BEAT OF HAWAII AND BEYOND

“Bookmobiles are disappearing in an age defined by mouse clicks,” reports the Boston Globe.

While that may be true, there’s one bookmobile on Oahu with a new mission.  It’s Bill’s Bookmobile, cheaply selling used books, music and movies.  All proceeds benefit the Hawaii Public Library System.

Bill’s Bookmobile doesn’t travel to you.  Instead you go to its permanent location near downtown Honolulu.  The parking is free and the deals are many.  You may even find a used book you’ve been searching for.

Named after the late Bill Harper, this project honors his memory and love of books.

Right now you can get 50 percent off the already discounted price on children’s books and cookbooks.  Videos are 10 for $5.00 and romance novels are five bucks a bag.  Be sure to check their website for current deals during your trip.

On my recent visit, I found the books in good to very good condition.  I left with a paperback and like new hardcover for a total of $3.50.

This is a great place for booklovers to meet on their Hawaii vacation.  If you go to Bill’s Bookmobile, let me know how you liked it.

Location: 690 Pohukaina Street.

Directions: From Ala Moana Blvd, turn on Coral Street and then left on Pohukaina.  Parking is free.

Hours: Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m, and the first Saturday of each month.

I looks like Hilo Hattie, the originally Kauai-based store chain started in 1963, is fast coming to its demise. The ominous “we’re sorry” on their website is a sad indication of the conditions at hand. As you recall, we wrote about their problems last year both on May 10 and again on October 2.

The federal court trustee monitoring their bankruptcy has now asked that the filing be converted to a liquidation.  The reasons are:

• Continual losses in bankruptcy
• Inability to open their planned Waikiki flagship store
• Failed reorganization attempts

Hilo Hattie has been plagued by a multitude of ongoing problems, not the least of which has been significantly reduced Hawaii visitor numbers over the past year.  As we indicated previously, their other issues include:

• A focus on foreign vs. Hawaii-made merchandise
• The difficult credit market
• Multiple failed expansion attempts
• New ownership

The most unfortunate part is that Hilo Hattie employs about 200 Hawaii workers who are now facing unemployment.

We have so many memories of Hilo Hattie, and drive by their iconic locations frequently.  Do you have any Hilo Hattie reminiscences you’d care to share?

Updated:  The State of Hawaii Department of Health now has a swine flu information hot line.  It can be reached at (866) 767-5044.

You’re Safe Here. Hawaii has no confirmed cases so come and enjoy our culture, people and beaches.  Especially with all the great summer deals that Jeff has recently posted.

It isn’t too late to say later to unfortunately hard hit Mexico and Aloha to Hawaii for this summer’s vacation.

Current Precautions

Passive surveillance is taking place on all international and domestic arrivals at Honolulu.  The same procedures for cruise ship passengers and for the outer islands will soon follow.

What if Anything Changes?

Hawaii is prepared to screen incoming passengers if needed.  We were the first state to establish an airport surveillance program.  This would include an infrared scanning of incoming passengers that takes temperatures remotely.  On our trip to Hong Kong during Avian Bird Flu we had a similar screening.  It’s a quick process.

In an emergency, Honolulu airport could be converted into an emergency quarantine station for patients suspected of carrying the Swine Flu virus.  Special air filters, already in place, would be used to prevent the deadly virus from spreading. Medical personnel have special protective suits for use in such a quarantined area.

Hawaii will have 300,000 doses of flu medication available for residents and visitors, should the need arise.

Anything else to consider?

Travel insurance might not be a bad plan right about now.  Make sure that the policy you choose has trip cancellation protection related to epidemics.  If in doubt, ask the insurance carrier first.

What’s Your Take on Swine Flu as it relates to your Hawaii travel plans?

I checked availablility this morning for all of the incredible, unprecedented Hawaii summer airfares we reported last week.  Not surprisingly, a number of them are already gone.  It is likely that many if not most of the remaining fares could come to an end at any point now.

