Our focus turns to Hawaii hotels and vacation rentals where we found some extraordinary prices and surprises. Here’s what is happening and what you can do to control the cost of a Hawaii vacation.
47 thoughts on “Cost of A Hawaii Vacation | Part 2: Hawaii Hotels and Vacation Rentals Skyrocket”
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We’ve vacationed in Hawaii 20+ times in the last 30 years, including the Big Island in 2021. We won’t be going to Hawaii in 2022 and won’t return until hotel/vacation rentals and rental cars drop from the ridiculously high rates. Don’t perpetuate the problem; refuse to travel to Hawaii until prices return to “normal” high Hawaii levels. Hawaii will still be there in the future. In the meantime, travel to cheaper places, maybe closer to home, and have fun doing it! Mahalo!
We are on Oahu now. All the added fees for hotels make them more expensive. Even my timeshare yearly fees have gone up$1000 since 2005. Gas is cheaper than in California. Beware of the little stores in the hotels as food is very expensive. ABC offers a lot. Restaurant food is expensive. $25 for a hamburger. It is not crowded this week. You can get dinner reservations at the last minute. A dinner out can be $50. I will still vacation here in paradise. I have been coming over the past 50 years.
We’re resort stay individuals if you check daily they’re deals to be had.
I booked our up coming May trip to BI last November for a weeks stay at Fairmont Orchid with car for under 3k. To be fair our flights were booked with points.
Im currently booked for our October trip to either Maui (GW) or BI (Hapuna Beach). Maui trip is pricier, but includes a lot of perks where BI package is 2k lower in price.
We’ve not stayed at Hapuna Beach before we’ll check it out on our May trip.
It’s relatively easy to rent a timeshare – no need to buy and make a long term commitment. Generally these are more friendly sized than the large resorts. They will have pools, probably game rooms, etc but probably lower resort fees. Companies like Hawaii timeshare exchange, Trading Places, and Redweek all usually have a selection of rental units (studio, 1 + 2 bedroom). You usually get a full kitchen to cut down on costs. most have BBQ grills. $300 nt for 2 bedroom approx.
Each year we go to Maui, we pre-book the same spring break week for next year.
I had to compare to our 2019 price because 2020/2021 were Covid cancellations but I was shocked at the price increase of ~30-35%!
You can always find good flight deals to Hawaii, but everything else is insane.
All that said, Hawaii has everything we want, so we’ll continue to pay… for now.
Increases in condo dues, utilities, property taxes etc.. nothing ever goes down unfortunately.
Aloha Rob and Jeff. Kitty K was talking about her timeshare. Maybe those who have them are/could rent the out to vacationers to Dave some money on lodging expenses. I’ve been looking at some deals on Hawaiian Airlines website and there are some that are affordable. Airfares, hotel and car between 1800.00 and 3500.00.
As a local I want to say we are having the same issues as the tourists – tho somehow it feels worse since we live here and cant get into a restaurant, find a parking space at the beach, or a reasonable cost at a hotel for a stay-cation. Even with the Kamaaina rate we just paid close to $400 a night for a 5 night stay in Napili. Just try to go to Lanai!!! That is the Worst!! $2400 a night!! We used to go there for every holiday at under $200 a night. its a rich man’s world here now.
We are going to be staying at the Wyndham Bai Hai April 2 Thursday the 9th, could you please help me find good beaches for snorkeling near there and best place to park. You have been so helpful in planning our month long trip. Daughter now joining us and wants to snorkel. Thanks so much.
Hi Charlie.
Our favorite up there is Tunnels beach. Parking is a challenge but you can walk back from Haena Beach Park. Others may suggest different snorkeling beaches. Also suggest you check the Kauai Revealed guidebook.
Aloha.
But the best place to snorkel on Kauai, we believe, is the area immediately west of the Beach House on the south shore. Absolutely teeming with fish that will eat fish food out of your hand. Pick some up at Whalers in Poipu. But remember to wear water shoes. Lots of rocks and coral.
Aloha, thanks for the interesting article. Not trying to advertise our condo by any means, but you can find some inexpensive direct ocean front condos in Maui, such as ours, for around $200 a night in Honokowai and Kahana. Most buildings were built in the 1970’s, most have been remodeled at least once. Anyway, just thought I’d spread the word. Some owners have caught on and raised rates substantially, others have not.
I love your newsletters!
Mahalo
We recently looked at prices at a large resort in Waikoloa for same time period as 2020 when we had to cancel. Same room went from $297 in 2020 to $603 now. Comments on hotel were short staffed, restaurants menus pared back and prices hefty even for HI, turning down guests at restaurants even when tables empty due worker shortage. Will have to rethink our plans. Of course pricing is up for lodging and meals here in CA also, but it was still a shock.
I know many people don’t care for Timeshares, it’s definitely “paying for your vacation in advance” but we bought into one in 1995 and have used it almost every year in Kauai and other places. Yes, there are maintenance fees, but the points required for a stay don’t go up. We have been very pleased with ours and have found it a good way to stay at a really nice place without high costs.