Summer travel deals for Hawaii

Time to get out of town. Hawaii's Big Island took a hit when storms this spring led to a ton of last-minute spring break cancellations. So now the push is on to make up for all that lost revenue, meaning there's some savings right now actually happening there. Travel expert Gabe Saglie shares from Hawaii. Aloha Lauren from the Big Island of Hawaii as we continue to track the post-pandemic tourism rebound out here. Travel numbers are actually looking pretty good these days, 70 to 75 percent occupancy at resorts like this, the Fairmont Orchid, which is a favorite among Texas travelers. But even so, here's the good news for you and me. There's a unique travel value window in effect for summer and beyond. This is the Kohala Coast, home to gorgeous beaches and a volcanic landscape. On the northwestern shores of what's known as the Big Island, the largest of Hawaii's eight main islands. And while occupancy rates continue to go up, a rare one-two punch of storms in March led to lots of spring break cancellations. So the push to lure travelers in summer, fall, and the holidays is on right now. No major price breaks from resorts, but lots of incentives. The Fairmont Orchid, for example, with packages like pay for three nights, get the fourth free, or pay for four nights, and the fifth is free with breakfast daily. They're also offering 20 percent discounts on all travel during Christmas and New Year's if you book by the end of July. Midweek stays, of course, Sunday through Thursday, will allow you to avoid those weekend premiums. And where you are seeing price breaks are on vacation rentals here. That market's seeing rates down about 10 percent year over year. This is our family's seventh trip out here to the Big Island. We love the slower pace out here and the variety of immersive experiences that help foster a respect and appreciation for Hawaiian history and culture. Is there a better way to start the day than a canoe ride into the ocean? I think not. Outrigger canoes are what brought Polynesians to Hawaii a thousand years ago. The craftsmanship remains a source of pride today, and canoeing is the second most popular competitive sport here after surfing. Elijah took us out early, and then we snorkeled in crystal clear waters, the ocean temp a balmy 80 degrees. The 1.5 mile hike into the nearby Puako Petroglyph Preserve takes you across 200 acres and into a field of more than 3,000 petroglyph drawings that date back 800 years. Polynesian languages like Hawaiian have only been written down in the last 200 years, so these stone drawings were a critical way to tell stories and preserve history. As is hula. Our lesson was with Kaiulani, a respected teacher and lifelong hula practitioner. Those hand, feet, and hip movements, along with chants, are a veritable library. Before the written word and exercise and muscle memory as a way to share history of family and community between one generation and the next. Video proof of something I've always suspected, Lauren. I can move my hips pretty well. By the way, American offers a seasonal nonstop flight from Dallas out here to the Big Island. It's about seven and a half to eight hours long, and then you can be here too. All right, mahalo for now. Back to you.