As of today, 930AM, Hawaii Time:

Honolulu

Atlanta $324 (Delta (limited mostly to first two weeks in August) GONE

Baltimore $320 (American, Continental, Northwest, United) LIMITED DATES

Boston $326 (United) GONE

Los Angeles $252 (Delta, Northwest) PRICE REDUCED, AVAILABLE

Newark $366 (Delta, Northwest) GONE

Orlando $319 (American, Continental, Northwest, United) AVAILABLE

San Francisco $246 (United) PRICE REDUCED, LIMITED DATES

Seattle $308 (Northwest) AVAILABLE

Washington DC $362 (American (limited), Delta, Northwest, United) AVAILABLE

Kahului

Boston $342 (American, Delta (limited), United) AVAILABLE

Los Angeles $309 (American (limited), Delta, United) AVAILABLE

New York $338 (United) AVAILABLE

Sacramento $270 (Delta, Northwest, United) AVAILABLE

San Diego $276 (American (limited), Northwest, United) AVAILABLE

Kona

Los Angeles $320 (American, Delta, United) AVAILABLE

Sacramento $284 (United, Delta and Northwest are about $10 more) AVAILABLE

San Diego $290 (American, Delta, United) AVAILABLE

San Jose $306 (American, Delta, United) AVAILABLE

Lihue

Los Angeles $320 (American, Delta, United) AVAILABLE

New York $354 (United) AVAILABLE

Sacramento $284 (United, Delta is $10 more) AVAILABLE

San Jose $261 (Delta) LIMITED DATES

San Diego $290 (Delta, United) AVAILABLE

Alice Walker said that, “tea to the English is really a picnic indoors.”  We felt the same way after visiting Honolulu’s Tea at 1024.

The bright airy tearoom in historic Chinatown had a festive atmosphere from the moment we walked in.  We were invited to select our teacup and saucer and a hat to wear from a large selection.  Feather boas were available too which we decided to leave for next time.

A luncheon menu was offered but we selected a British style Afternoon Tea for $15.95 per person.  Two people can share for an additional $6.95 on weekdays.

Honolulu Advertiser said, “it’s the best afternoon tea value in town.”  We agree.  The tea, food and service lived up to our expectations.  There’s a lot of Aloha served here too under the direction of Michele Henry who has owned Tea at 1024 since 1999.

What’s Included in Afternoon Tea at 1024:

A tasty spinach salad with strawberries and feta cheese, four types of tea sandwiches, homemade scones with clotted cream (jam too) and dessert.  The tea selection included a variety of Black, Green, Red and Herbal teas.

Location, Hours and Parking:

1024 Nu’uanu Street in Chinatown (near King Street).  Validated parking available (ask for details when you make reservations).

Open Tuesday-Saturday at 11:00 a.m.  The last seating is 2:00pm during the week and 3:00pm Saturday.

Reservations Accepted: call 808-521-9596

Rob’s Guide to Afternoon Tea for Men:

• Place the tea strainer on your cup when pouring tea: it’s loose leaf.

• Start with scones, then tea sandwiches and finish with dessert.

• Use milk in black tea instead of cream for a better taste.

• Stir tea in a back and forth motion careful not to touch the bottom or sides of cup.  This will impress.

• Leave spoon on your saucer when not in use.  Don’t cradle cup.

• Relax and enjoy the company of the person you’re with.

• Remember, tea was first a man’s beverage so you’re in good company.

Note:  We receive no compensation of any kind for our reviews.

As we first broke this story back on February 10, prior to other media, Allegiant Air officials have confirmed their desire to extend operations into our Hawaii market.   Their presence will undoubtedly bring more discounted travel opportunities to Hawaii visitors.

Honolulu newspapers are reporting today that highly successful and rapidly expanding Allegiant, would like to add Hawaii to its roster of destinations. No specific time frame has yet been given.

