Travel agencies in Hawaii provide an invaluable service to both business and leisure travelers. A business owner doesn’t need to contact corporate travel agencies to get the perks business travelers have come to expect with those specialized agencies. Any professional, licensed HI travel agent has access to the latest deals and can get you rates just as good—or maybe even better—than those “other guys."

It is important to find an agent that will meet all of your business’ travel needs. Use these steps to find travel agencies in Hawaii:

1. Check out their professional credentials.

2. Research travel rewards programs.

3. Find Hawaii travel agencies.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Confirm the professional credentials of the Hawaii travel agents you are considering

Make sure that the Hawaii travel agent you are considering has the appropriate training and qualifications. Agents with certificates recognized by professional travel agent associations show a dedication to their trade and their customers alike.

I recommend: The American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) lets you search for accredited members throughout Hawaii. The National Business Travel Association (NBTA) is one of the largest professional travel associations available. Check their list of Allied Members to see if the Hawaii travel agency that you are considering is a member. The Travel Institute offers various professional certification programs. Their website has a search function to find one of their certified members in your area.

Ask your Hawaii travel agent if you are eligible for any travel discounts

Your travel agency in Hawaii will be able to tell you what travel clubs or rewards programs are available to you. Many credit card companies offer travel incentives and popular travel associations offer discounts on all aspects of your planning. Be sure to ask them about any little known or new offers they know about. Your agent will be able to input any membership numbers when making your plans to ensure you are credited the correct points and mileage.

I recommend: American Express has a small business travel rewards program where you can gain points on all purchases to use towards both business and leisure travel. If you have an AAA membership, then you have all of their member benefits available to you such as hotel and rental car discounts. They have an office in Honolulu that will be able to get you started. American Airlines has their AAdvantage program where you can collect frequent flier miles to use for future flights, class upgrades and more. This program allows you to earn points for doing many things you already do and purchase. They also have their Business ExtrAA program, that will earn you travel rebates in a program that is specifically designed to lower your business travel costs.

Search for a Hawaii travel agency listing in your area

Many agencies will have a Hawaii travel website that you can browse to get an idea of the types of services they offer. You will save time if you find out that particular agency only books cruises or spiritual tours, for example.

I recommend: The Tripology.com website is a great resource that will put you in touch with the right travel agency in your area to meet your needs. HNL Travel Associates, a travel agency in Honolulu, Hawaii, makes the travel arrangements for companies of all sizes. Mokihana Travel Service is located in Lihue. In addition to corporate travel planning, they also arrange inter-island Hawaiian vacations. Regal Travel out of Honolulu offers 24-hour emergency service as well as passport and visa assistance.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Hawaii travel agents can access special non-advertised deals available to only select agencies. Discuss exactly what travel details you are looking for and chances are they will be able to find vendors that will fit your needs perfectly.
• •  Ask other business owners if they have a Hawaii travel site they can recommend to help you choose a travel agency for your company.