aloha travel zoom meeting

‘I got played’: Texas visitor says Hawaii travel company’s online ‘discounts’ were a scam

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - A tourist who vacationed in Hawaii says she got ripped off by an online travel company and she’s filing complaints.

Laquana Sanders, of Katy, Texas, went on vacation with her family in Hawaii for the first time last month.

After buying luau tickets from Hawaii Tour Experts, she agreed to watch a presentation on zoom for a $40 discount. That’s when the high pressure sales tactics began.

“I gave him my credit card number for $199 and then he said you’re already approved. In my mind, I was like approved for what? Like an idiot, I gave him my personal information,” said Sanders.

She quickly signed up for a membership through Aloha Hawaii Tours and Travel after being told she’d get better deals than the big online travel websites.

When she got back home, though, she got an unexpected bill for $2,000 over 18 payments and she couldn’t reach the company. Now she’s filing complaints with the Better Business Bureau and the state.

“I got scammed. I got played and what is so crazy is I work in cyber security and so I’m like how did I let these people play me?” said Sanders.

Bruce Fisher, with Hawaii Aloha Travel, is a longtime Hawaii travel agent with a good reputation.

He’s gotten a handful of calls from people confusing his company with the one that took Sanders’ money. He’s trying to spread awareness about buyer beware.

“We are all swimming in the same pool and there is no way that somebody can get cheaper prices and guarantee cheaper prices, which is what these guys are doing,” said Fisher.

“In the 22 years of doing business, I know of nothing like this,” he added.

Roseann Freitas, of the Better Business Bureau, says it’s important to do background research ― especially when you are unfamiliar with a company.

“When they have similar names, it’s very easy to get confused and pick the wrong one,’ said Freitas.

A worker at Hawaii Tour Experts told HNN that club memberships for travel are standard and he insisted the visitor got her money back.

Copyright 2022 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.

‘You are a disgrace’: Tempers flare in Maui courtroom as a killer tries to defend his actions

State looking at reducing parakeet population with one-year pilot program

A match made in hula heaven: 2 renowned kumu hula tie the knot

Airlines will be required to offer cash refunds under new federal rules

Head of DLNR defends her leadership amid calls to resign, including from several lawmakers

Latest news.

Hawaii taxpayers will cough up $18M for state workers’ mistakes, misbehavior

Maui farm company partners with middle schoolers in ‘plants for Lahaina’ project

Navy swarm team says water test show no fuel from Red Hill spills

Hawaii students head to New York for international debate competition

Join Meeting

• Bahasa Indonesia

Upcoming Meetings

• el.classList.remove('header-nav__item--active'))" >Men
• el.classList.remove('header-nav__item--active'))" >Women
• Shoe Finder
• el.classList.remove('header-nav__item--active'))" >Explore
• Find Stores
• Product Care
• Anywhere Aloha Film
• Walk Stories
• Video Stories
• Digital Catalog
• Our Commitment
• Maui Fire Relief Donation
• Account Sign In
• Create Account
• Find a Store

Best Sellers

New Arrivals

Shop All Men‘s

Shop All Women’s

Bring the Islands to Your Next Zoom Call

It’s pretty easy to wish you were in Hawaiʻi right now – so we've got you covered. Now that our new norm is video calls (and most likely using Zoom ) what better way to customize your virtual background than diving with sharks or sitting on an empty beach?

How To Use OluKai Virtual Backgrounds

1. Simply click and drag the images below onto your desktop.

2. Upload to Zoom, set your virtual background, and instantly transport yourself to Hawai‘i! For instructions on how to add custom virtual backgrounds, click here .

A few pro tips:

1. Make sure your Zoom app is up-to-date.

2. Go to your Settings and enure "Mirror My Video" and "I Have A Green Screen" are both unchecked. This will ensure the virtual background doesn't look backwards, and will ensure optimal use of the image.

We hope this brings some much-needed aloha  to your day! Feel free to add in a shaka for good measure.

For your next call with co-workers, family or happy hour with friends to discuss Tiger King -- share your custom OluKai background on FB or IG using the hashtag #AnywhereAloha.

Shop The Story

Explore similar stories, why are olukai sandals the best sandals with arch support.

4 Reasons Why OluKai Sandals Are The Best Flip Flops With Arch...

The Best Golf Shoes For Performance And Support

The Best Golf Shoes For Performance And Support. Learn More About How...

Shark Dive with Mike Coots

"The bottom line of what sharks need right now is protection. I...

Rains Remembered

Rain, or “ua” in Hawaiian, is a near-daily occurrence in the islands...

Into the Grove

Waikīkī is one of the most popular destinations in the world. Read...

Aloha for All

The aloha shirt has represented the essence of fashion in Hawaiʻi -...

The Best Gifts To Get Your Mom For Mother's Day

Read More for OluKai Mother’s Day Gift Guide For The Best Mother’s...

How to Choose the Best Water-Friendly Sandals for the Beach

Ready for beach days? Find your perfect sandals with our guide –...

