Nov
13
2008
It seems to me that the airlines aren’t very smart. But I really want your input on this. Here’s what I’m thinking.
1. Transpacific.
In spite of huge capacity reductions over the past few months, the carriers flying between the mainland and Hawaii have had too few seats occupied. This was inevitable. To avoid empty seats, either they would have had to further reduce their capacity or lower the sky-high prices starting just before Labor Day. They were uniformly reluctant to do either, however.
Finally all heck broke lose, and, as a result, we are now seeing some of the best Hawaii airfare deals in years. A prime example is the fare of $100 each way between California and Hawaii.
Here are my questions:
- Why did the airlines wait so long to reduce Hawaii airfares?
- Would they not have been better served to offer a lessor reduction in fares and not wait until they got to the point that such deep and unprofitable competition and discounting became necessary?
- Would any of it have made a difference given the economy?
2. Inter-island.
Mokulele Airlines is scheduled to start flying next week between Honolulu, Kona and Lihue. There exists, however, too much capacity in the Hawaii inter-island market for Hawaiian, Go! and Mokulele. At least at the current ticket price levels.
Between Hawaiian and Mokulele, a total of 8 additional jets are being added for inter-island flights over the next few months. The airlines will once again have to either reduce capacity or lower prices. Yet all three competitors are waiting and doing nothing about it.
Based on what has just happened in the trans-Pacific market, it seems likely that we will soon see $29 (or lower) inter-island airfares again. That in spite of Mokulele’s insistence that they will not participate in a cutthroat fare war.
- Would it not have been more productive to start to introduce $49 airfares in an attempt to lure more passengers into the marketplace?
- How does the additional capacity help the airlines if it can’t be offered at a price level that simultaneously increases passenger load?
I’m trying to make sense of this. If you have any thoughts or comments, please share them.
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Nov
12
2008
Two nights for the price of one equals another fine Hawaii luxury hotel deal. This time from Hyatt. You won’t find this deal on their website. It’s only available if you use Special Offer Code TT072 when making reservations. This rate starts at $190 a night in 2 night increments.
The Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa, located at Kaanapali Beach, sits on 40 beachfront acres. It’s one of the classy older properties, highly rated on Trip Advisor, and features beautiful gardens and an eclectic art collection.
Here’s your deal:
- Two nights for the price of one, or 50% off, if you use offer code TT072.
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- 1 free night for every paid night. Deducted at checkout; tax excluded.
- Prepaid and non-refundable (buy Trip Insurance)
- Book by November 21 for stays through December 24.
If you’ve every stayed at Hyatt Regency Maui, let us know what you thought of the experience.
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Nov
11
2008
The online travel agencies have just starting making it far easier to follow their best deals as they happen. Given that today’s top bargains often come and go in the course of a day or two (though not always), this should really help in finding the best Hawaii vacation values from your home city.
Here’s how Expedia’s RSS subscriptions work:
- Enter flight & hotel, hotel or air only, or cruise.
- Select your departure city and list Hawaii (under City) as your destination.
- Choose last minute, general or luxury categories.
- Lastly choose your RSS reader of choice, such as MyYahoo, IGoogle, MyMSN, GoogleReader or others.
Once you sign up, you will receive deal updates delivered to your reader as quickly as they are posted. You don’t need to check, they will come to you. Voila.
If you aren’t clear about RSS, what it is and how to set it up, here’s my previous suggestion. Be sure to sign up for Beat of Hawaii’s RSS feed so we can update you on deals we find.
Stay tuned for more information on using RSS as a key ingredient in your travel planning arsenal.
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Nov
10
2008
There is a “glimmer of light” according to Bank of Hawaii’s chief economist Paul Brewbaker. Our state has very quickly become affordable again, thanks to the recent discounting of airline tickets and hotel rooms.
“Our Top Deals:” A New Category on Beat of Hawaii
I concur with Paul’s comment, which is reflected in many of the deals that I’ve written about recently. To help make those time-sensitive offers easier to find, I’ve added a new feature on our sidebar. It’s called, “Our Top Deals” and lists all the best buys in one place.
Best Hawaii Travel Values in Years.
Many of these Hawaii vacation deals haven’t been seen in two years or more. This provides a unique opportunity to take a Hawaiian vacation at a fraction of what it would have cost, or will cost again soon.
Visitor Projections.
Speaking on a more somber note, however, Brewbaker lowered the bank’s earlier projections on the state’s economy. In addition to an anticipated drop of 10.6 percent in visitor spending this year, he anticipates an additional .2 percent drop in spending next year. He predicts an upturn in Hawaii’s tourism beginning mid-2009.
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Nov
08
2008
Here is another nice Hawaii hotel deal worthy of mention.
The deal is 50% off rack rates, which in this case works out quite well. It is also valid over Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays (with some exceptions), which makes it that much better. Book by November 17 for stays through March 1, 2009.
My favorite pick of those listed, by far, is $199 for the Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas. This is a beautiful new north shore Kauai property which we reviewed when it first opened earlier this year. The price is now fully $100 less than their grand opening special.
Big Island
- Sheraton Keauhou Bay: $169
Kauai
- Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas: $199
- Sheraton Kauai Resort: $195
Maui
- Sheraton Maui: $250
- Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villas: $290
- Westin Maui: $270
Oahu
- W Honolulu-Diamond head: $220
- Westin Moana Surfrider $212
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Nov
08
2008
I came across another great free magazine offer. This time it’s for Islands Magazine, which should be a real hit for people who love Hawaii and other island destinations.
Islands features frequent coverage of Hawaii as well as other islands world-wide. Regular features include island culture, history and lifestyles. Great photography and maps too.
As a plus, there are no lengthy subscription questionnaire forms to fill out.
Enjoy!
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