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:
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:
Wanda (3 years ago)
I am going to Hawaii at the end of Sept., and your blog has been an interesting read! Thanks!
Cardo (3 years ago)
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?
Jeff (3 years ago)
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
Cardo (3 years ago)
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