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Hawaii Hotel Occupancy Plunges Further

[Ed. Note: Alex Salkever is the editor / founder of Hawaii travel blog Hawaiirama.com.]

For the first time in years the hotel occupancy rate on all four major Hawaiian Islands fell below 60%, according to a report in Pacific Business News. This number, representing the seven day period spanning May 5 through May 12, represents a whopping 16.9% dip from the same week last eyar. In general, it's a remarkable turnabout from occupancies North of 80% a year or so ago and a clear indication that something is amiss in the islands.

Is Hawaii losing its luster? Unlikely but possible, considering the dearth of new hotels and the rising crowd factor that turned off many visitors in 2006. Far more likely, the economic slowdown on the Mainland combined with an agressive smoking ban that has put off legions of puffing Japanese visitors are to blame.

Meanwhile, stealth deals abound as airfare to Hawaii from the West Coast remains around $300, according to the Buzz tracker at Kayak.com, a very low level. And although hotels are not dropping rack rates, package deals and extra-nights free are popping up like ripe pineapples all over Alohaland. As I've been writing in these pages, get to Hawaii while the getting is good.

[Photo: Mote]

Related Stories:
· Hotel occupancy plunges below 59% [Pacific Business News]