Allegiant is undoubtedly evaluating our present market’s unusually severe competition.  Prior to beginning service they will also need to acquire new aircraft and personnel as they fly only MD-80 aircraft at this time.

When we first reported this in February, we were aware of Allegiant scouts in the Islands, looking at potential business opportunities.

Allegiant specializes in unbeatable airfares packaged with hotels, car rentals and activities.  They also typically fly from smaller markets than traditional airlines which could bring visitors to Hawaii from previously unserved locations.

Stay tuned for more developments.

Today is the day of days for 2009 Hawaii summer airfares.  When you add these to all of the other Hawaii airline deals we’ve seen this week, it is completely unprecedented for mid-June through mid-August peak summer travel dates.  These are round-trip airfares, plus total tax of $20-$40.  Most require 14 day advance purchase for travel between 3-60 days.

I’ve checked to be sure that the fares listed below are widely available as of this afternoon.

Obviously, don’t wait, these deals are teasers.  There are more cities and more sales than those listed.  I suggest you try using a flexible date search at one of the online travel agencies in order to find your deal.

Honolulu

Atlanta $324 (Delta (limited mostly to first two weeks in August)

Baltimore $320 (American, Continental, Northwest, United)

Boston $326 (United)

Newark $366 (Delta, Northwest)

Orlando $319 (American, Continental, Northwest, United)

Seattle $308 (Northwest)

Washington DC $362 (American (limited), Delta, Northwest, United)

Kahului

Boston $342 (American, Delta (limited), United)

Los Angeles $309 (American (limited), Delta, United)

New York $338 (United)

Sacramento $270 (Delta, Northwest, United)

San Diego $276 (American (limited), Northwest, United)

Kona

Los Angeles $320 (American, Delta, United)

Sacramento $284 (United, Delta and Northwest are about $10 more)

San Diego $290 (American, Delta, United)

San Jose $306 (American, Delta, United)

Lihue

Los Angeles $320 (American, Delta, United)

New York $354 (United)

Sacramento $284 (United, Delta is $10 more)

San Jose $277 (American, Delta, United all have limited availability)

San Diego $290 (American (limited), Delta, United)

Note:  Hawaiian and Alaska are not participating at this time.

Right on schedule again today, American & Northwest have further reduced the summer price from San Francisco to Honolulu by another $200.

Today’s Deal: $284 round-trip (all-inclusive).

Airlines:  American and Northwest  ($10 more on Delta)

Dates:  All summer

Advance purchase:  14 days

Minimum/maximum stay:  3/60 days

Fare basis code:  Q14E3QNR (American)

Availability:  Wide open at this time, but certainly don’t wait at all if you want this deal!  Use flexible date search to find the price.

Updated 4/23:  I just checked availability again today.  This unprecedented deal is still wide open for almost all dates throughout the peak summer travel season.

Okay, so this is becoming quite unbelievable, even to me.

Today, when Arthur Frommer mentioned that the $408 round-trip deal I posted last week was gone, I was surprised and decided to have another look.  To my amazement, here’s what I found:

Today’s Deal: Approximately $290-$300 round-trip (all-inclusive).

Airlines:  Continental, Delta and Northwest Airlines (best availability on Delta and Northwest)

Dates:  All summer

Minimum/maximum stay:  3/60 days

Fare basis code:  KDOOR9NZ  (Northwest)

Availability:  I just found many dates throughout summer, but they are going very fast.  Don’t wait even one minute if you want this deal!  Use flexible date search to find the price.

There are no new airfare deals to report so far today.  Most of the exceptional deals we’ve posted in the past week however are still available, so act now if you’re interested.

I’m confident there will be more summer airfare deals to Hawaii.  To get them timely, please subscribe in email or RSS, or via Twitter.

