In promoting travel to the Hawai’ian Islands, the Hawai’i Tourism Authority introduces a virtual reality tour experience. The experience is highlighted by 360-degree, live-action footage using imagery to place users in Hawai’i.

Hawai’i VR debuted at the 2016 Hawai’i Tourism Conference, Sept. 26–30, at the Hawai’i Convention Center. The virtual reality experience will allow anyone in the world to experience up-close the culture, beauty and sunny weather of the Hawai’ian Islands.

“Anyone who loves Hawai’i or dreams about coming here is going to be amazed at how they can suddenly be in the islands whenever they want and capture the magic of being here. This virtual reality tour is a new platform for showcasing Hawai’i’s culture and natural environment, the two pillars of our global appeal,” said Leslie Dance, vice president of marketing and product development, HTA.

Oahu, Maui, Kaua’i and the main islands of Hawai’i featured in the experience, allowing the user to begin as a floating paraglider through the blue skies. Select an island to explore and experience all the island has to offer. An island-based resident narrates and provides a personal perspective.

Hawai’i VR combines virtual reality with live footage in a unique way to promote destination travel. Sightseeing of waterfalls, volcanoes and coastlines is combined with activities like surfing and hula.

The virtual tours were launched on HTC Vive and iPhone Sept. 26, and can be downloaded for HTC Vive on Stream and the iOS App Store using Hawai’i VR.