About Us
Unique adventures, meaningful difference.
After more than three decades creating luxury experiences for the world’s most discerning travelers to the world’s most luring destinations, The Coconut Traveler founder Debbie Misajon brought that experience home to Hawaii. She grew up here—surfing at sunrise, swimming with turtles, hiking forgotten trails to swim in waterfalls, and restoring her soul on the beaches that define her.
She knows these islands, and she knows they aren’t Waikiki puka shells and catered luau food. She knows the islands’ transformative power, and believes that as visitors, it’s our responsibility — our kuleana, as the Hawaiian language defines it — to leave this place better than we found it.
Now, The Coconut Traveler crafts unique experiences for discerning travelers worldwide, providing travel advisors and global tour operators with exceptional itineraries and experiences tailored to their clients' preferences. Whether the Galapagos Islands or the Himalayas of Bhutan, we understand that these travelers are aware that special destinations require a light step, a sense of reverence, and something left behind other than footprints.
When it's time, we want your clients to know our Hawaii. Please be in touch. Together, we will design unique adventures that not only captivate your clients but also contribute to the conservation of these special islands.
Debbie Misajon has enjoyed a diverse career across multiple continents, working at some of the world's most prestigious properties including AMAN and the Four Seasons. With a background that reflects her status as a global citizen, she embraces her Filipino-German heritage while cherishing her island roots. Currently residing in Papaikou on Hawaii's Big Island, Debbie finds solace alongside her beloved canine companions, Betty & Crocker. She immerses herself in the island's natural beauty, exploring its trails and waterfalls, and fostering partnerships that resonate with her values.
Contact Debbie | debbie@thecoconuttraveler.com
FOUNDER
WELLNESS CONSULTANT
Barry Warrington has a wealth of experience in the wellness industry as well as a manager of wellness retreats internationally. The New Zealand native graduated in 1996 with a Diploma in Exercise Physiology from Manawatu Polytechnic before embarking on his global travels as a manager of some of the best-known wellness establishments including health clubs, spas, resorts, integrative clinics, integrated oncology centers, and wellness retreats. Over the last 25 years, Barry has worked for many prestigious brand names in the business including Chiva Som, Six Senses Resorts and Spas, Imperial Spa Thailand, as well as boutique medical lifestyle wellness brands such as Tria Integrative Wellness in Bangkok, Verita Life in Bangkok, Life Clinic in Hong Kong and AT ONE Clinic in Suzhou, General Manager WellCare at Sangha by Octave, and Director of Wellness Operations HN Group with a focus on Serensia Woods Wellness Retreat. He has vast experience that encompasses both consulting, conception, pre-opening, and management. Barry’s personal vision is to truly impress his guests with every treatment, dish, therapy, and practice, which must deliver results; The combined benefits of these offerings must bestow a transformational experience and deliver optimal health. Barry is the Director of Integrative Wellness Consultants currently developing a range of wellness solutions for clients throughout the APEC region.
RESPONSIBLE TOURISM CONSULTANT
Rachel Marie is particularly passionate about the concept of “shared value.” That is, creating mutually beneficial relationships between businesses, workers, the environment, and the community. Rachel loves spending time in the mountains and on the ocean beaches of her native Pacific Northwest. Currently, she's pursuing her own passion offering consulting to The Coconut Traveler and companies worldwide.
Contact Rachel Marie | rachel@optimizedoffice.com
LOGISTICS MANAGER
Reunited and it feels so good. Whether it’s managing a one-time event or curating the experience of a lifetime for an extended family, Kim is passionate about providing world-class service and value to The Coconut Traveler clients. A long-time resident of Maui, she’s the proud mother of two wonderful young men, a volunteer in the community that goes the extra mile, and a supporter of animals across the island.
Contact Kim | logistics@thecoconuttraveler.com
FALL INTERN, IMPACT COORDINATOR
Bella is a recent graduate from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, earning a Bachelor of Science in Experience Industry Management with a concentration in Event Planning & Experience Management. She is starting out her career endeavoring to learn all she can about the travel and events industry. Passionate about global exploration, she enjoys discovering new horizons, spending time in the ocean surfing, practicing yoga, and soaking in quality time with family and friends. At The Coconut Traveler, Bella is eager to kickstart her career gaining practical experience in marketing, travel operations, and sustainable tourism practices.