Maui Oceanview Condo $109 through summer

• Oceanview studio with private lanai at Aston at Papakea Resort
• Complete kitchen and in unit washer/dryer
• Free internet and exercise classes
• One-bedroom for $129

Aqua Resorts advance purchase savings of 15-30% off best rates

• Our favorite Waikiki hotel chain for unequaled value and service
• Book and pay in advance
• 30 days saves 15-20% ; 60 days saves 20-30%

Hawaii Prince Waikiki $149 through summer

• A Waikiki favorite of ours
• No blackout dates
• All oceanview

Tahiti $1,198 for one week

• Includes R/T air, new hotel, breakfasts and transfers
• Early bird special from Air Tahiti Nui
• Book by May 11 for travel August 12 through December 12
• Alternatively, Moorea $1,398 and Bora Bora $1,698

This is shaping up to be the most interesting summer ever in terms of Hawaii air fares.  No one, not even the airlines, has a clue as to exactly what will happen next.

As we’ve seen since late last week, the airlines have moved discounted Spring pricing out into the traditionally peak pricing periods of late June and even beyond.

Recent developments

Last Thursday, Friday and yesterday, many fares to/from Hawaii dropped dramatically.  Some of the more notable ones included:

• Boston $360 through June 24
• Dallas $473 throughout summer and beyond
• Denver $463 throughout summer and beyond
• Los Angeles $408 throughout summer and beyond
• Washington DC $354 through June 25

Add Canada to the list

The following fare sale showed up today:

• Vancouver to Honolulu $418; to Kahului $450 through June 30 (Westjet)

What is going on?

Granted, the deals listed are still quite limited.  Yet these fares would normally be double (or more) for many of the available dates.

Nearly two months in advance of summer, the airlines, who are the undisputed gurus in “yield management,” do not see adequate demand to support a traditional summer pricing structure. Travelers are simply not looking at or booking Hawaii in adequate numbers to evoke airline industry confidence.

Primary Mainland Departure Cities

The all-important West Coast departure cities (Los Angeles and San Francisco) are still holding their heads somewhat (though not traditionally) high.  Here are today’s July airfares for example:

Los Angeles $408-$700+

In this key market, United, which still has the greatest lift to Hawaii, moved below its competition by at least $200 with the fare we posted of $408.  Today I find availability at the same price on both American and Continental.  Hawaiian, unaware or unconcerned, is asking over $700 for the same dates.

San Francisco $512-$600+

American is already dropping under the competition by nearly $100, which I again see as an indication of perceived weakness in demand and a likely upcoming fare war in this important market.

What I suggest

This is the summer of all summers to wait and see.  If you have any flexibility or guts, just do not cave in to traditional summer Hawaii airfares.

If you don’t find the deals you’re looking for, just sit back and see what develops.  I predict we will continue to see many here today, gone tomorrow airfare deals. Each deal will likely be followed by a return, either temporary or longer lasting, to more traditional pricing.  A game of airline cat and mouse if you will.

Hang tight and watch.  If I’m wrong, you’ll know who to blame.  If I’m right, cudos gratefully accepted.

Most Important

When you do see the deal you want, don’t wait, even one hour.  These deals will come and go faster than you can shake a stick at them.  Be ready and pounce.

Updated 4/21:  American and Continental are now available at the same price.  Hawaiian is pricing at over $700 by comparison.

This is yet another unprecedented development in the Hawaii recession airfare saga.

United Airlines has dropped the price for nearly all prime summer dates to a low that I cannot recall seeing in the past 20 years.

While the other airlines will likely drop their pricing to meet or beat this deal, it remains a fantastic offer.  For example, Hawaiian is currently charging over $200 more for the same dates.

This affords you the opportunity to plan your vacation early and still lock in a killer price.

Here’s the deal:

• Los Angeles to Honolulu $429 round trip (all-inclusive)
• Advance purchase:  one day
• Minimum/maximum stay:  3/60 days
• Fare basis code:  LSSE13NH

Paired with ongoing weakness in Hawaii hotel occupancy and pricing, as well as $38 inter-island airfares, you have here all the makings of a fantastic peak summer Hawaii vacation.

Photo taken from Park Shore Hotel Waikiki