KITV

by Nicole Tam

Malama Hawaii is a program created by the Hawaii Tourism Authority in partnership with more than 30 hotels statewide.

As hotels across the state start to re-open, there’s a new incentive designed to lure more visitors. It's part of a program created by the Hawaii Tourism Authority called Malama Hawaii.

When a guest books four nights at a resort under the Malama package, they can get the fifth night free by doing work such as tree planting or beach clean ups.

Sheraton Waikiki is one of the participating hotels. Since it launched its malama program there a few weeks ago, management says it has helped boost business.

Kyo-Ya Hotels and Resorts owns the Sheraton Waikiki and four other hotels in Hawaii, all are involved with this incentive.

"We thought this was a great way to connect our tourism industry with the land and the rich culture we have here in Hawaii,” Tom Calame, area general manager and managing director of Kyo-ya Hotels & Resorts in Hawaii, said.

Calame says the Malama program is helping to book hundreds of rooms. The company reported this is one of the most popular hotel room package they have right now.

Many hotels have been shut-down during the pandemic, and the manager agrees this incentive couldn't have come at a better time.

"It seems like people really want to take advantage of that opportunity and a new experience and also to give something back. I think it's a trend in the travel world, when people travel, they want a real connection and a real opportunity to also give back to our world and this is a unique opportunity to do so,” Calame said.

Even though the act of kindness is as simple as planting a tree, Calame hopes there's a bigger lesson to be learned.

"It's not so much giving something away but rather giving something back and making sure it creates a lasting impression,” he said.

More than 30 hotels across the state are part of the Malama program. Calame hopes the momentum will continue through next year and hopefully the number of guests will reach pre-pandemic levels.

Source: KITV