BEAT OF HAWAII AND BEYOND

It’s not the accommodations that draw you to Molokai. You come here to get away, slow down and feel the pulse of a quieter life style and perhaps walk in Father Damien’s path.

Teri Waros, owner of Kalele Bookstore in Kaunakakai, says it best, “Molokai is like a pilgrimage.”

Regardless of what brings you to Molokai, you need a place to rest your head at night. The choices are few with the closure of the Molokai Ranch last year. What remains is not perfect.

Hotel Molokai

Recently re-branded an Aqua resort, we liked the comfortable bed and down pillows, large room and oversize lanai, plus the well stocked kitchen. Hotel Molokai also has the advantage of being the most central place to stay on the island located two miles from Kaunakakai. It’s also the island’s only hotel.

There were three problems we experienced on our recent visit; a) an outbreak of ants in the kitchen and bathroom, b) loud music every night until 10:30 p.m. that penetrated the walls of our room, c) blowing a fuse each time we tried to use both stovetop burners at the same time or the burner and microwave simultaneously.

Wavecrest

We stayed at this condominium two years ago. Our unit was a one bedroom with kitchen. The grounds are well kept but the room décor varies as each unit is privately owned.

We didn’t like the room layout which placed the bedroom at the front facing the parking lot. After the first night we switched the furniture between the living room and the bedroom in order to take advantage of the view and trades.

You’re also going to be charged a cleaning fee and daily housekeeping is not included.

Wavecrest is located a distant 13 miles from Kaunakakai on the east side of Molokai. There are some good beaches close by and spectacular scenery as you drive to the end of the road.

Ke Nani Kai

This condominium has the advantage of being near Papohaku Beach which is one of our favorites.

We’ve never stayed here, but long-term visitors we talked to in town swear by it. It’s located at the Western end of Molokai and you’ll be 12 miles from the main town of Kaunakakai. The landscape around here is dry compared to the eastern side of Molokai where Wavecrest is located.

The town of Maunaloa near the resort feels like a ghost town with the closure of the Molokai Ranch.

Like Wavecrest, an additional cleaning fee will apply.

Details

Reservations for Hotel Molokai can be booked on-line directly with the hotel. For the two condominiums mentioned, you can check VRBO, Molokai real estate offices or search Google to book directly with the property owner.

If you have any favorite place to stay on Molokai or have experience with any that we’ve mentioned, please add your comments.

Disclosure: On our recent visit we paid full price for one night at Hotel Molokai and received two nights complimentary.

Here’s a great deal at two very nice Kauai resorts that both offer superior locations.

If this sounds familiar, that’s because Starwood is repeating an offer they first ran in June. Only this time, it’s valid 7 days a week (with some limitations) through April 25, 2010.

Kauai Westin is a property we wrote about soon after its opening. The Princeville location means that while it isn’t oceanfront, its a short walk to breathtaking Anini beach. I recommend it and personally love the kitchenettes.

The Kauai Sheraton is an older motel-like resort we also frequently mention, largely because of its spectacular Poipu beach-front address. While it’s definitely funky, I like the Sheraton too.

Reservations must be pre-paid, and are not changeable or refundable. Given that, you might want to consider purchasing trip insurance. If you’re flying Hawaiian, given the possibility of a labor dispute, that wouldn’t be a bad idea anyway.

This legendary hotel provides luxury at the end of the road in Hana.

Even without air conditioning (their ceiling fans and trade winds provide natural cooling), television (who needs?), and alarm clocks (why keep track of time?), Hotel Hana Maui has achieved AAA’s 4-diamond status.  It’s currently rated the third best hotel in Hawaii by Travel and Leisure.

Normally out of most traveler’s price range, their $295 nightly special is a deal not to be missed.

Available now through December 23, 2009 on their Bay Cottage Junior Suite or the Ocean View Sea Ranch Cottage, this is a $200-$300 discount off their regular nightly rate.  You’ll receive a host of amenities with your room plus a private outdoor hot tub in the Sea Ranch Cottage.  There’s also a spa and fitness center which is complimentary for guest use plus complimentary parking.  If you need to stay somewhat connected, there’s free Internet service in their Club Room.

We’re tempted to island hop over to Maui for this special.

Neither of us have stayed at Hotel Hana Maui before and think this may be the best time to go.  If you’ve been a guest before or plan to take advantage of this deal, be sure to leave a comment.

Updated 10/21.  Thanks Kelly (comment below) for pointing out that Fairmont Orchid can be had for as little as $169, using hotels.com 15% off coupon.

to It’s not too late to take advantage of Fairmont’s Friends and Family Rate here in Hawaii (and elsewhere).

