Maybe you are interested in starting a new career as a travel agent.
If this is the case, the first step is learning more about this job and what it entails.
This article will provide information on training and getting a license if you reside in Hawaii.
Travel Agent Job Description and Duties in Hawaii
First of all, you need to know what your tasks will be as a travel agent.
Generally, you will help your clients with several tasks which may include:
- Transportation
- Accommodation
- Entertainment
To do this, you will have to:
- Reviewing visas, vaccinations, and other travel necessities
- Understanding the needs and desires of their clients
- Keeping accurate records
- Finding solutions to issues and emergencies
- Handling payments and deposits
- Promoting the various packages resorts, hotels, and cruise companies offer
- Negotiating with hotels, resorts, cruise companies, and more
If you choose to, you can become specialized in one area of the following:
- Honeymoon
- Family-oriented
- Business
- Budget
- Cruise
- Luxury
Additionally, you should have an idea of the destination you are suggesting to assist your clients better.
Requirements to be a Travel Agent in Hawaii
In order to be successful, you also need to develop some particular skills.
Some of these required skills are:
- Good communication skills
- Good management skills
- Able to use various computer programs
- Good problem-solving skills
- Great marketing skills
- Able to work full-time
- Detail-oriented
- Being confident
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a clean criminal record
- Be honest
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Speaking a foreign language
You do not need experience in the industry, however having it will help with your career.
You will also get to spend the majority of your time traveling in order to learn more about the destinations.
This will help you in your career as you will have personal experience traveling.
Education and Certification for a Travel Agent in Hawaii
You will not need higher education or to get a certification, but you can have a better job if you do have one.
You can also decide to get a degree in tourism, like a Bachelors’.
If you decide to join a school, you can attend classes both physically and online.
View the table below to learn more about the schools in Hawaii
Top 9 Schools in Hawaii
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| BYU–Hawaii | 55-220 Kulanui Street Bldg 5 Laie, Hawaii 96762-1293 |
| Hawaiʻi Community College | 1175 Manono Street · Hilo, HI 96720-5096 |
| Hawaiʻi Pacific University | 1 Aloha Tower Drive Honolulu, HI 96813 |
| Kapi'olani Community College | 4303 DIAMOND HEAD ROAD HONOLULU, HI 96816 |
| Kauai Community College | 3-1901 KAUMUALII HIGHWAY LIHUE, HI 96766 |
| Maui College | 310 W KAAHUMANU AVE KAHULUI, HI 96732 |
| Shidler College of Business | 2560 Campus Rd. - George Hall 346, Honolulu HI 96822 |
| University of Hawaii | 2500 CAMPUS ROAD HONOLULU, HI 96822 |
| University of Phoenix | 949 KAMOKILA BLVD KAPOLEI, HI 96707 |
To join a school, you need at least a high school diploma or a GED.
The programs for travel agents include classes like:
- Introduction to the travel industry
- Professional Skills
- Basic/International geography
- Destination geography
- Introduction to international travel
- Introduction to air travel
- Transportation
- Career development
- Sales and marketing for travel
Travel Agent Salary and Employment in Hawaii
There are many advantages to being a travel agent.
Some of these are traveling to exotic places and being allowed to work from home.
You can also get hired by a travel agency or maybe start a travel agency.
Keep in mind that you must have additional certifications to be an independent travel agent.
With additional certifications, you will receive good pay if you work as a travel agent.
You will generally earn more if you live in a large area and not in a rural region.
| Item | Percent |
|---|---|
$36K | |
$40K | |
$47K |
Average Salary of Travel Agents in Hawaii
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Honolulu | $39,791 |
| Hilo | $39,522 |
| Pearl City | $39,791 |
| Waipahu | $39,773 |
| Kailua | $39,791 |
| Kaneohe | $39,791 |
| Kahului | $39,522 |
| Kihei | $39,522 |
| Kapolei | $39,701 |
| Wahiawa | $39,665 |
Regional Salary
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Urban Honolulu, HI | 190 | $43,600 | $20.96 | $51,680 | $30,780 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Travel agents who have enough experience and education earn more compared to beginners.
Additional Information for Travel Agents
In this state, you can become a member of the additional certifications Hawaii Tourism Authority.
This will help you have increased career opportunities and a better-paid job.
The travel agent license will need to be renewed at some point.
Make sure to keep in contact with the agency that released your certification for more info.