Hamachi Kama Recipe by Philip Lemoine

Philip Lemoine is a Honolulu-Based Content Creator, Photographer, and Filmmaker. Read More...

Is It Wrong to Kill a Fish - Sam Potter

Aloha from Hawaii! Today let’s explores the thrilling depths of a captivating...

The Story Behind Golf’s Iconic Lone Palm

Celebrate the season opener with our exclusive 'Lone Palm' styles. Discover the...

Merrie Monarch Hula Festival – A Glorious Celebration Of Aloha Spirit

The Merrie Monarch Hula Festival is set to kick off March 31....

Choose how you want to hear from us.

We’ve sent you an email to verify your address.

Get access to exclusive products and new arrival, color, and restock alerts when you sign up for emails.

Reply “YES” to confirm your subscription.

Unlock EARLY access to our exclusive products when you sign up for texts.

By submitting this form, you agree to receive recurring automated and promotional marketing text messages (e.g. cart reminders) from OluKai at the cell number used when signing up. Reply HELP for help and STOP to cancel. Msg frequency varies. Msg & data rates apply. View  Terms  &  Privacy .

2" x-text="schemaRename(optionNames[index])">

Your cart is empty 0"> |.

o.key=='freeship').message">

Or Pay with 4 Interest-Free Payments of with shoppay or afterpay

Hawaii Giveback

Free Exchanges

1-Year Warranty

Items in your shopping cart

Your cart is empty.

Shop Sandals

Shop Slippers

Customers Also Bought

Your browser is not supported for this experience. We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari.

The Picture-perfect Destination for Your Meeting, Convention, or Incentive

Welcome to the hawaiian islands.

Discover a meeting destination like no other—where the vibrancy of our islands meets the professionalism you expect. Hawaiʻi isn't just a venue; it's an invitation to reimagine meetings and events in an unparalleled setting.

Versatile Venues

From modern conference centers to unique outdoor spaces, find the perfect backdrop for any event, including the crown jewel of our meetings’ infrastructure – the 1.1-million square-foot Hawaiʻi Convention Center .

Memorable Meeting Moments

Transform meetings into memorable experiences with our blend of professional amenities, global multi-ethnic culinary offerings and Hawaiʻi’s renowned aloha spirit. Our dedicated team ensures seamless planning by providing support every step of the way. 

Meet Our Team

Choosing Hawaiʻi

Unlike any other state, Hawai‘i offers the diversity and appeal of an international destination with the familiar comforts and conveniences of working in the United States. Hawai'i’s exceptional year-round weather, beautiful natural environment, unique venues, and, culturally-focused CSR opportunities to mālama (care for) and give back creates an atmosphere that fosters creative, out-of-the-box thinking and meaningful interactions among attendees.

Why Hawaiʻi

The staff are a first-class act. They have shared the spirit of aloha, not only with the organizing staff but also with every single attendee and that's a way of spreading aloha around the world.”

Wayne Shiroma, PhD.,General Chair

IEEE Microwave Theory & Technique Society IEEE MTT-S International Microwave Symposium

The Six Hawaiian Islands

Quick Facts:

A premier meeting space destination with amazing tropical landscapes and incomparable hospitality, Hawaiʻi is the perfect spot. Allow Meet Hawaiʻi to guide you and have access to the best resources available. Learn More

Nonstop Service From Hawaiʻi

global gateway cities

Number of Resort Areas

Unique, Offsite & Outdoor Venues Around The Islands

Average Year Round Temperatures

25º Celsius

Number of Hotels Around The Islands

51,711 Overnight Rooms

Top Attractions Around The Islands

*Whale watching (Dec-May)

An Event Destination Like None Other

Hawaiʻi convention center, plans & schematics, events services, where business and aloha meet.

The beauty of the destination pours into the Center's backdrop for a unique sense of place. The striking open-air design, abundant natural light and lush landscaping create a tone-setting meeting experience unlike any other in the world. 

Meetings/Events

• 35,000 sq. ft. (3,252 sq. m.) registration lobby
• 204,249 sq. ft. (18,975 sq. m.) exhibition hall
• 35,259 sq. ft. (3,276 sq. m.) ballroom (largest in the state)
• 47 meeting rooms including two theaters with tiered seating
• 2.5-acre (1 hectare) landscaped rooftop garden
• 70-foot (21 meter) lobby waterfall

Contact Information

Hawai'i Convention Center 1801 Kalākaua Ave Honolulu, HI  96815 E-Mail: [email protected] Phone: +1 (808) 943-3500

Watch Video: The Hawaiʻi Convention Center Site Inspection Experience

FIND A NEARBY REPRESENTATIVE

Connect With Our Team

MEETING PLANNERS GUIDE

Statewide, Island, Oceania

SUSTAINABILITY PROGRAMS

Our Green Initiatives

EVENT PLANNING TOOLKIT

Downloadable PDFs

The Best Way To Support Maui

Mālama maui, maui travel updates.

