Hawaii Open For Business, Tourists

Despite the large size of the earthquake in Hawaii this past weekend, Coloradans are not out of luck as they plan their next vacation in the Aloha State.
Hawaiian destinations like Kauai, Maui and Honolulu are welcoming tourists with open arms. The earthquake has affected the Kona area on the big island, but travel agents said not to worry about visiting there.
"The first thing is don't panic," said Roxanna Stillwell of Travel Boutique. "Just take it easy."
The Travel Boutique specializes in island vacations like Hawaii and after the weekend earthquake in Hawaii agents are trying to calm vacationers fears.
"Just concerns about getting in -- is their hotel all right? Is it OK to travel over there? Can you get around? Are the beaches OK?" said Stillwell.
The answer is: Hawaii is still open for business, people just need to be savvy travelers.
"Bring some extra cash," said Stillwell. "That way if some of the ATMs are not working in the area, you don't have to worry about getting extra cash."
"I'm happy to say that there's a lot less (damage) than what we thought," said president of Fox Point Travel Andrea Vialpondo.
Agents at Fox Point Travel have been able to locate all their Colorado vacationers in Hawaii.
Some in Kauai didn't even feel the quake. Those in Maui and Honolulu are still relaxed but the big island near the epicenter is a different story.
"If you're staying on the big island and supposed to be in the Kona area, then you may have an issue," said Vialpondo. "There were a few resorts that were hit very hard."
However, even on the big island some things are just fine and they are said to be moving quickly to get things fixed for tourists.
Major airlines that have flights from Denver to Hawaii are still flying. The airlines are re-confirming reservations for travelers.
Agents also advise that travelers take extra cell phone batteries and traveler's checks anytime you travel in case there are power outages.