Karen Dillard

Anchorage, AK
Alaska Travel Agent Expert

I love my work as an Alaska travel agent since the state is a dream destination for anybody who visits it. Alaska is a terrific place to go if you're looking for adventure and the great outdoors. From Fairbanks to Anchorage, one of my favorite Ala...
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Maui Travel Agent Expert

   You may have heard that Maui is a remote, isolated island off the coast of Hawaii. It’s true, and it’s exactly what makes it such an amazing place to visit. That’s why I love representing this travel destination as a travel agent specialist. Remote means small and intimate, so there aren’t thousands of other tourists to invade your space or ruin your holiday. If you like nature and exploring new places, then Maui is the perfect destination for you. It has everything from lush rainforests with waterfalls and tropical greenery to snow-capped mountains with stunning panoramic views everywhere. Maui is the second largest of the Hawaiian islands.  Known for its stunning beaches and volcanic activity, Maui is an exotic getaway that offers something for everyone. If you’re planning your next vacation and are looking for a location that is serene yet adventurous, then I know you’ll love Maui. Thanks to an abundance of hotels, condos and homes for rent, Maui is an increasingly popular travel destination. In fact, there are more than 260 establishments that offer accommodations on Maui. As a traveler to Maui, expect to see several unique attractions on this tropical getaway. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or foodie, you’ll be pleasantly rewarded when you travel to this island locale. Haleakala National Park The 11,000-foot summit of Maui’s Haleakala Volcano is home to some of the most spectacular views in all of Hawaii. This is one of the island’s most popular attractions for a reason! On the Haleakala Summit Tour, you’ll travel up the mountain in a van, stopping at a variety of lookout points along the way.  The van will eventually reach the summit, where you’ll have access to the Haleakala Observatory, an educational facility that overlooks the Island of Maui. In addition to offering stunning views of the island, the Haleakala Observatory features sunrise views as well. Whale Watching in Maui Every year, thousands of humpback whales migrate from the Arctic to Hawaii’s warm waters to give birth. At Maui’s Lahaina Harbor, there are plenty of operators offering whale-watching tours. Depending on when you go, you may be able to see whale calves, which are extremely rare.  You can also expect to see plenty of dolphins along the way, which are common sightings during these excursions. Traveling the Hana Highway The Hana Highway is a 52-mile road that runs through the Hana region of Maui. Along the way, you’ll pass through tropical rainforests and rolling hills, making this one of the most scenic drives in all of Hawaii.  Although you can drive this stretch of road, I highly recommend that you travel it with a tour guide. The narrow highway has many twists and turns, which makes it a challenge to navigate. If you decide to drive the Hana Highway yourself, make sure you allow ample time for your journey. I suggest that you  travel the road during the earlier hours, as it becomes extremely dark during and after sunset. Snorkeling with Manta Rays The Pacific Ocean around Maui is home to a variety of tropical marine life, including several species of manta ray. Seeing a manta ray in its natural habitat is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.  Manta ray snorkeling tours are offered in several different locations around the island. When visiting Maui, it’s essential that you book your manta ray snorkeling tour in advance to ensure that you’re able to take part in the activity.  Manta ray season is from July to October, and there are only a few tour operators that have access to these protected areas. Manta ray season is also weather-dependent, so be sure to check the forecast before booking a trip. Surfing on Maui Surfing is one of the most popular water sports in the Hawaiian Islands. While the majority of surfing in Hawaii is done on the island of Oahu, you can find a few select spots on Maui that attract experienced surfers.  Surfing on Maui is best done at the big breaks in the winter months. If you’re a beginner surfer, you should expect some challenges surfing on Maui. You’ll need to be prepared for the cold water temperatures, and the strength of the waves often require a good deal of talent and skill. Kaanapali Beach Kaanapali Beach is one of Maui’s most popular travel destinations. It’s located about an hour away from Lahaina, Maui’s main town. When visiting Kaanapali Beach, you have several different activities from which you can choose.  If you’re looking to experience some Hawaiian culture, you might stay at the Sheraton’s Hawaiian Village, which is a Polynesian-themed resort. Alternatively, you can visit the West Maui Tropical Botanical Gardens, which is home to exotic tropical plants. I can guarantee you’ll have a true island experience. Allow me, as your travel agent specialist for Maui, to create the perfect itinerary. Give me a call - let’s start planning today!             

My Reviews

7 of 11 people found this review helpful
Last Minute trip to Seattle
Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness and Value
Karen Dillard took great care of me! She thought of every detail, shopped for the best rates and quality. I am so impressed with her thoughtful, professional, kind manner. Highly recommend her!
By  Caprissa Frawley  from  Denver, Colorado
Traveled to  Washington ~ USA
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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5 of 7 people found this review helpful
The best trip of our lives visiting Alaska!
Karen is great! She really showed us the hospitality of Alaska. She was super helpful with planning the trip and during our stay in Alaska. We really appreciate her for putting in the effort for us to have a wholesome Alaskan experience. She is also quick at responding to our needs. When we told her that we were interested in dog mushing after we arrived in Alaska, she booked us a tour right away that night. My family and I had a wonderful time at Alaska thanks to Karen, and we look forward to visiting Alaska again!
By  Emily C.  from  Davis, California
Traveled to  Fairbanks ~ Alaska ~ USA
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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Best Agent for Your Alaska Travels
Two years ago I started planing an Alaskan vacation for June 2024. I searched the internet for a travel agent and was directed to Karen Dillard. I told Karen my plans and she started to work. We were going to fly into Anchorage and fly out of Fairbanks. Next she suggested staying at McKinley Creekside Cabins. We loved this place! The rooms, the staff, the food, the views was excellent!
Next she suggested a cabin in North Pole. It was such a cute cozy cabin tucked away in the woods and it wasn't very far from Fairbanks.
I am thankful for Karen and her hard work these past two years. I know it was difficult due to some of my plans changing throughout the two years due to the amount of days I was able to be in Alaska.
Thank you Karen for your friendship!
By  Nancy P  from  Memphis, Tennessee
Traveled to  Alaska ~ USA
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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She Provided Added Value to our Trip!
She was knowledgable about my travel destination
Working with this agent was convenient and easy
The agent provided added value in the planning process
By  Ronald King  from  Denver, Colorado
Traveled to  Alaska ~ USA
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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Had a Awesome Time in Alaska!
Just got back from the trip. Had an awesome time, could not have done it without her! She was knowledgable about my travel destination
Working with this agent was convenient and easy
The agent provided added value in the planning process
The agent crafted the perfect trip for me
By  Edward Stefanovich  from  Orlando, Florida
Traveled to  Alaska ~ USA
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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Destination Expert:

  • Kaanapali, Maui
  • Lahaina, Maui
  • Hana, Maui
  • Haleakala, Maui
  • Wailea, Maui

Travel Specialist:

  • Water Sports
  • Honeymoons
  • Beach Vacations
  • Family Vacations
  • Vacation Rentals

Certifications/Awards:

  • CTC

Industry Affiliations:

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