel lore, presenting a more “authentic” twist on Hawaiian culture.

For example, garlands of Orchids (mainly imported from Southeast Asia) will be replaced by local flowers, grown by local nurseries. Grass Skirts and other tiki cliches will be ditched for more traditional clothing, canned ukulele music for a spotlight on Hawaiian artists.

give and take

Since November, Hawaii Tourism USA and the Hawaii Tourism Authority have partnered to reward conscious travelers. the Malama ‘Give Back’ Program Hawaii helps tourists find regenerative tourism projects and, in turn, discount offers and free travel opportunities.

The islands reward travelers who give back and get involved in sustainability initiatives. Get a free night’s accommodation in exchange for a beach cleanup or help replanting native bush.

Since last year, the program has expanded to 110 hotels and tour operators, all of which have pledged to reward customers who give back.

Entry requirements don’t forget your ESTA

As the 50th state of the United States, many of the same

entry requirements apply to Hawaii

. This includes applying for an ESTA visa waiver in advance.

Leisure passengers entering the United States must present proof that they are fully vaccinated against Covid-19.

You will also need to get tested for Covid-19 three to five days after arrival.

Earlier this week, Hawaii lifted mask requirements for public places, but some businesses may still require visitors to wear face coverings.