Aug 04 2008

Now Is The Cheapest Time To Visit Hawaii

Published by Jeff at 12:05 am under Frugal Hawaii

The economic downturn and travel industry woes have taken their toll. Visitors to the Islands are down, in June by about 15-20 percent, and there is a noticeable difference.

While July statistics haven’t been released yet, based on what we see here, they will likely reflect a downturn, perhaps in the same range.

There has truly not been a better (or equally inexpensive and uncrowded) time to visit Hawaii in years. This is likely the best it’s ever going to get. I suggest that if you’ve been putting off your vacation to Hawaii, now is the ideal time to take the plunge.

Here’s why:

  • Fewest tourists since 2003 (5 years).
  • Inexpensive hotel availability is unprecedented. I don’t believe that there is a hotel in Hawaii where you can’t bargain a good deal at this moment.
  • Good airfares are coming fast and California deals are likely the next ones to happen.
  • Inexpensive car rentals.
  • No restaurant or other reservations needed.
  • Local people will be extra glad to see you. Enjoy the aloha spirit.

Here’s how to take advantage:

Watch for the new lower fall airfares. We announced a series of them last week, and I expect in the coming two weeks we will see many more including the long-awaited California airfare deals.

Also look for hotel and car rental deals which are to be found everywhere.

Here are just a few examples of excellent hotel deals that I found:

  1. $130. Partial ocean view with breakfast for two. Keauhou Beach Resort, Big Island. A lovely location at an unbelievable price. Valid through December 21.
  2. $129. City view. Or $149 ocean view. Includes breakfast for two. Resort Quest Waikiki Beach Hotel. Use promotion rate code 5050. Valid through December 23.
  3. $115. Upgraded room Including breakfast for two. Just reopened Wyland Waikiki. Valid through December 21.

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4 Responses to “Now Is The Cheapest Time To Visit Hawaii”

  1. # Wandaon 04 Aug 2008 at 11:54 am

    I am going to Hawaii at the end of Sept., and your blog has been an interesting read! Thanks!

  2. # Cardoon 20 Oct 2008 at 3:53 am

    Excellent! Our honeymoon vacation to Kauai which is coming up next week was booked months ago! This is great news as we prefer less crowds (hence the Kauai choice).

    One question if I may, wonder if it’s worth calling our hotel and upgrading to a better view? Would they even consider it? We have travel insurance which I believe allows us to make a hotel change. Could I play that card?

  3. # Jeffon 20 Oct 2008 at 9:25 am

    Hi Cardo,

    I don’t see how it would hurt to call ahead and mention that it is your honeymoon. On the other hand, I think in person works much better. When you get here and go to the room, if it isn’t everything you’d hoped for, then come back and try another room. The $20 with the returned room key trick at that point might not be bad either, since the desk clerk is your advocate.

    As for insurance, if you have such a hotel change clause, that’s a new one to me (and would really appreciate hearing which insurer offered it).

    Congratulations and aloha, Jeff

  4. # Cardoon 21 Oct 2008 at 2:19 am

    Jeff,
    My apologies. In all of the wedding and honeymoon planning, I must have mis-remembered the terms of my travel insurance. There is definitely no hotel change clause—dang! Anywhoo, I’ll be sure to check-in and then see about getting an upgrade.

    Thanks again for your site! I’ve been subscribing to it since we booked our trip back in May and will continue to do so after our trip. I think we’ve started a love affair with Hawaii!

    Thanks for the congrats!
    Aloha,
    Cardo

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