Q: I came in through the Travel Agent University site.  Do I have to create a separate log in profile on www.agents.gohawaii.com in order to access the HVCB travel trade website and training materials?

A: Yes you do have to either create a unique user profile on www.agents.gohawaii.com or if you are a returning user, input your original user login credentials to access the site and the Hawaii course materials. HVCB's training site link on www.TAUniv.com is an "affiliate link," not a TAU operated training module so you must first log in to www.TAUniv.com then click on the HVCB link and log in again in order to access the HVCB travel trade web portal.

Q: What is an E Komo Mai Pre-arrival welcome packet and how can I order one for my Hawaii-bound client?

A: As a Hawaii Destination Specialist certified travel agent, you may order personalized pre-arrival welcome packets for your Hawaii-bound clients via the HDS agent portal at www.Agents.GoHawaii.com. This is a benefit of specialist certification and is only available to travel agents who successfully complete HVCB’s Ke Kula O Hawaii training program.

To order, simply log in to the site and click “Welcome Guidebooks” in the navigation bar or any page. Next click on "Click Here to Order.” Enter your client’s booking information and dates of travel and HVCB will send a personalized pre-arrival welcome guidebook complete with a personalized letter referencing you, your agency, and your client’s name, their dates of travel and islands to be visited. We’ll also personalize the guidebook with in-destination value offers and calendar of event listings specific to the dates of their visit and islands they’ll be visiting. All at no cost to you the travel agent.

You can choose to have the guidebook sent to your client direct, on your behalf, or to you at your agency address.

The personalized pre-arrival welcome packets are delivered free to your Hawaii-bound clients BEFORE their departure. The packets take up to 14 days to deliver. You may order the packets up to 90 prior to the date of travel.

Q: How does the Hawaii Destination Specialist lead referral program work?

A: HVCB offers consumer referrals (not leads) to qualified Hawaii Destination Specialist / Ke Kula O Hawaii graduate travel agents. That is, we give your name and contact info to prospective clients in your area who request info from the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau on planning a trip to Hawaii.

Here’s how the program works:

• A consumer in your area calls our 1-800-GoHawaii number or visited our consumer website www.gohawaii.com and requests a free official Hawaii vacation guide or information on Hawaii as a vacation destination.
• He or she is then given the name of up to three Hawaii Destination Specialists in the area based on zip code, postal code, time in the HDS program, and other factors such as time since last referral.
• Hopefully, that consumer contacts you as a “Hawaii Specialist” and books a vacation with you.

Please note however:

• HVCB's referral program refers consumer to HDS agents not agencies.
• HVCB does not provide agents with the consumer's contact information. Rather, the agent's contact information is shared with the consumer at time of inquiry.
• While we do refer you as a Hawaii Specialist it is also not guaranteed that a consumer that we refer to you will mention that referral when they come in and book a trip with you.
• On the HVCB consumer website www.GoHawaii.com, you will see travel agency listings under the HVCB member section entitled "Travel Professionals." These are not Hawaii Destination Specialist agents but rather travel agencies that are active members of HVCB and who as a benefit of their annual HVCB membership fee receive an online and print listing with us.
• Any agency can be listings on GoHawaii.com by becoming "business member partners" of the HVCB. A variety of membership options exist beginning at $500 per year for the basic annual members. If interested in HVCB membership for your agency, please contact our membership department at membership@hvcb.org or call 808-923-1811

Q: I took the live seminar for Ke Kula O Hawaii or New Waikiki and want to access the final exam.  How do I do it?

A: See this LINK 

Q: What training programs does Hawaii offer?

A: Hawaii offers 7 self study programs:

Ke Kula O Hawaii is your Hawaii 101 course. Learn about the state’s geography, history, culture, and helpful sales and marketing tips on how to sell Hawaii “today”. This course is free, online and takes approx. 3 hours to complete.

Island Training Papa Courses are your island specific 200 level courses. There is one class for each of the 6 islands that can be visited. These courses are an advanced learning module that provides a deeper understanding of each island, particularly the attractions, activities, and unique qualities. These courses are free, online and take approx. 3 hours each to complete. Papa Hawaii’s Big Island Training Course
Papa Kauai Training Course
Papa Lanai Training Course
Papa Maui Training Course
Papa Molokai Training Course
Papa Oahu Training Course
Master Programs and On-Island Training are also available. Please visit the Hawaii Destination Specialist page for more information.