MEDIA RELEASE

TripAdvisor, considered the world’s largest travel site, recently announced the winners of its 2013 Travelers’ Choice Awards for Destinations on the Rise.

Kailua Village Business Improvement District (KVBID) on the Big Island was honored to learn that Historic Kailua Village was the top choice for visitors in the United States.

“KVBID’s collaborative efforts with business, government and area residents to raise the standards of excellence and improve the cleanliness, attractiveness, and economic vibrancy of Historic Kailua Village no doubt contributed to this recognition as an award-winning destination,” said Eric von Platen Luder, KVBID president.

“Historic Kailua Village is home to many of Hawaii’s most historic sites and offers year-round activities and special events that attract worldwide attention including the Ironman World Championship, Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament and the Queen Liliuokalani Long Distance Canoe Race,” von Platen Luder said.

KVBID initiatives have drawn notable attention including Kokua Kailua a monthly event when oceanfront Alii Drive in Historic Kailua Village closes and becomes a festive pedestrian-only walkway lined with island-made arts and crafts complementing many area merchants.

Kokua Kailua encourages residents and visitors to shop, dine and buy locally.

Earlier this year, KVBID launched a free smartphone application that users can download to learn more about the history, areas of interest and things to do along Alii Drive, Royal Footsteps Along the Kona Coast, the state’s second Hawaii Scenic Byway.

The application focuses on seven miles of roadway with seven centuries of archaeological, historic and cultural traditions and more than two dozen impressive points of interest.

Other KVBID programs that have drawn interest include Kau Kau Kailua which offers dining specials in throughout Historic Kailua Village each September and Kailua Kalikimaka highlighting special holiday events throughout December.

Together with other events in Historic Kailua Village it becomes easy to see why TripAdvisor travelers selected it as the top U.S. Destination on the Rise.

According to TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards news announcement, the awards annually highlight 54 spots globally that have seen the greatest increase in positive traveler feedback and traveler interest, year-over-year.

— Find out more:
www.HistoricKailuaVillage.com
www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-DestinationsontheRise