#4: Hawaii travel with John De Fries

Hawaii had a record-breaking number of visitors in 2019, and now the Islands are thinking about how they want to manage tourism in the years ahead.

John De Fries is the President and CEO of the Hawaii Tourism Authority, and he’s the first Native Hawaiian to hold the position. John joins the podcast to talk about what it was like growing up in Waikiki in the 1950s, what was so hard about the summer of 2021, and what he wants all visitors to the Islands to think about before they arrive.

Also, listen up for a special bonus segment in which Paige embarrasses herself while trying to learn a foreign phrase…

Have you been to Hawaii recently? What was it like? Or if you live in Hawaii, how do you feel about tourism in the state? I’d love to hear about your experience and hope you’ll share by sending me a voice message. 

Thank you so much for listening! 

Resources

Hawaii Tourism Authority website

Links to Hawaii’s Destination Management Plans

Honolulu Star-Advertiser article, “Native Hawaiian leaders call new Oahu tourism plan ‘step in the right direction,’ but execution is key”