On checking over the weekend, I found dates available through December, including Thanksgiving, but not Christmas or New Year’s.

I first wrote about this deal back on April 6.  Here’s the trick to getting the rate:

Go to the hotel website which is linked below, and enter promotion code NFAF with your dates.  On page 3 of the booking screen enter Booker ID90022081.

All reports we’ve had indicate this works like a charm, and no questions asked.

Fairmont Orchid, Big Island $199

• 522 sq. ft. room
• Garden view
• Lanai

Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui $249

• 840 sq. ft.  suite
• Garden view
• Lanai

Note:  I also found the Orchid (only) available on Orbitz at the same price, if you prefer.

Photo Credit: Sunset from the Hawaii Prince Hotel at Waikiki.

Aqua Hotels and Resorts is featuring their 99 days of Fall promotion. You can stay at any of their 12 Waikiki properties for $69 to $99 per night. This offer is valid between September 8 and December 16 and can be booked directly on their website.

It’s also a great opportunity to check out their latest property, the famed Ilikai Hotel.

The Ilikai, which opened in 1964, is one of Waikiki’s most famous beachfront hotels.  Rates begin at $95 a night this fall.

I toured the Ilikai in July after it was rebranded an Aqua property. The 203 rooms managed by Aqua are located in the top fourth of the hotel. I was impressed at the generous size of the rooms which begin at 600 square feet.

The front desk staff pictured here were glad to be back at work after the two month closure when the former owner defaulted on $115 million in debt.  During my tour I met with hotel manager, Ike Cockett, who has since left the property.

Hollywood and Presidential Trivia at the Ilikai

Hawaii Five-O began each episode with Steve McGarrett standing on the Ilikai Penthouse balcony.  I stood one floor below on my tour and took in the famous view.

During its heyday, many luminaries stayed at the Ilikai including:

Elvis Presley, Lucille Ball, Mickey Mantle, Redd Foxx, Ed McMahon, John Travolta, John Denver, Tina Turner, Presidents Lyndon Johnson and Gerald Ford, Dolly Parton, and Stevie Wonder.

I noticed this advertisement at HNL baggage claim last week: Maile Sky Court for $39.

It seemed to be a good deal given the economy, the hotel’s need to fill last minute vacancies, and the somewhat basic and aged nature of the property.  I took a picture of the sign so I could share the deal with you.

The Outstanding $39 Value doesn’t exist.

When I phoned the hotel today to get the scoop on their $39 special, I was told that it’s $39 per person based on double occupancy.  Oops.  The fine print never said that.

So much for the airport special.  That’s $78 a night which is higher than their WonderFALL Interntet deals starting at $64.

Frankly, no one should spend $78 to stay at Maile Sky Court.  I’ve stayed there twice in recent years and always left disappointed.   At $39 per night, Maile Sky court was a fair deal.  At $78, I’d keep walking.

We look forward to sharing better and more honest hotel deals with you shortly.

If you’re going neighbor-island this summer or fall, and want luxury at bargain prices, here are four hotel deals on four islands to consider.  Some require that you book by June 30.

The Lodge at Koele, Lanai $197/night

This is the deal of deals.  You’d normally pay multiples of $200/night to stay at this hotel on Lanai.  I can’t say enough good things about it.  Please go and let us know your thoughts. This is a third night free offer which works out to $197 per night.

• Garden room
• Three night minimum through December 18
• Amenities included:  lei greeting, twice daily maid service, L’Occitane bath products, morning coffee/tea service.

Fairmont Orchid Hotel (Kohala Coast), Big Island $199/night

Lush grounds, European/Hawaiian elegance following a recent $15 million renovation.  This rate represents 55% off normal rates.

• Garden View (partial ocean view $249)
• Book by June 30 for stays through December 25
• Some (not many) blackout dates

Ritz-Carlton (Kapalua), Maui $299/night less $100 stay credit

This 463 room Maui icon has just gone through a $180 Million renovation.

• Daily breakfast buffet for two
• $100 per stay food/beverage/spa credit
• Free upgrade on availability
• Through December 19

Outrigger Waipouli Beach (Kauai) $179/night

This is a fantastic price for this newly built quality condo complex in Kapaa.  Owners paid at fortune for these units just a couple of years ago.  Sadly, their loss is your gain.

• One-bedroom partial mountain view
• Three night minimum
• Book by June 30 for stays through December 31

Yet another good deal on a Big Island property.  We’ve stayed at Outrigger Keauhou ourselves before and like it.  If you’re lucky enough to score an oceanfront room, you’ll be directly over water.  Their rooms have recently been refurbished and include refrigerator and complimentary high speed Internet.

