The Kahala: A Travel Agent Central 'Twitterview'

It’s no secret that social media can be a great way to directly connect with clients, suppliers or other professionals in the industry. When Tamara Aalto of All About Hawaii, an Oregon travel agency, announced on Twitter that a representative of Oahu's Kahala Hotel & Resort would be coming by their office, we asked them to ask what was new. June Cappiello, marketing communications manager at the Kahala, responded via a flurry of tweets (edited for ease of readability).

Most notably, Cappielo says that the hotel is offering several new services. “Na Lani and Lōkahi are Kahala’s new wedding programs that honor traditional non-denominational Hawaiian spiritual and cultural rituals,” she said. And the new Island Offerings Spa Ritual uses Hawaiian-grown products from land and sea “to inspire the senses in a luxurious, three-hour treatment at Kahala Spa.”

When asked what trends she’s noticed lately, Cappielo used a popular buzzword: “We've noticed value is increasingly important for luxury travelers,” she said, and then identified how the hotel provides it. “Guests are not charged a resort fee, for example, and we have an array of free activities and services available to guests. For suite guests, we have a personalized amenity program that can include roundtrip airport transfer, free beach cabana more.”

The most notable upcoming event at the resort will actually be this weekend, when the eighth Kahala Wine & Food Classic runs from September 16-17. “Guest chef Carolynn Spence of Hollywood hotspot Chateau Marmont will attend... as will Frank Family Vineyards owner Rich Frank, who is also a Hollywood producer!”

Aalto then tweeted to say that “the hotel has maintained a classic elegance...that keeps dignitaries and celebs coming back. The hotel has the peaceful feel of an outer island resort, with the excitement of Waikiki just 10 minutes away.” All About is offering several specials for fall at the Kahala, including a Fall Double Upgrade: “Book a Scenic through Partial Ocean and receive a two-category upgrade at time of booking! Double Upgrade promo is valid with a three-night minimum stay now through November 3, and November 15 through December 23.”

Visit www.kahalaresort.com or www.allabouthawaii.com