Contact Bella | impact@thecoconuttraveler.com
Kate is currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Experience Industry Management with a minor in Communication Studies, a highly motivated and ambitious individual with a strong passion for the ever-evolving experience industry. Her academic focus equips her with the knowledge and skills to create impactful and engaging experiences, while her communication studies background fosters clear and effective interaction. She is seeking new opportunities to grow my professional experience in this dynamic field.
SPRING INTERN, IMPACT COORDINATOR
TECH CONSULTANT
Federico, an Industrial Engineer from Universidad del Valle de Guatemala, holds a Master’s in Business Administration from INCAE—one of the top business schools in Latin America. His passion lies in technology, and he’s currently focusing on front-end JavaScript programming. One of his strengths is his ability to bridge the gap between business terminology and technical jargon. Federico, based in Guatemala, serves as a consultant for The Coconut Traveler’s tech division.
PUBLIC RELATIONS
For Public Relations inquiries, contact Greta Vanhersecke at GV Public Relations | T 917-751-5037 | E greta@gvpublicrelations.com
In The News
Kimberly Burnett, James Mak and Christopher Wada
The Coconut Traveler is the Preferred Onsite Partner in Hawaii for luxury focused travel agencies.
We enjoy company collaborations with the following organizations through corporate sponsorship or membership. If you would like to learn more about our organization and goals, please call our founder, Debbie Misajon on +1-808-388-0696.
The Transformational Travel Council is aimed at changing the way we travel, but also how we live and behave with each other and the planet by providing a uniquely rich and accessible base of knowledge and wisdom for travelers and tourism. Choose depth over distance.
We are delighted to support the Sustainable Tourism Association of Hawaii initiatives through our corporate membership. STAH offers a certification program, Pono Traveler Program, and Education and Outreach Program, “Travel Pono,” encouraging positive impact.
The Coconut Traveler encourages you to join this forward thinking organization and support sustainable tourism in the Hawaiian Islands.
The aim of The Conscious Travel Foundation is to collaborate, educate and advocate for a more meaningful, sustainable tourism industry - protecting the planet and spreading the narrative around sustainable travel to our peers and the public. We see ourselves as a community think tank and a conduit to industry experts and innovators, helping our members increase their positive impact on landscapes, wildlife, cultures and communities across the globe.
The Coconut Traveler has selected to display What3Words for location maps vs the traditional address. Like many destinations in the world, Hawaii addresses can be difficult to find, signs go missing, vines cover numbers, plus we use a lot of vowels. To solve this, we’ve taken to the innovative, three-word address system of What3Words which pinpoints the precise location of your villa, guide meeting spot, trailhead starting point, and much more.
What3Words divided the world into trillions of 3 x 3 meter squares and assigned each one a unique three-word address. It’s far more accurate than the number and street name system. And it means everyone and everywhere now has an address. Click the link on the villa page to see the exact location of the property. It even works with Google Maps and Waze.
The Fine Print
Rates are quoted on a nightly basis. Properties with a valid Transient Vacation Unit (TVU) license may be rented on a nightly basis. Properties that do not hold a TVU license for a short-term rental will be made exclusively available to one party during a consecutive 30-day period. Rent quoted and reservation agreement will reflect the 30-day period; however, occupancy for the entire duration is not required.
Rates do not include Hawaii Transient Accommodations Tax (13.25%), General Excise Tax (4.712%), out-cleaning fee, or refundable security deposit. The refundable security fee will be held in the client trust account of The Coconut Traveler or that of the real estate property management company. In lieu of a refundable security fee, you may be offered a non-refundable, insurance policy payment. Should you choose to pay your invoices with a credit card, the Stripe processing fee is non-refundable.
We charge a Responsible Tourism fee, added to all itineraries. Using the globally accepted carbon output average per person per year of 29 mT, the number of travelers, number of days in the Hawaiian Islands, and airport origination, we collect and disperse 100% of this fee to local organizations that align with our commitment to having a positive impact on our community and environment. Should you like to make an additional donation, we would be delighted to guide you to a number of great organizations.