The Hawai’i Tourism Authority has launched an immersive virtual reality tour to promote travel to the Hawaiian Islands. Using 360-degree live-action footage, the experience places users directly in Hawai’i’s landscapes and cultural settings.
Hawai’i VR premiered at the 2016 Hawai’i Tourism Conference, held Sept. 26–30 at the Hawai’i Convention Center. The virtual tour was created so people everywhere can get an up-close sense of the islands’ culture, natural beauty and sunny climate.
“Anyone who loves Hawai’i or dreams of visiting will be amazed by how easily they can feel present in the islands and capture the magic of being here,” said Leslie Dance, vice president of marketing and product development at HTA. “This virtual reality tour is a fresh platform for showcasing Hawai’i’s culture and natural environment, the two pillars of our global appeal.”
The experience features Oahu, Maui, Kaua’i and the Big Island, and begins with a floating paragliding perspective through blue skies. Users choose an island to explore and move through its highlights while a local resident narrates, offering personal insights and context.
Hawai’i VR blends virtual reality with real-life footage to promote destination travel in a distinctive way. Viewers can sightsee waterfalls, volcanoes and coastal scenery, and also experience activities such as surfing and hula, presented with authentic, on-the-ground visuals.
The tours were released on Sept. 26 for HTC Vive and iPhone. The HTC Vive version is available through the Steam store, and the iOS version can be downloaded from the App Store under Hawai’i VR.