Terry Hawkins was four on his first visit to Hawaii. But the experience was so mind-boggling for a boy from Cambridge Bay, NWT (now Nunavut), that the memories are indelible.
“It was my first time leaving Cambridge Bay. I had never seen a tree. I walked on the pavement at the hotel because the grass tickled my feet,” Hawkins laughs. “My brother wouldn’t come out of the room without his parka.”
Now branded as Terry The Travel Guy, the Edmonton-based Hawkins is a TTAND member with specialties in Hawaii, all things Disney and Universal, Sandals and Beaches Resorts and ocean and river cruises. When he’s selling Hawaii, he knows of what he speaks. In the decades since his toddler visit, Hawkins has been back 30 times, 23 of those to Maui, an island close to his heart.
A ride with Maverick Helicopters viewing Maui's breathtaking scenery was a highlight of the trip. Left to right: Terry Hawkins, Cathy MacKinnon, Terry Gaglardi and Christina Del Bianco. (Photo Credit: Air Canada Vacations)
He recently returned to Maui, the second-largest Hawaiiian island, for the first time since the Lahaina fire of 2023 that killed more than 100 people, including some he called friends. Hawkins travelled with a fam group organized by the Hawaii Tourism Authority’s Canadian representative VOX International and co-sponsored by Air Canada Vacations.
The unprecedented wildfires, especially in Lahaina and its historic downtown district, caused billions of dollars of damage and destroyed some 2,200 buildings, many of them residential. That, plus the terrible human toll, have led some to question the wisdom of visiting until recovery is more complete. Hawkins says the trip revealed an island and a population ready to welcome visitors right now.
Wonderful views are around every corner on Maui. (Photo Credit: Air Canada Vacations)
He says the realization lifted a big weight off his shoulders. “It was amazing to see how well they are doing, how much this experience bonded people together and how they are working together and supporting each other in the island’s recovery.”
“Just look at the pictures,” Hawkins says. “Maui has not lost its incredible beauty.”
Maui is wide open for tourism, with the exception of some fire-affected areas in Lahaina. The West Maui resort communities of Kaanapali, Napili, Honokowai, and Kapalua are all taking reservations.
Group members learned about the inhabitants of the waters around them at the Maui Ocean Center. (Photo Credit: Cathy MacKinnon)
TravelPulse Canada virtually met with Hawkins along with two other trip participants on a three-province Zoom call. B.C.-based Area Sales Manager Anna Teglasi was the ACV representative on the fam, while St. Catharines-based Cathy MacKinnon, CTC, operates Cathy’s Travel, another TTAND member. She specializes in groups, with a focus on Ireland and musician-led tours.
For both Teglasi and MacKinnon, the trip was their first to Hawaii, giving them entirely fresh eyes.
For St. Catharines, ON-based TTAND member Cathy MacKinnon, the Maui fam was her first visit to the Hawaiian islands. (Photo Credit: Air Canada Vacations)
“I’ve sold Hawaii in the past when I was based in Vancouver, but I didn’t have the opportunity to visit,” says MacKinnon. “I knew it would be beautiful, but I did not expect the incredible variety of experiences available to Maui visitors. We watched whales breach right from the beach at our resort. We saw the island from above in a helicopter, and landed for a rainforest walk. We learned about the proud Hawaiian culture through dance, music and food. It was thrilling.”
Teglasi and MacKinnon raved about the genuine warmth of welcome everywhere on the island. Hawkins says it’s always been like that, but he did notice an enhanced appreciation of the visitors who are returning responsibly and mindfully, supporting local restaurants, shops and bars.
It’s very easy for Canadian visitors to do that, because Maui is not an all-inclusive destination. Most ACV accommodation offerings are sold as European Plan (no meals or beverages) or with just breakfast included. Local restaurants and grocery stores are never far away.
Looking out at the stunning grounds of the Residence Inn by Marriott Wailea. (Photo Credit: Cathy MacKinnon)
ACV features 23 different properties on Maui, ranging from comfortable condo and villa-style resorts from familiar Hawaiian brands like Outrigger and Aston to luxury lodgings including the Ritz Carlton Maui Kapalua and the Residence Inn Maui Wailea. The group stayed at two mid-range ACV favourites, the Outrigger Ka’anapali Beach Resort and the Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows.
Are there any bad views on Maui? This one is from the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa. (Photo Credit: Terry Hawkins)
All told, the ACV fam inspected 11 properties, nearly half the operator’s portfolio. The advisors in the group praised Teglasi’s diligence during inspections – she always had current pricing available, and explained each property’s idiosyncracies.
“There’s a really good variety of options to suit different budgets and travel styles,” said MacKinnon. “Families can save by preparing some of their own meals in kitchenette-equipped accommodations, or just go and try some of the many nearby restaurants serving great, fresh food at reasonable prices.”
She has dietary restrictions and allergies, but MacKinnon said she had no trouble finding tasty options in Maui, assisted by well-marked menus guiding those with sensitivities or allergies to make informed choices.
Teglasi says she returned home with great confidence to present Maui to travel advisors as a top-tier vacation destination for families, couples and small groups.
The fam group attended a luau at the Royal Lahaina Beach Resort & Bungalows. (Photo Credit: Air Canada Vacations)
“We saw and learned and experienced so much on this trip, from attending an authentic luau to visiting a goat dairy making great cheese. We learned about whales and coral at the Maui Ocean Center and ended the week in Wailuku at a monthly First Friday street party.”
Toasting the end of a beautiful day on Maui at the Outrigger Ka'anapali Beach Resort. (Photo Credit: Air Canada Vacations)
MacKinnon says she still sees frequent posts on travel advisor forums asking if Maui is back to normalcy. She responded to one this week like this: “I was just there last week and EVERYTHING is and has been normal for a long time now. I highly recommend sending your clients here for the most amazing experience.”
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