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Brian Harder

Chicago, Illinois Travel Agent
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Brian Harder

Chicago, Illinois Travel Agent
A Full-Service Travel Leaders Associate Agency
11 Reviews | 100% Recommended
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Hawaiian Travel Agent Specialist

Sunset over a Hawaiian beach.
Sunset over a Hawaiian beach.

Aloha and welcome to the stunning paradise of Hawaii! This tropical archipelago is known for its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and endless opportunities for adventure. Whether you're drawn to the lush greenery, pristine beaches, or unique Polynesian heritage, Hawaii has something for every type of traveler. Here are some must-do activities to make the most of your visit:

Explore Volcanoes National Park (Big Island)

Witness the raw power of nature by exploring the active volcanoes on the Big Island. Hike through the otherworldly landscapes of Volcanoes National Park, where you can see flowing lava, craters, and steam vents.

Kona Coffee Plantations (Big Island)

Take a tour of a Kona coffee plantation and learn about the cultivation and processing of Hawaii's renowned coffee. Enjoy tastings of freshly brewed Kona coffee and purchase some to take home.

Mauna Kea Observatories (Big island)

Visit the Mauna Kea summit, one of the best places in the world for stargazing. The observatories atop this dormant volcano provide unparalleled views of the night sky. Consider joining a stargazing tour or attending an astronomy program.

Akaka Falls State Park (Big Island)

Experience the beauty of Akaka Falls, one of Hawaii's most famous waterfalls, located near Hilo. Take a short hike through the lush rainforest to reach viewpoints overlooking the 442-foot waterfall and surrounding landscapes.

Snorkel at Hanauma Bay (Oahu)

Dive into the crystal-clear waters of Hanauma Bay, a marine conservation area teeming with colorful coral and a variety of tropical fish. Snorkeling here is like entering an underwater paradise.

Visit Pearl Harbor (Oahu)

Pay tribute to history at Pearl Harbor, home to the USS Arizona Memorial. Explore the museums and memorials to learn about the events of December 7, 1941, and the impact on World War II.

North Shore Surfing (Oahu)

Visit the North Shore of Oahu, a surfing mecca known for its massive winter waves. Even if you're not a surfer, watching the professionals tackle the famous Banzai Pipeline is a thrilling experience.

Dole Plantation Adventure (Oahu)

Explore the Dole Plantation, home to the world-famous Dole Whip. Take a scenic train ride through the pineapple fields, wander through the lush gardens, and challenge yourself in the giant pineapple-shaped maze – a fun and delicious experience for the whole family.

Lanikai Beach (Oahu)

Relax on the pristine shores of Lanikai Beach, consistently ranked as one of the best beaches in the world. The turquoise waters and soft, powdery sand make it a true tropical paradise.

Polynesian Cultural Center (Oahu)

Dive into the diverse cultures of the Pacific at the Polynesian Cultural Center. Experience traditional dances, try authentic island cuisine, and learn about the customs of Hawaii and other Polynesian islands.

Road to Hana (Maui)

Embark on the famous Road to Hana, a scenic drive that takes you through lush rainforests, past waterfalls, and along the breathtaking coastline. Don't forget to stop at the Garden of Eden Arboretum for panoramic views.

Sunset at Haleakala Summit (Maui)

Experience a sunrise or sunset at the summit of Haleakala, a dormant volcano. The view from the top is otherworldly, with the sun casting a beautiful palette of colors across the landscape.

Road to Hana Waterfalls (Maui)

Along the Road to Hana, discover a multitude of stunning waterfalls, such as Wailua Falls and Ohe'o Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools). Take short hikes to witness the natural beauty and swim in the refreshing pools.

Snorkel Molokini Crater (Maui)

Take a boat trip to Molokini Crater, a partially submerged volcanic crater that offers exceptional snorkeling opportunities. The clear waters provide a glimpse into Hawaii's vibrant marine life.

Whale Watching (seasonal)

Visit during the winter months (December to April) for an incredible opportunity to go whale watching. Witness the majestic humpback whales as they migrate to the warm Hawaiian waters to breed and give birth. If whale watching is a priority, Maui is a highly recommended destination for an unforgettable experience.

Luau Experience

Immerse yourself in Hawaiian culture by attending a traditional luau. Enjoy a feast of local cuisine, watch hula dancers, and learn about the rich history and mythology of the islands.

