As Hawaii Tourism Drops, Hotels Are Offering "Buy Two Nights, Get One Free" and Other Deals

August 5, 2008 at 9:45 AM | by ASalkever | 1 Comment

[Alex Salkever is founder and editor of Hawaii travel blog, Hawaiirama.]

Those following the travel industry today are well aware of the travails of the Aloha State. It's both blessed and cursed. They are the loveliest islands on Earth in many ways, but also the most remote.

That means you gotta fly there in a big plane or ride a really slow boat. And airfare to Hawaii is pricey as heck, especially with airlines charging all sorts of baggage fees.

Oh and don't forget about the gas crisis. You thought gas was expensive for your little two-door? Think about a cargo plane. Or a cargo boat for that matter. Now, that is an expensive gas bill.

Thus Hawaii really can't afford any drops in tourism so they are going to be offering some sweet deals to get your butt lei'd.

A massive drop in visitor arrivals has forced Hawaii hotels into survival mode. There is no other way to explain promo deals that feature "Buy Two Nights, Get the Third Night Free" promos, the equivalent of marking down rack room rates by 33 percent.

That's just what's happening with some hotels, including the ResortQuest at Makaiwa on Kauai. The deal is offered through USAirways so it includes airfare as well. As for the hotel, it's beachfront but not on the nicest beach. The upgraded hotel is totally serviceable. The town around it, Kapaa, is a lot of fun. There are some restrictions to the promo but its pretty hard to beat this kinda discount in Hawaii.

Another deal we spied was at the Grand Wailea on Maui which offered a fourth night complimentary while room rates for the first three nights start at $281. Totally reasonable for this luxury property on one of the more expensive and popular islands.

If you book these deals or see another Hawaii deal on the cheap, let us know!

[Photo: Mrtwism]

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