Destination Hilo invites everyone to a blessing and grand opening for its new Aloha Information Station at 9 a.m. Saturday.
Destination Hilo invites everyone to a blessing and grand opening for its new Aloha Information Station at 9 a.m. Saturday.
Kahu Renette Bishaw Pacheco will offer the blessing.
Destination Hilo is a nonprofit organization contributing to the sustainability of tourism and the visitor market, serving visitors in Hilo and providing for the economic well-being of its residents and business partners.
Providing a variety of services, the new station in the parking lot next to the Mooheau Bus Terminal offers maps, brochures, directions and tangible aloha, said program coordinator Ola Jenkins.
“We can already see how our visitors are truly moved by the support and service,” Jenkins said. “Downtown Hilo is robust with engaging activities. On a given day, you can enjoy an hour of sweet Hawaiian music or partake in the art of hula or other traditional activities offered by Hilo’s local cultural practitioners.
“But, if you’re new to Hilo, and happen to find yourself in a quandary, Destination Hilo’s Aloha Ambassadors are bound to assist and enhance your Hilo experience.”
For more information about the Aloha Ambassador program and this project, email Destination Hilo at destinationhilo@gmail.com.
You also can visit the organization’s website at www.destinationhilo.com.
The information station is open 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on cruise ship days and Saturdays. Jenkins said the program will expand its days and hours of service as Destination Hilo recruits and trains more volunteer Aloha Ambassadors. If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer, call 494-5113.
The program’s mission statement is one of “promoting sustainable and responsible tourism and perpetuating authentic Hawaiian culture.”
Destination Hilo is receiving support via a cultural grant from Hawaii County.
“We certainly hope that this innovative program will enhance the visitor’s experience and also engender tremendous support from our local businesses,” said Dinnie Kysar, president of Destination Hilo. In order to sustain tourism here, we must increase the quality of our visitors’ stay. Our mantra is to ‘live aloha’ and provide a wonderful experience for our visitors.”