In the wake of recent wildfires, the spirit of Maui remains strong. With the exception of the fire-affected areas of Lahaina, all of Maui is open and welcoming meeting attendees and visitors. Respectful travel is welcomed and encouraged, now more…

Corporate Social Responsibility - Meetings That Give Back

Meetings that mālama.

It's not only time to come back to Hawaiʻi, it's time to give back to Hawaiʻi. Hawaiʻi's corporate social responsibility program allows groups an opportunity to donate their time and mālama Hawaiʻi for all. Simply put, mālama means to take care - of our earth, each other and ourselves.

Sustainability & DEI

Sustainability toolkit, stories: groups giving back.

***************************************************  IMPORTANT   *********************************************************** All the meetings on the Virtual NA meetings lists are sorted by language and day of the week. The meeting times are based on local device time.

Looking for speaker jams or other special activities? Click on the Formats tab and scroll down and select “ Special Event “

***************************************************  IMPORTANT   ***********************************************************

• All Moscow Hotels
• Most Popular
• Hotels by Class
• Quick Search
• Request Best Rates
• Recommended Hotels
• Event Planning Tips
• Moscow Meeting Space
• Request a Proposal
• Group Travel Info
• Russian Visa Info
• Request Visa Support
• Airport Transfers
• Airline & Rail Tickets
• St. Petersburg Hotels

Ritz-Carlton Hotel

• Meeting Facilities

Conference Halls

• CONFERENCE HALLS
• MEETING ROOMS

The Ritz-Carlton Moscow Hotel's large MICE venues are as sumptuously fitted as the hotel's other public spaces, combining classical opulence with state-of-the-art technical capabilities to provide unique and prestigious venues for major business meetings or banquets and celebrations.

Find a Meeting

We have in-person, online and telephone meetings available. Many meetings in the in-person listing are also now online or telephone, so you might find them on more than one list. Concerned about meeting cancellations? Click Contact This Meeting  before attending. To update your group’s listing, click Update This Meeting . For visual instructions on how to do an update, click here. If you are not the registered meeting contact, or you would like to report an issue you discovered about any meeting, click Report a Listing Issue for that meeting.

If you attend an ACA meeting and you don't feel comfortable or it doesn't resonate with you, please try another meeting.

Each meeting is autonomous, which means the group has a certain amount of freedom in making decisions about how they conduct their meeting., aca meetings can be as different as people are different from each other., see healthy meeting practices ..

Additional Resources:   Healthy Meeting Practices     Zoom Meeting Disruptions Suggestions     Meeting Resources

March 13, 2023 Board Statement

Please click the BLUE SEARCH button to submit your search.

The list defaults to show upcoming meetings first.

Newly Updated

External Link Warning

You are about to transfer to {fbExpr this.triggerElement.href}.

The link you have selected is located on another server. The linked site contains information that has been created, published, maintained by another organization. ACA WSO is not responsible for,nor are we endorsing this content.

You can click stay here to remain on adultchildren.org

Our incredible Agents!

Born in Hawaii Meahea has been associated with Hawaii Aloha Travel for 13 years first as an advisor then later as a reservations manager for the company’s Tour business. Meaha knows all of the islands very well having lived on Ohau and Maui. Mehea specializes in custom itineraries and all-inclusive packages.

Along with being a veteran Travel advisor with 20 years of experience, Ya-Ling is the owner of Hawaii Aloha Travel. She is responsible for the day-by-day operations of the company. Ya-ling specializes in group travel and multi-island packages.

Born and raised on the Island of Oahu, Brycen brings his local perspective to planning Hawaii Vacations. He listens closely to his clients to make sure they have a memorable experience.

Kara takes time to get to know you personally, ensuring an unforgettable experience every time. She enjoys listening to your preferences and filling each day with activities you will love! In her free time, Kara enjoys taking pictures of the abundance of turtles found where she resides on the North Shore of Oahu

Grace, with her varied background in customer service, supports the entire HAT team as a reservation manager. Her attention to detail helps her to create memorable itineraries for customers wishing to visit Hawaii. Grace lives on the North Shore of Oahu where she surfs, hikes and enjoys the laid back Hawaiian lifestyle.

With over 25 years of experience in the travel industry, Lisa uses her knowledge to assists the HAT management team in troubleshooting and creating all-inclusive itineraries for HAT customers. Lisa works closely with Owner Yaling Fisher to manage the day-to-day operations of the company.

Bruce is a 22 year veteran in the Travel & Tourism business in Hawaii. He loves helping clients plan over the top, out of the box itineraries you can’t find on the web. If your’re looking to take your Hawaii Vacation to the next level, Bruce is your man!

Aloha! My name is Abby and I invite you to come and experience the beauty and magic of the Hawaiian Islands!! Whether you’re looking to hike the majestic Napali Coast in Kaua’i, whale watch in Maui, visit a volcano on the Big Island, or lounge on the beach and sip Mai Tais in Waikiki, my…