Hotel occupancy rose in February

Hawaii hotels realized higher occupancy levels and took in more revenue in February as visitors to the state stayed longer and paid more for their rooms.

The lodging industry's statewide occupancy rose 1.1 percentage points to 87.1 percent from a year earlier, according to a report released yesterday by Hospitality Advisors LLC. On Oahu, occupancy increased 1.9 percentage points to 89.8 percent, partly due to construction in Waikiki that limited room capacity. The occupancy level in Waikiki was 90.5 percent, 1.5 percentage points above a year ago.

Hawaii hotels' revenue increased 11.5 percent to $276.3 million from February 2004 as the revenue per available room rose to $164.65 from $142.98.

Luxury hotel rooms, which went for an average daily rate of $296.21, were in demand during the month, as occupancy increased 3.8 percent to 85.3 percent from 82.2 percent.

On the neighbor islands, Maui's occupancy rose to 86.1 percent from 85.9 percent and the Big Island increased to 84.0 percent from 81.7 percent. Kauai, however, fell to 80.6 percent from 82.4 percent