Here’s the deal: $130 a night for their “Breakfast With A View” package through December 21, 2009.

Room Category: Partial Ocean View.

What’s Included: Free hot breakfast buffet for all room occupants.

Not Included: Parking at $7.00 a day and tax.

Bonus:  You’ll be close to a popular snorkel site called Kahalu’u Beach.

Here are two hot summer and fall hotel deals available from Starwood on Kauai.

• Westin Princeville Ocean Villas $189 (August 23 to December 24)
• Sheraton Kauai $169 (stay June 3 to December 24)
• Garden views
• Book by June 13 using the Starwood link above
  
• Rate plan HOTLTO

We wrote about the Westin Princeville soon after it opened last year.  It is a very nice North Shore property that features kitchens.

The Kauai Sheraton is another hotel we frequently mention.  While showing its age and needing a face lift, it still is a great property located directly on fabulous Poipu Beach.

I’ve never been a big fan of Priceline, but that’s changing.

Especially after my recent Priceline win of $79 per night at the 4-star Hawaii Prince Waikiki.  As a member of their Prince Preferred program, I also received an early check-in, upgraded room and a late check-out. It was an unheard of deal, to be sure.

Hawaii Deals You Could Be Winning Right Now on Priceline.

• Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel, Big Island (4-star):  $90-$130/per night
• Best Western Plantation Hale Kapaa, Kauai (2-star):  $60/per night
• Kauai Marriott ( 4-star): $110-$112/per night
• Westin Maui (4-star): $150-$155/per night
• Waikiki Beach Marriott (3-star): $120
• Sheraton Waikiki Resort (3-star):  $101-$125

I found these successful bids for the upcoming summer months on Bidding for Travel. It’s my essential guide to effective bidding on Priceline.  The site provides a description of hotels by category for each area.  This way you’ll know what the possibilities are before doing a name-your-own-price bid.  It also lists successes and failures on bids that are reported by users.

Receive a $100 Bonus on Priceline by Booking Two or More Rooms.

With Priceline’s Bring-a-Friend Bonus Cash offer, you’ll receive $100 towards your next name-your-price booking.  This offer is valid until June 15 and requires that you book an extra room at the same time.  It’s perfect for friends traveling together or large families.

Car Rentals.

While I have not used Priceline previously for car rentals, I plan to do so going forward.  On my recent Honolulu rental, I saved 40 percent off the best car rental deal I could otherwise find, no matter which codes I did or didn’t use.  The rental was Alamo, which isn’t my favorite, but I laughed all the way to the bank.

Photo Credit:  Facing the Hanalei River at site of Kauai’s new St. Regis Resort.

Following is a guest post by Luke Shanahan.  Luke is a friend who is a phenomenal golfer, even though he only started playing about four years ago.

What could be better than golfing on Kauai?  I’ll tell you what: Golfing on Kauai and getting a great deal, too!!!

Here are some screaming-hot deals going on right now at two of my favorite courses on the island, Puakea Golf Course, in Lihue and The Prince Golf Course, in Princeville.

I love these wonderful courses, and the first reason is that they very well may be the two best-designed courses on the island.

Puakea Golf Course

Intelligently crafted by course architect Robin Nelson, Puakea Golf Course ranks high on every local golfer’s list. The back nine—the jungle surrounding the holes was used in the filming of Jurassic Park—is as stunning to behold as it is thrilling to golf. The par 5 11th of this fun, forgiving course serves as a perfect case study in the benefits of intelligent course management.

Prince Golf Course

For a little greater challenge, try the Prince Golf Course at Princeville on Kauai’s north shore. Consistently rated as the #1 course in all of Hawai’i, it’s featured on the video game EA Sports Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2004. But no computer animation can do this undulating links-style Robert Trent Jones masterpiece justice. Nor can any photo, nor lavish description. You’ve got to play it.

Known as a difficult course, Prince is also eminently fair—unless you count the stunning ocean views on the holes approaching the turn. I do not exaggerate when I tell you that it’s so beautiful it can wreak havoc with your concentration. But then, so can running into one of the many celebrities who enjoy playing there, like the hilarious and talented Will Smith, who recently played a round at Prince with a golfing buddy of mine.

Visitors Welcome

Which brings me to the second reason I love these two courses: You don’t have to be a star to be treated like one. Visitors are made to feel welcome and at home at both Puakea and The Prince. A couple of course tips, a cool trade wind breeze, a breathtaking view, and a friendly smile—now you’re golfing Hawaii-style! One more thing: It’s PGA Free Lesson Month! When you schedule your round, see if you can also schedule a 10-minute free lesson with the club pro.