Helicopter Ride Over the Islands

Taking a helicopter ride is a fantastic way to witness the awe-inspiring beauty of Hawaii from a unique perspective. Soar above the lush landscapes, cascading waterfalls, and volcanic craters on a thrilling helicopter tour. This aerial perspective offers breathtaking views of Hawaii's diverse terrain and is a memorable way to capture the true essence of the islands.

Remember to embrace the laid-back island lifestyle, savor the delicious local cuisine, and take in the warm hospitality of the Hawaiian people. Whether you're seeking relaxation or adventure, Hawaii promises an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Pacific. 

 

CERTIFICATES & AWARDS

Certified ASTA Travel Agent

My Reviews

Rating: 5 11 Reviews | 100% Recommended

A travel agent who rocks!

Reviewed By R. and C. - Madison, WI | Traveled to Hilton Head Island ~ South Carolina ~ USA
Brian has been a wealth of resources and we have been thrilled to work with a professional travel agent who cares so much for client satisfaction. We've never been to Hilton Head before and Brian provided us with options, direct links, available discount codes, suggested tours and much more. He was sensitive to our budget and helped us find a great place to stay with all the amenities we wanted for a price that fell within that budget. Pretty sure we could not have done this without him. Thank you, Brian!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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Great Trip

Reviewed By Jeff - Green Bay, WI | Traveled to San Diego ~ California ~ USA
Brian was very helpful. He had great suggestions. His assistance was very much appreciated!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Brian Harder responded:
Thank you, Jeff. I am glad your trip was enjoyable. Brian---
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Our Dream Honeymoon -- Come True!

Reviewed By Geoff and Andrew - Chicago, IL | Traveled to France ~ Europe
Brian was incredibly resourceful, creative, communicative and responsive! He took time to understand what we wanted out of our honeymoon trip, found the ideal transit/lodging solutions for our multi-destination honeymoon, and provided tons of information about local attractions and events. Working with him was a joy!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Brian Harder responded:
Thank you, Geoff. I am glad your trip was a success. I look forward to working with you again! Brian---
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Long Weekend in Boston

Reviewed By Jana - Syracuse, NY | Traveled to Boston ~ Massachusetts ~ USA
I called on Brian who is an old friend because I heard he was working as a travel agent. My husband and I took an impromptu road trip to Boston for a long weekend, but didn't have a lot of time to plan what to do once we got there. Brian was able to get us a hotel room. And he sent us some recommendations for tours we could take. We were able to book those online in a matter of minutes. We took a tour of Fenway Park and a walking tour of the historic downtown. Great recommendations.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Brian Harder responded:
It was so nice to catch up and work with you, Jana, on your Boston adventure. I look forward to working with you again. Brian---
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Brazil or Bust

Reviewed By Janice - Naperville, IL | Traveled to Brazil ~ South America
We went to Brazil this year and had a wonderful time. We took our time booking our trip and even changed our destination a few times but Brian was very patient with us while we tried to figure out where we wanted to go. We settled on Brazil and everything was great! Brian made luxurious hotel reservations for us and gave us some amazing ideas for things to do while we were there.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Brian Harder responded:
I'm glad it all worked out for you, Janice. It was a pleasure and I'm thrilled you had a good time. Hope to work with you again in the future. Brian---
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Great Customer Service

Reviewed By Bill - McArthur, CA | Traveled to Puerto Vallarta ~ Jalisco ~ Mexico
I've traveled the world using multiple travel agents.
This year we tried a new agent. Brian exceeded our expectations. Not only did he book our trip and travel insurance, but he communicated with us throughout the trip. As elderly travelers, we appreciated knowing we had Brian as a resource while we were vacationing in a foreign country. A naturally friendly individual, Brian practices excellent customer service and we look forward to using him again.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Brian Harder responded:
Thank you kindly, Bill, for this nice review. It was a pleasure helping you feel secure on this trip to Puerto Vallarta. Let me know when I can help you in the future. My best to Katharine Ann, Brian---
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So easy to work with!

Reviewed By Maggie Bee - Chicago, IL | Traveled to Hawaii ~ USA
Brian was very responsive and provided a long list of options for our review. He had some great ideas and tailored them for the time we had on each island.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Brian Harder responded:
It was my pleasure assisting you, Maggie, and I'm glad you had a good time. I'd love to help you plan your whole vacation adventure next time! :-) Brian---
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A weekend we won't forget!

