“This wasn’t my first time in Hawaii, but it always feels special to return. Hawaiians have a deep respect for the ocean. Many locals start their mornings before sunrise with a small prayer and a dip in the water to clear bad energy and set intentions for the day. I found that beautiful and very meaningful.”
That’s where Dani started. Not seeking a brand-new discovery but more like checking in with a place that feels familiar for reasons she can’t fully name.
Alongside Dani, the UJV Team—Olivia, Andrea, Carolina, and Rubi—shared the journey, observing the islands’ nuances and experiences firsthand. And instead of trying to see everything, the group took their time, paying attention to what the islands were actually showing them.
The FAM journey became a reminder of Hawai‘i’s diversity and the quiet ways each island reveals when you slow down enough to feel it. From wellness rituals on Kauai to long stretches of Kona’s volcanic coastline, the team returned with a clearer sense of how to guide advisors toward the island that matches a client’s intentions and travel style.
Meeting the Islands
From the volcanic landscapes of Kona to the lush valleys of Maui and the dramatic cliffs of Kauai, each of the Hawaiian islands has its own beauty and personality, which makes choosing a favorite nearly impossible.
Big Island | Kona
Landing on the Big Island feels like a calm washing over you. You step off the plane, and the island greets you with salt air, soft humidity, and the scent of plumeria.
From the airport, just twenty minutes from town, you can slip into adventure, whether wandering lava fields or soaking toes in the sand. Blessed with some of the Pacific’s most vivid waters (deep, striking blues), yet also so many different natural beauties up in the mountains to explore. And the biggest challenge here is deciding between scroll-stopping beaches and how active to be.
Even for Dani, who had visited before, the terrain hit differently.
“Kona has such a unique landscape that almost feels lunar because of all the volcanic craters and lava fields.”
It’s an island that doesn’t soften its edges. It’s otherworldly and it simply shows you what it is.
Maui
The “Valley Isle” balances luxury, nature, and culture. Long beaches, remarkable food, and the winding Road to Hana pull travelers inward.
The recent fire damage added a layer of poignancy. Dani observed the resilience of both the island and its communities, a reminder that mindful travel matters here.
Kauai
“Kauai will always be my favorite island. It reminds me so much of Colombia and my childhood, surrounded by dense greenery, mountains and nature everywhere you look.” Dani said.
“Kauai is ideal for clients who want adventure, nature and activity. Even driving around the island is an experience because of the dramatic scenery.” Dani noted.
Nicknamed “the Garden Isle,” Kauai brings nature close — lush and constant. For the team, the shift was immediate. Here, landscapes speak louder than words, and days slow down almost effortlessly.
Property Insights & Perspectives
Seeing the hotels back-to-back gave the team a clearer glimpse of how differently each one fits a traveler. These honest impressions shaped a practical guide for advisors.
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel | Big Island
“It has the best beach of this entire trip, wide, calm and perfect for swimming. It is one of the most beautiful beaches in Hawaii.” said Dani.
The beach is Mauna Kea’s highlight; beyond the sand, the experience is simpler, more traditional, and requires thoughtful expectation-setting. For Rubi, the pinnacle of the visit was a night swim with manta rays—dark water alive with motion, the glow of the rays brushing past. “I felt one with nature and disconnected completely for an hour,” she recalled.
The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua | Maui
“A wonderful option for families. It is an older property but full of charm and a strong sense of place. It really reflects the natural beauty and culture of Kapalua.”
The pace feels calmer than busier areas of Maui, and it is ideal for families seeking a mix of culture and comfort.
Carolina highlighted the Club Level lounge as a standout feature. “It’s very complete and a great add-on for clients—drinks and good food options make it ideal for families who want to snack throughout the day.”
“We also went to the Farmers market and visited some shops in Maui. This is the best way to see Maui as a local and get a feel for the people and the culture.” she added.
Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Ka’anapali | Maui
“A great fit for families with young kids. It has so many activities including water slides, multiple pools and even flamingos. It’s a fun and lively resort.”
Energetic and playful, the Westin caters to families with young children. Pools, slides, and interactive spaces make every moment delightful.
1 Hotel Hanalei Bay | Kauai
“I loved everything about it. It is a stunning, wellness focused property that feels very high end and serene.” Modern, intentional, and quietly luxurious, 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay was the team’s favorite.
For Andrea, the highlight was the Nā Pali Coast by boat. “Although the ocean was a little rough, the vivid blue water and the sheer scale of the landscape created a sense of awe I’ll never forget.”
“It was a good way to take in the landscape without hiking, and I’m glad I got to see it up close,” she added.
From morning yoga with Nā Pali coast views to integrated fitness programs, the offerings feel considered rather than decorative. The team also experienced several tech-enhanced therapies, including infrared sauna sessions, oxygen and floatation therapies, adding a cutting-edge, rejuvenating layer of property’s wellness focus.
And thoughtful touches, like a birthday suite surprise, reminded the team of the human side of hospitality: a room can become more than a room when intention fills it.
“Walking into the Two Bedroom Suite that the 1 Hotel surprised Rubi and me with for my birthday was an unforgettable moment. The 1 Hotel Hanalei team really went above and beyond and made me feel celebrated from the moment I arrived.” Dani recalled.
Insider Guide to Selling Hawai‘i
Hawai‘i is not one-size-fits-all. Each island carries its own rhythm and energy:
- Expectation-setting matters: not every property is luxury.
- The islands are not interchangeable. Matching the right traveler to the right island is essential.
- Hawai‘i carries emotional weight. Between culture, nature, and wellness, trips here resonate long after the flight home.
- Kauai: grounding, dramatic, restorative. Perfect for nature-first travelers.
- Maui: resilient, welcoming, balanced. Ideal for first-time visitors.
- Kona (Big Island): raw, volcanic, powerful — best paired with another island for a fuller experience.
A few essential experiences: a boat day during whale season offers some of the most humbling wildlife encounters; and a traditional Lūʻau invites travelers into Hawai’i storytelling, ceremony, and culture.
Carolina emphasized: “Many clients feel the need to visit multiple islands, especially first-timers, but I recommend focusing on a maximum of two islands per week to truly absorb each destination. Staying several days on the same island allows travelers to explore local shops, farmers markets, and excursions, creating a more grounded experience. All islands have plenty to offer, so time and intention matter when selecting the right fit for each client.”
UJV Tip: Renting a car and moving at the islands’ pace lets travelers uncover each destination’s full depth. Pre-booking key experiences—those moments that reveal the islands’ scale, color, and character—keep every visit feels deliberate and effortless.
Advisor Takeaway
“Not everything offered in Hawaii is luxury, so managing expectations is essential. This trip helped me better understand what each property genuinely offers and how to guide clients toward the right fit.” Dani emphasized.
In the end, that’s what this FAM delivered: clarity rooted in lived experience.
Hawai‘i’s beauty, culture, and spirit resonate long after the plane touches down. Rugged in some places, comforting in others, always layered.
With firsthand insight across the islands, UJV’s Tropics specialists elevate the way advisors approach Hawai‘i helping them create itineraries that feel personal, intentional, and aligned with who their clients really are.
Match the traveler to the island, align the energy with the experience, and let Hawai‘i do the rest.
Ready to refine how you sell Hawai‘i? UJV’s Tropics team is here to guide every step.