Price is right With hotels running less than half full and attractions begging for business, Hawaii is rife with good deals for residents. For those who can scratch together a few dollars, who maybe haven't been laid off from work and want a little enjoyment, a new round of kamaaina rates offers some spectacular savings.
The number of visitors to the
islands is plummeting, so
attractions turn to localsBy Russ Lynch
rlynch@starbulletin.com"I think there are some great deals and one of the benefits is that it obviously provides an opportunity for more people in the industry to be working," said Murray Towill, president of the Hawaii Hotel Association.
If more local residents go out and eat in restaurants or stay in hotels it gives employees the chance to work more hours. That in turn befits everybody as their earnings circulate in the community, Towill said.
You can take a week-long cruise around the islands on the S.S. Independence for $349 per person. It would be hard to get three meals a day in a local restaurant for $50 a day, but all meals are included in the cruise price. Besides, you get to see the islands from an entirely new perspective and there is all the usual on-board entertainment.
American Hawaii Cruises is offering that rate for cruises starting from Kahului, Maui, on Nov. 17 and 24 or Dec. 15 to those with proof of Hawaii residence.The newer ms Patriot is a little more expensive, $499. Its cruises, under the United States Lines flag, start on the same dates as the Independence sailings but they begin in Honolulu. In both cases, the local residents pay less than half the rate charged to those coming in from the mainland, although there are special deals for tourists too, such as a $999 cruise for travelers from the West Coast, including air fares.
Just like hotels, the companies want to keep their businesses going with as few layoffs as possible while they face a massive decline in tourism because of reluctant travelers after the Sept. 11 hijacking attacks.
If you don't have the time to take a cruise, there are low-price deals throughout the state for shorter stays.
Roberts Hawaii Tours, for example, has introduced a $99.50 "overnighter" deal that includes round-trip air fare to a neighbor island, a rental car and a hotel for the night. That's about what it costs for air fare alone for someone who just walks up to a Hawaiian Airlines or Aloha Airlines counter without a coupon or other special-rate deal.
"We had been running an air, room and car deal for $144," said Helene "Sam" Shenkus, Roberts marketing director. That makes the new kamaaina deal a savings of 31 percent. "And it is open to the military too," she said.
Also saying thanks to the military and welcoming kamaaina is Paradise Cruises, operator of 232-foot, four-deck Star of Honolulu dinner and show cruise boat. Local residents and military stationed in Hawaii, along with their families, can enjoy the top-of-the-line cruise, which includes a seven-course dinner, live jazz show and up to five drinks for a total of $79.95 each.
Deals get as low as $29.86 per person, including a three-course dinner and one drink, aboard the Star of Honolulu's sister ships, Starlet I and Starlet II.
Competitor Atlantis Adventures, the first to announce special kamaaina prices after the Sept. 11 disaster, will sell you a buffet dinner cruise for $22.
Dozens of hotels are offering cut room rates, special deals in restaurants and low-price or free use of amenities such as spas.
There are far too many to list here and the thing to do is ask, travel industry sources say. Deals abound right now throughout the islands.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts has special rates for local residents at all 13 of its properties and Starwood's kamaaina promotion has an added wrinkle, a certificate for a stay next year at the same kamaaina rate. Local residents staying at Starwood hotels through the end of the year will get certificates for a same-price stay at any Starwood property in Hawaii in 2002.
"Now is the time for the local community to take a break and spend some quality time with their loved ones," said Keith Vieira, vice president of operations, Hawaii and French Polynesia, for the chain that has the Sheraton, Luxury Collection, Westin and W brands in the islands.
"And we are encouraging Hawaii residents to rediscover their beautiful islands by taking advantage of these great rates," Vieira said. Kamaaina prices start at $79 per room per night at the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani and $109 at the Sheraton Waikiki. Parking is free for those booking into the Waikiki properties. On the neighbor islands, there are rates such as $125 at the Sheraton Kauai Resort and $129 at the Sheraton Maui. Go to Starwood's neighbor island hotels and you'll get a $25 daily dining credit and discounts at activities.
Maybe it is time for that long-desired visit to Lanai. Local residents can get into either the Lodge at Koele or the Manele Bay for as low as $179 a night and when they book they get a $25 dining credit. There are also special golf deals.
Kamaaina can "rediscover their island paradise" on the Big Island and the Mauna Lani Bay and Bungalows for as low as $139 a night and get free use of the fitness center, snorkel gear and other extras.
Castle Resorts & Hotels thinks it has something unique, not just a free rental car but free gasoline as well. "The Hawaii market represents a significant share of our business," said Alan Mattson, senior vice president of sales and marketing. "This special free car, free gas offer is our way to show our appreciation for kamaaina support," Mattson said.
Participating properties are the Waikiki Terrace Hotel on Oahu, the Kamaole Sands on Maui, the Hilo Hawaiian and the Kona Reef on the Big Island and on Kauai, Kiahuna Plantation and The Beach Bungalows, Makahuena and Poipu and the Lanikai Resort.
The Grand Wailea Resort Hotel and Spa on Maui has kamaaina rates starting at $205 a night that includes free breakfast for two and 10 percent off any service at the Spa Grande or the Grand Design Salon.
At Hyatt Regency Waikiki Resort & Spa, Kamaaina rates start at $89 and there are restaurant discounts and special spa prices.
At the Ohana hotels, a moderate-priced brand developed by Outrigger Enterprises Inc., kamaaina can stay for as little as $49 in Waikiki or $79 at the Ohana Keauhou Beach Hotel on the Big Island. Because of the September tragedy, many people are staying closer to home. "But that doesn't mean they have to cancel their vacation plans," said Bitsy Kelley, director of business and brand development for Ohana.
The Outrigger Hotels & Resorts properties throughout the state also have significant kamaaina deals.
Stay three nights at an Aston hotel and you'll get a fourth night free.
At the Hilton Hawaiian Village, where occupancy slipped to under 50 percent when a major convention checked out last week, there are kamaaina room rates as low as $99 a night plus free "Hilton F&B Dollars," to be used in restaurants.