Don’t hide the true cost of that ticket

The bottom line is what counts for consumers who are searching for the best deal. And it matters even more for high-ticket items such as, er, tickets.

Airfares, to be more precise, are among the costliest items most people buy with any regularity. So it was excellent news that airlines and online ticket sellers began last week complying with a federal rule compelling that they display the total amount most prominently.

Executives from some carriers, including Hawaiian Airlines, have groused that the government can now hide its role in boosting the bottom line with rising taxes. Sorry, but there’s lots of room on the website to break out those details.

If truth in advertising is going to hurt, it’s better the customer get that news up front. Then they can forget it and get on with that “bon voyage.”

Quiet Kauai gets down to (Chinese) business

Let the county battles begin!

While Oahu’s Waikiki is the recognized worldwide icon for Hawaii travel and leisure, we know there is much on the neighbor islands to recommend them. Hawaii island’s awesome volcanoes, for example; or Maui’s Haleakala Crater; or Kauai’s Waimea Canyon.

So while it might be a bit off the beaten path, it’s not surprising that Kauai is drawing Chinese tourists in increasing numbers. Just last week, the first-ever charter flight from China to Lihue touched down with Shanghai business executives and their families. A second charter will arrive Saturday, and a third group is expected soon after.

Chinese visitors hold great potential for Hawaii tourism. Good on the Garden Island for getting aboard; nothing like a little friendly competition to spur on business.