By Pokemon Professor A
Who wouldn’t want to play Pokemon in paradise?
Get those trading card game decks tested and built. Or, if you prefer, train your Pokemon party in Black or White until they’re ready to take on the world. According to an article printed in the L.A. Times, the Pokemon World Championships will be held from August 10-12, 2012 in Kona, Hawaii. It could be more fun than watching Surfing Pikachu catch some waves.
Kona is a district on Hawaii’s Big Island. If you’re staying on Kona for your entire trip, the easiest flight option is to come in and out of Kona International Airport (KOA). It is a smart idea to keep your Nintendo DS or 3DS handy at the airport. Other players may be arriving around the same time and should be easy to spot wearing everything from Pikachu shirts to Oshawott hats. It’s a great opportunity to meet fellow Pokefans and exchange friend codes before the pressures of the competition set in.
Due to the large number of people flying in for World Championships, and with the generally high number of families that travel to Hawaii during the summer months, it can be hard to find last minute flight and hotel packages. If you want to attend the championships in Hawaii, you’ll need to plan well in advance to get the best deal. It’s generally not a good idea to wait and see if you’ve qualified for an invitation to Worlds. If you wait, Nationals typically takes place in July, and then you’ll only have a few weeks to prepare for the trip. If you’re committed to compete at Worlds, try your best to qualify for the trading card game or video game competition, but be prepared to attend the Last Chance Qualifier if you do not receive an invitation. When making your flight and hotel reservations in advance, make sure your reservation can be changed or cancelled within a reasonable time, typically a few days or weeks prior to your anticipated arrival date.
A trip to Hawaii doesn’t just have to please the Pokemon fans in your family. In the fall of 2011, Disney opened a new resort and spa facility named Aulani. Fun and famous Disney characters like Mickey, Minnie, Chip and Dale have made their way to the Hawaiian islands, too. As of this writing, the characters are mostly found at character dining opportunities, but this may change in the future. In addition to photos and autographs with the character celebrities, Aulani truly is a Hawaiian resort at heart. The amenities include a private snorkeling area, fireside puppet shows, adventure trails and nightly sunset ceremonies. With all of the magic of Disney and the rich nature and culture of Hawaii, a trip to Aulani can be the perfect complementary experience to Pokemon Worlds.
If you’re sold on visiting Aulani, remember that it is located on the island of Oahu. It is recommended to fly from the Big Island to Oahu and vice versa. Most flights between the islands are short, cheap and provide some nice aerial views. Oahu is also home to Honolulu and Waikiki Beach. If you want to get away from the characters and enjoy the metropolitan attractions of Hawaii, visiting Oahu is a must. If you’re really looking for an adventure, find the local leagues in Hawaii using the official Pokemon Play! website. Meet the local players before or after the big competition and make some new friends.
However you decide to enjoy the islands, take advantage of the opportunity and make it a vacation the whole family will enjoy.
Tags: Card Collecting