Erik & Lianne Wong

Lianne and Erik at the Hokkaido Snow Festivals in Japan.

Tell us a little about yourself.

Erik: I was born and raised in McCully, and graduated from Mid-Pacific Institute and the University of Washington.

Lianne: I grew up in Kaneohe and Makiki., then went on to get my bachelor’s degree in Education from University of WA in Seattle. I also have a post graduate degree in Education from UH. I met my husband Erik at UW. We raised 2 children who are now both married, living and working on Oahu. We have 2 dogs, who were adopted from the Humane Society.

What did you do for work before becoming a Tour Manager?

Erik: I was a Navy civilian at the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and Navy Region Hawaii. I also retired from the Hawaii Air National Guard.

Lianne: Before becoming a tour manager, I was an elementary school teacher for 30 years. I spent most of my career as a classroom teacher at Nimitz Elementary school.

What are your hobbies? What do you like to do in your free time?

Erik: Spending time with our 2 dogs and keeping our yard green and presentable.

Lianne: I take watercolor classes and am always trying to catch up on assignments. I am learning to capture the beauty of nature, especially tropical plants and scenery. I love to sing karaoke with friends.

Where is your favorite place to travel? What is your favorite thing to do there?

Erik: Japan – eating, shopping, and exploring the smaller cities and towns throughout the country.

Lianne: My favorite place to travel is Japan. I especially enjoy Miyajima Island for its quiet serenity, spiritual reverence, and the abundant natural beauty that you find there. I also love Japan for the quality and workmanship of their handicrafts. The Daiso stores, Don Quiote, and art supply stores are well stocked with all kinds of things you never knew you needed. The shopping is great there!

What do you like most about being a Tour Manager?

Erik: Sharing my love for Japan and helping our guests enjoy their traveling experience.

Lianne: For me, the best thing about being a Tour Manager is our people. I love meeting tour members for the first time and giving them the assurance of knowing that they have someone there to help them to have the best experience that they can while traveling. We may all be experiencing new places, cultures, and situations together, but we’ll do it as a travel family. What I love is helping to build that family where we accept our differences but also enjoy and take care of each other.

Is there anything else you’d like our tour members to know about you?

Erik: Nothing to add.

Lianne: I am the eldest of my siblings and the one that my parents rely upon in case of emergency. They are 91 and 89, and my mother is in the late stages of Alzheimer’s Disease. I try to be their go to person.