This past week I got to do something really exciting with HYUNDAI. I partnered with them to promote the new Kona Vehicle and test it all around The Big Island! They flew me and other Influencers to Kailua-Kona Hawaii (place where they got their inspiration for the car) and just explored the island for 4 days. It was such a fun adventure!!
First, let me say that I’ve had a long experience driving a Hyundai myself, so going into this I knew I could fully trust the company and feel confident about promoting their car. I would never post about something I don’t fully believe in. And I am extremely glad I was part of this media introduction because I was very impressed with this SUV! Specially by its advanced technology, but more not this later. First, for all of you who have not been to The Big Island before let me explain something I just learned on this first visit. The biodiversity of the island itself is insane! They have 8 micro climates, which means Hawaii is one of the most ecologically diverse locations in the world. It goes from one extreme to the next, a Humid tropical climate (how Hawaii always looked like in my head), to Winter dry, to monsoon, to Arid and semi-arid climates, to desert like dry, Summer warm and Summer cool. Crazy it’s all in one island right? Well it was the most perfect place toput this vehicle to the test and we certainly made the most of it!! In the everyday outings we drove it on all terrains… Volcanic rock scenery, secluded beautiful beaches, the wet tropical jungle, up the mountains where I swear I felt I was in Ireland and all in-between!
*This is the Kona in Pulse Red color
Some of the most impressive features comes from their interior technology. The Kona connects with Amazon Alexa and Google Home plus the Blue Link Car System, so I downloaded the app as was quickly setting in the atmosphere of the car from my phone before I even got in the car! How cool is that? With Blue Link you can Lock and Unlock, Remote Start with cool or warm climate control, has remote car finder (HELLO so perfect for me! I always forget where I park) and so much more.
Plus Kona has the option of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay which we made the most of on these road trips, has an 8-inch color touchscreen with navigation, rear view monitor with parking guidance, rain sensing wipers, among other amazing features but my 2 favorite ones have to be the Head-Up Display which is a 8-inch clear display that pops-up with safety, navigation and audio information while you drive (great for those who easily distract like me) and the Wireless charger for you phone! I know, I know of all things… but the heart wants what it wants and mine was beating for it not to mention their phone retrieval reminder and how it’s compatible with Android and Apple Smartphones since I use both Google Pixel and iPhone. You just place it down and voilá it charges instantly while you drive, that easy!
“Don’t let perfect be the enemy of good”
I got to enjoy this trip with my other half Tom, who is also my photographer so this experience was extra special! I am lucky to have such a supportive man by my side. Honestly when it comes to traveling for work it can get stressful sometimes, there’s a lot of pressure to deliver high quality content, network and still trying to be in the moment but having someone on your team who gets that and knows how to calm you down when your perfectionist side is taking over is a true blessing! This trip was just the right balance of it because I had him with me, so I came back feeling overjoyed.
And not just that, but the entire Hyundai Team who came with us went above and beyond to make sure we had a magnificent time! Being an Influencer means you get to work with a wide variety of companies every year, some good and some not so great but let me tell you this team was beyond accommodating and prepared. I meant it, they perfectly planned the entire trip down to the very last little detail. From having members of their team waiting for us at every location with food and beverages, a fun itinerary with equally balanced leisure time to enjoy the cars as well as a variety of activities for us to try out all around the island, provided several suggested routes to take, you name it! They did it.
But above all, it felt more like a family atmosphere where everyone was genuinely connecting with one another and go to experience all the best the new Kona vehicle has to offer. To me all of this speaks very highly of their values and of who they are as a company. Having the opportunity to test out these exceptional cars was already an exciting experience but their kind attentions made it a truly memorable one and that will alway build genuine relationships.
Now for someone who doesn’t have a family of their own yet and who loves taking long road trips with friends, I have to say this is a perfect option! I have all this extra room inside but it’s compact on the outside. It is very smartly designed and honestly with all the safety features and far better technology I am sold on it. I’ve been considering upgrading my car this year and haven’t gotten around to it yet but I’m seriously considering upgrading to this car, I meant take a look…
*The Kona in Sonic Silver color with leather interiors
Photos by Thomas Freeman
I’m already having withdrawals from this beautiful trip but I am very happy with all the memories I came back with! I always encourage people to look into things themselves so here is the link for you to find out further info on their Shopper Assurance.
