Hiking is the trendy thing among luxury travelers, according to research from Virtuoso, a travel agent magazine. The study showed that 87 percent of luxury travelers of all ages consider nature and outdoor activities to be an important component of
Hiking is the trendy thing among luxury travelers, according to research from Virtuoso, a travel agent magazine.
The study showed that 87 percent of luxury travelers of all ages consider nature and outdoor activities to be an important component of their vacations.
That’s good news for Kaua‘i, home of the famous Kalalau Trail, and with more trails to explore than any other Hawaiian island.
“I think all the movies made here have made people aware of the beauty of the interior of Kaua‘i, not just the ocean but the whole the island,” said Terri Scarborough, vice president of Aloha Kaua‘i Tours.
Aloha Kaua‘i Tours offers four-wheel drive tours, ocean sports, ATVs — everything for the adventurous traveler. But the simple, low-tech hike has gained in popularity and now, according to Scarborough, is their most popular tour.
“Our ‘rainforest’ hiking tour has become our most popular tour,” she said. “A lot of people have been here before, so they’re looking for something different.”
It’s an easy hike, about 1.5 miles up along the Wailua River near the arboretum, perfect for the beginner — or someone just interested in seeing the sights without breaking too much of a sweat, she said.
“People come to Hawaii to surf or just sit on the beach, but now they’re looking for something different,” Scarborough said.
Hiking got a boost when the state of Hawaii started their “Na Ala Hele” Trail Access Program four years ago. The program’s web site, www.hawaiitrails.org, has interactive maps on every hiking spot in the state — complete with what to bring and who to contact for camping permits.
Basically, it’s a one-stop shop for anyone thinking of hitting the trails. And with hundreds of trails on Kaua‘i to explore, it’s good place for novice and pro alike to fuel up on information.
Or, just lay back and let the professionals like Aloha Kaua‘i Tours handle everything.
The hiking trend was spotted long ago among Japanese travelers. The study shows that Japanese like hiking trails so much that not having good trails is a significant disincentive for them to travel.
Among male luxury travelers, the research found, crucial factors when selecting a trip include golf/sports; safety/security measures; adventure or outdoor activities; five-star dining and fitness facilities. Among female luxury travelers, crucial destination factors include shopping; cuisine; cultural and historic sites and museums.
Younger travelers, ages 34-52, said top outdoor activities included biking; hiking; scuba diving; skiing/snowboarding; and golf. But they’re not the only active travelers. Older vacationers, 52 and up, cited golf first but also mentioned hiking/walking, going on safari, skiing, and biking.
More than 6,000 Virtuoso travel specialists participated in the study.