Reviewed By Betty - Ames, IA | Traveled to Chicago ~ Illinois ~ USA
Our weekend getaway to Chicago was flawlessly planned by Brian! Every detail, from the centrally located hotel to the personalized itinerary that included iconic sights and hidden gems, everything was perfect. We don’t get out of Iowa much, so having a local like Brian plan the trip for us was ideal! We are a meat and potatoes couple, but he gave us great dining recommendations that have kindled a desire for more culinary exploration. The highlight was the architectural boat tour on the Chicago River. The views were stunning, and our guide knew everything about the buildings and Chicago's rich history. Thanks to Brian, our weekend was unforgettable. His professionalism, attention to detail, and personalized approach made all the difference.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Brian Harder responded:
Betty, I am so glad your trip was as nice as you had hoped for. Chicago is lovely and it was a pleasure working with you. I'd be happy to work with you in the future! Brian---
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Our trip to Peru

Reviewed By Mark - Springfield, IL | Traveled to Peru ~ South America
Brian was great. He responded to us almost immediately and from that first conversation, we knew we were in good hands. He helped us with our travel plans to Peru and Machu Picchu. He had been there before, so we felt like he was able to provide us with insider knowledge. The trip was fabulous with stops in Lima, Cusco, and of course, Machu Picchu, which was a highlight. I don’t know if we would have hiked up to Huayna Picchu if Brian hadn’t highly recommended/encouraged it, but we’re glad we did. Overall, it was a great trip and Brian planned it very well. We will use him again in the future.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Brian Harder responded:
I'm so glad your trip was enjoyable, Mark. After discussing your expectations for the trip, I knew you'd enjoy some of the recommendations I offered you. My best to you and Steven and I look forward to helping you both plan your next adventure. Brian---
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Fantastic San Diego Getaway

Reviewed By Bill and Jonathan - Aurora, IL | Traveled to San Diego ~ California ~ USA
Brian was incredibly attentive to our needs and preferences, making our getaway to San Diego memorable and special. We stayed at Inn on The Park , a nice, LGBTQ-friendly hotel near Hillcrest. It was the perfect landing place for our getaway. We explored the neighborhoods and visited Mount Soledad in La Jolla for the best view of the entire area. We loved Old Town. The restaurant recommendations were spot on, even ensuring that our anniversary was communicated to one restaurant in advance. Highlights include the romantic sunset cruise around San Diego Bay and the San Diego Zoo.
The attention to detail and personal touches that Brian added were the best. Everything felt personalized and considerate. Brian was responsive to us and we always felt we had support when we needed it. We could not have asked for a better experience and are already looking forward to planning our next adventure with Brian. We highly recommended him for anyone looking for a personalized, stress-free, experience
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Brian Harder responded:
Bill and Jonathan...thank you for letting me plan your anniversary trip. I'm glad it was special for you both. I hope I can be of assistance for all your future travel needs as well. Brian---
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Brian Made It Happen!

Reviewed By Fanny - Chicago, IL | Traveled to Costa Rica ~ Central America
I work for a large telecommunications advertising business. Brian was instrumental in helping me to plan our annual client trip. This one was to Costa Rica. I was pregnant and about to have my child and go on maternity leave. Brian took over and handled all the details so very well. He took care of booking all of our guests’ travel arrangements, including extended stays for some. They stayed at the Four Seasons Peninsula, Papagayo. He arranged transportation from the airport and for the excursions. He booked dinner destinations, a beach party, golf days, spa days, a zipline adventure, hired a photographer, and so much more. He booked meeting rooms for our employees. He arranged for nightly gifts to be left in our client’s suites. He then attended the trip so that no detail would be forgotten. The clients and employees raved about the trip. He was an invaluable resource for me while I was out, and I would recommend him to anyone worried about details. Brian knows how to cover it all.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Brian Harder responded:
Hi Fanny. I had such a nice time planning this trip for your clients and I'm glad it went off without a hitch (except for that storm which we couldn't predict...LOL.) Being there really made all the difference and I must say, your clients know how to have a good time! My best to you and little Lizbeth. If you need help again, please feel free to reach out. Brian---
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My Travel Experience

Places I’ve personally traveled to or destinations I’ve booked for my clients.