Travel Agent Schools in Hawaii

Being a travel agent is a very advisable career path for candidates in Hawaii, not only because the state is one of the most favorable for tourists with a thriving tourism and hospitality industry but also because these professionals are highly regarded in the state and have extremely favorable projections for the foreseeable future.

The following sections on this page should be immensely helpful for state residents looking to start their careers in the field as smoothly as possible. Here, we break down all the major considerations they must make to set themselves up for long-lasting success.

We also provide a list of top training programs to consider before revealing the prospective salary across different experience levels and locations within the state.

How to Become a Travel Agent in Hawaii

These are the steps necessary to become a travel agent in Hawaii.

Step 1: Preparing for Training & Job Placement

Being a travel agent is unique because candidates don’t have to attend a training program to get started. Of course, they may choose to do so, but in most cases, the first step is to find a host agency.

Several host agencies exist in Hawaii, and they all offer valuable help to candidates looking to start their careers smoothly. Some ways they do this are by offering marketing resources, tools for planning and management, and, of course, an IATA number, which all travel agents need.

Step 2: Acquiring Support and Training

Generally, there are two ways to acquire training as a prospective travel agent. These include attending an academic program and receiving training from a host agency.

• Attending an Academic Program—Individuals may complete a travel agent training program at an academic institution to start their careers. They may also complete a broad business administration, travel, or tourism program.
• Receiving Training from a Host Agency - Those who can find a host agency from the start may not have to attend an academic program. Some host agencies have an in-house program to educate fresh agents.

Step 3: Certification & Continuing Education

Regardless of the destination, candidates who have received training as fresh travel agents may start taking on entry-level roles and developing their client base.

Furthermore, travel agents are expected to continually improve themselves even after employment. Certification is a very effective tool for this. We discuss this aspect of the process further below.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• Learn how to become a truck driver in Hawaii

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Hawaii is one of the few states where travel agents are expected to get a license before they start working professionally. Travel agencies must register with the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs here.

As for certification, travel agents in Hawaii may consider any of the credentials and professional organizations listed below:

• The Travel Institute offers a Certified Travel Associate (CTA) credential;
• The Cruise Lines International Association offers an Accredited Cruise Counselor credential;
• The Travel Institute offers a Certified Travel Industry Executive (CTIE) credential.
• The Travel Institute offers a Certified Travel Counselor (CTC) credential and
• The American Society of Travel Advisors offers a Certified Travel Advisor (CTA) credential.

Top Travel Agent Schools in Hawaii

Hawaii travel agents often start their careers by attending any of the top-quality programs below.

Explore travel agent schools in Hawaii by city:

• Travel agent schools in Honolulu

Salary & Career Outlook

In Hawaii, most travel agents earn an average annual salary of $44,608, which falls into the profession’s median range. There is room to climb the income ladder, and many have done so.

Travel agents in Hawaii, for instance, who fall into the top 10% earn an impressive $73,246 per year. On the other end of the spectrum, even the lowest 10% of earners still take home an annual salary of $25,454.

As expected, factors such as geographical location, years of experience, and professional credentials are crucial in determining one’s position on this salary scale.

Interestingly, travel agents working in Hilo enjoy the highest average annual salaries in Hawaii, earning approximately $64,638 annually.

Other high-paying destinations for travel agents in the state include Kailua, where these professionals can expect to make around $63,544 annually, and Honolulu, with an annual average salary of $58,114.