Here are the deals

Puakea Golf Course (Phone (808) 245-8756)

• For $99 plus tax you get golf w/shared cart.
• Range token and sleeve of Nike Power Distance golf balls.
• Puakea logo shirt (Ash City men’s or women’s solid).
• You must visit the concierge or activity desk at all major hotels and timeshare properties on island to get the deal. They will give you a voucher you must present at check in.  You can also go to golfnow. I believe they charge a $1.99 booking fee per person.
• Special good through August 18, 2009.

The Prince Golf Course (Phone (808) 826-5001)

• Two-day pass for $265 or three-day pass for $340.
• Buy a multi-day pass and get half off our club rental (a $25 per round savings).
• Twilight Special:  Enjoy 9+ Holes for $50 after 3:00 p.m.
• Specials good through May 31, 2009.

About Luke Shanahan.

When he’s not golfing, Luke is co-author of a new book Deep Nutrition, and the drcate.com alternative health and nutrition website.  Following his love of cooking and nutrition, he is currently writing a cookbook based on The Four Pillars of World Cuisine.

Luke studied creative writing at the University of Iowa workshop and earned his MFA from the University of Arizona where he won several awards. Since retiring from teaching college English, Luke has been a freelance writer for The Pacific Journal, the Garden Island Newspaper, and organizes creative writing and screenplay workshops.

Bold, sophisticated, and featuring a new look in Hawaii hospitality, the Koa Kea Hotel and Resort has made its debut at Poipu Beach.

Does this self described calming sanctuary, the former Poipu Beach Hotel, live up to expectation? I stayed there recently to find out.

With the lowest opening special at $299 per night, my expectations were high. The Koa Kea met them in guest service, amenities and elegance.

What to expect from the design by Anita Brooks.

When I walked through the lobby its furnishings and color palate reminded me of modern Moroccan elegance. The lobby exterior had the feeling of a lodge with its stone archway and pillars leading out to the pool.

My partial ocean view room was done in a dark brown and white color combination with turquoise accents. A strong departure from traditional island colors.

On a tour of the property I saw some rooms with vaulted ceilings and others done in lighter shades.

My luxury room favorites.

I love coffee and having an in-room espresso maker was a big hit.

The two-person shower was elegantly done in Italian marble and featured a generous assortment of L’Occitane products. In addition to a regular shower head I could opt for a rainfall effect from the ceiling or have both at the same time. The rainfall was my favorite.  I also liked the lighting effect in the shower which replicated natural light from the outside.

Bath towels were large and over sized. I found the guest bathrobe, one size fits all, a perfect fit for my tall frame.

The bed linens were fine Egyptian cotton and featured a lush mattress topper for a good night sleep.

Outdoor pools were the ultimate in relaxation.

I liked the smooth rock lined jacuzzi that was kept hot at 104 degrees. There was no smell of chemicals in either pool. The swimming pool had a mottled dark blue bottom. As I lounged by the pool I enjoyed the view of the expansive lawn leading out to the ocean.

No beach and that’s okay.

There’s more privacy and unobstructed views. You’re always a close walk to where you can swim in the ocean.

Guest service professional and attentive.

With only 121 rooms the hotel prides itself on guest comfort and service. When I arrived I was met by the Valet who escorted me to the front desk and introduced me by name.  After check-in the guest service agent escorted me to my room to ensure everything was in working order. Nightly turn down service was excellent.  Whenever I had a special request it was seen to immediately.

My Guest Tips at Koa Kea.

1. Call the hotel directly at 808.828.8888 and negotiate upgrades.

2. Microwaves are free but you’ll need to make a request.

3. Ask for a top sheet if the down duvet is too heavy for you. It’s high quality and feels nice, but used as a top sheet the way it was intended, I found it too heavy for our tropical climate.

4. Resort fee is $15 per day and includes unlimited valet parking and high speed Internet. The gym is complimentary.

5. There are two guest service laundry rooms on the grounds.

6. When you step out on your lanai it won’t be completely private as you’ll see from my picture.

7.  For best views book a partial ocean category or higher. If you’re lucky enough to score an ocean front room, you’ll feel like you’re sleeping over the surf.

8.  I stayed in the ‘Eha building which had strong morning sun.  The ‘Ekolu building looks cooler that time of day with less glare and better evening sunset views.

If you stay at Koa Kea Hotel and Resort, be sure to comment and let us know about your guest experience.